Bleach episode 363 review

So, we’ve got all these one-on-one battles, and these feel a lot more hopeful than anything from TYBW. It’s amazing what you can do with a little positivity. I’m not saying you should never have dark stuff, of course that’s okay. But don’t lose the plot and eliminate lighthearted moments or remarks. TYBW is all dark all the time. This Bleach at least lets us get behind our characters and cheer them on, rather than dreading their deaths.

Anyway, the most interesting part of this is Renji refusing to fight Jackie because she’s a woman, and then Renji trying to save her life when she is considered disposable by the other Fullbringers. I appreciate that Renji tried to rescue her like the way he rescued Rukia, though I wonder if this is part of Tite Kubo’s rule that no female characters ever die (except maybe Lilynette?). We’ll see if Jackie survives or joins Lilynette in the very small list of killed-off female characters.

Best girl of the episode: Jackie (2) (although Yachiru nearly stole that award early on with her cute interactions with Kenpachi)

Episode rating: 7/10

Bleach episode 362 review

It occurred to me that I’ve been spelling Ginjo’s name wrong, so I apologize for that. Anyway, Ichigo goes off on him now that he’s acquired his powers back from the Soul Reapers. Ichigo asks the question everyone is asking, why is it okay for them to give him powers now after it nearly cost Rukia’s life as punishment the first time around? They answer, because Old Man Yama said so. And that is that.

Orihime shows up, and she starts imagining all the great times she and Tsukishima had together. It’s almost moe. She starts wondering why everyone isn’t fighting against Ichigo. Chad shows up too, and he and Orihime start having doubts about all these (false) memories. Then they get knocked out and Kisuke Urahara shows up and just takes them away.

Then the other Fullbringers show up, and they want in on the action. Yes, they were bad guys all along. And now video game Fullbring guy uses his powers to send every Fullbringer and one Soul Reaper each to their own world. In other words, maximum one-on-one battles. It was as shameless as a one-on-one battle promotion as I’ve ever seen in the history of Bleach, and that’s saying a lot.

The most awesome moment comes when the Time Fullbringer starts talking about time, and he’s going on and on about it, and suddenly his opponent, Kenpachi, just slices him in half. It’s hilarious. That was the best part of a solid episode.

Best girl of the episode: Orihime (58)

Episode rating: 8/10

Bleach episode 361 review

Al Michaels may be calling his final Christmas game tonight, and in honor of that, well, I don’t really have anything else to offer besides the post title. Anyway, there’s more of the same with Ichigo finding out that all his friends have been infected, that Jinto really was a bad guy after all, and that he’s pretty much doomed.

And then… they show up. Rukia, Renji, Byakuya, Toshiro, Kenpachi. Even Ikkaku for some reason. They show up to save the day and rescue Ichigo by giving him back his Soul Reaper powers. And now Tsukishima and Jinto are in a real world of hurt. This ought to be good. For once, I’m feeling good about this arc.

Best girl of the episode: Rukia (67)

Episode rating: 8/10

Bleach episode 360 review

If it wasn’t enough for Tsukishima to have turned all of Ichigo’s friends and all of Jinto’s friends against him, now he might have a hold on Uryu. Proving that Uryu being a traitor was old hat by the time TYBW rolled around. The Quincy Uryu may not be the bad guy, though! That person might be none other than… Jinto!

So, if Jinto is really the bad guy, that means he faked being a good guy, then faked being a good guy faking to be a bad guy, and now faked being a good guy again. Please tell me how this makes any sense. In any case, Ichigo’s in a boatload of trouble.

Best girl of the episode: Orihime (57)

Episode rating: 6/10