Blue Box episode 2 review: Excitement grows around Chinatsu and Taiki's new life while Hina and Haryu create misunderstandings

Blue Box episode 2, titled You Have To Go To Nationals, is scheduled to air on Japanese TV on Thursday, October 10, 2024. However, Netflix Japan released it a week earlier, alongside the premiere episode. Netflix Global, on the other hand, will release it on the same day as the Japanese TV broadcast.

The second episode of Ao no Hako delves deeper into the characters' lives, exploring their personal goals and growing relationships. The episode highlights how Taiki and Chinatsu navigate their new life of living under the same roof, while also pursuing their respective athletic careers, with Taiki also striving to reach the nationals.

Hina and Haryu are also brought into the story, adding more depth to the plot. With the growing excitement, this Blue Box episode 2 review examines the anime's overall appeal, focusing on key elements like production quality, narrative progression, animation, and cast performances to assess whether Telecom Animation Film is crafting a compelling adaptation of this popular series.

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Blue Box episode 2 review: A brief synopsis and narrative criticism

Blue Box episode 2 begins with Chinatsu beginning her new life at Taiki's house, marking the start of their lives under the same roof. While Taiki feels awkward living with his crush, Chinatsu appreciates having a familiar face around in an unfamiliar setting.

Kyo advises Taiki to keep it a secret due to Chinatsu's popularity and suggests that this might be Taiki's chance to ask her out, but Taiki dismisses it, knowing her focus is on qualifying for nationals. Motivated, Taiki also sets his sights on the nationals and works hard to improve.

When Chinatsu hears this, she supports him and gives him a good luck bracelet she made. They grow closer, sharing matching bracelets as they pursue their goals.

Chinatsu puts the good luck bracelet on Taiki's ankle (Image via Telecom Animation Film)

The next day, Taiki tries to keep their connection a secret, especially from Hina, fearing she'll spill the news. This leads to a misunderstanding. Chinatsu thinks Taiki has a crush on Hina, though he quickly clarifies. Later, Kyo tells Taiki that to advance, he'll first need to defeat his senior, Kengo Haryu.

It's also revealed that Hina placed fourth in rhythmic gymnastics at nationals. In the episode's final moments, Taiki chats with Hina while trying to prevent her from seeing Chinatsu enter his house. The episode ends on a dramatic note as Taiki spots Chinatsu walking with Haryu.

Taiki with Hina (Image via Telecom Animation Film)

Blue Box episode 2 is an engaging installment with excellent narrative direction. The episode skillfully balances its storytelling with romance and sports elements, keeping viewers entertained while advancing the plot, particularly with Taiki aiming for nationals and introducing elements of intrigue through the misunderstandings involving Hina and Haryu.

These dynamics add drama and depth that enrich the narrative, making the story more interesting and keeping viewers invested as it unfolds.

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Blue Box episode 2 review: Production, animation, soundtracks, and voice acting: A criticism

Studio Telecom Animation Film delivers another captivating installment with Blue Box episode 2, under TMS Entertainment's production and Yūichirō Yano's direction. The episode maintains the high production quality set by the premiere.

Yūko Kakihara's skillful composition continues to highlight the charm of each scene, while Miho Tanino's stellar character designs enhance the show's visual appeal.

The stunning animation from Telecom Animation Film also captivates viewers with its exquisite visuals, making every moment engaging. The voice cast continues to shine, especially Reina Ueda as Chinatsu and Shouya Chiba as Taiki delivering standout performances.

Chinatsu in this episode (Image via Telecom Animation Film)

Akari Kito, known for voicing Nezuko in Demon Slayer, and Chiaki Kobayashi, the voice behind stellar characters like Vinland Saga's Askeladd and Frieren's Stark also impresses as Hina and Kyo. The background music and sounds further elevate the experience, making for an immersive watch.

All these elements come together to provide another entertaining episode as Blue Box episode 2 develops Chinatsu and Taiki's story, keeping viewers hooked to this highly anticipated Fall 2024 anime.

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To sum up

Taiki decides to aim for the nationals (Image via Telecom Animation Film)

Overall, Blue Box episode 2 delivers an excellent continuation of this highly anticipated anime adaptation, offering a lively and engaging experience.

It progresses Chinatsu and Taiki's budding romance with the twist of them starting their lives under the same roof, while also introducing drama involving Hina and Haryu. The narrative keeps viewers captivated and entertained, leaving them excited to see how the story will unfold next.

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