Unveiling MAPPA's Epic Tribute: Jujutsu Kaisen Season 2 Episodes 9 & 10 - Shibuya Arc's Pinnacle!
Jujutsu Kaisen Season 2 Episode 9 & 10 Review: Did MAPPA capture the true essence of Gojo's sealing? A detailed analysis of creative choices, exceptional voice acting, and the art of restraint in these unforgettable episodes
Episodes 9 and 10 of Jujutsu Kaisen season 2 showcased a significant moment that will undoubtedly be remembered in the anime for years to come. The landscape of Jujutsu Kaisen has undergone a permanent change, and even if Gojo manages to be unsealed, nothing will ever be the same again.
The sealing of Satoru Gojo is a crucial turning point in the series, and Mappa chose to present it in two separate episodes: 9 and 10. Consequently, it is fitting to analyze both episodes together as a cohesive unit and evaluate how Mappa's portrayal of this esteemed moment in the Shibuya Incident arc measured up to viewers' expectations.
Did MAPPA understand the gravity of Gojo’s sealing? Jujutsu Kaisen season 2 episodes 9 and 10: A review
Outside the thematic significance of this moment within the Shibuya Incident arc, numerous enthusiasts regard the execution of this event as the ultimate litmus test for MAPPA's comprehensive comprehension of the series. While the sealing of Gojo is not the only pivotal paradigm shift in Jujutsu Kaisen season 2, it stands as the foremost and most influential. Thus, the question arises: Has MAPPA done justice to this critical juncture?
Gojo's final moments in Shibuya are captured in this image by MAPPA.
This review primarily delves into the sealing of Gojo rather than the peripheral events that unfold throughout the episodes. The adaptation of these two episodes combines elements from chapters 84, 85, and 88, as well as encompassing the entirety of chapters 89 to 93. To summarize, the sequence of events unfolds as follows:
The curses drive Gojo to the brink of sanity by using Transfigured Humans, forcing him to kill around 1000 of them in order to protect the civilians. Exploiting his vulnerable mental state, Pseudo-Geto, also known as Kenjaku, reveals himself as a Curse User who can inhabit other bodies and currently possesses Geto's corpse. He then traps Gojo within the Prison Realm.
After the Prison Realm is closed and Satoru Gojo is sealed, all the sorcerers stationed at Shibuya move towards the center, attempting to rescue him as the entire balance of the Jujutsu world is permanently altered. One confirmed casualty of this event is Hanami, who was brutally killed by Gojo before he was sealed.
Jujutsu Kaisen season 2 episodes 9 and 10: Creative liberties
Gojo vs Jogo and Hanami (Image via MAPPA)
Following the controversial events of episode 8, which ignited debates on the extent to which Mappa would alter the timeline, Jujutsu Kaisen season 2 episode 9 undergoes some modifications as well. The episode minimizes the shifts in perspective between battles and instead centers solely on the intense face-off between Gojo and the Curses.
However, both episode 9 of Jujutsu Kaisen season 2 and its subsequent episode 10 slightly rearrange the placement of flashbacks. These flashbacks are strategically dispersed throughout the episodes to generate maximum intrigue and impact, allowing the directors to take artistic liberties with the setting and timing.
Notably, the Mahjong game played by The Curses during Jogo's flashback in episode 10 of Jujutsu Kaisen season 2 stands out. The play has a captivating rhythm, with Pseudo-Geto gradually unveiling each revelation. It is particularly impressive how his victory coincides with Gojo's capture by the Prison Realm gate.
The rescue panel from the Shibuya Arc (Image via MAPPA)
Both of these scenes in the manga were depicted on evenly paneled pages, with no character given particular prominence. However, Mappa skillfully emphasized Yuji's significance to both the series and Gojo by positioning him at the center of both montages.
The inclusion of the "the strongest" segment at the start of episode 9 was a brilliant way to kick off the events leading to Gojo's sealing. And the iconic panel featuring the "rescue Satoru Gojo" moment brought closure to this storyline in Jujutsu Kaisen season 2 episode 10. It is evident that MAPPA treated these two episodes as a cohesive unit and strategically planned the execution of the arc accordingly.
Jujutsu Kaisen season 2 episodes 9 and 10: The voice acting
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Episodes 9 and 10 of the series continue to impress with their exceptional production quality. However, it is the outstanding voice acting that truly captivates the audience. Takahiro Sakurai's portrayal of Pseudo-Geto and Yuichi Nakamura's performance as Satoru Gojo steal the show.
In episode 9 of Jujutsu Kaisen season 2, Gojo displays a new side to his character. He is arrogant, wild, and more adult-like than ever before. This version of Gojo is stripped of his role as a teacher or mentor, with no obligations to protect or impress anyone. He is focused, irritated, efficient, and filled with a thirst for battle. The intense portrayal of Gojo's bloodlust is particularly evident in the death of Hanami.
