MAPPA's Most Impressive Innovation Yet? A Review of Jujutsu Kaisen Season 2 Episode 21

The 21st episode of Jujutsu Kaisen season 2 was released on December 14, 2023. It continued the intense battle between Todo, Itadori, and Mahito from the previous episode. The showdown between the two powerful jujutsu sorcerers and the seemingly indestructible Curse finally reached its conclusion after a long and challenging journey.

With the Shibuya Incident coming to a close, it is evident that this fight and the impending finale will mark the final appearance of certain characters. Adapting chapters 129 through 132 of the manga, Jujutsu Kaisen season 2 episode 21 focused solely on the intense battle, similar to how episode 13 showcased the clash between Choso and Yuji.

Jujutsu Kaisen season 2 episode 21 features Mahito's final stand, final form, and final fight

The latest episode of Jujutsu Kaisen season 2, episode 21, showcases Mahito's ultimate transformation, a dynamic music video with Aoi Todo and his beloved idol Takada-chan, and Yuji's long-awaited triumph over Mahito. Mappa took some creative liberties with the original material, but was it the right move?

Mahito vs. Itadori and Todo at full power

The trio fighting in Jujutsu Kaisen season 2 episode 21 (Image via Our Website)

The last episode concluded with Mahito, Yuji, and Aoi unleashing 120% of their power. Jujutsu Kaisen season 2 episode 21 depicts the consequences of this power surge, from Mahito sacrificing his human souls to transform into aggressive clones, to Yuji matching Mahito's strength and using a combination of Divergent Fist and Black Flashes in the battle. Aoi Todo also holds his own, successfully taking down the clones, keeping pace with Mahito, and managing to survive with only one arm intact after being burned by Mahito's Domain Expansion.

The battle is further intensified by Yuji hurling the 109 sign off the building and directly at Mahito, a deviation from the original manga. On another note, Jujutsu Kaisen season 2 episode 21 features a complete music video within Todo's imagination.

A full music video in the middle of a fight

The divergence from the original manga was starkly evident when we entered Todo's inner world in the middle of Jujutsu Kaisen season 2 episode 21. In the corresponding chapter, chapter 130, the events of that battle unfolded rapidly. However, the episode took a creative turn by teasing viewers with a short music video hinting at Todo's impending demise.

The music video showcased Takada-chan's song "Climax JUMPING" and starred Todo with both hands and arms intact. Takada-chan supported him as they teamed up to take on Mahito.

They danced, posed, sang, and unleashed their full force on Mahito, with poses that matched the intensity of the song. The climax of the song culminated in an epic Black Flash from Yuji that sent Mahito reeling.

Aoi Todo isn't dead, but he's currently missing an arm and his hand is fried. This provides some relief from the recent deaths caused by the Shibuya Incident. Despite the loss of Boogie Woogie, Todo manages to distract Mahito long enough for Yuji to deliver a decisive Black Flash.

Mahito's final form isn't enough

Mahito's ultimate demise is solidified in Jujutsu Kaisen season 2 episode 21 as he transforms into his final, towering form out of sheer desperation. Despite the intimidating appearance of his Instant Spirit Body of Distorted Killing, complete with a masked face and arm blades, Mahito is ultimately unable to withstand the combined forces of Yuji and Todo. Even his fleeting attempt at using Domain Expansion, inspired by Gojo, proves futile as he is ultimately weakened and knocked out of his formidable form.

As demonstrated in Jujutsu Kaisen season 2 episode 21, Mahito's final form proved to be a formidable opponent, demonstrating increased speed and striking power. However, with Todo's distraction and the delayed impact of Yuji's punches, as well as the ability to perform Black Flash on command, Mahito was ultimately reduced to a state of desperation, fleeing from the battle.

A wolf hunting rabbits, an epic speech

In Jujutsu Kaisen season 2 episode 21, we witness Mahito's fear as he runs frantically for his life. The imagery of him being chased by Yuji, depicted as a scarred white wolf leading a pack of rabbits, symbolizes the role reversal of predator and prey.

The atmosphere is eerily quiet, accompanied by suspenseful horror movie-style music as Yuji moves forward silently. It's a moment of release, considering Mahito's role in causing Yuji pain and the deaths of beloved characters like Junepei and Nanamin. Yuji's words also strike fear into Mahito, as he calmly declares his intention to kill him as many times as necessary.

In Jujutsu Kaisen season 2 episode 21, the scene of Psudeo-Geto appearing as a large black wolf has been omitted, but his entrance still heightens the epicness of the moment. Even a simple question like "Should I save you, Mahito?" is delivered with a menacing tone, with Kenjaku sporting a particularly sinister expression.

Final Thoughts

Yuji, at the end of his acceptance (Image via Mappa)

In Jujutsu Kaisen season 2 episode 21, the Mahito fight concludes with a spectacular display of Yuji, Mahito, and Todo at their best. The adaptation effectively showcases the various elements of the fight, from Mahito's unusual abilities to Todo's creative imagination and Yuji's impressive comeback.

While Mappa has faced criticism for slow pacing and overworking certain panels in previous episodes, their artistic exaggeration and embellishment of simple panels in this episode is well-executed. The iconic scene of Yuji chasing Mahito across a snowy landscape is flawlessly realized, and the comparison between Mahito and the rabbit, depicted through their broken legs, is powerful albeit unsettling.

The lighthearted music video in Todo's storyline provides a welcome break from the intense events of the Shibuya Incident arc. The upcoming episodes will delve deeper into Kenjaku's ultimate plan and provide Mappa with creative freedom to adapt the manga.

Episode 22 release date

Shibuya Arc Locations

How Black Flash works

Editor's P/S

As a passionate fan of Jujutsu Kaisen, I was eagerly anticipating the release of season 2 episode 21. The episode did not disappoint, delivering an intense and visually stunning battle between Mahito, Itadori, and Todo. The animation was top-notch, with fluid movements and dynamic camera angles that captured the intensity of the fight. The voice acting was also excellent, with the voice actors perfectly capturing the emotions and personalities of their characters.

One of the highlights of the episode was the music video interlude featuring Aoi Todo and his beloved idol Takada-chan. This was a creative and unexpected addition that added a touch of humor and levity to the intense battle. The music video was well- choreographed and the song was catchy, making it a memorable moment in the episode. Overall, Jujutsu Kaisen season 2 episode 21 was a thrilling and satisfying experience that showcased MAPPA's impressive animation and storytelling skills. I can't wait to see what the rest of the season has in store.