REVIEW: ‘Jujutsu Kaisen,’ Episode 27 — “Hidden Inventory 3″

Based on Gege Akutami’s manga that has reached widespread acclaim after being published in Shueisha’s Weekly Shōnen Jump Magazine, the anime adaptation of Jujutsu Kaisen has been the most anticipated anime of the season. While Satoru Gojo (Yuichi Nakamura) and Suguru Geto (Takahiro Sakurai) had managed to protect Amanai Riko (Anna Nagase), they learned that Kuroi had been captured. Not willing to leave her companion behind, Riko insists that they go to rescue her in Jujutsu Kaisen Season 2 Episode 3, “Hidden Inventory Part 3.”

The opening moments of this episode are easily the weakest it has. The speed with which the episode blasts through Kuroi’s rescue makes me wonder why the show bothers to have her captured at all. There’s even a brief moment before we are shown her being saved by the others that jump ahead in time, further adding confusion to what is happening.

This leaves the whole event feeling like a poor excuse to get the group out of where it was and onto the beaches of Okinawa for a bit of R&R. Given how willing both Gojo and Geto seem to be in going off script and doing whatever they want. I can’t help but imagine there had to be a smoother way to accomplish this. Once we get past Jujutsu Kaisen Episode 27‘s jarring opening, however, the episode crafts a completely flawless tale that delivers deep emotional moments and stunning combat.

The time the group takes in Okinawa to play on the beach, explore a local aquarium, and grab some food are brought to life in a bitter-sweet fashion that does a phenomenal job of balancing the blissful joy that is presented in the moments themselves with the ever-present specter of Riko’s soon to be assimilation into Tengen. Gorgeous music plays during the montage that eventually comes as the show purposefully walks the viewer along with Riko as she takes in these last moments of freedom before her duty finally calls her.

The impressive animation does just as much work as the music and setting to build the emotional levels of the sequence for the jujutsu sorcerers. Perfectly chosen shots play out with the smoothness that MAPPA has long since been known for. Providing the final touch are some breathtaking color choices that make certain shots captivate the viewer far more than their brief presence otherwise would.

Alas, all good things must come to an end. Jujutsu Kaisen Episode 27 must move on from the relaxing vacation to see the appointed task fulfilled, so the group returns to Jujutsu Tech to deliver Riku to Tengen. However, their return is disrupted when Toji Fushiguro (Takehito Koyasu) catches up with the group. His entrance into the moment is surprising, providing an excellent initial display of the man’s abilities that is only further built upon during his ensuing fight with Gojo.

The battle that plays out is easily the most visually gorgeous sequence in the series this season. The animation is intricate and stylish, delivering the two combatants’ power, speed, and skill in a way that captivates the viewer. The rapidly changing tactics keep the battle surprising as the pair fight for a clear advantage.

Jujutsu Kaisen Season 2 Episode 3 ends its tale on a final emotional note that brings the entirety of the episode’s core narrative into focus. A moment of quiet beauty is shattered as next week’s episode is set up to be another banger. The second season of Jujutsu Kaisen is going full throttle now, and I hope it never lets up.

Jujutsu Kaisen Season 2 Episode 3 is currently streaming on Crunchyroll, watch Jujutsu Kaisen new episodes every Thursday in July.

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