©︎ Muneyuki Kaneshiro, Yusuke Nomura, Kodansha/'BLUE LOCK' Production Committee
It's funny that I had just watched and read the Nagi Episode right before watching this one. Sometimes the universe works out that way, but it makes sense to shift focus away from Isagi for a second, given the way the story is structured. Nagi and Rio's relationship is interesting because it is contextualized as an interdependent relationship. You can interpret that romantically for your fanfic if you want (given the specific word choices sometimes used, I wouldn't be surprised if Muneyuki Kaneshiro knew exactly what he was doing) . The problem is that from Reo's perspective, there are a number of conflicting desires here. He is a kid who has everything he wants and no freedom of choice. He is allowed to indulge in all his wealth and luxuries as long as he follows the strict path his parents have set for him. Football was his escape from all of that and he needed to prove how dedicated he was to the sport. The problem is that he still has a safety net, so he more or less gives that up to pursue his goal, although the show doesn't fully convey exactly how he's giving up his wealth. How is mine? Is it implied that he will spend all his money if he cannot become a footballer? I do not know.
The episode is strongest when it highlights Reo's evolution to prove himself to Nagi. There are a lot of negative conflicting emotions since Reo was the one who brought Nagi to pursue soccer in the first place, and now Nagi has grown to the point where Reo can't keep up with him. Now Reo realizes that if he wants to bond with Nagi, he must find his evolutionary path. Their perspective on Reo in highlighting his strength as a chameleon player is excellent. He doesn't have any particularly amazing achievements, but he is a perfect all-rounder. His quote that he would be a master of all trades instead of jack of all trades is a great way to show his character, as it also coincides with his co-dependent relationship. He needs to surpass others to develop, and that makes me wonder if there is a future where Reo can survive on his own as a striker. I don't know if this will be the last time we see these two clash. This could very well be setting up what their roles will be in the U-20 game, but what direction their relationship will take is anyone's guess.
Season two focuses on the other characters, as the cast is suddenly much larger, which means we also have a lot of new actors to look forward to in the dub. I liked the variety of voices and accents presented from Hiori and Nanase, who are distinct people from different regions of Japan. Ricco Fajardo radiates good “main character” energy, and Van Barr Jr. sounds interesting as Ryusei. I wish Matt Shipman's voice sounded softer like Rin's, but he sounds appropriately detached. Naturally, Derick Snow attracts attention as Ego, but I expect Alejandro Saab and Jonah Scott to attract the most attention later on as Rin and Oliver's brothers.
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AJ also regularly streams on Twitch as independent Vtuber Bolts The Mechanic where they talk about and play classic vehicles!
BLUE LOCK Season 2 is now streaming on Crunchyroll.