Jujutsu Kaisen [Season 1 Episode 48]

Jujutsu Kaisen Season 1 Episode 48: A Blistering Start to the Culling Game

Let’s cut straight to the chase: Jujutsu Kaisen is back, and it’s not here to mess around. Episode 48—officially the first episode of Season 3—kicks off the long-awaited Culling Game arc with the kind of explosive energy that makes you want to scream into your pillow (in the best way possible). If you thought Season 2’s Shibuya Incident was chaotic, just wait until you see Yuji Itadori and his crew dive headfirst into a battle royale where curses and sorcerers alike are fighting for survival.

First off, the animation. MAPPA did not hold back. Fans are raving about how “stunning” and “cinema-quality” the visuals are, and honestly? They’re not wrong. From the fluidity of Yuji’s punches to the eerie glow of cursed energy, every frame feels like it was crafted with pure passion. One user even called it “experimental and colorful,” which hits the nail on the head—there’s a wild, almost psychedelic vibe to some scenes that perfectly matches the arc’s high stakes. Shōta Goshozono, the director, is clearly in his element here, and it shows.

But let’s talk about the real star of the show: the fights. Yuji vs. Yuta? Chef’s kiss. The choreography is so tight, you’ll be on the edge of your seat wondering how Sukuna (the demon inside Yuji) will react. And Naoya? That guy’s a total jerk, but his fight scenes are fire. Fans are already hyped about his “misogynistic self” finally getting some screen time—though many are low-key waiting for him to get “rekt” later in the season (same, tbh).

Now, let’s address the elephant in the room: the pacing. Some viewers think it’s “super fast,” and yeah, it is. The episode throws you right into the action without much recap, which might leave you confused if you haven’t rewatched Season 2 lately. But honestly? That’s part of the fun. It’s like MAPPA is saying, “Buckle up—we’re not slowing down for anyone.” And let’s be real, who has time for recaps when there are curses to exorcise?

The opening and ending themes deserve a shoutout too. The OP, with its high-energy beats, perfectly sets the tone for the season, while the ED—sung by jo0ji—has fans gushing about its emotional vibe. One user even called it “a feast for the ears,” and they’re not exaggerating.

But what about the story? The Culling Game is a deadly battle orchestrated by Noritoshi Kamo, and it’s clear that no one is safe. Yuji’s teaming up with Choso (his “big brother” curse hybrid), and their dynamic is equal parts hilarious and heartwarming. Fans are loving how the season is “focusing on bringing old characters back,” which is a nice nod to long-time viewers.

Of course, no episode is perfect. Some fans noted that the animation looks “wonky at times” or that the direction feels “abrupt.” But let’s be real—when the rest of the episode is this good, those minor flaws are easy to overlook. As one user put it, “When it looks this fantastic and experimental, how can I genuinely complain?”

If you’re a Jujutsu Kaisen fan, this episode is a must-watch. It’s got everything you love: intense fights, stunning animation, and enough chaos to keep you hooked until the next episode. And if you’re new? Well, maybe start with Season 1—but trust me, once you get to this point, you’ll be glad you stuck around.

In short, Jujutsu Kaisen Season 3 Episode 1 is a banger. It’s bold, it’s brutal, and it’s exactly what we needed to kick off the new year. So grab your popcorn, turn up the volume, and get ready for the ride of your life.

P.S. If you’re still confused about the plot, don’t worry—you’re not alone. Just sit back, enjoy the fights, and let the chaos unfold. You’ll catch up eventually.

Final Verdict: 9/10. A perfect start to what’s shaping up to be the best season yet. Let’s go, MAPPA—we’re counting on you to keep this energy up! 🐍🔥