Bleach episode 19 review

Byakuya not only refuses to release his sister, he proudly boasts that this will be the final time he speaks to her, and says the next time he will see her is her execution. Some brother that is. Rukia goes into damsel in distress mode and gives up on life. This is probably the point in the series that I pivoted from Rukia to Orihime.

We see Orihime and Chad training with cat-form Yoruichi, and I’m saddened by the fact that Orihime’s always hanging around Chad and not her OTP. There’s a reason for it today, though. Ichigo is in training himself, and after a long struggle, Ichigo meets his zanpakuto (no name given yet) and finally becomes both a Soul Reaper and a Hollow of sorts, as you can see by his mask.

Not much to write home about in this episode. I hate training arcs.

Best girl of the episode: Orihime (5)

Episode rating: 6/10

Bleach episode 18 review

Oh, Rukia. Your cheekiness in prison won me over during this training episode. At first, it looked like we were on our way to a swimsuit episode, with Keigo wanting to go to the beach. But instead, Ichigo goes off to train with Mr. Hat & Clogs, Orihime and Chad go off to train with cat-form Yoruichi, and the Quincy Uryu goes camping by himself.

So, just training, right? Nope, there’s a scene that makes it all worthwhile. We have never seen inside the Soul Society yet in Bleach history. This is our first look at it. Rukia is imprisoned, and Renji goes to check on her. You can cut the romantic tension between the two with a zanpakuto. Rukia has the upper hand on Renji even though she’s locked away. It’s fantastic stuff, watching the two of them go at it like this.

But we learn that Byakuya hates Rukia, and that Hanataro Yamada is useless. Both of those facts are going to come into play, once Ichigo’s finished fighting Ururu or whatever nonsense Urahara has him going on right now.

Best girl of the episode: Rukia (9) I wanted to give it to Orihime, but Rukia’s scene just stole the show.

Episode rating: 8/10

Bleach episode 17 review

Ichigo recovers from his wounds from Renji’s attack, then goes after Renji, only to have Byakuya flash-step him and destroy his zanpakuto. Then Rukia realizes that we need a damsel in distress, so she pretty much gives up on life and decides that she will go face her fate in the Soul Society. Byakuya and Renji take her away, and Rukia will soon be on death row.

Tessai and Mr. Hat & Clogs save Ichigo, though, and Kisuke tells Ichigo that it’ll take a month for Rukia to be executed. So, train for ten days, take seven days to get into the Soul Society, and then they’ll have about two weeks to save Rukia. Time is of the essence!

Not a terribly exciting episode, actually. The one part where Ichigo strikes back is quickly taken away by Byakuya’s ease in defeating him. Which I’m totally okay with, don’t get me wrong. Ichigo should look weak at this time. But this battle just isn’t nearly as entertaining as the ones will be in which Ichigo does have power.

Best girl of the episode: Rukia (8), though I wasn’t impressed with her, she was just the only option

Episode rating: 7/10

Bleach episode 16 review

RenRuki? Really? Yes, it’s here, even in this episode.

We see Renji and Rukia talk to each other for the very first time, and obviously it’s not so kind. But it’s clear from the start that Renji won’t do much damage to Rukia. Oh, sure, he gives her a couple cuts, but he holds back to make sure he doesn’t really hurt her. The time will come, Renji, when that girl you’re fighting will start popping out your offspring!

Rukia tried to do whatever she could to stop Ichigo from getting involved. Mission accomplished, if you’re President and standing on a Navy aircraft carrier. Not only does Ichigo get involved, but so does the Quincy Uryu. And now we’re in big trouble, because Renji has taken down Rukia, Uryu, and Ichigo with little resistance. Meanwhile, Byakuya stands and watches. He’s like Saul watching the Pharisees stone Stephen to death. And he even has a coat.

This was the perfect introduction to Renji, and an even more perfect introduction to actual battles in this show. Now we finally have stakes. Ichigo, Rukia, and Uryu’s lives are all officially on the line. These battles are going to get bigger and better. Byakuya even mentioned “Hueco Mundo,” which I didn’t realize existed as a concept at this point in the story. Oh, boy, are we in for some fun. Get your seatbelt on, because this is the start of something wonderful.

Best girl of the episode: Rukia (7)

Episode rating: 9/10