The second season of Blue Lock, the anime sensation that has captivated audiences with its unique take on the sports genre, has drawn to a close with a thrilling and dramatic finale. The season, titled vs. U-20 Japan, culminated in a high-stakes match between the Blue Lock Eleven and Japan’s Under-20 national team, leaving fans on the edge of their seats. The finale, comprised of episodes 13 and 14 which were released together on December 28, 2024, delivered a potent mix of intense soccer action, character development, and emotional drama.
A Riveting Climax
The season finale, aptly named “Last Attack,” lived up to its billing, providing a relentless back-and-forth battle between the two sides. The episode showcased the peak of the Blue Lock players’ abilities as they fought to prove their worth and the validity of Jinpachi Ego’s radical training program. The animation, while criticized throughout the season for not matching the quality of the first, rose to the occasion in the finale, intensifying the tension and excitement of the match. The episode seamlessly blended the physical exertion of the game with the psychological and emotional toll it took on the characters.
Character Arcs Come Full Circle
One of the most compelling aspects of the finale was the culmination of character arcs that had been developing throughout the season. Yoichi Isagi, the series’ protagonist, demonstrated significant growth, solidifying his position as a key player within Blue Lock. His determination and adaptability were on full display as he navigated the complex dynamics of the match and his evolving relationships with his teammates and rivals.
The relationship between Isagi and Rin Itoshi, a complex rival, also took a central stage in the final episodes. Their interactions and individual developments were a highlight, with Rin’s breakthrough into a “monstrous trance state” providing a visually stunning and narratively powerful moment. This breakthrough was emphasized with the use of red filters and effects coupled with an intense soundtrack, adding a horror-like tone to the match.
High Stakes and Payoffs
The stakes were exceptionally high, as the match against the U-20 team was not just about proving the individual skills of the Blue Lock players but also the future of the program itself. The match was a masterclass in tension and payoff, with the outcome hanging in the balance until the very last moments. The finale’s storytelling was universally acclaimed by fans, and the emotional rollercoaster that the characters were on throughout the series came to a thrilling and satisfying conclusion.
Production and Release
Blue Lock Season 2 premiered on October 5, 2024, on TV Asahi’s brand new IMAnimation block. The season consisted of 14 episodes, adapting volumes 13-17 of the manga, which covers chapters 109-149/151. New episodes were released weekly on Saturdays, and the two-part finale aired on December 28, 2024. Crunchyroll licensed the season for streaming, including an English dub that started on October 18, 2024.
Animation Quality
While the season finale saw an improvement in animation, it’s important to acknowledge that season two of Blue Lock has faced criticism for its animation quality. Many fans and critics have pointed out that it is noticeably worse than the first season, with some scenes described as choppy and lacking fluidity. This drop in animation quality sparked discussions about the treatment of animators, particularly the rushed timelines and heavy workloads in the industry. Despite the criticism, the intensity of the story and character development still provided an engaging viewing experience.
The Story So Far
The core premise of Blue Lock revolves around a controversial training program led by Jinpachi Ego, designed to create the world’s greatest striker for Japan’s national soccer team. Three hundred high school players are pitted against each other, with only one emerging as the top striker. Season two saw the remaining players from the Blue Lock program competing against Japan’s official U-20 team. This provided a dramatic challenge for the main characters, especially Isagi, as they fought to keep the project alive.
Key Characters and Voice Cast
The second season brought back the main voice cast, with notable talents including:
- Yoichi Isagi voiced by Kazuki Ura (Japanese) and Ricco Fajardo (English)
- Meguru Bachira voiced by Kaito Tasuku (Japanese) and Drew Breedlove (English)
- Jinpachi Ego voiced by Hiroshi Kamiya (Japanese) and Derick Snow (English)
- Seishiro Nagi voiced by Nobunaga Shimazaki (Japanese) and Bryson Baugus (English)
- Shōei Barō voiced by Junichi Suwabe (Japanese) and Matthew David Rudd (English)
- Hyoma Chigiri voiced by Soma Saito (Japanese) and Aaron Dismuke (English)
- Rin Itoshi voiced by Kouki Uchiyama (Japanese) and Matt Shipman (English)
- Jyubei Aryu voiced by Katsuyuki Konishi (Japanese) and Bradley Gareth (English)
- Aoshi Tokimitsu voiced by Shinnosuke Tachibana (Japanese) and Jordan Dash Cruz (English)
- Rensuke Kunigami voiced by Yuuki Ono (Japanese) and Alex Hom (English)
Looking Ahead
The season finale not only concluded the intense match against Japan’s U-20 team, but it also set up the potential for a third season. The ending introduced a mysterious new character, Michael Kaiser, who has a blue rose tattoo on his neck. He will play a major role in the upcoming Neo Egoist League Arc, suggesting that the story will continue to evolve with new challenges and characters. This leaves fans eager for news of a potential renewal.
A Bold and Exhilarating Anime
Blue Lock continues to be a bold and exhilarating sports anime, blending high-octane action with intense psychological drama. It challenges traditional notions of teamwork in soccer, focusing instead on individual ambition and ego. The unique character designs and over-the-top visual metaphors further add to the show’s distinct style.
Final Thoughts
While the second season faced some criticism for its animation quality, the thrilling story, compelling characters, and high-stakes match against Japan’s U-20 team made it a worthwhile watch. The double-episode finale provided a fantastic conclusion to the season, showcasing the evolution of Isagi and the Blue Lock players while setting the stage for future developments. The intensity of the match, coupled with the unique visual style and sound design, created an experience that left fans excited for more. Despite some shortcomings, Blue Lock Season 2 ultimately delivered a memorable and engaging viewing experience.
