Yu-gi-oh! Duel Monsters Episode 173 Official

The animation effectively conveys Joey’s physical fatigue and the dark, oppressive atmosphere of the Seal.

The Great Yugioh Retrospective Part 2: Yugioh GX - Carmine Castle Yu-Gi-Oh! Duel Monsters Episode 173

This is one of the darker episodes in the series. The "Bitter Victory" title is apt; while Mai technically wins, the weight of her realization and Joey's "death" makes it a hollow achievement. Final Verdict while Mai technically wins