Blue Exorcist season 4 episode 1: Lightning assigned as an instructor at True Cross Academy while the exorcist certification exam is preponed

Blue Exorcist season 4 episode 1 recently aired on October 6, 2024, at 12:30 am JST. The episode was broadcast on multiple Japanese networks including Tokyo MX, BS11, and MBX. The new season primarily adapts the Beyond The Snow arc from the manga and centers around Rin and his allies as they prepare for the war against the Illuminati.

Furthermore, Blue Exorcist season 4 episode 1 titled, Ambition, presents Lewin Light, aka Lightning, as the new assistant instructor at True Cross Academy while Shura Kirigakure is nowhere to be seen. Viewers discover more about his abilities and interactions with the protagonists as the story progresses.

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Blue Exorcist season 4 episode 1: Vatican holds meeting over Illuminati's exploits

Knights of the order roundtable at Vatican headquarters (Image via Studio VOLN)

The story of Blue Exorcist season 4 episode 1 starts off with a meeting of the knights of the true cross order at the vatican headquarters. Present among them, Mephisto announces the intentions of the Illuminati and the severe danger they pose to Assiah (the human world).

Arthus Augustus Angel, the current paladin is highly suspicious of Mephisto and his shemes and accuses him of being a traitor. However, Mephisto reveals that he has been staking his own body to stop time around the artificial Gehenna gate in Russia. This action gains Mephisto the trust of Angel and the other knights of the order.

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Vatican prepones the Exorcist Certification Exam

Back at the True Cross Academy, Yukio announces that Mephitso has decided to move up the exorcist certification exam. Following the announcement, Rin confronts Yukio regarding his unusual disappearances in the night which Yukio subtly avoids with a smile. Later, a conversation between Shiemi and Rin reveals Yuikio's intentions to distance himself and the others.

Meanwhile, Mephisto gathers numerous exorcist groups outside of the order to join hands against Lucifer and the Illuminati. To convince them of the Vatican's competence, he introduces Lightning, one of the Arc Knights who was sent by the Vatican. Lightning goes on to stunningly showcase his powers while defeating a colony of Hobgoblins that "surprisingly" appeared from below the ground.

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Ryuji pleads with Lightning to take him on as an apprentice

Exorcists and students leaving Lighning's class (Image via Studio VOLN)

As one of the Arc Knights, there were other cram school students and exorcists present to attend his class. However, his joke about the notion of making friends with the demons empties his classroom, except for the protagonists.

The class ends with Lightning seeking Ryuji and Rin's assistance in setting up his room. Ryuji ends up unfolding his feelings after he witnesses Lightning's abilities and outlook on life. Ryuji's ambition to become an exorcist was waning because he no longer knew what he was fighting for.

Ryuji on his knees in front of Lightning (Image via Studio VOLN)

However, when Ryuji asks Lightning why the latter became an exorcist, he replies that he has no dreams or ambitions and does it because he likes the human world. Unknowingly uplifted by Lightning, Ryuji gets on his knees and asks to be an apprentice.

The episode ends with Ryuji having to complete a game of reading cards and prevent the summoning of a demon. After a stressful sequence of wits and skills, Ryuji finishes with the Arc Knight's help. Impressed by his honesty and skill, Lightning decides to take Ryuji under his wing.

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Blue Exorcist season 4 episode 1 review

The animation quality is excellent, with Studio VOLN producing stunning visuals that do justice to the Blue Exorcist universe. Blue Exorcist season 4 episode 1 raises the possibility of new, more powerful enemies. This suggests a season full of intense fight scenes and compelling narratives.

Since Blue Exorcist anime has a history of deviating from the source material, it is too early to decide if the new season will be faithful to the manga.

So far Studio VOLN has done a pretty good job of producing compelling storylines and exploring themes of good and evil that is assured to satisfy viewers. Additionally, the action sequences are choreographed beautifully, showcasing the characters' skills and witty interactions.

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Conclusion

In conclusion, Blue Exorcist season 4 episode 1 provides a thrilling return to the realm of demons and exorcism. One notable aspect of the character development is how Rin and Yukio keep growing as they confront their inner demons and deal with the outer ones. Their bond gives the narrative emotional depth and draws the audience fully into their journey.

Blue Exorcist season 4 episode 1 successfully lays the foundation for an intense and captivating season ahead. There has never been a greater sense of urgency and danger in the story due to the Illuminati's menacing presence and the growing demonic challenges.

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