Jujutsu Kaisen Season 3 Episodes 1 & 2 Review

Jujutsu Kaisen Season 3 is currently streaming on Crunchyroll, releasing weekly on Thursdays. The new season adapts the Culling Game arc, starting with episodes "Execution" and "One More Time." Studio MAPPA handles the production, bringing a distinct visual style to the complex manga material.

The season begins by resetting the tone after the Shibuya Incident. It features a wordless prologue that establishes Yuji Itadori in a state of isolation and trauma. The episodes are noted for their kinetic battle sequences and deliberate pacing. The adaptation shows restraint by keeping the cast small initially, despite the arc's potential for a large roster of characters. The visual direction prioritizes cinematic quality over social media trends, utilizing long shots and dynamic choreography.

The season premieres with the episode "Execution," which immediately sets a darker, more somber tone. The episode opens with a wordless prologue that focuses on the mental state of Yuji Itadori following the devastation caused by Sukuna during the Shibuya Incident. Viewers find Itadori living in isolation, surviving on energy bars while cleaning up the apocalyptic neighborhood from an influx of cursed spirits.

The narrative shifts when Itadori is attacked by a large cursed spirit. He is saved by a mysterious slice that crashes both him and the spirit through a building roof. The scene transitions to Itadori being pinned at sword point by Yuta Okkutsu on a stage. The direction utilizes a transfixing wide shot that lingers on the action. This sequence is interrupted by a deluge of purple blood before cutting to the title sequence.

These opening three-and-a-half minutes demonstrate bold cinematic choices. The production balances kinetic battle choreography with still moments that allow the characters and setting to breathe. The episode also introduces new world lore, specifically the appointment of a new head for the Zen'in clan, depicted in a stylized, shadowy setting.

Studio MAPPA demonstrates a confident grasp of the source material through smart pacing and direction. The Culling Game arc in the manga is known for swinging between drawn-out battles and tedious explanations of rules. The anime adaptation appears to address this by condensing necessary information and prioritizing visual storytelling.

The episodes show remarkable restraint regarding the cast. While the Culling Game arc introduces many new sorcerers to replace those lost in Shibuya, the first two episodes keep the core cast small. This approach prevents the story from becoming overwhelming early on. The direction actively subverts the trend of creating easily "clippable" moments for platforms like TikTok. Instead, the show favors longer takes and immersive cinematography.

Regarding the specific rules of the Culling Game, the adaptation takes a unique approach. In the second episode, "One More Time," a significant amount of text is plastered on the screen. However, the cards flash quickly, highlighting only key words and phrases rather than allowing the audience to read the full text. This suggests that a comprehensive breakdown of the rules will be provided in Episode 3, titled "About the Culling Game."

Combat remains a central pillar of Jujutsu Kaisen, and the animation quality in Season 3 is highlighted as exceptional. Unlike the rushed pacing sometimes seen in the back half of the Shibuya Incident arc, the fights in these episodes are carefully executed and unrushed. They are set to the series' distinctive synth-heavy battle score.

Two specific sequences are noted for their visual excellence:

• Yuji and Choso vs. Cursed Spirits: In "Execution," this fight features flashy colors and outstanding cinematography as the pair clean up the streets.
• Choso vs. Naoya Zen'in: This matchup features trippy visual effects, including manipulation of frame rates and color inversion, highlighting the clash between Choso and the new clan head.

The animation asserts a clear vision for bringing the source material to life. The combination of sharp animation and confident direction suggests that the season is headed in the right direction for adapting the complex arc.

The start of Jujutsu Kaisen Season 3 indicates a strong adaptation of the Culling Game arc. By balancing the manga's heavy exposition with dynamic visual storytelling, MAPPA has created a viewing experience that feels both faithful and streamlined. The focus on Yuji Itadori's trauma and the high-quality fight choreography set a compelling foundation for the rest of the season.

While the arc will eventually expand in scope and introduce numerous new characters, the initial episodes provide a focused and engaging entry point. Fans can expect the series to continue exploring the darker emotional beats and intense combat that define the story's end-game setup.