Uzumaki Episode 2 Review: The Escalating Spiral Madness and Its Gripping Curse

The second episode of Uzumaki premiered on October 6, 2024, further delving into the unsettling spiral curse by adapting elements from four chapters, intertwining scenes from the previous episode. This installment narrated the poignant tale of two high schoolers whose budding romance was obstructed by their parents’ warring ideals, yet fate brought them back together through the spiral.

In this episode, Kirie’s bond with the spiral curse intensifies as her hair begins to take on spiral forms. The narrative also follows Katayama, whose condition exacerbates, and his body undergoes a shocking transformation into that of a snail. Additionally, viewers catch a glimpse into the life of Kirie’s partner, Mitsuru Yamaguchi, alongside the troubling mystery surrounding the Kurouzu Black Lighthouse.

Disclaimer: This article may include potential spoilers regarding Uzumaki episode 2.

Uzumaki Episode 2 – The Spiral’s Grasp Tightens on Kurouzu Village

Uzumaki Episode 2 – The Love Saga of Kazunori and Yoriko

Kazunori and Yoriko in Uzumaki anime (Image via Adult Swim) — Kazunori and Yoriko as depicted in Uzumaki anime (Image via Adult Swim)

This episode of Uzumaki showcased the heart-wrenching story of high school sweethearts Kazunori and Yoriko, who were confined to a shed grappling with the fallout of their parents’ discord that prohibited their relationship from flourishing. Their discomfort increased when they witnessed two snakes intertwined, emerging from a crevice in the shed.

As events unfold, Kazunori faces a brutal confrontation with Yoriko’s parents who disapprove of his closeness to their daughter. Fortunately, Kirie intervenes just in time to rescue him. Kazunori expresses despair over their parents’ ‘twisted’ views and shares thoughts of fleeing Kurouzu Village in pursuit of their love.

In a gripping climax, their attempt to escape is thwarted by their parents. Yet, with Kirie and Shuichi’s assistance, the couple reaches the beach. Faced with hopelessness, Kazunori instructs Yoriko to coil her body around his. United in their spiral embrace, they dive into the sea, symbolizing their ultimate escape.

Uzumaki Episode 2 – Kirie’s Spiral Hair and Her Loyal Admirer

Kirie from the anime (Image via Adult Swim) — Kirie as represented in the anime (Image via Adult Swim)

When Kirie goes to a salon, an attempt to cut her spiraling hair results in the barber being attacked instead. As time progresses, Kirie’s hair grows uncontrollably, and Kyoko appears with a similar style, insisting she wouldn’t be overshadowed by Kirie.

In an unsettling turn of events, Kyoko attempts to choke their main character; however, Shuichi jumps in to cut Kirie’s hair, restoring her to her prior state while Kyoko’s hair drains her life force.

Mitsuru's present in the anime (Image via Adult Swim) — Mitsuru’s gift showcased in the anime (Image via Adult Swim)

Another subplot involves Mitsuru Yamaguchi, who has been obsessively pursuing Kirie. As Kirie’s hair spirals to astonishing heights, he attempts to win her over with an extravagant gift. Kirie rebuffs his advances, reiterating her commitment to her boyfriend, and insists on not opening the gift he left.

To prove his affections, Mitsuru steps into the path of an oncoming vehicle, proclaiming that love would protect him. Tragically, he is struck, leading to his gift revealing a clown when it springs open.

Uzumaki Episode 2 – Katayama’s Transformation and the Black Lighthouse

Yokota-sensei as illustrated in the anime (Image via Adult Swim) — Yokota-sensei illustrated in the anime (Image via Adult Swim)

By this episode, Katayama, who was already succumbing to the spiral curse in the first episode, is visibly metamorphosing into a snail, his back forming into a spiral. In a shocking scene, Katayama ascends the school building as he begins his transformation, witnessed by his classmates before he’s confined to a cage outside the school.

The boy who had bullied him, Tsumaru, inadvertently catches the curse after touching Katayama, and they both engage in snail mating rituals, resulting in egg-laying. Yokota-sensei, their homeroom teacher, attempts to thwart the curse’s spread by smashing the eggs, only for his transformation into a snail to occur the next day.

Kirie discovering lifeless bodies (Image via Adult Swim) — Kirie discovering dead bodies (Image via Adult Swim)

Following the death of Shuichi’s father, the Kurouzu Black Lighthouse mysteriously begins to emit light at dusk, despite its long-standing shutdown. Intrigued, Kirie’s brother and several classmates investigate the lighthouse with her. As they ascend its spiraled stairwell, they become ensnared by the curse as well.

Upon reaching the top, Kirie encounters several dead bodies, including that of her brother. As the sun sets, she frantically urges her brother and his friends to flee before the lighthouse activates. Tragically, as they make their descent, light erupts from the lighthouse, engulfing them as one boy tumbles on the stairs and Kirie is unable to save him.

Conclusion

The episode concludes with a chilling moment as Mitsuru emerges from his grave, indicating the upcoming narrative will focus on the chapter titled “Jack-In-The-Box,”spotlighting Mitsuru’s story. Additionally, episode 2 bypassed chapter 4, hinting that its content may be integrated into the next episode.

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