Highlights
The anime adaptation of Jujutsu Kaisen is doing a fantastic job with the Shibuya Incident Arc, building up character dynamics and adding details for fans.
The episode highlights the significance of considering alternative approaches to progress. In Jujutsu Kaisen, the characters inhabit a morally ambiguous realm where the line between good and evil is blurred. Each character pursues their own motives and arrives at their own conclusions.
Attention: The following information includes spoilers for Jujutsu Kaisen Episode 36, "Dull Knife", currently available for streaming on Crunchyroll.
"Dull Knife" encompassed numerous pivotal moments, as expected during the intense Shibuya Incident Arc. The anime version portrayed the development of various character personalities amidst the conflict, including additional details to cater to the desires of devoted fans, particularly those who eagerly anticipate scenes featuring Kento Nanami.
Look Beyond
Everyone is now strategically positioned, resembling chess pieces, ready for the final showdown or pivotal move, just before things spiral uncontrollably. The upcoming episodes will witness some thrilling battles, yet fans are ill-prepared for the ensuing events. In the meantime, let us bask in the exceptional work of MAPPA as they astoundingly present the second season of Jujutsu Kaisen.
The dynamics of the characters in this episode are diverse and captivating, starting with the renowned duo from the previous episode, Megumi and Yuji. Their encounter with Jiro showcased the clear distinction in their roles; Megumi emerged as the composed and collected leader. Without Megumi, this particular arc would have unfolded in a completely different manner. A single decision made by Megumi paved the way for an inevitable chain of events. When Ino fell from the top of the building, Megumi determined that the most prudent course of action was for them to separate, granting Toji the freedom to navigate unhindered while Yuji ventured into the heart of the incident.
No More Pulling Punches
A similar dynamic is also observed in another significant aspect. Maki astutely assesses the circumstance and instructs Kugisaki and Nitta to depart in order to confront the murderer of the assistants, Haruta Shigemo. Unfortunately, Nobara finds herself faced with an overwhelmingly challenging adversary, which provides an opportunity for the anime adaptation to display an impressively intense impact animation and depict several graphic scenes of Nitta being brutally stabbed. Nevertheless, in both instances, it was imperative to look beyond the obvious course of action in order to make progress, and if it meant keeping Nanami occupied, so be it.
The typical 9 to 5 sorcerer doesn't go above and beyond for the sake of their job. At the end of the day, it's just another job like any other. However, for Kento Nanami, there is always an underlying layer, no matter how hard he tries to conceal it. He may appear unaffected, constantly indifferent, a quality that the voice acting captures flawlessly, but he possesses just as strong a desire as Itadori to assist others.
Perhaps that is why when he witnessed his friend sprawled on the floor, teetering on the edge of death, amidst the lifeless bodies of his colleagues, something deep within him was unlocked. A potent emotion that had long been suppressed, yet inherently defined him, welled up within him - anger. This stark contrast, which ultimately compelled him to deviate from his usual demeanor, was rooted in his inability to fathom the concept of anger. Thus, it also served as a reflection of two contrasting perspectives on death: rejection and acceptance.
Haruta, a character shrouded in enigma, possesses an equally mysterious and cursed technique. He appears impervious to any attack, yet whenever a blow capable of ending his life strikes him, the marks beneath his eyes gradually fade away. However, the most striking aspect about Haruta is his unwavering embrace of death, viewing it as an unadulterated realm of exultant chaos. Even when enduring a relentless beating, his childlike nature remains unyielding.
Two Sides
In the realm of Jujutsu Kaisen, the qualities embodied by Nanami and Haruta are more than just a label; rather, they serve as a mere reflection of their inner character. In this particular scenario, these traits pushed Nanami to his breaking point. With his patience depleted, his punches packed a powerful punch. However, whether or not this course of action was justified is not the matter at hand.
The association of this behavior or personality difference with good or evil might be commonly assumed. However, in Jujutsu Kaisen, the concept of good and evil is not necessarily definitive. There has been ongoing debate on whether the existence of sorcerers is beneficial or detrimental to society. Regardless, most characters in the story operate within a morally ambiguous realm, except perhaps Mahito. This could explain why Mei and Ui in this episode embrace death, while the curse user they faced, who was thought to be evil, pleads for his life.
No one has come closer to experiencing the same emotions as Nanami in this episode than Suguru Geto. Whether it is Riko, the village, or his friends from Jujutsu High, none of them compare. Mei only sees other people as tools, only valuable when they serve a specific purpose for her. This mindset is similar to how Mahito and Pseudo-Geto perceive things.
Jujutsu Kaisen revolves around death, so a simple divide won't suffice. There is no definitive right answer. Each character has their own motivations and reaches their own conclusions. Like in any compelling dark fantasy, there is no optimistic way out or flawless future plan that will solve everything and ensure everyone's happiness and well-being. The two opposing sides in this story are not so straightforward. This is a narrative of triumphing over pain or succumbing to it. Or perhaps more accurately, it encompasses an almost infinite range with one of these choices at the highest point and the other at the lowest.
Setting, Completed
In this episode, numerous events took place, but the most captivating aspect was Nanami's defeat or possible knockout of Haruta, and her revelation about Gojo's sealing. The initial part of the buildup for future episodes involved Mei and Ui confronting Pseudo-Geto, who unleashed a special-grade cursed spirit called the Smallpox Deity. This spirit quickly engaged them in a domain battle, where the victim is trapped inside a coffin and struck by a rock. If they fail to escape before the countdown reaches three, they meet their demise.
This battle is anticipated to conclude in episode 37, which will also feature the initiation of the clash between Yuji and Choso. With Satoru absent, Yuji can now be targeted for elimination, as agreed upon by Choso and Mahito. Choso seeks revenge for the death of his brothers, exemplifying Nanami's refusal to accept death, but he is not the sole individual in pursuit of Yuji. The stage is set with different battlefronts - Yuji and Mei embarking on their missions, and Nanami, Maki, and Naobito Zen'in entering Shibuya. Each remaining battle promises to be exceptional.
