When Jujutsu Kaisen season 1 had ended, we felt betrayed – how could it end so quickly? We needed a whole bunch more episodes! Based on the manga of the same name by Gege Akutami, the anime series had been a big hit with fans of its genre, so it’s been quite a long wait for season two. And for those who haven’t read the manga, the first episode titled “Hidden Inventory” begins with an interesting twist – it opens with Suguru Geto recalling his experience as a Jujutsu sorcerer. He isn’t exactly the protagonist.
The episode unfolds in the past, which, to my disappointment, means no Yuji Itadori! But it’s a fantastic horror-laden arc where sorceresses Utahime and Mei Mei investigate a haunted mansion, only to find themselves trapped in an endless maze. The animation was a little rusty in parts, perhaps a deliberate attempt to add a nostalgic touch to the scenes since the events are taking place in the past. The artwork seemed slightly tame in comparison to the detailed animation in the first episode of Demon Slayer’s latest season – Swordsmith Village Arc – which recently ended. However, what makes Jujutsu Kaisen’s animation enjoyable are the interactive camera angles, which makes a lot of scene feel like an immersive first-person shooter game.
Even though the haunted house begins to feel like the focal point of the story, the primary motive of episode one is to establish the rocky friendship between Suguru Geto and protagonist Satoru Gojo. They are peers who often clash in their opinions and are tasked with protecting a “star plasma vessel” meant for Master Tengen. The future of the entire Jujutsu sorcerer society rests on their new mission.
Episode one packs in all the familiar elements of a good ‘Jujustu Kaisen’ edition – action, tension, rivalry, suspense, humor and creepy ghosts. Overall, season two episode one sets a great tone for the upcoming episodes.
Stream the series on Netflix or CrunchyRoll.
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