Blue Lock vs. U-20 Japan - Episode 1 Review

Blue Lock is back, and Episode 1 of the U-20 Japan arc delivers a thrilling start to what promises to be one of the most intense arcs in the series. From the stunning visuals to the explosive introduction of Shidou, this episode sets the tone for the battles to come and does it in a way that immediately grabs your attention.

Shidou’s Explosive Arrival: A Game Changer

The moment I've been waiting for finally arrived—Shidou’s introduction. His chaotic, unpredictable playstyle and raw hunger to score goals immediately elevate the intensity of this arc. Voiced by Yuichi Nakamura (the iconic voice behind Gojo Satoru from Jujutsu Kaisen), Shidou’s energy is palpable from the second he steps on screen. Nakamura’s performance adds the perfect level of unhinged ferocity to Shidou, making his presence feel larger than life. The voice work here is pitch-perfect, and I couldn’t imagine a better fit for Shidou’s wild and borderline reckless personality.

Visuals and Animation: A Step Above Expectations

The visuals this episode were a step above what I expected, especially considering some of the animation shortcomings from the first season. The animation was vibrant, with a noticeable upgrade in the fluidity of movement and the use of dynamic, unconventional shots that really draw you into the world. It feels like the production team went all out in creating a visually captivating experience. The opening scene, with Rin's traumatic flashback, looked more like something you'd see in a high-budget anime film, and the rest of the episode followed suit with its polished art direction.

However, I can’t fully trust this newfound animation quality until I see it consistently applied during the actual matches. Blue Lock has had a reputation for sliding into still frames and shortcuts during intense gameplay, and while this episode looked great, I’m cautiously optimistic. The upcoming matches in the U-20 arc demand top-tier animation, especially given how critical the action scenes will be in carrying the emotional weight and competitive spirit of the story. If the animation drops during those moments, it will be a massive disappointment. But for now, the production team seems to be on the right track.

Character Dynamics: The Rin vs. Sae Rivalry

Character dynamics took center stage in this episode, and the tension between Rin and his brother Sae is already one of the highlights. The flashback at the beginning, showing Rin’s trauma from his rivalry with Sae, is not only visually stunning but adds significant emotional depth to the story. Rin's internal conflict and desire to surpass his brother will undoubtedly be a major focal point moving forward, and it adds a layer of psychological drama that elevates this arc beyond just a simple soccer match.

The episode also reintroduces us to the top Blue Lock players, reminding us why they’re such captivating characters. Barou’s arrogance is as entertaining as ever, with his self-proclaimed status as the “Apex Predator” of the field being a perfect example of his unshakable ego. His interactions with Isagi hint at an evolving dynamic between the two, with Isagi’s adaptability clashing against Barou’s stubborn belief in his own superiority. Bachira continues to bring that playful, unpredictable energy that makes him a fan favorite, and seeing him back on the field was a welcome sight.

What really stood out in this episode was how it balanced setting the stage for the upcoming match while giving us lighter, more character-driven moments. The "Additional Time" segment at the end, which focused on the top six Blue Lock players in a more relaxed setting, was a great way to break up the intensity. These moments give the characters room to breathe and help the audience connect with them on a more personal level before the chaos of the match begins.

Voice Acting and Soundtrack: A Perfect Match

As for the soundtrack, the music in this episode was on point. The OST amplified the tension during key moments and gave the quieter, emotional scenes an extra layer of depth. Combined with the exceptional voice acting, the audio design in this episode was a highlight. Yuichi Nakamura’s performance as Shidou was particularly memorable, and I couldn’t help but feel like the character had been perfectly cast. Nakamura brings an edge to Shidou that makes him feel like a ticking time bomb on the field, and I’m excited to see how his character evolves in the coming episodes.

Concerns About Production: What’s Going on Behind the Scenes?

However, I do have some reservations. While the episode itself looked fantastic, there’s been some troubling behind-the-scenes news. The director, Shintaro Inokawa, was recently replaced by Yuji Haibara, which could indicate potential production issues down the line. Haibara has more experience with CG and special effects than traditional animation, which raises concerns about how the actual matches will be animated. If there’s any noticeable drop in quality, especially during the pivotal U-20 vs. Blue Lock match, it would be a significant letdown for fans who have been waiting for this arc to be done justice.

Isagi’s Role: Will He Be Overshadowed?

Finally, while I appreciated the focus on Rin and his emotional journey, I couldn’t help but feel like Isagi took a bit of a backseat in this episode. The new opening sequence felt like it was positioning Rin as the central character, which is understandable given the arc’s focus on his rivalry with Sae, but I hope Isagi doesn’t get overshadowed in the process. After all, his evolution as a player is one of the core narratives of Blue Lock, and seeing how he rises to meet this new challenge will be crucial to the story's success.

Overall, Blue Lock vs. U-20 Japan Episode 1 sets the stage for what could be the most exciting arc in the series. Shidou’s long-awaited introduction, improved animation, and the tense dynamic between Rin and Sae all point to a season filled with high-stakes matches and emotional payoffs. Now, all we can do is wait and hope that the animation team keeps up the quality as we dive into the heart of the U-20 arc.