The strongest living jujutsu sorcerer is someone who not only revels in combat but is absolutely dependent on it. This attribute gives Gojo the distinctive blend of moral ambiguity, pragmatic mindset, and unconventional heroism, distinguishing him from other contemporary white-haired, ridiculously powerful, and charming figures who assume the role of teacher or mentor.
Gojo stands out from the crowd with his unyielding passion for battle and complex character traits.
Yuichi Nakamura does an exceptional job of capturing the essence of his character, showcasing his emotions and the situations with brilliance. In these two episodes, his portrayal of Gojo brings to light the admiration and fear that the jujutsu higher-ups have for him, while also reminding us that he is still only 28 years old.
When faced with Geto, there is a sense of helplessness that is effectively conveyed through both the animation and Nakamura's voice. However, despite Nakamura's brilliant performance, he is overshadowed by the outstanding portrayal of his co-actor, Takahiro Sakurai.
So far in the series, viewers have witnessed the numerous personas of Geto. The initial encounter with Suguru Geto greatly varied between anime fans and manga enthusiasts. As the manga readers were first acquainted with Geto in Jujutsu Kaisen 0, those solely following the anime were first introduced to him as a composed and poised secondary antagonist in season 1.
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Hence, the portrayal of the unstable Suguru Geto on the brink of madness in the film was a shocking revelation for them. This was further compounded by Geto's righteous and kind demeanor in season 2 of Jujutsu Kaisen. However, his gradual decline in mental stability throughout the season explained his appearance in the film, but it did not justify his current version in any way.
In episode 10 of Jujutsu Kaisen season 2, the various versions of Suguru Geto were thoroughly explained, shedding light on the disparity in his behavior and the differences in his characteristics. This implies that Sakurai has essentially been portraying two characters all along, and episode 9 of season 2 showcases the brilliant execution of his portrayal as Kenjaku, who was pretending to be Geto.
The subtle difference in his tone when he greets Satoru as Geto and as Kenjaku, saying "Yo, Satoru," has the power to immediately clue in even those who only watch the anime that this individual is not Geto. In Jujutsu Kaisen season 2 episode 10, his portrayal of Kenjaku shines on its own, but when combined with his portrayal of Geto, it propels his acting to new heights, making it the best performance of this season, and perhaps the entire series.
Jujutsu Kaisen season 2 episodes 9 and 10: The beauty of restraint
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Just as important as the sealing of Gojo is, and with deliberate gaps intentionally embedded in the narration by Akutami, it must have been tempting to prolong each and every one of them. Yet, an exceptional execution knows when to cease; there is elegance in restraint.
Not only the sealing itself, but also the entire duration of both episodes are subject to this. Jujutsu Kaisen season 2 episode 10 offered opportunities for expansion during Yuji's brief fight against Transfigured Humans, but the episode remained faithful to its source material. There could have been more elaboration on Gojo's time inside the Prison Realm, but restraint was also exercised in that regard.
As previously mentioned, the two flashback scenes in episodes 9 and 10 were embellished to a certain extent, but they did not become overly prolonged or slow-paced. The pacing of these episodes is of utmost importance, especially at this stage in the story, and MAPPA has been careful not to exceed or undermine the speed of adaptation for these chapters.
Final thoughts
Geto Calling out to Gojo in Jujutsu Kaisen Season 2 Episode 9 (Image via MAPPA)
MAPPA's execution of these two episodes is the main focus here, rather than discussing the significance they hold within the story itself. It is the production of these episodes that is crucial.
The true challenge for MAPPA during these two episodes was to present this renowned moment to anime-watchers in a manner that does justice to the accolades they have heard from manga-readers. Additionally, they had to re-present it to manga-readers who will inevitably evaluate it based on how it was originally depicted on paper.
The sealing of Gojo Satoru (Image via MAPPA) is undoubtedly the most crucial moment in the entire Shibuya arc and quite possibly the entirety of Jujutsu Kaisen season 2. MAPPA skillfully captures the weight of this event as it transitions from page to screen. Together, these two episodes stand out as the finest ones in the series thus far. Although, it's worth mentioning that episode 9 could slightly overshadow episode 10 when considering the details.
Jujutsu Kaisen season 2 episode 10 signifies Satoru Gojo's last appearance in the anime for a considerable amount of time. Going forward, the spotlight will be on Gojo's students and Kenjaku's followers. Though fans may feel saddened by Gojo's departure, they can anticipate the introduction of fresh characters in the near future and the imminent loss of cherished characters.
Related links:
Jujutsu Kaisen Season 2 Episode 9 highlights
Jujutsu Kaisen Season 2 Episode 10 highlights
Episode 11 release date
How MAPPA may structure Shibuya
List of Shibuya arc locations
Jujutsu Kaisen story arcs
Shibuya Arc opening theme Easter Eggs
