Bleach episode 54 review

It always rubbed me the wrong way that Rukia seemed so ungrateful for Ichigo’s rescuing her. But in reality, she wasn’t really all that ungrateful – she just wanted Ichigo to survive. And here’s the thing I never realized after all these years – Ichigo didn’t even save Rukia!

At least not on his own, that is. Ichigo holds back the Sokyoku from hitting Rukia once, so he gets credit for a “save” like a hockey goalie. But he gave up a juicy rebound and the Sokyoku hits Rukia with another shot. This time, the defensemen break up the shot before it reaches the goaltender. Ukitake and Shunsui do the real “saving” of Rukia by their elaborate plan to corral the Sokyoku. So, the correct answer of “who saved Rukia” is Ichigo, Ukitake, Shunsui, and Renji, who Ichigo threw Rukia to in order to escape.

There’s a bit of a tease with Kenpachi Zaraki’s battle with Sajin Komamura, and Yachiru telling Orihime & pals that “Ichi is my Kenny’s new best friend!” It’s a lighthearted scene that fits perfectly in here. This show is just unbelievably good at this point. You know what they call three consecutive strikes in bowling? A turkey. This episode completes the turkey.

Best girl of the episode: Rukia (14)

Episode rating: 10/10

Bleach episode 53 review

Oh, is this getting good! In this episode, Kaname Tosen uses his sense of “justice” to take away two of Kenpachi Zaraki’s senses… sight and sound. But he can’t eliminate Zaraki’s ability to touch, and that leads to his downfall. In one of the best fights of this arc, Zaraki defeats Tosen and advances to the next round in the bracket to face Sajin Komamura, who is revealed to be a wolf (not a fox, as I once thought).

Meanwhile, Gin taunts Rukia and breaks her resolve, meaning that she got her hopes up for a second before getting them burst like a bubble. Ichigo is still training, while Renji is being healed by Hanataro after Retsu Unohana saved him. Oh my, this is all so good. This is Bleach at its best. And it’s not going to lose any steam for a while. Enjoy the ride.

Best girl of the episode: Rukia (13) (Unohana would have won had she gotten more screen time)

Episode rating: 10/10

Bleach episode 52 review

The legendary Bleach episodes begin now! We get Byakuya vs. Renji, which is so much cooler if you’re watching this cold like I was back in 2007. I didn’t know that Renji was set up to be “The Biggest Loser” throughout the series. I actually bought into his Bankai and his increased power and skills. I thought he actually stood a chance. So, when Byakuya again and again and again defeated him, it really felt like it was over for Renji. It also felt like it was over for Rukia, especially as Gin Ichimaru shows up to speed up the execution.

This episode had it all: a great fight, some introspection, lots of courage, lots of willpower, brilliant animation, the right music, the best characters getting all the screen time… it was Bleach‘s first perfect episode. There are plenty more of these to come, and soon.

Best girl of the episode: Rukia (12, back into the lead!)

Episode rating: 10/10

Bleach episode 51 review

To recap:

Good guys: Squad 11, including “this is easier than my morning exercises” Kenpachi Zaraki

Bad guys: Squad 7 & 9, including the one with the least blood shed, Kaname Tosen

It’s clear at this point that we are in all-out civil war in the Gotei 13. It’s just what Aizen wanted, as I keep saying, but some of this isn’t exactly all that threatening. For example, Kenpachi vs. the Captains & Lieutenants of Squads 7 and 9. Kenpachi just wants to fight for the heck of it, and it’s those guys who are taking this so seriously. It’s all just a game to Kenpachi, or his morning exercises, so to speak.

And as Soi Fon talks with Omaeda (ship!) and Nanao talks with Shunsui (would have shipped until I found out…), the Soul Society creeps closer to the execution. Will Ichigo make it in time? He still has to reach Bankai. This is so much fun. And it’s only going to get better.

Best girl of the episode: Yachiru (8) (her antics in this episode were absolutely hilarious)

Episode rating: 9/10