REVIEW: ‘Jujutsu Kaisen,’ Episode 23 – “The Origin Of Blind Obedience Part 2”

Jujutsu Kaisen is a horror-action anime produced by MAPPA. As Itadori, Fushiguro, and Kugisaki continue their battle with the curse under the bridge, things seem to be going well. But when an unexpected return from a previous foe catches Fushiguro off guard, the situation threatens to spiral out of control in Jujutsu Kaisen Episode 23.

Jujutsu Kaisen has taken some surprising twists and turns over its past 22 episodes. With Itadori playing dead, an inter-school competition, and the reveal of the curse alliance that has dogged our protagonists, it would be fair for viewers to lose track of some of the key elements the story has introduced during all these moments. With only one episode to follow in the season, Jujutsu Kaisen Episode 22 looks to bring the focus back in an unexpected way.

As our story opens, Itadori is confronting the curse beneath the bridge. At the same time, Fushiguro and Kugisaki exorcise the various minor spirits that seem to inhabit the Domain Expansion the three were caught in at the end of the last episode. Things are going smoothly till Kugisaki is grabbed by another curse and separated from the others. Itadori follows and, in doing so, leaves Fushiguro on his own in the Domain Expansion. But what seems like a simple job to complete becomes worlds more difficult as a surprise attack puts Fushiguro in a bad position and without any way to alert the others.

Jujutsu Kaisen Episode 23 is very much Fushiguro’s episode. We learn a lot about the young jujutsu sorcerer’s motives and his outlook here. As he gets pushed to his limit, we see him dig deeper into his powers than has previously been shown.  The result of which is a display of power that serves to elevate Fushiguro in the pantheon of Jujutsu sorcerers and give MAPPA an excellent opportunity to work some of their trademark visual magic. And given that this sequence delivers some of the most eye-catching designs of the series to date, I’d say they didn’t squander the opportunity.

These weren’t the only notable visual elements present in Jujutsu Kaisen Episode 23. Along with the great fight visuals, MAPPA is once again delivering on the creature designs. With the curse that confronts Kugisaki, MAPPA has once more unleashed the stuff of nightmares. Not only is its design visually disturbing, but its mannerisms only add their own level of discomfort to its presence.

The only thing about this episode that worries is how it sets up or fails to set up the coming finale. With next week’s episode being the last of the season, it is hard to see how this episode’s ending could be leading to a satisfying season conclusion. That certainly doesn’t mean it can’t, but I have my concerns.

When you take it all together, Jujutsu Kaisen Episode 23 delivers great action, great visuals, and a deeper dive into one of the series mainstay characters’ motivations and feelings. And all of this is done with the skill and talent we have come to expect from MAPPA.

Jujutsu Kaisen Episode 23 is streaming now on Crunchyroll.