Yu-gi-oh! Duel Monsters Episode 173 -

The episode masterfully portrays Mai's inner turmoil. As she prepares for the finishing blow, she hesitates, finally realizing that her desire for "power" was actually a response to her own loneliness.

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

Joey’s unwavering faith in Mai remains the highlight. Even as his life points drop to zero due to exhaustion, his final act is to push Mai out of the shrinking Seal of Orichalcos to save her, losing his own soul in the process. Visuals and Pacing The episode masterfully portrays Mai's inner turmoil