Jujutsu Kaisen season 2 episode 16 review: Thunderclap

Jujutsu Kaisen’s newest episode continues the incredible streak! Let’s talk about this absolute showdown of an episode “Thunderclap” was.

Alright. We have a little bit to unpack here, kids.

SPOILERS! SPOILERS! BEWARE OF SPOILERS!

This latest Jujutsu Kaisen episode, “Thunderclap”, literally lives up to its electrifying title. Episode 40 (S2E16) cranks up the intensity, and I must say, my heart is caught in my throat for Megumi.

The poor lad is caught in a dance of danger, and every viewer’s pulse must’ve been in sync with his frantic evasions. Megumi’s desperate struggle against the overwhelming might of Toji, his father, was edge-of-your-seat material, with his clever use of summoned creatures adding a delightful strategic flavor to the heart-pounding chase. But the seriousness of his situation really sinks in when he’s gravely injured, and then attacked once more. Seeing him sitting there at the very end of the episode, seemingly on the verge of death, was not what I needed after having just watched the season finale to Loki‘s second season – talk about emotional damage!

The flashback scene with Toji made him seem a little more human, even though he was only possessing another man’s body just so he could… fatally harm his son…? It felt like a narrative curveball, aiming for emotional depth but landing in a puddle of confusion instead. Megumi’s reaction mirrored ours — a mix of “Who’s this guy?” and “Why should we care?”

A tiny, baby hiccup in an otherwise intense and immersive storyline.

Now, let’s talk about the hair-raising presence of Sukuna.

The sheer terror he infuses into the episode is the kind of stuff nightmares are made of. Jogo’s desperate attempts against Sukuna’s might are like watching a moth flail against a flame – both mesmerizing and horrifying. MAPPA’s animation team deserves a chef’s kiss yet again for the artistry in their depiction of the battle. The fluidity, the fiery chaos: it’s an absolute visual feast that amplifies the terror Sukuna brings to the table.

The side plot with Panda and Kusakabe offers a lighter yet still tense, counterbalance to the main events. Kusakabe’s palpable fear as Sukuna approaches and demands nobody move adds a layer of relatability to the supernatural showdown, making the stakes feel real. My heart was definitely racing like it was.

In all, “Thunderclap” is intense. It’s a powerful blend of suspenseful battles, emotional undertones, and just enough humor to give you a breather before plunging back into the danger. Speaking of breather – where the hell are Nanami and Maki?! Are they alive?!

I’m both eagerly and nervously anticipating what’s next because if this episode has shown us anything, it’s that no one’s safety is guaranteed, and Sukuna is an unhinged and raw force of evil.