REVIEW: ‘Jujutsu Kaisen’ Episode 25 — “Hidden Inventory”

Rather than pick up where last season left off, this episode leaps back in time to when Satoru Gojo (Yuichi Nakamura) was himself a student at Jujutsu Tech. Now we are introduced to his fellow students and new threats in Jujutsu Kaisen Season 2 Episode 1 from MAPPA.

The first thing that will leap out at any viewer as they dive into this episode is the visual presentation. While MAPPA always brings top-notch animation to all of its projects, I was instantly taken by how fantastically the visuals create the aura of suspense and horror in its opening sequence. There’s something about how the animation delivers little elements like the light from a flashlight that heightens the mood and danger of the moment. While the animation is most catching to me in this opening sequence, MAPPA doesn’t disappoint throughout. Everything from creature design and character expression, to the brief moments of combat that are present here all shine with the gorgeous standards that MAPPA always sets.

Through this wonderfully atmospheric opening, Jujutsu Kaisen Season 2 Episode 1 introduces viewers to some of the new faces they will be following this season. With new students Iroi, Geto, and Ieiri joining our returning protagonist Gojo, we also meet a new First Grade Sorcerer, Mei. How these personalities all play off each other in their first group meeting is fun, as it works to both establish the interpersonal relationship that exists within the group, as well as break the tension of the episode’s opening. How much I care about characters goes a long way in helping me engage with a series. Trying to replace the fantastic chemistry of season one’s trio of Itodori, Fushiguro, and Kugisaki is a tough ask for a story, but, I’m hopeful after this first impression that the new gang may be up to the challenge.

After the opening introductions are out of the way, Jujutsu Kaisen Season 2 Episode 1 sets up its first major story arc. Gojo and Geto are assigned to protect someone of critical importance to Jujutsu Society who is being hunted by a pair of highly aggressive organizations. They must keep the subject alive for 48 hours so they can participate in a ritual for which they cannot be replaced.  I love the choice of mission here, as it links back to elements that are first mentioned in the original season, but not in any critical way. It lets the viewer have an “Oh, yeah” moment as the details are explained and the reference comes back to them.

Unsurprisingly, the mission doesn’t get off to the smoothest start. With Gojo’s classic, lackadaisical personality coming through, and he and Geto busy antagonizing each other, the mission begins with an unexpected bang that promises to see the next episode hit the ground running as the duo has to overcome their first true challenges of the season.

Jujutsu Kaisen Season 2 Episode 1 does a lot in a short amount of time, introducing new characters, establishing relationship dynamics, getting the plot rolling, and wowing fans with the gorgeous visual work that they have come to expect from one of the industry’s leading animation houses. It sets a high bar for the series moving forward, and nothing remains now but to wait and see if what follows can keep the moment moving forward as the season continues.

Jujutsu Kaisen Season 2 Episode 1 is currently streaming on Crunchyroll with new episodes airing every Thursday in July.