Jujutsu Kaisen is a very frustrating show to watch.

The production is top-notch—something that unfortunately isn't entirely a positive given the terrible working conditions the animators were forced through. For every clip of jaw-dropping animation, of which there are many, there's an animator having a mental breakdown on twitter for not being good enough. MAPPA is a studio that has long had accusations of overworking its employees, this production only amplified those to a new extent. But all that aside, it's undeniable that the finished product is beautiful.

Unfortunately, the story is lacking.

The reason I used the word "frustrating" is because it's clear that Gege Akutame is capable of good writing. There are bits and pieces of it strewn about the clutter of mediocrity. The first and shorter of the two arcs this season is an example. While nothing mind-blowing, it's a competent, self-contained segment of story. Gege can breathe life into some characters in a way that feels effortless and natural (an example from this season is Toji. A character with not much screen time, so I found myself shocked when I found myself loving him as much as I did), but then he drops the ball when it comes to trying to develop or add depth to others (ironically enough Megumi is a decent example there).

Much of this season was contrived action for action's sake. "What's the issue?" You may ask, "This is an action show after all." (And indeed I have heard this sentiment). The problem is that action—good action—is more than just action. It serves the story. But much of the action here was filled with stretched-out and weightless moments. Not that all the moments were weightless. Again, Gege has moments of greatness, but they are fleeting. Almost accidental.

Jujutsu Kaisen is a series without an identity; I don't get the sense it knows what it's trying to be and I can feel the story fight itself. The polished and energetic animation presents the muddled and confused story in a way that hopes to convince you it's more than that. That it knows what it's doing. The result: The Shibuya Incident arc is one of the most "hyped up" shonen arcs in quite some time. "Look at this action," it says, "It looks so cool, doesn't it. If the action is well done that must mean the story is good. Look at this character death. Wow, this action must mean something, because look: it's so emotional."

I've heard JJK compared to Hunter x Hunter a lot. It's a comparison I don't entirely understand as a lot of what worked well in Togashi's series isn't present here. The reason I love nen as a magic system is completely absent from cursed energy, and yet the two are compared. The Shibuya Incident arc felt like an attempt to replicate the palace invasion from the Chimera Ant arc of Hunter x Hunter without understanding why it worked. Both are chalked full with dynamic action that has been meticulously chronologized. Both have major character deaths and emotional beats. But Shibuya lacks the heart of Chimera. There is no strong thematic backbone or throughline. The action in a series like Hunter x Hunter is more than just flashy animation. It says things. This didn't.

Action and shock value. That's what this season was. Some of it was even earned, but some of it wasn't. If you had a fun time with season one, you'll have a fun time here. Just don't expect too much.