Episode 10 of Jujutsu Kaisen Season 2 aired on September 28, allowing us to see what happened after the bombastic ending of the previous episode. From Pseudo-Geto’s “Goodnight, Satoru Gojo” scene to Yuji Itadori’s fight scene with the transfigured humans, episode 10 really was something else. If I had two words for it, it would be stirring and excellent.
My One and Only Best Friend
The prequel movie Jujutsu Kaisen 0 explained a bit of the relationship between Satoru Gojo and Suguru Geto even before the beginning of the second season. This is also where we see Gojo saying Geto is his one and only best friend. In episode 9 of Jujutsu Kaisen Season 2, Gojo was wide-eyed and startled as he unexpectedly saw “Geto.” The memories that Gojo shared together with Geto came flooding back to him, which ensured the success of the sealing. We see the fake Geto saying good night to Gojo just to be countered by the latter telling him to wake up. Gojo then continues by asking “Geto” how long he would let others manipulate him. This is where we see the “gripping” part. We see the hands of “Geto” move against the will of the one who is using his body, much like it had a life of its own, and they start to strangle himself. The animators did an amazing job of bringing this scene to life. From the hand movements to the saliva coming out of Pseudo-Geto’s mouth while he was being choked — it was so intriguing and somehow infuriating, especially when Pseudo-Geto laughed while being strangled. In that scene and with that reaction, we see that there is a connection between Gojo and Geto and that they are really each other’s best friend. With all these added emotions to the arc, we can say that it’s going to be a roller coaster ride of emotions. One time you could be amazed at the action scenes, then the next, you’re angry, then you’re crying, and then thrilled again with all the fighting scenes. It’s amazing, we love it.
Prison Realm: Close
It really feels nice to see how drawings become animation. One thing I was looking forward to in this season was seeing what the Prison Realm would look like once animated, and let me tell you, it’s beautifully made and so terrifying. Imagine encountering that in person, I might as well just pass out! The animators and directors again did not disappoint. When “Geto” orders the prison realm to close, the eyes open and we can hear a screech-like scream as sound effects — I got scared, honestly. Also, seeing the connected boxes stretch, get bigger, and slowly get near Gojo to seal him was crazy! We’re given a last chance to look at Gojo’s eyes before the prison realm closes, and that makes it more dramatic for me (and maybe from other viewers’ point-of-view). But for Gojo, the last thing he sees from his POV is Pseudo-Geto’s smile which looks innocent but is really villainy.
With Satoru Gojo Sealed, Other Characters Get Their Share of the Spotlight
Aside from being the “strongest,” it is not new knowledge that Satoru Gojo is also a rather good-looking man (he also said so himself in Jujutsu Kaisen 0). Viewers, including me, mostly have their eyes on Gojo. But with him being sealed, other characters get to shine more. We see the situation underground where Yuji Itadori, Mei Mei, and Ui Ui are. The colors used are perfect, and the animation in that scene is amazing too. We also have a Mechamaru puppet which informed the rest that Gojo has been sealed. The main protagonist of the Jujutsu Kaisen series, Yuji Itadori, gets the spotlight the most in this episode (which he deserves, especially after the Gojo-focused episodes). Furthermore, we also see Gojo inside the Prison Realm thinking he doesn’t need to worry about anything because he believes in everyone. This gives us the start of the Shibuya Incident Arc without the strongest. In the next scene, we see the groups above ground talking about the situation. When they enter at the same time, all I can say about the animation is flawless — the way they go inside the curtain (special mention to Panda’s cute tail which made me giggle) and their reflection in the curtain. In addition to those we know from Jujutsu Tech, we also see Haruta Shigemo with another character that’s just about to be introduced in the anime. All the scenes with the cursed spirits with Pseudo-Geto get their spotlight too as they talk about their desires and the next steps they’ll be taking. Not to forget, the part where Mimiko and Nanako demand “Geto” to give his body back while hiding in the group of many civilians’ bodies was also staggering.
Very Little Issue
I honestly loved every second of Jujutsu Kaisen Season 2 episode 10, and I can say that this is much much better than the episode with the Locust versus Yuji fight, especially when it comes to the animation. Although, that might not be a fair comparison because this episode didn’t have much action. Anyway, I still think that the animation was superb in this episode, it is well-written too, and the voice acting is like the icing on top! I don’t have anything much to say on the negative side, but there’s one that caught me off guard, and that is the sudden appearance of a black-and-white portrait of Mahito when Kento Nanami, Megumi Fushiguro, and Takuma Ino were discussing the curtain that was dropped at the same time. There is not much about it, but the transition from the background of Nanami’s group where it’s night and has warm lights didn’t prepare me for the white thick border of a black-and-white portrait of Mahito. It was indeed a shock to my eyes and maybe to some other people. Aside from that, I can say nothing more. I am content with the episode and very happy with how it turned out too!
Another special mention: this scene. It still gives off the vibes of goofy Gojo, even when he’s sealed inside the Prison Realm.
The directors and animators indeed did not fail to give us a phenomenal and marvelous episode! It made me want to cheer on Yuji Itadori as he fought the transfigured humans (that kick though!). From the transitions, the different point-of-views, the angle — it just proves that this episode is greater and more magnificent than the previous ones. Thank you, MAPPA, and Gege Akutami for the wonderful adaptation of the Jujutsu Kaisen series!
For today’s rating:
A 10 out of 10 for episode 10! The next episode (11) of Jujutsu Kaisen Season 2 will be released on Thursday, October 6. Crunchyroll is streaming the series and it can now be enjoyed with English subtitles. What do you think of the new episode? Let us know in the comments or vote for Jujutsu Kaisen Season 2 episode 10 in the first Fall 2023 weekly poll!
Screenshots via Crunchyroll
©Gege Akutami/Shueisha/JUJUTSU KAISEN Project
