Jujutsu Kaisen season 2 episode 21 review - Metamorphosis

You know it was a good episode when your reactions while watching it go from "NO" to "YES" and then back to "OH NO".
JUJUTSU KAISEN S2 Shibuya Incident Arc - Photo Credits: Crunchyroll
JUJUTSU KAISEN S2 Shibuya Incident Arc - Photo Credits: Crunchyroll /
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Hold onto your cursed spirits, Jujutsu Kaisen fans. The latest episode, titled “Metamorphosis”, is a rollercoaster ride of emotion and action that definitely kept me on the edge of my seat (and on my phone, angrily texting my best friend about it) the entire time. I'm talking about the continuation of the arrival of Aoi Todo, Besto Friendo, a powerhouse that might just be the game-changer in the ongoing tussle with the now-my-least-favorite-character Mahito. The stakes? Ridiculously high.

I'm going to slap a friendly neighborhood SPOILER ALERT FOR THOSE READING PAST THIS SENTECE - I am going to discuss the entire episode.

Alright, let's talk about this.

This episode is a battle-centric bonanza, where strategy is king and the action is non-stop. Mahito, now horrifying but still cunning as ever, tries to split the dynamic duo of Yuji and his Besto Friendo, Todo. But here’s the catch - Todo is not just strong, he’s basically like a one-man army, rendering Mahito’s efforts somewhat like throwing a pebble against a tank. It's truly beautiful to witness.

Visually, it’s typical MAPPA magic – mostly. The creature designs are a horror fan’s dream, each monster as unique and nightmarish as the last. It's like a parade of horrors, though they don't quite shake up the battle as intended. But the episode isn't without its flaws - some action sequences turn into a blur, leaving us scratching our heads more than biting our nails. It's like trying to watch a tennis match with superhumans – thrilling but occasionally confusing.

In between the chaos, we get the usual Jujutsu Kaisen staple – a deep dive into a new cursed technique. Surprisingly, it doesn’t derail the episode. Instead, it’s a welcome breather from the high-octane action. But not all breaks are created equal. Cue a bizarre moment where Todo’s locket breaks, which absolutely spiraled me into going somewhat berserk thinking he was about to be the next cruel death. Instead, it sends us into what I called the Sailor Moon meets JJK in a Para Para contest sequence. Hilarious? Yes. Needed? Not really.

The episode takes a turn with Yuji delivering a chilling monologue to a crying Mahito - which made me so very happy to see him this terrified. This scene is a masterpiece, shifting from burning streets to a snowy forest, symbolizing the predator-prey dynamic. It’s cinematic, it's important, and it's Jujutsu Kaisen at its finest.

But just as we brace for the finale, hoping to see the end of Mahito, in swoops Geto, throwing a wrench in the works and making me almost, almost throw my remote at my TV. His arrival is more of an annoying jaw-drop, feeling like an unnecessary attempt to continue to extend Mahito’s already-expiring villain status.

“Metamorphosis” is a mixed bag of Jujutsu Kaisen goodies. It's got the punchy fights, the gorgeous visuals, and an emotionless, fierce monologue that’ll give you chills. Overall, it’s a solid episode but misses the mark of greatness by a hair’s breadth.

Catch it on Crunchyroll and see for yourself! Two more episodes to go. I. Am. Not. Ready.

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