I recently watched Jujutsu Kaisen for the first time, and one episode surprised me the most. After quite some time of hearing about the brilliance of JJK, I decided to finally start the series. I was in the middle of catching up with One Piece, but I thought I’d take a break to see what the hype surrounding MAPPA’s most iconic series was, as to me it looked like just another well-made shonen.

Jujutsu Kaisen was illustrated and written by Gege Akutami, which I was shocked to discover was just a pen name, and the author’s identity has never been revealed. Season 3 has a tentative release date of 2025, keeping fans, including myself, waiting expectantly. Since 2018, when JJK was first serialized in Weekly Shonen Jump, Akutami’s dark thriller has taken the world by storm, and I couldn’t wait to see why.

There are many reasons why this series has been ranked among the greats. However, one praise that I kept hearing over and over was about Jujutsu Kaisen’s well-rounded storyline. While countless moments throughout the series pulled at my heartstrings, shattered my expectations, and, to my surprise, made me laugh, there is only one episode that I can credit for making me a true Jujutsu Kaisen fan.

A Few of Jujutsu Kaisen’s Best Moments

From the Series’ Beginning, Akutami Jam-Packed Jujutsu Kaisen with Iconic Moments

Unlike many anime series, such as One Piece, which has entire filler arcs, Jujutsu Kaisen has zero filler episodes, an accomplishment rarely achieved. Although, I must admit that One Piece’s G-8 and Spa Island arcs were a fun watch. Nevertheless, JJK keeps audiences enticed with a perfectly paced plot, hilarious antics, and some of MAPPA’s best animation work yet. Furthermore, even though I had not seen a single episode of JJK until a couple of months ago, I, like many others, was already familiar with the anime’s protagonists due to their unmatched popularity on social media.

In Season 1, Episode 7, Gojo reveals his eyes for the first time while using Domain Expansion: Infinite Void. Since I didn’t start JJK until after it had been out for a while, I admittedly knew what Gojo’s eyes looked like, but seeing the reveal in this episode made me understand why this moment was so impactful. Another notable JJK moment was Gojo and Toji’s battle in Season 2, Episode 4, in which the former reaches a new level of enlightenment.

One of my personal favorite moments of the series, however, are the “Juju Strolls” at the end of each episode in Season 1. I was saddened to find out that these did not continue in Season 2. However, considering the season’s darker tone, I understand why they were discontinued.

I believe many fans will agree with me when I say that the best Juju Stroll is after Episode 23. The “Formation B” Juju Stroll, as I like to call it, perfectly exemplifies the friendship that Gojo, Itadori, Kugisaki, and Megumi share. While I could go on about the series’ best moments, these are the ones that left a lasting impression. However, only one episode made me go from “I like this series” to “I am now a lifelong fan”.

Season 2, Episode 37: “Red Scale”

The Artistic Excellence of Red Scale’s Cinematic Elements Begins with Its Plot

Jujutsu Kaisen 37th episode: Red Scale takes place during the infamous Shibuya Incident, and it follows Itadori after he splits up with Megumi at Shibuya Tower. He dashes into Shibuya Station, where he encounters Toge, who manages to keep the Transfigured Humans at bay while Itadori presses forward. The silence of the station is haunting. Only the sounds of the young sorcerer’s footsteps can be heard over the deafening quiet. However, he soon comes face to face with his greatest opponent yet.

Choso, a special grade curse, strolls apathetically down Shibuya Station’s long halls, awaiting his next challenger. Itadori leaps over an escalator down to the Station’s last level, where he meets Choso. Immediately upon seeing him, Choso is sent into a rage as he remembers that it was Itadori who killed his brothers: Kechizu and Eso.

It is quite fitting that Choso’s powers include Blood Manipulation. Most of his anger comes from his need to avenge his brothers. The familial bond, best represented by blood, is what drives him. However, aside from the intricacies of their battle, what hooked me the most in this episode was its cinematic appeal.

“Red Scale” Is JJK’s Most Cinematically Pleasing Episode

As A Lifelong Fan of Film and Cinema, I Found JJK Episode 37 The Best in The Series

It was the first shot that showed me this episode was unlike its predecessors. A streetlamp flashes eerily on a caution sign, depicting a running man. It zooms in, and slowly, an overlay fades in atop it, along with the rhythmic pitter-patter of footsteps hitting the pavement. Itadori’s silhouette blends perfectly with the caution sign as we transition to an exterior establishing shot of Shibuya Station, which appears to be uncomfortably quiet.

Once inside the station, Itadori and Choso begin their duel amongst the neon lights. I noticed that signage appears to be a recurring theme in this episode to add additional environmental ambiance to each setting. For example, before Itadori enters Shibuya Station, a woman is thrown against a sign by a Cursed Spirit.

As the protagonist runs through the station, the camera again focuses on nearby signs. Finally, while the match between the sorcerer and curse continues, a directional sign malfunctions, raining down sparks on the two and highlighting the dynamic neon lighting that truly defines this scene. Eventually, upon discovering that his brothers cried when they passed, Choso snaps, and the arrow sign falls to the floor, pointing at Itadori.

Easter Eggs & Hat Tips in Episode 37

Multiple Callbacks and Messages Are Hidden in this Episode

The battle between Itadori and Choso is nothing short of epic. Choso’s Blood Manipulation powers resemble paintballs, adding yet another eye-catching element against a colorful backdrop. Another Easter egg I noticed was a nod to Gojo’s moment of enlightenment in Season 2, Episode 4. To draw out Choso’s powers and better understand his techniques, Itadori leaps into the air. Whether in real-time or a slow-motion sequence, he seems to float in the air for a brief moment, backlit by a blinding white light. As he gazes down at his enemy, I cannot help but think of his Sensei during this moment.

Another small Easter egg (or, rather, stylization) was a “blink and you miss it” moment about halfway through the episode. Some of Choso’s attacks must be aimed by placing his two palms together and pointing them at the target. As Itadori flees his enemy, MAPPA adds in a 1st-person shooter game perspective. A reticle appears as Choso aims at Itadori, and then we quickly switch to a 1st-person perspective from the eyes of the hunted, which heavily resembles in-game play.

Lastly, as the camera focuses on a flickering neon arrow that guides Choso to a restroom, the episode enters its final sequence. Memories flood Choso’s mind, but they are not his own. In a borderline disturbing, rollfilm-style, 4:3 aspect ratio scene, Itadori, Choso, and his brothers eat together at a table, covered in what appears to be unborn curses. The faces of each of the table members flash across the screen. While the setting is unthreatening at first glance, the sequence reminded me heavily of A24’s disturbing films that boast a cheerful exterior but hold a much more sinister meaning.

This is, of course, a premise to the reveal that Itadori is also Choso’s brother, a bizarre twist that won’t be explained until much later in the manga. Still, the episode quickly turns back to action, and throughout the concluding moments of Itadori and Choso’s battle, the cinematography, lighting, and ambiance continue to take the series to the next level unlike ever before.

It is undeniable that Jujutsu Kaisen is filled to the brim with brilliant episodes, but as a first-time watcher and cinephile, I was hooked by the care and detail that went into “Red Scale”. After rewatching this episode on Crunchyroll, I was pleased to find in the comments section that countless other Jujutsu Kaisen fans agreed: MAPPA truly outdid themselves in Episode 37.