Jujutsu Kaisen: Shimetsu Kaiyuu – Zenpen [Season 3]

Jujutsu Kaisen Season 3: The Culling Game’s Exposition Overload – A Necessary Evil?

If you’ve been keeping up with Jujutsu Kaisen Season 3, you know the Culling Game arc is here, and it’s not messing around. After the Shibuya Incident left fans reeling, the latest episodes dive headfirst into the chaos orchestrated by Noritoshi Kamo (a.k.a. Kenjaku), and let’s just say, it’s a lot to unpack. The third season, Shimetsu Kaiyuu – Zenpen, picks up with sorcerers and cursed spirits alike trapped in a deadly game across ten colonies in Japan. But if you thought the action would start right away, think again—this season is all about laying the groundwork, even if that means a whole episode of… well, talking.

Let’s get real: JJK has never been shy about dialogue, but Season 3 Episode 3 takes it to a whole new level. Fans on MyAnimeList are split—some calling it a “Yap episode” or a “PowerPoint presentation,” while others praise the effort to make exposition engaging. One user joked, “This felt like watching one of those corporate training videos they show you on the first day of the job,” and honestly? Relatable. The episode dumps lore left and right: Kenjaku’s true identity, Tengen’s role, and the mind-bending rules of the Culling Game. It’s like trying to follow a college lecture while someone’s throwing flashcards at you—you’ll probably need to pause more than once to keep up.

But here’s the thing: the show’s production team, MAPPA, didn’t just let characters stand around and chat. They storyboarded the hell out of it. The visuals—think dramatic lighting, quick cuts, and even a flow chart—turn what could’ve been a snooze fest into something almost cinematic. As one fan put it, “It was really easy to understand… the director storyboarded it so fucking well.” Sure, it’s not Monogatari-level dialogue magic, but it’s a valiant effort. For manga readers, this might feel like a recap, but for anime-only fans? It’s a lifeline. Without this episode, you’d be lost when the real chaos hits.

Critics argue the dialogue is “overly complicated” and “pointless,” and they’re not wrong. Kenjaku’s plan to merge humanity with cursed energy? Tengen’s weird evolution? It’s a lot. But let’s not forget: JJK thrives on chaos. The Culling Game isn’t just a battle—it’s a test of survival, where even the rules can be rewritten (for a price). The episode hints at future twists—like Toji Fushiguro’s unexpected role in derailing Kenjaku’s plans—and sets up conflicts that’ll have you on the edge of your seat. As one user noted, “This would be what the simple-minded people would call the Yap episode… but I think they did a great job at explaining stuff.”

Let’s talk about the elephant in the room: the hate. Some fans are bashing the episode for being “boring” or “too much info,” but maybe they’re missing the point. JJK isn’t just about flashy fights (though those are great). It’s about world-building, and this episode is crucial for understanding why the Culling Game matters. Without it, the next episodes—full of aura, hype, and probably some brutal deaths—would feel hollow. As another fan defended, “People last episode: How I will get Culling Games rules without pausing? People in this episode: Too much info.” You can’t win, can you?

At the end of the day, Season 3 Episode 3 is a necessary evil. It’s a prep episode, a lore dump, and a setup for what’s to come. The animation is solid, the direction is creative, and even if you zone out once or twice, you’ll leave with a better grasp of the chaos unfolding. So grab your popcorn, pause when needed, and get ready—because the real fun starts next week. As one user put it, “Great build up episode, LET THE CULLING GAMES BEGIIIINNNN 🗣️🗣️”

In short, Jujutsu Kaisen Season 3 is off to a slow but steady start. It’s not perfect, but it’s trying—and in a world of rushed anime, that’s worth something. So sit back, relax, and let the exposition wash over you. You’ll thank yourself later.

Final Verdict: 7/10. A necessary info dump with style, but maybe skip it if you’re here for the fights alone.