Bleach episode 99 review

In the least surprising development ever, Kariya uses the Kusajishi crew to open up the gate for him, then he throws them away and calls them pawns. Great, Kariya, but did you know what pawns turn into? Queens.

And here’s our queen, Soi Fon, “sadi rani.” She is furious as ever, trying to keep the ryoka out of the Seireitei. Meanwhile, at the Captains’ meeting, Mayuri lays into Toshiro, then Shunsui lays into Mayuri. Good, the Captains are turning on each other again. This couldn’t possibly go wrong.

While Ichigo, Chad, and Renji are running aimlessly through the Seireitei, guided by their modsouls, Soi Fon gathers her punishment force together, and suddenly is hit by a poison dart. You can’t do this to my Captain, my Bleach queen. Fortunately, I know that Soi Fon is clothed in plot armor, since she’s a woman and Tite Kubo hates killing off female characters. Oh, and this is filler anyway.

Best girl of the episode: Soi Fon (6)

Episode rating: 7/10

Bleach episode 98 review

Maki fights against Kenpachi, and they exchange more “You haven’t changed at all” statements than they actually do sword blows. This battle, which I remember for being great from my original watch, is still pretty good, but not as good as it was back then. Why not? Because back then, I was so desperate for Bleach to be good again that I took anything as being a positive. Now, I’m used to disappointment from Bleach and don’t expect anything great from it. Still, this battle is awfully good.

Kenpachi beats Maki, obviously, and I find it funny that, like with Gremmy in TYBW, Kenpachi gives a lecture as to why his opponent failed. Here, Kenpachi is the biggest brute force guy we’ve ever seen, yet he wins his battles by outsmarting his opponents and being the smarter guy each time. As usual, Kenpachi Zaraki delivers the battle the arc desperately needed. No, it wasn’t a four-star battle like I said the first time around, but it still is better than anything else so far in the Bount arc.

Best girl of the episode: Yachiru (11)

Episode rating: 8/10

Bleach episode 97 review

Uryu makes it clear to Ran Tao that Kariya “betrayed and murdered” Yoshino. What he told her was true, from a certain point of view. In reality, Yoshino betrayed Kariya, who then murdered her. Ran Tao then goes bye-bye for a while. It’s now up to Ichigo & pals to stop the growing mob of poor people who are being used as pawns for Kariya – and not one of those pawns has a chance at promoting to queen.

Toshiro faces Maki, but they don’t even bother to battle. Instead, they exchange some information, and then everyone ends up on their way to come together, right now, over me, or rather in the forest. Meanwhile, Mayuri is off doing research and using a computer. He proves himself to be endearing yet hateable at the same time. It’s amazing how he can pull that off.

This was a setup episode. They’re necessary from time to time, even if they aren’t all that interesting.

Best girl of the episode: Rangiku (9) (for her time with Toshiro and Renji as they tried to get everybody and the stuff together)

Episode rating: 7/10

Bleach episode 96 review

Ichigo fights Kariya, and Byakuya fights him as well, but never together as a team, which would make so much more sense. It’s as if the series is laughing in my face and giving me the finger. You want common sense? No, you’re never going to get it. We have to have one-on-one battles!

Then out of nowhere a Soul Reaper appears. It’s Nanao Ise! Wonderful to see you again, Nanao!

Wait, it’s not? Then why does she look identical to Nanao?

Her name is Ran Tao, and she created the Bounts. And Kariya wants revenge for what the Soul Society has done to the Bounts. Long story short, Kariya flees the battle scene, because we haven’t padded out enough time in the anime yet. Then Ran Tao tells her story to Byakuya and Ichigo.

It felt like this whole Kariya fight was a waste… because it was. Nothing really happened in it. In the end, we’re back to Square One, which I hear was a pretty good defense of Michael Jackson (but that’s for a different blog).

Best girl of the episode: Ran Tao (no choice)

Episode rating: 6/10