Bleach episode 305 review
If you’re all alone, pick up the phone, and call… Ghost Writers!
In this (filler) episode, Shuhei (otherwise known as 69 Guy) gets chosen to go on a mission with Rangiku. Not explored before today was the idea that Shuhei has a crush on Rangiku. So, that makes this a little surprising, that we’re having a whole episode about Shuhei wanting Rangiku’s attention… while never having established this idea in the history of Bleach up to this point. If I sound repetitive, that’s because I am, on purpose: this whole episode felt out of the blue.
And worse, there are some jokes that never get fulfilled. Shuhei hears Rangiku talking in the hot tub about how she wants him to relax and come in with her, or at least that’s what he thinks he hears. But we never find out if she was really saying those things to him or not. All we get is a quick Hollow battle that eases the tension and finishes the story prematurely.
I wanted to like this episode, but ultimately it falls short because it only tells half a story. We get that Shuhei has a crush on Rangiku; we never get a sign that Rangiku either rejects him or actually likes him. Instead, we just run out of time in the episode. And there’s no sequel to this episode; next episode is back to canon. So, we have a huge opportunity missed, as if the writers came up with a 2-episode arc and just stopped it after the first half. Oh well, at least now I think I ship Shuhei x Rangiku!
Best girl of the episode: Rangiku (36) (could it be anyone else?)
Episode rating: 6/10
Tommy A. Phillips 