After a very long wait, Blue Lock Season 2’s first episode, “Tryouts,” was finally released on October 5th, 2024. It’s about to kick off with a fresh wave of intense action, emotional highs, and strategic twists. Fans of the adrenaline-filled soccer anime are in for a treat as the story ramps up its pace, setting the stage for an even more cutthroat competition.
Season 1 followed Yoichi Isagi and a group of fiercely competitive young players as they fought their way through the Blue Lock project. The goal? To prove they have the ego, skill, and determination to become the best striker in the world.
So in this review, you are in for a treat because in this blog we’ll dive deep into the episode’s key moments, character developments, and overall impact.
This episode introduces one of the most highly awaited showdowns: the clash between Japan’s U-20 team and the fiercely competitive Blue Lock strikers. With both teams aiming to define the future of Japanese soccer, the stakes couldn’t be higher.
One of the central themes in Blue Lock is ego the idea that only those with an unshakable belief in their abilities can rise to the top. Episode 1 of Season 2 emphasizes this concept, particularly in the context of the upcoming match between Blue Lock and Japan U-20.
Both teams represent conflicting philosophies: Blue Lock’s focus on individualism versus Japan U-20’s traditional emphasis on team play and structure.
This isn’t just another friendly match, it’s a battle for supremacy, where the future of Japanese soccer hangs in the balance. Will the egos of Blue Lock’s players be enough to overcome the well-oiled machine of Japan U-20?
The Heart of Blue Lock Season 2 Episode 1 revolves around the long-simmering conflict between Rin and Sae Itoshi. Both brothers are soccer prodigies, but they represent completely different philosophies when it comes to playing the sport.
Rin Itoshi, the younger of the two, has been a standout player in Blue Lock. Known for his cold, calculating style, Rin embodies the program’s core principle of ego-driven play. His ambition to surpass everyone else, including his own brother, drives him to be relentless on the field.
Sae Itoshi, on the other hand, is already an established star. As a player for the Japan U-20 national team, he represents the more traditional, team-oriented style of soccer. Sae’s skills are polished, refined, and globally recognized. He has trained abroad and plays with a different mindset, one that values team dynamics over individual glory.
The psychological battle between the two brothers is arguably more intense than any on-field clash. Rin’s desire to prove himself as superior could lead him to take risks that could either catapult him to greatness or cause his downfall. Meanwhile, Sae’s cool-headed confidence makes him a formidable opponent, one who might just be too experienced for Rin to handle.
As the episode begins, tension fills the air as the final tryouts take place. The Blue Lock program is not designed for teamwork or camaraderie; instead, it prioritizes raw individual talent, ego, and the hunger to be the best.
The selection of the Top 6 strikers is a defining moment for Blue Lock, and each player has earned their spot through their incredible abilities, determination, and willingness to embrace the ego-driven nature of the program.
Here are the top 6 players that made the cut:
- Itoshi Rin: Itoshi Rin, a cold and calculating player, is unsurprisingly the first to make the cut. Known for his sharp intellect and exceptional skills, Rin’s playstyle is a perfect representation of what Blue Lock stands for. Rin is not just focused on winning; he is driven by a deeper motivation, to surpass his older brother, Sae Itoshi, who is already a star for the Japan U-20 team.
- Shidoe Ryusei: Shido Ryusei is one of the most unpredictable and aggressive players in Blue Lock. His wild, reckless style on the field is both his greatest strength and his biggest challenge.
- Karasu Tabito: Karasu Tabito is the embodiment of tactical brilliance. As a player, Karasu is known for his intelligence on the field and his ability to read the game like no other.
- Otoya Eita: Otoya is a master of positioning and exploiting gaps in the defense. His speed and agility allow him to move in and out of spaces quickly, making him an elusive striker.
- Yukimiya Kenyu: He is a well-rounded player who can adapt to various situations on the field. His ability to switch between offensive and defensive roles makes him incredibly valuable in the Blue Lock system.
- Nagi Seishiro: Nagi Seishiro is a true soccer prodigy, blessed with natural talent and an uncanny ability to control the ball in impossible situations. Despite his laid-back attitude, Nagi’s raw talent is undeniable. His exceptional ball control, paired with his ability to score from unexpected angles, makes him one of the most dangerous players in Blue Lock.
One of the most exciting elements of Blue Lock is its exploration of rivalries, and Season 2 will take this to new heights. The tension between Itoshi Rin and his older brother Sae Itoshi will be a central storyline. Rin’s desire to surpass his brother and prove that Blue Lock is the superior system will add an extra layer of drama to the upcoming matches.
Season 2 promises to dive deeper into the backstories and motivations of the key players. Yoichi Isagi, the protagonist, has already shown tremendous growth throughout Season 1, and Season 2 will likely continue to explore his evolving understanding of what it means to be the ultimate striker.
Other players, such as Nagi Seishiro, will also face personal challenges as they confront their own motivations and desires. Nagi, despite his incredible talent, often struggles with a lack of passion for the game. Season 2 will likely push him to find his true reason for playing soccer, beyond his natural ability.
And, One of the hallmarks of Blue Lock is its psychological depth. The series doesn’t just focus on the physical aspects of soccer; it delves into the minds of the players, exploring their fears, ambitions, and insecurities. Season 2 will continue to build on this, especially as the pressure mounts during the matches against the Japan U-20 team.
The animation in Blue Lock Season 2 takes things to a new level, particularly when showcasing the Itoshi brothers.
The episode does a fantastic job of visually contrasting the two characters: Rin’s scenes are often depicted with sharp, dark tones that emphasize his cold, calculating nature, while Sae’s moments are shown with smoother, lighter colors, highlighting his polished, confident demeanor.
During intense moments, such as Rin’s internal monologues about his rivalry with Sae, the animation sharpens, and the camera zooms in on his focused, determined expression. In contrast, Sae is portrayed as calm and collected, with smoother animation that reflects his effortless skill.
The use of animation to highlight the emotional and psychological stakes adds another layer of tension to their impending clash, making every scene feel loaded with meaning.
Blue Lock Season 2 Episode 1 “Tryouts” delivers a masterful start to the new season, with the Rin vs. Sae rivalry taking center stage. The episode sets up a high-stakes battle that goes beyond the soccer field, delving into themes of ego, family, and ambition.
With its stunning animation, intense psychological drama, and engaging character dynamics, Blue Lock continues to stand out as one of the most exciting sports anime of the year.
Fans of the series will undoubtedly be on the edge of their seats as the Itoshi brothers’ rivalry unfolds. The battle between Rin’s ego-driven style and Sae’s polished teamwork is set to be one of the most compelling arcs in Blue Lock, and this episode has only just begun to scratch the surface of what’s to come.
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