Bleach episode 9 review

It’s hard to take anything related to Ichigo’s mother seriously when the entire story of her life gets retold in Thousand Year Blood War. So, when Ichigo fights Grand Fisher who killed his mother, I’m almost rolling my eyes at the situation. No, Ichigo, you didn’t cause your mother’s death. You see, your father was a Soul Reaper, your mother was a Quincy…

The fight was pretty cool, but given that it ended in a stalemate, something feels missing. Obviously we’re just buying time for Ichigo to fight him a second time. He better hurry up and do it, because Rukia is going to be in hot water in no time!

Best girl of the episode: Rukia (4)

Episode rating: 7/10

Bleach episode 8 review

Ichigo & his family are going to visit their mother’s grave when chaos ensues. That chaos doesn’t even include Karin kicking Isshin like any good daughter would. As it turns out, a Hollow attacks his family, and a random Soul Reaper confronts Rukia. This is the first sign we have that Rukia is in deep, deep trouble with the Soul Society.

Otherwise, the rest of this episode is simply Ichigo beating himself up for his mother’s death, which gets totally retconned in Thousand-Year Blood War. I have a hard time taking anything serious involving Ichigo’s parents because of the major retcons that occur there. Overall, just an average episode, not great though not really bad either.

Best girl of the episode: Karin Kurosaki

Episode rating: 6/10

Bleach episode 7 review

So, Ichigo’s body goes ahead and helps save some kids. Kisuke Urahara (aka Mr. Hat & Clogs) shows up to take his defective modsoul body back, but after hearing Ichigo’s body’s plea, Ichigo the Soul Reaper begs for the modsoul to be saved. Rukia then steps in and takes back the modsoul herself. Ichigo then names the modsoul “Kon,” appropriately giving Bleach its mascot.

Not exactly an episode with a lot to write home about, but there are some great scenes with Tatsuki (whom I love) imagining herself as a martial arts champion, and Orihime (you know already how much I love her) imagining herself as a robot. It’ll be interesting to keep track of how Orihime changes from being Usagi Tsukino (literally) to becoming the strong woman she is by the time Thousand Year Blood War rolls around. Oh, and Rukia might be in some trouble with the Soul Society. News at 11.

Best girl of the episode: Tatsuki (2), although this one was really tough between her, Rukia, and Orihime

Episode rating: 7/10

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Rukia goes to the Urahara Shop where we meet Mr. Hat & Clogs. He sells her a gigai for Ichigo, but as it turns out, it’s a defective product, damaged goods. It’s apparently all poor Ururu’s fault.

At no fault of her own, Rukia uses the gigai on Ichigo to help him go fight a random Hollow. In the meantime, Ichigo’s body is now acting bizarre, trying to make love to Orihi- wait a minute, I’m all for this! Ichigo’s body kissing Orihime’s hand… oh do I wish I could have screenshotted the whole thing!

Anyway, this episode becomes hilarious once Soul Reaper Ichigo starts fighting Gigai Ichigo. Tatsuki, who was already enraged over Gigai’s actions earlier, just becomes madder and madder until she’s burning in rage. It’s her rage that makes much of this episode absolutely hilarious. That, and Gigai seemingly kicking and punching thin air right in front of all the students, as he actually is battling Soul Reaper Ichigo.

You’ll get a kick out of this episode even if you don’t understand Bleach. This is humor at its finest.

Best girl of the episode: Tatsuki Arisawa

Episode rating: 9/10