Overview:
After the match with Team Y, Isagi’s rank moved up, and he became the center of the team. The next match is against Team W, led by the Wanima twins. Their eye contact and impeccable combinations are hard to beat. They used to play in the same team as Chigiri Hyoma, and they use his past trauma to egg him on. Chigiri says that he joined Blue Lock to find a reason to quit soccer. Team Z leads the game with Kuon’s play. Everyone’s elated about the good start of the match, but Isagi feels something is off.
Because of Kuon’s betrayal, Team Z is faced with a desperate situation of playing 12-on-10, with the opponent knowing everything about their weapons and strategies. Even under such a circumstance, Team Z never gives up on the fight, and Isagi continues to believe in himself. Inspired by their passion, Chigiri runs through the field at an incredible speed, his weapon he has sealed away. His ego rocks the match when they are losing at 3-4.
Our Take:
Maybe it’s because the World Cup is going and Japan is doing their best IRL Bluelock impression but I was extra excited for this week’s episode. Apparently, they were too because we got two episodes instead of the one I was expecting! It wasn’t just Bluelock either but we got a double dose of Spy x Family as well which I will review as soon as possible.
There is something about sports anime that even if you aren’t a fan of sports just get the blood pumping. When I think of some of the best sports anime I have watched I am fairly certain this will go down as one of them. It all depends on how much of it we get adapted because shows like Kuroko’s Basketball and Haikyu!! have the impact they do because of the journey we got to go on with the characters.
Aaron Dismuke is one of my favorite VAs so when I heard him as the voice of Chigiri I knew that character had to be important somehow. We all have our favorites and I am personally hoping to see more from Isagi but Bachira might have some run for his money in my favorite spot after this one. Aaron did so great in this episode that I hope this is just the beginning for Chigiri.
This anime has been so good and enjoyable that I picked up the manga which is currently getting an English physical release. Unfortunately, the latest volume ends where this episode ends so I am left in the dark and wanting more. But luckily we should be on track for an episode next week. I imagine they were taking a holiday break for some of their shows. I know there is some great soccer anime out there but I think this will do for the sport what some of the anime I mentioned previously did for their respective sports. Whether you’re a sports or soccer fan or not you need to be watching Bluelock.