I watched it recently Jujutsu Kaisen for the first time and there was an episode that surprised me the most. After hearing about JJK's excellence for a while, I finally decided to start the series. I'm in the process of getting into One Piece, but I thought I'd pause to see what the hype is around MAPPA's most iconic series, because to me, it looks like a comic book series. do another well.
Jujutsu Kaisen is illustrated and written by Gege Akutami, which I was shocked to discover was only a pen name and the author's identity was never revealed. Season 3 has a projected release date of 2025, leaving fans, including me, waiting. Since 2018, when JJK was first published in Weekly Shonen Jump, Akutami's dark thriller has taken the world by storm, and I can't wait to know why.
There are many reasons why this series is ranked among the good series. However, one compliment I keep hearing over and over again is about Jujutsu Kaisen's well-rounded plot. While countless moments throughout the series moved my heart, shattered my expectations and surprised me, made me laugh, there's only one episode that I can credit for making me a true Jujutsu Kaisen fan.
Some of Jujutsu Kaisen's best moments
From the beginning of the series, Jujutsu Kaisen is filled with Akutami with iconic moments
Unlike many anime series, such as One Piece, which have a whole bunch of extras, Jujutsu Kaisen has no additional episodes, an achievement rarely achieved. Even so, I have to admit that the G-8 and Spa Island arc of One Piece was an enjoyable show. Still, JJK captivates audiences with its perfectly paced plot, hilarious antics, and some of MAPPA's best animation work. Furthermore, even though I hadn't watched a single episode of JJK until a few months ago, I, like many others, was familiar with the anime's main characters due to their unprecedented popularity on social media. .
In Season 1, Episode 7, Gojo reveals his eyes for the first time while using Domain Expansion: Infinite Void. Since I only started watching JJK a while after it came out, I have to admit that I knew what Gojo's eyes looked like, but seeing the reveal in this episode made me understand why this moment has such great influence. Another notable JJK moment is the battle between Gojo and Toji in Season 2, Episode 4, in which Gojo reaches a new level of enlightenment.
However, one of my personal favorite moments from the series was the “Juju Walks” at the end of each episode in Season 1. I was sad to hear that these moments did not continue in Season 2 .However, considering the darker tone of the , I understand why they were discontinued.
I believe many fans will agree with me when I say that Juju Stroll is best after Episode 23. Juju Stroll “B Squad”, as I like to call it, is a perfect example the friendship that Gojo, Itadori, Kugisaki and Megumi share. While I could go on and on about the best moments of the series, these are the ones that leave a lasting impression. However, just one episode took me from “I love this series” to “I am now a fan for life.”
Season 2, Episode 37: “Red Scales”
The artistic excellence of Red Scale's cinematic elements begins with its plot
Jujutsu Kaisen episode 37: Red Scales takes place during the infamous Shibuya Incident, and it follows Itadori after he breaks up with Megumi at Shibuya Tower. He rushed into Shibuya Station, where he encountered Toge, who attempted to hold off the Shapeshifters while Itadori moved forward. The silence of the station was haunting. Only the young wizard's footsteps could be heard in the deafening silence. However, he soon faces his greatest rival.
Choso, a special level curse, nonchalantly strolls down the long corridors of Shibuya Station, waiting for the next challenger. Itadori jumped down the escalator to the bottom floor of the Station, where he met Choso. As soon as he saw him, Choso flew into a rage. he remembered that it was Itadori who killed his brothers: Kechizu and Eso.
It's quite fitting that Choso's powers include Blood Control. Much of his anger comes from his need to avenge his brothers. Family bonds, best represented by blood, are what motivate him. However, beyond the intricacies of their battle, what attracted me most about this episode was its cinematic appeal.
“Red Scale” is the episode that makes JJK most satisfied
As a lifelong film and cinema fan, I found JJK Volume 37 the best in the series
That was the first scene I saw This episode is not like the previous episodes. A streetlight flickers strangely above a warning sign, depicting a running man. It zoomed in and out slowly, a coating fading over the top of it, accompanied by the rhythmic sound of footsteps on the pavement. Itadori's silhouette blends perfectly with the warning sign as we cut to an exterior shot of Shibuya Station, which appears uncomfortably quiet.
Once inside the station, Itadori and Choso began a duel under neon lights. I realize that Signs seem to be a recurring theme in this episode to add additional ambient atmosphere to each installation. For example, before Itadori entered Shibuya Station, a woman was thrown into a sign by a Cursed Spirit.
As the main character runs through the station, the camera focuses again on nearby signs. Finally, while the battle between the sorcerer and the curse continues, a sign malfunctions, sending sparks down on both of them and bringing out the dynamic neon lighting that really defines this scene. Finally, upon discovering that his brothers had been crying as they passed, Choso snapped and The arrow sign fell to the floor, pointing at Itadori.
Easter Eggs & Hat Tips in Episode 37
Many callbacks and messages are hidden in this episode
The battle between Itadori and Choso was no less epic. Choso's Blood Manipulation powers resemble paintballs, adding another eye-catching element against the colorful backdrop. Another Easter egg I noticed was Gojo's moment of enlightenment in Season 2, Episode 4. To bring out Choso's power and better understand his techniques, Itadori jumped into the air. Whether in real time or a slow-motion sequence, he appears to float in the air for a brief moment, backlit by a blinding white light. As he looked down at his enemy, I couldn't help but think of his Sensei in this moment.
Another small (or rather stylized) Easter egg is the “blink and you miss it” moment about midway through the episode. Some of Choso's attacks must be aimed by placing the palms together and aiming them at the target. As Itadori fled from his enemies, MAPPA adds to the first-person shooter perspective. A reticle appears as Choso takes aim at Itadori, then we quickly switch to a first-person perspective from the hunted's perspective, very similar to the gameplay in the game.
Finally, as the camera focuses on the flashing neon arrow leading Choso to the bathroom, the episode enters its final scene. Memories flooded Choso's mind but they were not his own. In a disturbing scene in a reel-to-reel, 4:3 aspect ratio, Itadori, Choso, and his brothers eat together at a table, covered in what appear to be unknown curses. born. The faces of each member of the table flashed on the screen. While the setting doesn't seem scary at first glance, this sequence reminded me a lot of A24's disturbing films that were cheerful on the surface but had a much more sinister meaning.
The unborn curses seen on the table are Cursed Wombs: Death Paintings, nine cursed objects created by mixing the blood of cursed souls and the blood of humans. Choso and his brothers embody the three Death Paintings.
Of course, this is the premise for the reveal that Itadori is also Choso's brother, a strange plot twist that won't be explained until much later in the manga. However, the episode quickly returns to the action and throughout the closing moments of the battle between Itadori and Choso, the cinematography, lighting and atmosphere continue to take the series to unprecedented new heights. had before.
There is no denying that Jujutsu Kaisen is filled with excellent set pieces, but as a first-time viewer and a movie buff, I was blown away by the meticulousness and detail in “Red Scal.” After reviewing this episode on Crunchyroll, I was happy to see a ton of other episodes in the comments section Jujutsu Kaisen fans agree: MAPPA really outdid itself in Episode 37.
