Was the final episode of Yu Yu Hakusho terrible? An explanation of the controversial ending and reasons for cancellation
What is the final episode of Yu Yu Hakusho? A concise explanation of the ending flow
The final episode of Yu Yu Hakusho concludes from the latter part of the Dark Tournament arc to the final episode. This ending depicts the decisions in life made by the protagonist, Yusuke Urameshi, and his friends, as well as the delineation of their relationship with the Demon World.
In the final episode, after the battles in the Dark Tournament arc, Yusuke decides to return to the human world. This decision centers around the theme of what he chooses and what kind of life he will lead. Additionally, it depicts major characters like Kurama, Hiei, and Kuwabara walking different paths. 【Related Article】:Introduction to all characters in Yu Yu Hakusho: A comprehensive explanation from main members to enemy characters
A significant feature of the final episode is that it places more emphasis on character development rather than battle scenes. Since the previous series, the Dark Tournament arc had continued with flashy battles, many fans were not expecting this turn of events. In the conclusion, how each character chooses between the Demon World and the human world becomes important, and the vision for their subsequent lives is presented, which further highlights the reality of the "cancellation" represented by the final episode.
Five reasons the final episode is said to be "terrible"
- 1. The story feels like it ended halfway
- 2. Insufficient character development
- 3.
- The appearances of popular characters have decreased
- 4. Many viewers could not keep up with the sudden change in style
- 5. Distrust in the fact of 'cancellation'
1. It feels like the story ended abruptly
The biggest reason why the final episode of Yu Yu Hakusho is said to be "terrible" is **that it feels like the story ended abruptly**. Many fans feel that the ending of the Dark Tournament arc was sudden, and voices of "I wanted to see more continuation" have not ceased.
The Dark Tournament arc depicted the battle between the demon realm and the human world. However, **this battle ended much sooner than expected, and the subsequent developments remained unclear, leading to a conclusion**. This kind of abruptness has created a gap between the fans' expectations and the actual outcome, leading to criticism of it being an "end like a cancellation". 【Related article】: In-depth explanation of the Sensui and Demon World arcs of Yu Yu Hakusho | Story and Highlights
Additionally, there are parts that ended without fully resolving multiple mysteries that were set up as foreshadowing in the Dark Tournament arc, as well as the future relationship with the demon realm. The lack of resolution to these elements has left many readers and viewers feeling a sense of regret, thinking "there should have been more ahead".
2. There was insufficient character development
The second reason for the criticism of the final episode is **that the development of some characters was insufficient**. Yu Yu Hakusho has a large cast of characters, each with their background stories, but in the final episode, certain characters' appearances drastically decreased.
For example, some characters who were active in the Dark Tournament arc hardly appeared at all in the final episode. Furthermore, **their subsequent lives and growth were also left unresolved, leading to an abrupt conclusion**. The lack of such depictions has led to fans feeling "betrayed in their attachment to the characters." If you want to learn more about the popular characters, please refer to the article on why Kurama and Hiei from Yu Yu Hakusho are popular? A thorough analysis of their relationship and allure.
In particular, the final episode was treated almost as a short story, placing more emphasis on the "ending" rather than digging deeply into each character, which resulted in thin character portrayals. This has been a significant factor suggesting cancellation.
3. The number of appearances of popular characters decreased
Several characters that supported the popularity of Yu Yu Hakusho significantly reduced their screen time in the final episode. Even characters that played important roles throughout the series had their opportunities to appear limited in the final episode.
This reduction in character appearances has contributed to an imbalance in the overall work. Even if fans held expectations of wanting to see "this character one more time in the final episode," the work ended without fulfilling those expectations. This trend is especially pronounced for characters whose popularity rose in the latter half of the series.
As a result, many fans ended up questioning, "Why are there so few appearances?" This discomfort has contributed to the evaluation of the final episode as "terrible."
4. Many viewers couldn't keep up with the drastic change in style
Throughout the series, Yu Yu Hakusho has undergone a significant change in style. The beginning had a comedic and pop atmosphere, but as it progressed into the middle and end, it shifted to a serious and heavy atmosphere. However, in the final episode, this tone changed once again, leaving many viewers confused.
In particular, the process of transitioning from the intense atmosphere of the Dark Tournament arc to a calm, everyday conclusion has created a sense of discomfort for the readers. The remark that "the gap with the previously fierce combat scenes is too large" is a point frequently raised by fans.
This abrupt change in style gives the impression of "lack of consistency as a story," leading to a further decline in the evaluation of the final episode.
5. Distrust in the fact of "cancellation"
Although it has been officially announced that Yu Yu Hakusho was "not canceled, but completed," many fans continue to hold the question of **"Was it actually a cancellation?"** This doubt arises from the ambiguity of the author's reasons for ending the serialization.
The distinction between whether it was canceled or concluded greatly affects the evaluation of the work. If it was truly a cancellation, it leads to the understanding that "a half-hearted ending can't be helped"; otherwise, it results in a harsh evaluation of "a halfway conclusion based on the author's decision." This mistrust significantly contributes to the formation of the image of a "terrible final episode."
