Episode 12 marks the penultimate installment of Blue Lock’s second season, setting the stage for the highly anticipated hour-long finale that combines episodes 13 and 14 to conclude the U-20 Arc. In the preceding episode, titled “What You Taught Us,”characters Shido Ryusei and Oliver Aiku reached their peak performance levels, showcasing their true potential as elite players. Meanwhile, Isagi continues to inch closer to his aspirations of becoming the premier striker, leaving fans on the edge of their seats as the match’s outcome remains uncertain.
In episode 12, titled “Flowers,”the competitive tension escalates as the score is tied between Blue Lock and Japan’s U-20 team, with the next goal set to determine the match’s ultimate victor. Each player is engaged in a fierce personal battle, vying for the esteemed title of Japan’s best striker, intensifying the stakes for everyone on the field.
When and How to Watch the Blue Lock Season Two Finale
Produced by Studio 8bit, Based on the Manga by Muneyuki Kaneshiro and Yusuke Nomura
Season two of Blue Lock consists of 14 episodes, culminating in a two-part finale that aired simultaneously on December 28, 2024. Fans were treated to an hour of new content, with episodes released at 9:00 AM Pacific Standard Time exclusively on Crunchyroll. For those who prefer to binge their favorite shows, all prior episodes of season two are now available for streaming, allowing viewers to catch up before the season wraps up.
Recap of Blue Lock Season Two, Episode 12
Oliver Aiku’s Journey from Aspiring Striker to Top Defender
In “Flowers,”viewers gain insight into Oliver Aiku’s character as he reflects on his soccer journey. As a child, Oliver aspired to be the best striker in the world, but external pressures and discouragement led him to abandon that dream. A pivotal moment was when his coach declared he would never be Japan’s top striker, shattering his self-esteem and prompting him to settle for a professional career.
As he matured, Oliver’s talent and skill development changed his coach’s opinion, who eventually recognized his potential as a top-level striker. However, the damage to Oliver’s ambition was done. He shifted his focus to becoming the best defender instead, committing to play solely for himself. Oliver uses the metaphor of a wilting flower to signify his past aspirations as he embraces his new path.
Intense Competition and Collective Spirit on the Field
Balancing Individual Talents with Teamwork on the Pitch
Exploring Oliver’s background reveals his ongoing struggle with unfulfilled dreams. He wistfully imagines his place within Blue Lock, vying for the title of best striker alongside Isagi and other players. Now that his sense of flow has been established, Oliver has become more adept at reading the opposing team’s strategies, especially as Japan’s U-20 squad starts countering Blue Lock’s moves.
Despite Blue Lock’s defensive efforts, Shido’s shot was unexpectedly thwarted by Gagamaru, who executed a remarkable save. Reo then showcased his skills by mirroring one of Nagi’s moves, reclaiming the ball for Blue Lock. With renewed determination, Isagi partnered with Nagi and Rin to push toward the opponent’s goal, all while navigating the intricate strategies imposed by Aiku.
Baro Shoei Stuns with a Last-Minute Goal
Baro’s Determination: A Catalyst for Team Spirit
The situation took a dramatic turn when Sae Itoshi intercepted Isagi, momentarily diminishing his hope for a scoring opportunity. Just when despair seemed to set in, Baro Shoei charged down the field, scoring an unexpected goal that equalized the match. Baro’s fierce rivalry with Isagi fueled his desire to score, which ultimately brought the teams back to parity.
Upon being questioned about his strategy for that vital goal, Baro revealed that he anticipated Isagi’s moves by closely observing Rin, illustrating their connection. Meanwhile, Japan’s team manager contemplated substituting players to shift the match dynamic, but Sae advised against it, trusting the existing lineup’s chemistry. As the game presses on, every player, particularly Isagi and Rin, is focused solely on making their mark, with both yet to score in the match.
Highlights of Episode 12: The Good and the Flawed
The Episode Showcases Strong Character Development and Engaging Storylines
Despite suffering from some animation inconsistencies, episode 12 stands out as one of the season’s highlights. It effectively deepens the viewer’s understanding of characters like Oliver and Baro, while Isagi’s character arc continues to evolve impressively. The mounting tension in this critical match keeps audiences engaged, as both teams have everything at stake.
While flaws such as sporadic animation quality cannot be ignored, the compelling narrative and rich character development ensure that viewers remain invested. The U-20 matches play a pivotal role in Blue Lock’s overarching storyline, determining the future of Ego’s project. As the finale approaches, fans can expect thrilling developments that will finalize the debate over which team reigns supreme on the soccer field: Blue Lock or Japan.
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