Blue Lock Season 2 Episode 4 Review: The Awakening of Reo

Essential Insights

Reo undergoes significant growth, demonstrating a fresh commitment to enhancing his soccer abilities by adopting a versatile playing approach, dubbed the Chameleon.
He aspires to become someone Nagi actively pursues, marking a notable shift in his character development.
This episode features improved animation quality, suggesting a trend that may continue in the forthcoming episodes.

The latest episode, titled “Chameleon,” opens with Reo asserting himself by instructing Nagi to focus on him and expressing his excitement about playing alongside him once more. Meanwhile, Isagi, Hiori, and Nanase from the Team A trio analyze Isagi’s recent goal. Hiori’s insightful comparison of quick reflexes to placing Tetris pieces under pressure resonates well; fans familiar with the classic game understand the frantic pace where instinct often takes over.

Observing the playful camaraderie among the trio, devoid of arguments over superiority, provides a refreshing change from the usual competitiveness that defines the series. While the ongoing quest to be the best, steeped in ego and rivalry, appeals to viewers, moments of lighthearted interaction are also delightful to witness.

The Second Match Begins

Born Genius vs Lazy Genius

The match kicks off with Reo taking charge and attempting to synergize with Nagi but underestimating their opponents, who are among the elite in Blue Lock. Team A counters skillfully as each athlete showcases their talents; however, Yukimiya shines brightly in the first half, skillfully maneuvering past trouble and scoring a stunning goal. Just when Jyubei prepares to react, Nagi steps in, intercepting the ball and netting a remarkable goal for Team B.

Reo realizes that Nagi has transformed from the indifferent player he once pushed into soccer to a passionate competitor who finds joy in the game. Fans appreciate these emotionally layered moments, as the players embody both strength and humanity, often navigating complex friendships and rivalries as they strive for growth.

Born to Compete

Yet Lacking What You Truly Desire

Reo reflects on the Top 6’s singular ambition of becoming the finest striker globally, a pursuit that he knows doesn’t align with his own aspirations. Understanding that a defeat in Blue Lock wouldn’t deter him from a fulfilling life, he recalls his father’s insistence that he was destined to inherit the family business. “Few become soccer players,”he was told, which only fuels his resolve.

In a moment of exhilaration, Reo dismisses his previous musings, smiling broadly as he realizes that if he loses, he merely returns to a mundane routine. Shifting his focus to Nagi, he determines that what he truly seeks exists right now: “It’s nowhere but here.” With newfound vigor, Reo prepares to give his all, passing to Yukimiya.

Reo’s Transformation

Episode Highlights

Once Reo seizes the ball and exchanges passes with Nagi, Shidou attempts to intercept. No longer content to merely adapt, Reo boldly claims mastery across the pitch and, despite Nagi’s open position, surprises the opponents with a determined approach toward the goal. With an impressive kick, he scores Team C’s second goal, mirroring Yukimiya’s earlier shot while announcing his new playing style, “The Chameleon.”

Even though Team B ultimately loses and Reo acknowledges his current shortcomings against the Top 6, he recognizes a path for growth. Nagi congratulates Reo on his goal, yet Reo expresses his desire to develop further, asking Nagi to continue striving higher while he works to become someone worth pursuing. Nagi gives him an understanding nod as he walks away. While the episode glosses over Nagi’s backstory, it lays a promising foundation for exploring their bond in future episodes.

Incremental Improvement in Animation Quality

Concluding on a Positive Note

While the animation quality hasn’t drastically changed, this episode exhibits a slight improvement over earlier installments, possibly owing to a shift away from Isagi’s Tetris-style gameplay. Regardless, this episode felt more polished. Reo’s transformative arc resonated well alongside a soundtrack reminiscent of Season 1 of Blue Lock. With ample speculation from fans, the only way is upward, especially after the completion of the third selection arc.

In a post-credits scene, Itoshi Sae makes an entrance into the JFC, dismissing the U-20 team as mere high school players. Despite his previous resolve to not engage, the JFC persuades him with the promise of choosing a striker from Blue Lock. Sae’s preference for an “idiot”from the project raises questions about who he deems worthy—Isagi or perhaps his own brother. This intriguing development leaves audiences eager for more revelations.

Highlight Moments in Blue Lock

Naturally, That’s the Additional Time Bonus

As is customary, the comic relief during additional time brings delight, with Yukimaru hilariously dubbing Nagi a sloth, provoking Nagi to quip back with a dig at him. Reo’s chameleon persona and Jyubei’s glamorous stick insect comparison, along with Barou and Tokimitsu as a gorilla duo, are memorable. The highlight must be when Rin is labeled a failed experiment; his correction that Isagi isn’t a beetle, but a larvae devoured by a bird, was particularly entertaining.

Overall, the episode’s pacing appears to have improved compared to the previous two, building anticipation for the intense forthcoming match between Blue Lock and the U-20 team. Fans are hopeful that the production team’s efforts will shine brightly in the upcoming showdown.

Source

Image Credits: Gamerant.com