Bleach episode 41 review
So! (as Pat Sajak would say) Ichigo has been rescued by Yoruichi, but how? Yoruichi is just a cat, right? As it turns out, no. Yoruichi reveals herself in the most revealing way possible… stone-cold naked, right in front of Ichigo. And Ichigo is so prudent that all he can do is yell at her to put some clothes on.
I love Yoruichi, she’s one of my favorite Bleach characters. Even I can admit that she is a little too casual about nakedness. But Yoruichi isn’t just here to show off that gorgeous body. She’s also in on the rescue of Rukia.
… or so we thought. She is in on it, to be clear, but it ceased being a rescue at the time Ichigo and Rukia ran into each other. Ichigo made his way to the bridge where all the battles are taking place, but not in time to save Ganju’s life; he’s dead, killed by Byakuya Kuchiki. But at least Ichigo is here to save Rukia. Oh, wait! Rukia doesn’t want to be rescued anymore! So, it’s no longer a rescue. Instead, it’s just a bunch of Soul Reapers trying to kill each other.
This might have been the episode where I forever went anti-IchiRuki. When Rukia couldn’t offer a single bit of thanks for Ichigo’s help, and when we got a flashback of her telling Ichigo to “live a few seconds longer,” it made up my mind for good that she wasn’t right for Ichigo. There is someone who is just right for Ichigo, though. She’s currently stuck somewhere in the Soul Society, ignored by the plot for a while now.
Oh, and after Ichigo and Byakuya begin battle, Yoruichi shows up and tries to stop Byakuya. Squad 13 Captain Jushiro Ukitake is just… there, for some reason.
Another fantastic episode. This arc is the best!
Best girl of the episode: Yoruichi (she’s finally turned to the female side, so she can start earning points!)
Episode rating: 9/10
Tommy A. Phillips 