Bleach episode 306 review

Don Kanonji shows up. I’m not even kidding you, Don Kanonji shows up. Against *Aizen* of all people. And Aizen shows great mercy in not killing him, but rather takes his time before Kanonji finally figures out that this ain’t no game. Then Rangiku shows up to fight Gin, and she *convinces* Kanonji to take off running with Tatsuki, because she is going to beat him up if Aizen doesn’t kill him first.

Ichigo also fights Hollow Ichigo, but no one really cares about that right now. Instead, the focus is all on Rangiku vs. Gin, and how that’s going to shake out. Honestly, Rangiku should be like Mr. McMahon and stand “no chance in hell” against Gin. In fact, Gin should come out strutting like Mr. McMahon with that song blaring. What a bizarre episode.

Best girl of the episode: Rangiku (37) (does she have enough in the tank to catch Orihime for 2nd?)

Episode rating: 7/10

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

Bleach episode 304 review

It’s a Halloween themed episode, just in time for… Halloween! I don’t know if this is a coincidence or not – my opinion is that it’s not – but it’s perfect timing for this episode, which sees all of Ichigo’s friends taking on spooky roles as Ichigo relives another dream sequence.

This time, there isn’t even a bit of seriousness to the story; it’s all laughs. And the biggest laugh comes at the end of the episode, when it’s revealed that all this is the dream of… Sajin Komamura?!! Seriously, the wolf/dog/fox?! This one works well thanks to the silliness of everything and the decision to not take anything serious one bit. I loved it. Good job with this filler. Now, could we please get some good serious episodes for a change?

Best girl of the episode: Rukia (57) (as a succubus there only to argue with Ichigo)

Episode rating: 8/10

Bleach episode 303 review

The Men and Women Soul Reapers’ Associations get into an argument with each other over practically nothing, so they decide to settle matters by playing a game of… karuta. That’s right, the game they play in the series Chihayafuru. While there’s no way I’ll ever understand it, I imagine I could learn how the game is played if I studied hard enough. But for now, it remains to me like cricket, something that looks impossible to “get.”

After some wacky antics including Soi Fon using her Bankai just to get the Yoruichi “black cat” card, we get a second half of this “Happy New Year” episode where Orihime gets to have a happy new year with Rukia and pals. It’s really boring and not even all that heartwarming. But whatever, we’re stalling for time here. What’s next, a Halloween episode? Anything to buy time for the series to return.

Best girl of the episode: Nanao (8) (Really really hard one, because so many girls had big roles in this episode. In the end I have to give it to the one who was most passionate about the karuta game.)

Episode rating: 7/10