The latest Jujutsu Kaisen Season 2, episode 22, has generated considerable buzz among fans.
However, a specific scene involving Mei Mei and Ui Ui has sparked controversy, with ongoing debates over whether MAPPA should have included it in the season.
The decision to keep the scene has ignited numerous online discussions. But what happened in that scene?
Warning: This article contains spoilers for Jujutsu Kaisen season 2, episode 22, and deals with the topic of incest.
In Jujutsu Kaisen Season 2 Episode 22, Mei Mei and her brother Ui Ui flee from Japan and seek refuge in a hotel in Malaysia. The scene then shifts to both naked in bed. Thus hinting at an intimate relationship between the siblings. This has sparked outrage online. But many have defended the scene, saying it holds a mirror of the Jujutsu society and our own.
Explained: The Controversial Mei Mei and Ui Ui Scene
Jujutsu Kaisen Season 2 has recently delivered its share of surprises and controversies, with one scene involving Mei Mei and her younger brother Ui Ui taking center stage.
The scene in question occurs near the end of the Shibuya Incident arc, during which Mei Mei and Ui Ui decided to flee Japan.
Seeking refuge in a hotel in Malaysia, this choice of location serves as a stark reference to Nanami Kento’s desire to retire there, creating an intriguing parallel within the narrative.
Manga readers were already familiar with the characters’ decision to abandon Shibuya during the crisis and head to Malaysia. However, the anime adaptation takes things a step further by animating the entire sequence.
The scene is undeniably provocative, hinting at an intimate relationship between Mei Mei and her brother Ui Ui.
What makes it particularly controversial is that it delves into themes of child abuse and manipulation, painting a disturbing picture of the Jujutsu society.
This unsettling portrayal of characters and their actions has sparked significant discomfort among viewers, leading to widespread criticism, especially directed at the series’ author, Gege Akutami.
Critics argue that this scene was unnecessary to convey Mei Mei’s corrupt nature, as her decision to leave Shibuya and abandon the sorcerers already painted her in a negative light.
The problematic aspects of the scene are multi-faceted, from the sibling relationship to the portrayal of a grown woman manipulating a young child to satisfy her desires.
This manipulation is evident throughout the arc, with Mei Mei’s willingness to risk her brother’s life in the battle for her own gain, showcasing her lack of genuine concern for Ui Ui.
While some have attempted to defend the scene as ambiguous, the consensus among many is that it carries unsettling undertones. On the Jujutsu Kaisen subreddit, user SkulledDownunda said:
“For me, it’s very obvious undertone Mei Mei is m*lesting her brother- that scene and their previous behavior makes it apparent to me. She’s literally naked in bed with him, and they’re ‘teasing’ each other. The undertone is obvious. I see that as the logical conclusion of that scene, not ‘we changed clothes and are naked cause we were dirty and tired.'”‘
However, some aren’t willing to see the scene as shallow. They are acknowledging its relevance to Mei Mei’s character development and her stark contrast to Nanami Kento.
The juxtaposition, especially between Mei Mei and Nanami, is crucial in understanding the deeper themes at play in Jujutsu Kaisen.
Nanami’s pursuit of a meaningful life and his willingness to sacrifice personal desires for the greater good starkly contrast with Mei Mei’s self-serving nature, driven by material wealth.
Mei Mei’s decision to go to Malaysia, where Nanami had dreamt of retiring, adds an ironic layer to her character’s choices, highlighting her selfishness and manipulation.
Furthermore, Mei Mei’s actions align with the overarching themes of selfishness and regret prevalent in the series, as well as the moral gray areas in which sorcerers navigate.
The scene serves as a thought-provoking commentary on the complexities of the Jujutsu Sorcery society and mirrors the moral ambiguity in our own community.
On the other hand, many viewers have taken a more neutral stance, recognizing the scene’s potential to shed light on the dark aspects of the Jujutsu Sorcery society.
One Reddit user, Sohiacci, noted,
“I feel pretty neutral about it because it makes sense if Gege wants to show how messed up the Jujutsu Sorcery society is, just how messed up our society is.”
In conclusion, the Mei Mei and Ui Ui scene in Jujutsu Kaisen Season 2 has undeniably sparked discussions and debate within the fanbase.
Whether it serves as a critique of the series’ society or a gratuitous addition, it has certainly left a significant impact on the narrative and the way viewers perceive the characters and their actions.
What are your thoughts on this controversial scene? Do you think Akutami shouldn’t have animated it? Or was it necessary for the story to keep the scene?
Let us know your thoughts and opinions in the comments below.
