Bleach episode 14 review

What’s this? An Uryu that I not only don’t dislike, but actually like? What in the world did they do to him in Thousand Year Blood War? This episode brings back all the memories that I had lost of the Quincy Uryu actually being a pretty nice guy and a heroic one and a brave one and a… yeah, this Uryu Ishida is worth cheering for.

Meanwhile, Ichigo takes on the Menos Grande, which is a small fry compared to what he will be fighting 300 episodes from now. Uryu tries to help, but he can’t assist in the attack. However, he is able to help heal Ichigo after the Soul Reaper spills out his spiritual pressure… wait, can we call it that yet?

Also, in the post-credits scene, Kon introduces Byakuya Kuchiki, Captain of Squad 6. Is he important?

Best girl of the episode: Rukia (6)

Episode rating: 8/10

Bleach episode 13 review

We get the introduction of the Shun Shun Rikka, the little fairies that are responsible for Orihime’s powers but get completely forgotten about as characters as the series goes along. Actually, do they ever really do much after this episode? Probably not much.

But this is a fantastic episode, with Chizuru’s antics and Tatsuki trying to protect Orihime, only for Orihime to have to protect Tatsuki. I love Tatsuki, but man, Orihime is next to perfect. Maybe that’s a weakness of the writing, but Orihime is one of those characters no one should hate. Oh, and if I didn’t ship IchiHime, I might ship Orihime x Tatsuki.

Anyway, Orihime learns about her powers, uses them to fight a Hollow, then gets hooked in by Mr. Hat & Clogs along with Chad to find out the truth about the world. Meanwhile, Rukia panics, while Ichigo and Uryu fight each other in their meaningless battle. Seriously, Uryu, just hurry up and join Yhwach already!

Best girl of the episode: Orihime (3)

Episode rating: 9/10

Bleach episode 12 review

So, Uryu challenges Ichigo to a battle – kill more Hollows than the other. Ichigo panics because Hollows in this age are considered an actual threat to him. But while he’s doing that, Tatsuki starts seeing ghosts, and hilariously reacting to them as only she can. (Man, I am falling in love with Tatsuki Arisawa.) And then Chad protects Karin from a Hollow with his big Fullbringer arm. Oops, is that too early to mention?

The best part of this episode is when Tatsuki starts yelling at ghosts while she’s staring right at Orihime. And of course Orihime doesn’t flinch, because she’s almost perfect. Speaking of Orihime, she’s going to get her powers next episode.

The second-best part of this episode is when Chad gives Karin a thumbs up, and Karin is grossed out because it is so lame. Somehow this scene is burned into my brain. Oh, right, this was the first episode of Bleach I ever watched.

Best girl of the episode: Tatsuki (4)

Episode rating: 8/10

Bleach episode 11 review

So, Uryu decides to finally show up and make an appearance. He states himself as Ichigo’s enemy, and he’s not kidding. Of course, Kisuke Urahara tells us a whole bunch of crap about the history of the Quincies (Quincys?), which all gets retconned in Thousand Year Blood War. Then Uryu says, “I challenge you to a duel!” or something similar to Ichigo. So now they’re going to go at it.

I was more amused in this episode with Keigo’s antics, and Tatsuki and Rukia showing up the one teacher who was mad at them for appearing on Don Kanonji’s show. Rukia really put up a great showing, but Tatsuki has won my heart, and she is going to edge out Rukia this time.

Overall, a good but not great episode.

Best girl of the episode: Tatsuki (3)

Episode rating: 7/10