Warning: Spoilers ahead for Jujutsu Kaisen episode #32. Jujutsu Kaisen season 2 has finally reached the Shibuya Incident arc and, in doing so, it has broken one of the creator's fundamental rules for the anime. Readers of the Jujutsu Kaisen manga would notice that all instances of narration have been either reworked into monologues or completely removed from the story, all at the request of series creator Gege Akutami. This change transformed what was originally mundane exposition and significantly enhanced the quality of the source material in the anime.
The Jujutsu Kaisen anime benefited greatly from the absence of narration, but it appears that this rule has finally been abandoned in episode #32. The episode showcased Yuji's battle with the grasshopper curse and, in doing so, retained the original narration from the manga. This suggests that narration will now become a recurring element in the anime moving forward. While it may seem strange for the anime to break a rule specifically requested by the author, it would have been challenging to adapt the Shibuya Incident arc in any other way. Considering the significant changes already seen in season 2, this alteration can be viewed as yet another departure from the original approach.
Jujutsu Kaisen Season 2 Couldn’t Adapt The Shibuya Incident Arc Without Narration
If there is one compelling reason for Jujutsu Kaisen season 2 to deviate from its usual style of storytelling through narration, it would have to be the undeniable necessity of incorporating it into the adaptation of the Shibuya Incident arc. This particular arc comprises numerous instances where the narrator imparts information that no character would have access to, such as the lingering presence of the resurrected Toji and the nuanced workings of Haruta's cursed technique. These aspects cannot simply be transformed into character monologues or completely disregarded. This stark departure from the minimal use of narration in season 1 underscores the fact that the Shibuya Incident arc could not have been effectively adapted without the inclusion of narration.
Jujutsu Kaisen’s Narration Continues Season 2’s Big Changes For The Anime
Breaking its own rule of narration might seem odd for Jujutsu Kaisen, but it only serves as a further indication of the distinctiveness of season 2. Even before the premiere of the new season, it was evident that there would be significant changes, with a new director and character designer at the helm. This has already manifested in episodes that diverge greatly from those of season 1 in terms of animation and overall composition. Considering these factors, the utilization of narration in season 2, which was previously disregarded, can be seen as yet another element highlighting its deliberate deviation from the established norms of season 1.
The inclusion of narration in season 2 can be seen as a sign of its high quality, suggesting that the new team behind it has confidence in their ability to make it work. While narration was likely excluded from season 1 because the creator thought it wouldn't translate well to animation, its presence in season 2 indicates a change in approach. Admittedly, part of this change may be due to the difficulty of adapting Jujutsu Kaisen's Shibuya Incident arc without narration. Nonetheless, breaking the anime's old rule about narration should not be viewed as a negative point for Jujutsu Kaisen season 2. New episodes of Jujutsu Kaisen are released on Crunchyroll every Thursday.
Source: Crunchyroll.