Jujutsu Kaisen Season 3 Stumbles With Unexpectedly Low Episode Rating

Jujutsu Kaisen’s third season kicked off with a bang, but the excitement has quickly cooled after the release of its latest episode. The third installment, titled 'About the Culling Game,' premiered on Crunchyroll on January 15 and has since drawn criticism for its slower pace and heavy exposition. The episode currently holds a 7.8 out of 10 on IMDb —a noticeable drop from the season’s first two episodes, which scored 9.2 and 8.8, respectively.

While a 7.8 rating isn’t disastrous, it marks a significant dip for a show that’s become known for its high-energy storytelling and action- packed sequences. The last time the series saw ratings this low was back in its first season, when episodes 8 and 21 each received a 7.4. On top of that, nearly 3,000 users on Crunchyroll have given the episode a thumbs down, signaling widespread disappointment among viewers.

Fan Reactions and Criticism

The response from the fanbase has been swift and vocal. Many took to social media to share their frustrations, with some feeling the episode dragged due to its focus on dialogue and world-building. One viewer wrote,

“There was far too much talking, and it felt like we were in class… I started to fall asleep.”

Another echoed the sentiment, saying,

“Culling Game tutorial hit like a history lecture.”

Despite the backlash, a few fans defended the episode’s approach, arguing that the slower pace was necessary to lay the groundwork for the complex Culling Game arc. As one supporter put it,

“It’s an important episode for setting up the Culling Game, establishing rules, etc.”

For those unfamiliar with the manga, this deep dive into the lore could prove valuable as the season progresses.

Setting the Stage for the Culling Game

The episode centers on Yuji Itadori and his friends as they meet with Tengen to discuss their strategy for the upcoming Culling Game. Following the intense events of the Shibuya Incident, the group must now navigate the deadly new challenge set in motion by Noritoshi Kamo. Meanwhile, Yuji faces the looming threat of execution at the hands of Special Grade Sorcerer Yuta Okkotsu.

While some viewers found the episode’s focus on rules and backstory tedious, others recognized its importance in setting up the high-stakes action to come. The detailed explanations may slow the pace now, but they’re likely to pay off as the story heats up in future episodes.

What’s Next for Jujutsu Kaisen?

For fans eager for more action, there’s good news on the horizon. The next episode, titled 'Perfect Preparation,' promises to shift gears, cutting back on exposition and diving straight into the action. Jujutsu Kaisen continues to air new episodes weekly, keeping viewers on the edge of their seats as the Culling Game unfolds.

For those looking to keep up with the latest developments, the season’s release schedule and viewing guides are available to help fans stay in the loop as the story continues to evolve.