REVEIW: ‘Jujutsu Kaisen,’ Epsiode 4 – “Curse Womb Must Die”

Jujutsu Kaisen is a horror-action anime produced by MAPPA. Having survived their last encounter with a curse, Itadori, Kugisaki, and Fushiguro are dispatched to investigate a new curse that is developing.  But they must tread lightly. This curse could become a special grade. And that would make it a foe beyond any of their power levels. Though there are always, possibilities. Jujutsu Kaisen Episode 4 sees the continuation of some odd logic choices where the use of the limited manpower of the sorcerers are concerned. Just as Gojou is oddly willing to risk his young charges last episode, here again, they are thrown into the fire. Only this time they are told in no uncertain terms they are being sent into a situation they cannot win.

As the episode begins the three students are told a curse womb has appeared and a new curse is taking form. This curse has the potential to be a special grade curse, like the one Itadori consumed. None of the sorcerer’s present have the potential currently to face a special grade and live. While they are ordered to investigate the area, they also receive instructions to avoid contact at all costs. If they see the curse, they are to run.

The logic behind sending people into a situation that is almost certain to kill them is bizarre. It seems like an extremely thin excuse by the show to endanger the characters, without any real reason for it. With Jujutsu sorcerers being so rare, throwing them away, as everyone involved seems confident they are, is ridiculous. Why not have them hold the perimeter and only engage if the curse attempts to leave? Then they could wait for Gojou or another more powerful mage. Regardless of the logic, once inside the three students attempt to comb the area for survivors as the situation rapidly gets out of hand. Before long, the trio is split up and struggling to survive.

The creature design throughout Jujutsu Kaisen Episode 4 is the series usual mix of unique and grotesque. This goes for both their look, as well as their animation. The movements of the main monster feature here were particularly striking. It had that unnatural flow to it that always weirds me out. If you enjoy what the show has done thus far, this episode will not disappoint.

There is a bit of action here, though whether it’s the right action is debatable. While we see a fairly standard slugfest between a couple of characters we miss out on what feels like a much more interesting moment between Kugisaki and a host of disembodied heads. Seeing her surrounded by the floating curses, and knowing how her combat style functions from the last episode, this feels like it has more potential for creativity than the throw down the episode opts to focus on.

One aspect this episode lands perfectly is its implementation of humor. Cutting through some of the early tension, we see Itadori and Kugisaki fawning over one of Fushiguro’s demon dogs. The fun styling of the moment is a wonderful tension breaker.

So while Jujutsu Kaisen Episode 4 isn’t flawless, it certainly delivers some great visuals, solid combat, and a dash of humor. Furthermore, it sets up the next episode for a potentially devastating encounter. I look forward to seeing how everything plays out.

Jujutsu Kaisen Episode 4 is streaming now on Crunchyroll.