Bleach episode 96 review

Ichigo fights Kariya, and Byakuya fights him as well, but never together as a team, which would make so much more sense. It’s as if the series is laughing in my face and giving me the finger. You want common sense? No, you’re never going to get it. We have to have one-on-one battles!

Then out of nowhere a Soul Reaper appears. It’s Nanao Ise! Wonderful to see you again, Nanao!

Wait, it’s not? Then why does she look identical to Nanao?

Her name is Ran Tao, and she created the Bounts. And Kariya wants revenge for what the Soul Society has done to the Bounts. Long story short, Kariya flees the battle scene, because we haven’t padded out enough time in the anime yet. Then Ran Tao tells her story to Byakuya and Ichigo.

It felt like this whole Kariya fight was a waste… because it was. Nothing really happened in it. In the end, we’re back to Square One, which I hear was a pretty good defense of Michael Jackson (but that’s for a different blog).

Best girl of the episode: Ran Tao (no choice)

Episode rating: 6/10

Bleach episode 95 review

By the way, if you ever think about watching Sister Princess, forget about it. You won’t like it. There are other ways of enjoying Sister Princess that capture the series so much better, like the games or the books. Finding them is the problem, of course. Luckily, I have found them.

Anyway, Byakuya kind of sort of maybe almost loses to Kariya, so Ichigo swoops in and SAVES him. It’s a tag team battle, and Ichigo tags in for Byakuya. So, I guess we’re getting Ichigo vs. Kariya this early. I thought for sure this thing went a bit longer. How are they going to drag out this fight?

Oh, and Koga (a Bount whose name I can remember!) starts rounding up the victims, the poor people in Kusajishi who want to see the downfall of the Seireitei. In a way, it’s a peek into real life. All the poor people feel jilted by the government, so they gather together behind one candidate for president who they think is going to take care of them. And just like real life, that president (Kariya) is going to toss them aside as worthless pawns and do his own thing. The only difference is that Kariya doesn’t impose any tariffs on Squad 11 or anything. Man, who knew Bleach could be so topical?

Best girl of the episode: Rukia (23) (literally the only thing a female character did in this episode was Rukia waking up, so she had to get it)

Episode rating: 7/10

Bleach episode 94 review

Something about taking a knife to a fist fight. Jin Kariya shows up in the Rukon District and proceeds to beat up a whole bunch of poor people hanging around in one house. So now we know that Kariya is not just a bad guy, he’s also pretty evil when it comes to the way he treats the poor. But there is no one there to stop him, so he makes his move.

Meanwhile, Byakuya brings Rukia back to his place to rest, while Ichigo & pals meet up with Ganju to go on a trip to the Seireitei. Interestingly, Ichigo uses his flash step to go, while everyone else rides on the backs of boars. No word on whether one of those boars’ heads was given to Inosuke from Demon Slayer.

Oh, and Yachiru swoops in to steal the “Best Girl” title of the day thanks to a scene with Kenpachi. It was between her, Orihime, and Kukaku for the spot, and I can’t let Orihime back in a tie for the top spot just because she talked to a boar. Yachiru is trying to convince Kenpachi Zaraki to get in on the action. You think he’s going to sit this one out?

Best girl of the episode: Yachiru (10) (third place at the moment)

Episode rating: 7/10

Bleach episode 93 review

So! Rukia goes and fights green-haired Bount, and would lose easily if it hadn’t been for Ririn, who happened to be hanging around. Ririn and Rukia work together to fight green-haired Bount, until said Bount takes a random Rukon District girl hostage. Ririn is forced to take the girl away and let green-haired Bount fight one-on-one with Rukia, because of the Bleach requirement that all battles be one-on-one battles.

Green-haired Bount beats Rukia, and is about to kill her, when her big bro Byakuya Kuchiki swoops in to SAVE her. He uses his Senbonzakura to scatter and temporarily defeat green-haired Bount. However, green-haired Bount is able to get away. Byakuya now has his little sister in his arms, and it’s such a cute onee-chan onii-chan moment. Don’t ask me which one of those is which.

Overall, an entertaining battle, and a good twist in the ending.

Best girl of the episode: Rukia (22) (sole possession of first place)

Episode rating: 8/10