Bleach episode 217 review

I am not even exaggerating when I tell you that this entire episode consisted of Yumichika and the one Fraccione just calling each other ugly for 20 minutes straight. It was an old joke about 10 seconds after it was used the first time, and by a minute in, it was already ancient. Yet they’re still calling each other ugly up till the last attack by Yumichika. Of course he wins. And of course he gets another embarrassing moment, this time being a toadstool instead of being Iron Chef Yumichika.

Since no female character showed up in the episode proper, I’m going with Rangiku for her appearance in the post-credits scene, where she bowls over Ichigo with all the bags of stuff she’s been buying in the World of the Living (TM).

Best girl of the episode: Rangiku (26)

Episode rating: 5/10

Bleach episode 216 review

In this episode, Marechiyo Omaeda lets out the biggest WHAT yet in Bleach history. And it’s not even over a surprise attack by his enemy! Rather, it’s because four of his teammates showed up on the scene. Like, what did you expect? Did you actually think they were just going to chill at home? I guess he did, and a big fuss is made about it.

Otherwise, there’s not too much progress made here. Aizen is “trapped” in Old Man Yama’s fire, and the minor Espada have to fight for him. These include King Barragan, a KINO (King in Name Only). While Barragan gets ready to fight, Ichigo is off chasing after Ulquiorra in an attempt to “save” Orihime. Yo, Ichigo, why didn’t you just protect her while you had her? Instead, we’re back to square one when it comes to saving her. It feels like the entire prior Hueco Mundo arc was a complete wash. All we got out of it was the 100-year death of Szayelaporro.

Best girl of the episode: Soi Fon (13)

Episode rating: 6/10

Bleach episode 215 review

Ulquiorra re-captures Orihime and tries to talk her into despair. Instead, Orihime just shoots him down and gives him no opportunity to hurt her. Orihime > Ulquiorra. Oh, and Poop > UlquiHime. Just to make that clear.

Old Man Yama shows off his shikai in an attempt to make Aizen flinch. Of course, it doesn’t. So now the rest of the Soul Society is ready to take on Aizen, with the caveat that this isn’t the real Karakura Town, but rather a fake one created by Kisuke Urahara. Presumably for the reason that they didn’t want any casualties on the ground. Nice of Mr. Hat & Clogs thinking of them.

While I hate Ulquiorra with every fiber of my being, it wasn’t all that bad of an episode.

Best girl of the episode: Orihime (37)

Episode rating: 7/10

Bleach episode 214 review

This is the end of the filler, and out with it goes all the refreshing humor that we got through these two episodes. This one wasn’t quite as funny as the last one, but it was still entertaining, as Kon was forced to deal with an Arrancar who showed up out of nowhere and caused trouble. Insert Don Kanonji, Tatsuki, and a stunning starring role by Chizuru, and you’re left with an episode full of laughs and bizarreness.

When you want to do “bizarre,” this is the way to do it, not turning your show into an episode of FLCL. I appreciate Bleach’s decision to go this way for this two-episode break from the grim reality that is the invasion of Karakura Town.

Best girl of the episode: Chizuru (2)

Episode rating: 7/10