Netflix's live-action anime adaptations has improved in recent years, going from "mostly failures" to a mixed bag, with massive successes like One Piece and less favorable outcomes like Cowboy Bebop. The streaming giant's latest project, Yu Yu Hakusho, brings one of the 90s' most beloved anime series to life. However, its approach, particularly in handling one of anime's most iconic arcs, the Dark Tournament arc, raises questions about the feasibility of a second season.
The original Yu Yu Hakusho anime, known for its rich storytelling and memorable characters, has a dedicated fanbase. It is easily one of the most popular anime shows to spawn from the 90s. Unfortunately, the live-action adaptation, which spans five episodes, diverges significantly from the source material. The most notable change comes in the form of the aforementioned arc. It condenses over 60 episodes of the Spirit Detective saga into a much shorter narrative, inevitably leading to substantial changes and omissions.
By combining several different arcs, the narrative deviates in a significant way from the manga and anime. Surprisingly enough, this hasn't affected the quality much. In fact, the show did an excellent job telling so much in little time. The only problem? It leaves little room for future seasons. In the Netflix series, key battles from the Dark Tournament occur in different contexsts, like Kurama's fight with Karasu and Hiei's battle against Bui, which aren't presented as contests but as confrontations during Yukina's rescue. Moreover, the final showdown between Yusuke and Toguro, a climactic event in the Dark Tournament saga, happens prematurely in their first encounter, fundamentally altering the story's trajectory.