Moreover, from the production status of subsequent works and spin-offs, there is a growing suspicion that "it wasn't a true conclusion."
Yoshihiro Togashi's Reasons for Ending the Serialization
Health Reasons and the Limits of Creative Activity
It is said that the reason Yoshihiro Togashi ended the serialization of "Yu Yu Hakusho" is largely related to health reasons. Manga serialization has an extremely harsh schedule, and continuously creating high-quality work while being chased by weekly deadlines becomes a significant burden both physically and mentally.
Particularly, as he entered the Dark Tournament arc, Togashi is believed to have felt the limits of his creative activity. It became difficult to continue the serialization while maintaining the quality of the work, leading to an increasing self-questioning of whether "continuing now is beneficial for the work."
Additionally, in later interviews, it was revealed that Togashi was concerned that "continuing to push himself to draw would deteriorate the work itself." Such considerations can be said to have ultimately led to the early conclusion of the final episode. Related Articles: The Truth Behind the End of Serialization and Production Secrets Revealed by Yoshihiro Togashi, the Creator of Yu Yu Hakusho
The Desire to "Conclude" the Story
Yoshihiro Togashi had a strong desire to "conclude the story."
To avoid a prolonged series, I prioritized having breaks at certain points.
This background can be considered to stem from past experiences with works and the philosophy of how to engage with a project after its conclusion. By completely finishing a work, I wished to maintain its level of perfection as a piece and to be remembered by fans as a "finished work".
Even if it resulted in an "ending that seems half-hearted," it can be seen as a decision made to "avoid the degradation of the work." Understanding the author's intention in this way offers a perspective that can change the evaluation of the final episode.
Points for Affirming the Evaluation of the Final Episode
- An Ending that Respected the Characters' Lives
- A Decision that Concluded the Story While Maintaining Its Entertainment Value
An Ending that Respected the Characters' Lives
One perspective for affirming the final episode is that **each character was able to choose their life proactively**. The characters of Yu Yu Hakusho end up living between the demon and human worlds, and in the final episode, each of them was given the opportunity to determine the path they should take.
This kind of ending respects the characters' free will and growth, bringing a profound sense of satisfaction that cannot merely be expressed as "the conclusion of a battle." The indication of "how each character will live moving forward" also exists as a view that heightens the overall quality of the work.
A Decision that Concluded the Story While Maintaining Its Entertainment Value
Another positive evaluation is that the story **was concluded while maintaining the quality of the work**. Many long-running series tend to decrease in quality as their serialization lengthens. However, the final episode of Yu Yu Hakusho concluded without compromising the basic quality of the work.
Although sequels and spin-offs may be produced in later years, by maintaining a complete conclusion as the main story, we were able to avoid the worst-case scenario of "the value of the work being diminished by unnecessary sequels."
Such judgments are valued as examples of a sincere approach to the work.The satisfaction level of the final episode varies depending on what fans "value most"
- Fans who prioritize story completeness
- Fans who prioritize character development
- Fans who prioritize the consistency of the overall world view of the work
Fans who prioritize story completeness
For readers and viewers who prioritize the degree of story completeness, the final episode of Yu Yu Hakusho is rated as "unsatisfactory."**This is because they feel that not all mysteries of the story were resolved, and many foreshadowing elements were left unaddressed at the end.**
This group of fans uses the standard of "whether the story is completely finished as one narrative," and from that perspective, they would think that the final episode of Yu Yu Hakusho does not reach a passing grade.
Fans who prioritize character development
On the other hand, for fans who focus on the growth and changes of the characters, the evaluation of the final episode may differ. **They find value in points such as how Yusuke, Kurama, and Hiei have grown throughout the series and what decisions they made in the final episode.**
For this group, **the point that "characters could choose their own paths in life" becomes a highly valued element.**
Fans who prioritize the consistency of the overall world view of the work
For fans who prioritize maintaining a consistent world view from the beginning, ** The changes in style and the abrupt tone shift from the dark underworld arc to the finale are major negative factors.
This group seeks "harmony as a whole in the work," and from that perspective, the finale can be seen as an "ending that undermines the worldview".
Summary: The evaluation of the finale of Yu Yu Hakusho is "each to their own" as the answer
There are many reasons why the finale of Yu Yu Hakusho is said to be "terrible," but at the same time, positive evaluations certainly exist. The existence of such differing opinions is what demonstrates the complexity and richness of the work known as Yu Yu Hakusho.
The evaluation of the finale greatly varies depending on which points the readers/viewers prioritize, and how they engage with the work from a personal distance. Criticism of it being an "abrupt ending like a cancellation" and the evaluation of it as a "decision prioritizing the author's health and the quality of the work" both hold true.
What is important is the fact that, regardless of how the finale is perceived, the work Yu Yu Hakusho has captured the hearts of many fans throughout the series and continues to be loved. By hosting both critical and positive opinions, this work is positioned as one that is worth discussing more deeply. How you evaluate the finale is entirely up to you, and that judgment is completely subjective.
