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Bleach 248: Now you feel like Number One

Bleach episode 248 review

Muramasa’s true goal is revealed: he wants to awaken a Soul Reaper named Koga, which he will accomplish by terrorizing Karakura Town, which of course is yet again the center of the universe. Muramasa goes off there, but not before running into Orihime, Chad, and Uryu, who finally make appearances in this arc. And of course Orihime heals Muramasa, because why not? She just can’t help herself.

Ichigo & pals now need to escape Muramasa’s lair, which predictably involves Ichigo launching an all-out attack with “Number One” playing in the background. Yoruichi is still dealing with Haineko and Momo’s Zanpakuto, which seems like a sideshow at this point. And this incredibly jumbled plot continues on. It just doesn’t make sense, except for Old Man Yama acting like an idiot. Now that part makes a lot of sense.

Best girl of the episode: Orihime (38) (edging out Yoruichi)

Episode rating: 6/10

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Bleach 246: Not… much… happened

Bleach episode 246 review

I’m stealing catch phrases from our podcast because there’s nothing else to say. We find out where Byakuya and Muramasa are hiding, and then several Soul Reapers (including Yoruichi and Ichigo) go to find him. And that’s pretty much about it.

Sure, we find out that Old Man Yama is down there with them, and Ukitake and Shunsui meet their Zanpakutos, but come on, there’s got to be more to this episode than this. But there isn’t, and thus this episode feels like a wasted opportunity. Gotta pad things out in order to burn more time.

Best girl of the episode: Yoruichi (15) (the sixth girl to make it to 15)

Episode rating: 5/10

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Bleach 245: Running from poison gas

Bleach episode 245 review

Lots of stuff happens in this episode. Soi Fon defeats Suzumebachi, with a rescue from Yoruichi. Kenpachi fights Byakuya, with the official result of the battle being a “no contest” when Byakuya ups and leaves. And other characters are, that’s right, running from poison gas.

The poison gas in question is coming from Mayuri’s Zanpakuto. Eventually it gets stopped, but not before Mayuri and Retsu Unohana have a staredown of the ages. Lots of funny moments in this one, including Ichigo being threatened with a giant needle by Mayuri before Retsu says it won’t be necessary. A good episode and a lot better than what we got last episode.

Best girl of the episode: Soi Fon (20) (fourth girl to hit 20 wins)

Episode rating: 7/10

anime

Bleach 244: Kenny vs. Big Bro

Bleach episode 244 review

Kenpachi shows up on the scene, and naturally that means controlled chaos. He’s going to face off with Byakuya, in a meeting of men we’ve always been wishing for. Who knows which way this battle is going, but then again, when has Kenpachi ever lost a battle?

Aside from that, there’s not much to write home about. I mean, Yumichika continues to have fashion arguments with his Zanpakuto, and Soi Fon has chosen a different site for her battle against her Zanpakuto. Just a mediocre episode overall.

Best girl of the episode: Yachiru (17)

Episode rating: 5/10