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Bleach 95: Tag team

Bleach episode 95 review

So, Byakuya takes on Kariya in a patented one-on-one battle. Byakuya wants revenge for his sister, like any good Big Bro would. Actually, I should say “Brother,” which is Kaho’s way of addressing Wataru in my guilty pleasure Sister Princess, and the way Rukia addresses him.

By the way, if you ever think about watching Sister Princess, forget about it. You won’t like it. There are other ways of enjoying Sister Princess that capture the series so much better, like the games or the books. Finding them is the problem, of course. Luckily, I have found them.

Anyway, Byakuya kind of sort of maybe almost loses to Kariya, so Ichigo swoops in and SAVES him. It’s a tag team battle, and Ichigo tags in for Byakuya. So, I guess we’re getting Ichigo vs. Kariya this early. I thought for sure this thing went a bit longer. How are they going to drag out this fight?

Oh, and Koga (a Bount whose name I can remember!) starts rounding up the victims, the poor people in Kusajishi who want to see the downfall of the Seireitei. In a way, it’s a peek into real life. All the poor people feel jilted by the government, so they gather together behind one candidate for president who they think is going to take care of them. And just like real life, that president (Kariya) is going to toss them aside as worthless pawns and do his own thing. The only difference is that Kariya doesn’t impose any tariffs on Squad 11 or anything. Man, who knew Bleach could be so topical?

Best girl of the episode: Rukia (23) (literally the only thing a female character did in this episode was Rukia waking up, so she had to get it)

Episode rating: 7/10

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Bleach 94: Rukon-guy

Bleach episode 94 review

Something about taking a knife to a fist fight. Jin Kariya shows up in the Rukon District and proceeds to beat up a whole bunch of poor people hanging around in one house. So now we know that Kariya is not just a bad guy, he’s also pretty evil when it comes to the way he treats the poor. But there is no one there to stop him, so he makes his move.

Meanwhile, Byakuya brings Rukia back to his place to rest, while Ichigo & pals meet up with Ganju to go on a trip to the Seireitei. Interestingly, Ichigo uses his flash step to go, while everyone else rides on the backs of boars. No word on whether one of those boars’ heads was given to Inosuke from Demon Slayer.

Oh, and Yachiru swoops in to steal the “Best Girl” title of the day thanks to a scene with Kenpachi. It was between her, Orihime, and Kukaku for the spot, and I can’t let Orihime back in a tie for the top spot just because she talked to a boar. Yachiru is trying to convince Kenpachi Zaraki to get in on the action. You think he’s going to sit this one out?

Best girl of the episode: Yachiru (10) (third place at the moment)

Episode rating: 7/10

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Bleach 93: Brother Dearest

Bleach episode 93 review

So! Rukia goes and fights green-haired Bount, and would lose easily if it hadn’t been for Ririn, who happened to be hanging around. Ririn and Rukia work together to fight green-haired Bount, until said Bount takes a random Rukon District girl hostage. Ririn is forced to take the girl away and let green-haired Bount fight one-on-one with Rukia, because of the Bleach requirement that all battles be one-on-one battles.

Green-haired Bount beats Rukia, and is about to kill her, when her big bro Byakuya Kuchiki swoops in to SAVE her. He uses his Senbonzakura to scatter and temporarily defeat green-haired Bount. However, green-haired Bount is able to get away. Byakuya now has his little sister in his arms, and it’s such a cute onee-chan onii-chan moment. Don’t ask me which one of those is which.

Overall, an entertaining battle, and a good twist in the ending.

Best girl of the episode: Rukia (22) (sole possession of first place)

Episode rating: 8/10

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Bleach 92: Let’s be careful out there

Bleach episode 92 review

It’s the circle of life. Ichigo & pals are back to trying to get into the Soul Society, and the first place they go is Kukaku Shiba’s new home. In an episode where *not* *much* *happened* as it pertains to our heroes, Ichigo & pals get all ready for their second infiltration of the Soul Society, only this time as welcomed guests. And predictably, they all go off in separate directions, because we have to have one-on-one battles.

Also Rangiku reports back to Toshiro and tells him that she completely failed, which unfortunately Toshiro didn’t just answer with a “yep!” Instead, he blames himself – too noble a feat, in my opinion. Oh, and that joke of a Lieutenant Tetsuzaemon Iba gets taken to the woodshed by the Bounts, literally. Omaeda does as well, but not as badly as Iba does. How the heck is Iba even a Lieutenant? He has got to be the most useless Lieutenant, if not the worst. I hate the thought of this guy becoming a Captain. Squad 7 will be in some pretty bad trouble with him at the helm.

Best girl of the episode: Kukaku (3)

Episode rating: 7/10