Highlights
- Jujutsu Kaisen Episode 42 explores the value of life and the purpose behind it.
- Mahito’s character reveals a darker side of human nature, driven by sadism and a lack of empathy or moral code, smiling through the pain of others.
- The fight between Mahito and Yuji showcases their growth in power and combat experience, with creative and hypnotic moments, setting the stage for Mahito’s dual battle with Nobara and Yuji in the next episode.
Warning: The following contains spoilers for Jujutsu Kaisen Episode 42, “Right and Wrong”, now streaming on Prime Video.
The last few episodes of Jujutsu Kaisen have been tough on fans, with episode 42 of the anime killing off yet another fan-favorite character. First was the tragic death of a character that had developed a massive fan base, especially with anime-only fans. A big part was the so-called preference MAPPA always had for him, something that shows in the way he was animated and given the spotlight time and time again.
Unfortunately, the next few episodes are Mahito’s time to shine and wreak havoc. The production issues haven’t been as loud this week, maybe in MAPPA’s efforts to sweep it under the rug, and what’s more important, “Right and Wrong” doesn’t disappoint in that sense. In a great part, that’s thanks to the creativity of the early battle between Yuji and Mahito and the wonderful dedication to put Nanami away properly.
Take It From Here
The intro of episode 42 was the first reflection on its title. While Yuji walks around what’s left of Shibuya, a lot of different voices crowd his head, including his own voice, with powerful quotes. The value of life and its purpose is one of the most recurring topics of discussion in Jujutsu Kaisen. For Nanami, it was a complicated debate. The 9 to 5 sorcerer was more worried about helping others than he made it look.
His final moments are the best example of his contradictions. One side of him was planning his sweet retirement in Malasya, enjoying his life free of duty on a gorgeous beach, and finally reading those books he never got to read. The other was making a final push, fighting Mahito’s creations, hoping it would help someone, maybe try to save Megumi, or help Naobito and Maki, despite knowing this was the end for him. Work killed him. But he was more alive than stuck in an office building.
Just a single sentence that, as he thought, posed a massive burden on Itadori. Take it from here, the quintessential passing of the torch moment had a little more depth this time. Nanami had come to terms with himself and with his inner desire to help others, relieving them from their curses. His kindness masked by an indifferent tone was revealed earlier, torn down by anger. During his final moments, the mask was off, and his life mission was passed down to someone that was always genuinely kind, that was always worried about helping in any way he possibly could.
About Human Nature
The final touch in a beautifully directed farewell to Nanami was Mahito’s attitude. Discussion about how Jujutsu Kaisen tends to simply ignore grief for anyone other than the character that is dying, Mahito’s perspective opens up another philosophical debate. He seems entirely driven by an endless yet twisted curiosity. Killing Nanami was nothing more than instinctual for him, probably fun, but closer to a simple expression of his inner self.
But who exactly is Mahito? A cursed spirit born from human hatred may just be the representation of the darkest human nature. Sadistic and immature, his joy resides in toying with others. With how easily he manipulates people, literally and figuratively, a certain understanding of human feelings and values can be presumed. During this episode, he tells Yuji that he is him, that they are no different.
Sukuna is perceived as the pure embodiment of evil, but Mahito feels quite different. Despite being the murderer of many characters throughout the show, he does it from a position of absent morality. Societal restraints are not applicable to him. If he is indeed a representation of human nature, it’s of a Hobbesian kind. His selfish pursuit is his only trait. His decisions are not made in the absence of rationality, but because of the absence of empathy and any kind of ethical code.
Mahito Vs. Yuji, Round 2
The Jujutsu Kaisen anime adaptation shines best when it’s time for an epic fight. Countless examples from this season alone support their greatness when it comes to translating these battles into the TV show. The highlight of this episode, Mahito vs. Yuji is certainly not the best fight, not even close. That feeling might come from the fact that it happened right after Sukuna’s spectacular showdowns against Jogo and Mahoraga.
However, Mahito’s power leaves a lot of room for getting creative, and so they did. Starting with an Orochimaru moment, it becomes clear this is not the usual fist-fight, and it’s not really similar to their first fight either. Both of them have grown a lot in terms of sheer power and combat experience. As much more polished fighters, their second-round delivered some hypnotic moments that will surely be topped in the coming episodes.
For Yuji, this fight is a must-win. After everything he went through while Sukuna possessed his body after Nanami died right in front of him, and while Satoru remains sealed, it’s time to step up. However, this is not just their battle.
It’s Nobara’s Time
It probably wasn’t the best of luck to run into Mahito of all people. The cursed spirit split himself in order to make sure he found Yuji, and while one of them did, the other bumped into his best friend. For her, it just seemed like an opportunity, her little moment of glory, if she managed to defeat Patchface. For him, it also seemed like an opportunity, in this case, to break Yuji completely by bringing her dead body to him.
Their battle encounter makes for a preview of the next episode that will decide the fate of one of them. There is only room for one opportunity, but either way, it is not going to be easy. With only Mahito and Pseudo-Geto left, the Shibuya Incident Arc is closing in on its end and will completely reshape the world of Jujutsu Kaisen.
