REVIEW: ‘Jujutsu Kaisen,’ Episode 19 – “Black Flash”

Jujutsu Kaisen is a horror-action anime produced by MAPPA. With the surprise assault on the Exchange Event in full swing, the two student bodies must come together to battle their mutual foe. But do any of them have the power necessary to defeat this enemy? Or, at the very least, hold it off until their instructors can arrive. It’s all action in Jujutsu Kaisen Episode 19.

This week’s episode is almost completely focused on combat. As the one-armed curse reveals the full extent of its power, the students are forced to desperately struggle to keep up. When even previously impressive individuals like Kamo are shown to be out of their level, the situation’s scope is quickly revealed. The curse’s power seems all but unstoppable, at least until Itadori and Toudou enter the fray.

For anyone like me who is not a  fan of the Toudou’s character, I have good news. Jujutsu Kaisen Episode 19 does a great job of keeping this character from ruining the episode. While his signature goofiness is still there, to an extent, he is a bit more focused and not nearly to his usual levels of annoyance.

Meanwhile, Itadori’s character continues to grow. This episode shows how far the young Jujutsu Sorcerer has come in a lot of ways. His skill focus and concentration have all grown by leaps and bounds from the character’s original introduction. Itadori’s growth is highlighted by his utilization of a new technique called Black Flash.

Jujutsu Kaisen Episode 19’s title technique is presented as a benchmark for a great Jujutsu Sorcerer. While not the most reliable technique, Black Flash is extremely powerful. Unlike most of the more impactful moves in the series, it is also not overly showy. Rather than deliver a huge visual effect, Black Flash delivers its impressive nature with the damage it can inflict. Well, when it works.

Amid all the chaos unfolding in Jujutsu Kaisen Episode 19, the show takes a moment to give both Itadori and the viewer another lesson about wielding curse energy. Specifically, it talks about the importance of not being angry. This reveal genuinely surprised me. With anger, rage, and unfettered emotion being a staple path to power in shonen anime dating back to Dragon Ball Z, that this story casts that concept aside was a nice touch to me.

With so much combat running rampant throughout Jujutsu Kaisen Episode 19, one would naturally expect that MAPPA would be firing on all cylinders in the visuals department. And you’d be right. Practically the entirety of this episode is one amazing visual display after another. A bountiful showcase of new techniques, powers, and weapons are shown off for the viewer’s enjoyment.

When all is said and done, Jujutsu Kaisen Episode 19 delivers tons of action and stylish visuals. Add in a moment or two of exposition, and you have a great looking and well-balanced story. I’m looking forward to seeing what other reveals MAPPA has planned for us as the season nears its conclusion.

Jujutsu Kaisen Episode 19 is available now on Crunchyroll.