Jujutsu Kaisen Fans Left Divided as Season 3 Episode Falters
A recent episode of Jujutsu Kaisen’s third series has sparked debate among viewers, with ratings dipping and fans voicing their frustrations over the show’s unexpected change in pace.
Jujutsu Kaisen’s third series, which had been riding high on a wave of enthusiasm, has suddenly found itself in choppier waters. The third episode, ‘About the Culling Game’, arrived on Crunchyroll on 15 January and quickly became a talking point—not for its triumphs, but for a rather lukewarm reception. The episode’s score on IMDb sits at 7.8 out of 10. While that might not sound disastrous, it’s a noticeable drop from the opening double bill, which managed to pull in impressive ratings of 9.2 and 8.8 respectively. For a show that’s become something of a phenomenon, this is a proper stumble.
It’s not just the numbers that tell the story. The last time the series saw such a modest score was back in its debut run, with episodes eight and twenty-one both clocking in at 7.4. This latest instalment has also racked up nearly 3,000 dislikes on Crunchyroll, a figure that’s hard to ignore. Social media, never shy of an opinion, has been awash with commentary. One viewer summed up the mood:
“There was far too much talking, and it felt like we were in class… I started to fall asleep,”
while another chimed in,
“Culling Game tutorial hit like a history lecture.”
Dialogue Overload or Necessary Setup?
The episode’s title gives the game away: it’s all about laying the groundwork for the Culling Game, with Itadori and his companions deep in conversation with Tengen, plotting their next moves. The pace, however, has left some feeling restless. The sheer volume of exposition and dialogue has been a sticking point, with many longing for the action-packed sequences that have become the show’s trademark. Yet, not everyone is ready to write it off. One fan offered a different perspective, arguing,
“It’s an important episode for setting up the Culling Game, establishing rules, etc.”
For those less familiar with the manga, this slower, more methodical approach might prove invaluable once the story picks up speed again.
Aftermath of the Shibuya Incident
Following the chaos of the Shibuya Incident, the third series shifts focus as the sorcerers attempt to navigate the complexities of the Culling Game, set in motion by Noritoshi Kamo. Yuji Itadori, meanwhile, faces a grim prospect: execution at the hands of Special Grade Sorcerer Yuta Okkotsu. The stakes are high, but the latest episode’s measured pace has left some viewers feeling as though the tension has been put on hold.
Looking Ahead: A Return to Action?
For those left underwhelmed by the recent turn of events, there’s hope on the horizon. The next episode, ‘Perfect Preparation’, promises to cut back on the lengthy explanations and return to the kind of dynamic storytelling that first drew audiences in. The series continues to air weekly, and anticipation remains for what’s to come. For those keen to keep up, the release schedule and viewing order guides are readily available.