Blue Lock Season 2 Episode 5 Review: 8bit Animation Quality Affects Japan U-20 Team Debut

Review of Blue Lock Season 2 Episode 5: Animation Concerns Persist

Blue Lock recently aired its fifth episode of season two, titled “Flow,” on November 2, 2024, at 11:30 PM JST. Unfortunately, this latest installment did not escape the scrutiny regarding animation quality that has plagued the series. Fans have taken to social media platforms to voice their disappointment over the lackluster animation efforts and poor line art, particularly affecting the highly anticipated introduction of the Japan U-20 team.

Analysis of Blue Lock Season 2 Episode 5

Japan U-20 Defenders in Blue Lock Season 2 Episode 5 (Image via 8bit)

This season has largely hinged on the competitive face-off between the Blue Lock Eleven and the Japan U-20 team, making this latest episode crucial for the overarching storyline. While viewers are already familiar with the Blue Lock Eleven, the members of the Japan U-20 team, a mystery until now, were expected to receive a compelling introduction. However, animation studio 8bit disappointed fans with inadequate line work for new characters such as Sendo Shuto, Neru Teppei, Darai Miroku, and Niou Kazuma.

Minimal Action Sequences Result in Improved Visual Quality

Rin Itoshi in Blue Lock Season 2 Episode 5 (Image via 8bit)

It has been noted that animation quality tends to decline during football scenes within the Blue Lock series, which is concerning for an anime centered around the sport. In Episode 5, the absence of major football-related action sequences allowed 8bit to present a relatively better visual quality compared to past episodes. However, anticipation builds as the next episode is set to feature the kickoff between the Blue Lock Eleven and the Japan U-20 team, raising concerns for future animation performance.

Looking Ahead: What to Expect

Sendo Shuto in Blue Lock Season 2 Episode 5 (Image via 8bit)

In prior episodes, the starting lineup for the Blue Lock Eleven was established. As such, upcoming episodes are likely to showcase training sequences, paving the way for Ego Jinpachi to announce the substitutes for the impending match. On the other side, the Japan U-20 team is grappling with integrating high-profile newcomers Sae Itoshi and Ryusei Shidou. While players respect Itoshi, there are uncertainties regarding Shidou’s fit within the team’s dynamics.

Overall, with the production quality issues persisting, it will be interesting to see how the series addresses these challenges moving forward, especially with the high stakes of the upcoming football matches.

Source & Images