The following contains spoilers for Jujutsu Kaisen Season 3, Episode 1, which is currently streaming on Crunchyroll.
It’s been just over two years since Jujutsu Kaisen Season 2 aired its final, devastating episode. In that time, the manga wrapped, a new manga set in the world began, and two movies hit theaters. I’ve been waiting for The Culling Game to begin for what feels like an eternity. Finally, the game begins!
I did go to the theater back in December to see JJK: Execution in anticipation of Season 3’s launch today. Recapping highlights from The Shibuya Incident and giving us a glimpse at the first two episodes of Season 3, Execution only served to get me more excited. Now, the day is upon us, and though I already know what’s coming, I am over the moon to be spending the next hour watching the two-episode premier!
King Gnu’s “AIZO” Is Another Perfect JJK Opener
I’m not gonna lie. I had serious doubts that anything could ever top Jujutsu Kaisen Season 2’s opener, King Gnu’s “SPECIALZ.” It’s been my ringtone for an age now, and I’m still not sick of hearing it. I was super excited to learn King Gnu was working on “AIZO,” The Culling Game Part 1 opener. From the moment the first notes begin, it’s absolutely perfect, and it won’t be long before it’s just as stuck in my head as all the other openers and closers.
“AIZO” is just as catchy as “SPECIALZ, and catchiness is the benchmark for perfection in an anime opening. The style of the art is gloriously done, flashing through brilliantly executed action moments. We catch glimpses of all the characters who’ll play a role in the upcoming story arc, and the way they’re captured showcases their personalities perfectly.
The use of the color red throughout the intro is incredibly symbolic. In Japan, red often signifies strength and protection and has been for centuries at Shinto shrine gates to ward off evil spirits. If only we could dump more red into things, maybe it’d blow Sukuna straight out of this world. Sadly, we all know that’s not happening. All in all, it’s beyond solid as far as openers are concerned.
As for the closer, I’m not sure yet what I think of it. I need to experience a few more times. Right now, it’s just kind of “there,” which isn’t really a fair assessment.
Sukuna’s Devastation Hits Harder Than Ever In Jujutsu Kaisen Episode 48
The timeline hops back and forth a bit, between Yuji Itadori coming face to blade with Yuta Okkotsu in the streets in Episode 48, “Execution.” We then see Yuji flash back to trying to wash the blood from his hands. It’s an impossible task, and no amount of scrubbing will ever make them, or him, feel clean again. His guilt is palpable, the voices in his mind a constant echo of Megumi’s warning. “What will you do when someone you save goes on to kill someone else?”
It was Megumi who spared Yuji after he swallowed Sukuna’s finger in Episode 1. Now, he has to live with the weight of devastation the King of Curses brought on through Yuji. They’re both stuck living with it, and no doubt it’s going to haunt them until the end of their days. Fortunately for Yuji, he’s got his big brother, Choso, there to help him through it.
Choso and Yuji seamlessly bond after Shibuya, which is such a good thing because Yuji needs support right now. He needs someone to forgive him, and Choso gives that to him slowly. As the two head out to beat down the curses overrunning the city, their unity as they fight is beautifully executed. It’s like they’ve trained together for years and can read each other’s movements before they even happen.
Naoya Zenin Can Seriously Just Stop Right Now
Image property of Studio MAPPA
For months and months, all I’ve heard from my son is how all his friends love Naoya Zenin. While I don’t deny he’s kinda pretty to look at, I will say that knowing what I know about him makes him so yucky. I’ll say it now so there’s no confusion: Naoya Zenin is a misogynistic, egomaniacal murderer. The end.
Naoya shows his true colors the moment he’s introduced, and he doesn’t get better as Jujutsu Kaisen progresses. I know, I know. Suguru Geto stole my heart, so I have no room to talk. But I love Suguru before he goes off the deep end. I like to joke about joining his cult, but I personally love monkeys. They’re adorable. And… I also love Gojo more, so… no judgment. I’ll try not to judge the Naoya-lovers, but he’s so rotten, it’s hard.
It’s the first time we really get an accurate look at just how awful the Zen’in Clan is. We hear it from Maki and Mai. Gojo and Toji both make it pretty clear these people are the worst. But one truly has to see it firsthand to fully understand that they are monsters. Within moments of being named head of the clan, (only if Megumi Fushiguro isn’t available to do it,) Naoya decides the only smart thing to do is kill Megumi-kun, and Sukuna’s vessel, too.
This guy is gonna be a huge problem.
Yuji vs. Yuta Is Peak Jujutsu Kaisen & We’re Just Getting Started
Image property of Studio MAPPA
As Naoya descends on Yuji and Choso battling curses, things heat up as the cursed womb death painting brothers learn he’s after Megumi. Just as the battle is getting started, Yuta Okkotsu’s presence catches Yuji’s attention, reminding him immediately of Gojo. With Naoya declaring that they’re on the same side, and both there to carry out Yuji’s execution, the brothers break off from each other to face their prospective opponents individually. Choso encourages Yuji to run and meet up with him in their spot tomorrow.
Yuji takes off, with Yuta in hot pursuit, leaving Choso in charge of putting Naoya out of commission. Easier said than done, we learn quickly. Naoya has a speed-based technique that makes it almost impossible to keep up with him.
With Yuta almost struggling to keep up with Yuji, the pair enter into this epic one-on-one battle that surprises them both. Yuji knows Okkotsu is incredibly powerful, and Yuta has heard plenty about Yuji (and Sukuna) from Gojo. The pair test each other, with Yuji completely blown away by just how much cursed energy Yuta has at his disposal. It’s more than Gojo, which just baffles him.
While discussing this between themselves, Yuji remembers Nanami’s dying words, “You take it from here.” He can’t die, not yet, but as he starts running away from the scene, Rika emerges and captures him, holding him in place for Yuta to end his life. And that’s where Jujutsu Kaisen Episode Episode 48 ends. Yuta driving his broken blade into Yuji’s body, apologizing as blood spills onto the ground.
Jujutsu Kaisen Season 3, Episode 1 On a Scale of 1 to 10
Image property of Studio MAPPA
It’s a heck of a comeback episode. All I will say is thank the anime gods I saw Jujutsu Kaisen: Execution in the theater. It’s also a good thing they dropped both episodes 48 and 49 at the same time. Because there would be riots if we couldn’t just click over to Episode 49 and see what happens next. And speaking of Episode 49, I will be back with a separate review for the second episode of Season 3 later, so keep an eye out.
There isn’t a single ounce of hesitation on my part when it comes to scoring this episode. Jujutsu Kaisen is back in full force, and Episode 48 gets a strong 10/10 from me. The animation is well-executed. The color is vibrant and foreboding. I already know where things are going, having read the manga, so I can say I feel like the pacing is moving smoothly right now. I am a little worried for the future, as the Culling Game arc felt like it stretched on for an eternity, but I won’t judge until I see it with my own eyes.
Can’t wait to dive into Episode 49, so, like I said, stay tuned for my thoughts!
