Jujutsu Kaisen: Shimetsu Kaiyuu – Zenpen [Season 3 Episode 2]

Jujutsu Kaisen Season 3 Episode 2: The Calm Before the Culling Game Storm

If you’re an anime-only fan still reeling from the Shibuya Incident’s chaos, Season 3 Episode 2 of Jujutsu Kaisen is here to remind you: the stakes haven’t dropped—they’ve just shifted. This episode is a masterclass in setup, balancing character-driven moments with the ominous hum of the Culling Game’s approaching storm, and while some fans grumbled about “slow pacing,” let’s be real—this is the calm before the cursed energy tsunami hits.

First off, let’s talk about the elephant in the room: those Culling Game rules. If you found yourself zoning out during the 10-minute info dump (raises hand), you’re not alone. One fan on MyAnimeList joked, “Didn’t read all those rules lol,” and honestly? Same. But here’s the thing—those rules aren’t just filler. They’re the backbone of the arc. Forced participation, cursed technique removal (read: death) for refusal, non-players trapped as soon as they step into a colony… it’s a death sentence wrapped in red tape, and the show doesn’t sugarcoat how brutal this game will be. Shoko’s line about technique removal being fatal? Chills.

But let’s get to the good stuff: the characters. Choso steals the show here, and if you’re not already on the Choso hype train, hop on now. Fans are losing it over him—“Masterpiece, Choso is perfect,” one user gushed, while another begged, “I would love to have Choso as my older brother.” His fight with Naoya? Chef’s kiss. The animation team went all out—fluid movements, bone-crunching impacts, that iconic moment where he unleashes his blood technique? It’s pure sakuga magic. As one viewer put it, “That fight between Choso and the arrogant Naoya in the tunnel went really hard on the sakuga and it felt very satisfying to see Choso chalk up a win here.”

Then there’s Yuta. Remember when we thought he was out to kill Yuji? Yeah, that was a fake-out. Turns out he’s just following Gojo’s orders to “protect Yuji,” and their reunion with Megumi? Chef’s kiss (again). The trio’s dynamic is electric—Yuji’s panic, Megumi’s quiet resolve, Yuta’s dry humor. One fan noted, “That moment between Yuji, Megumi, and Yuta was really well done. It is really just characters talking about what they think, but it is clear that everything they have been through shapes each of their ideas.” JJK’s character writing has always been top-tier, and this episode proves it—even in the lulls, the characters feel real.

Of course, no episode is perfect. Some fans pointed out that non-fight scenes felt “off”—maybe the animation was too chaotic, or the dialogue dragged. But let’s cut the animators some slack. As one user joked, “I don’t think these animators ever get to sleep lol.” The fight scenes alone are worth the price of admission, and the setup? Necessary. This is a world post-Shibuya—everyone’s traumatized, the Zenin clan is in shambles, and the Culling Game is looming. You can’t just jump into the action without letting the characters (and the audience) breathe.

And let’s not forget the comedic moments. Yuji’s panic when Yuta first shows up? Megumi’s deadpan reaction to the Zenin drama? It’s the perfect balance to the darkness. One fan said, “The comedic moments somehow didn’t feel out of place in a world post-Shibuya Incident, and the stakes were set.” Exactly—JJK has always been good at mixing laughs with tears, and this episode nails that tone.

So, is Episode 2 worth watching? Abso-freaking-lutely. It’s a setup episode, sure, but it’s a good setup episode. The characters are evolving, the stakes are higher than ever, and the Culling Game is just around the corner. As one anime-only fan put it, “I am really excited as an anime-only right now. Everything is coming together, and much more stuff is coming soon too. My anticipation is building up.”

If you’re on the fence about Season 3, let this episode be your sign: stick around. The Culling Game is about to begin, and trust me—you don’t want to miss it.

Final Verdict: 8.5/10. A slow burn with explosive payoff potential. Choso’s fight alone is worth the watch, and the character moments? Chef’s kiss. Bring on the Culling Game.

P.S. If you’re confused about the Zenin clan drama, don’t worry—you’re not alone. Just go with it. The chaos will make sense… eventually.