Bleach episode 52 review

The legendary Bleach episodes begin now! We get Byakuya vs. Renji, which is so much cooler if you’re watching this cold like I was back in 2007. I didn’t know that Renji was set up to be “The Biggest Loser” throughout the series. I actually bought into his Bankai and his increased power and skills. I thought he actually stood a chance. So, when Byakuya again and again and again defeated him, it really felt like it was over for Renji. It also felt like it was over for Rukia, especially as Gin Ichimaru shows up to speed up the execution.

This episode had it all: a great fight, some introspection, lots of courage, lots of willpower, brilliant animation, the right music, the best characters getting all the screen time… it was Bleach‘s first perfect episode. There are plenty more of these to come, and soon.

Best girl of the episode: Rukia (12, back into the lead!)

Episode rating: 10/10

Bleach episode 51 review

To recap:

Good guys: Squad 11, including “this is easier than my morning exercises” Kenpachi Zaraki

Bad guys: Squad 7 & 9, including the one with the least blood shed, Kaname Tosen

It’s clear at this point that we are in all-out civil war in the Gotei 13. It’s just what Aizen wanted, as I keep saying, but some of this isn’t exactly all that threatening. For example, Kenpachi vs. the Captains & Lieutenants of Squads 7 and 9. Kenpachi just wants to fight for the heck of it, and it’s those guys who are taking this so seriously. It’s all just a game to Kenpachi, or his morning exercises, so to speak.

And as Soi Fon talks with Omaeda (ship!) and Nanao talks with Shunsui (would have shipped until I found out…), the Soul Society creeps closer to the execution. Will Ichigo make it in time? He still has to reach Bankai. This is so much fun. And it’s only going to get better.

Best girl of the episode: Yachiru (8) (her antics in this episode were absolutely hilarious)

Episode rating: 9/10

Bleach episode 49 review

We get the real story of why Rukia “killed” Kaien. All she was doing was ending his suffering after his body had been taken over by a Hollow. Chances are, had she spelled this out to Ganju, there wouldn’t have been a problem. But Rukia technically “killed” Kaien, if you can even call it that.

This episode is almost entirely a flashback devoted to the purpose of explaining that story and maybe giving a little development time to Rukia and Ukitake. Not exactly my favorite, but I’ll take it if it serves up on a platter the episodes to come.

Best girl of the episode: Rukia (11)

Episode rating: 6/10

Bleach episode 48 review

Toshiro & Gin go at it, as Toshiro wonders how much of that letter by Aizen was forged. It’s a great battle, and it ends with Rangiku coming out of nowhere to save Momo’s life. The confusion within the Soul Society is at an all-time high, but it’s going to get even higher soon. It’s just what Aizen wanted.

Meanwhile, Renji shows up at Yoruichi’s training grounds and says, “Yeah, I’m training with Ichigo!” So now the two of them train, while the message comes in that Rukia’s execution has been moved up to tomorrow. This is a reflection on how bad the leadership is coming from Old Man Yamamoto. This situation coupled with his flat-out stupidity in TYBW makes me think that the Soul Society could not have possibly picked a worse Head Captain. Even Shunsui could do a better job.

Some of the best episodes in all of Bleach are coming up this week. Buckle up.

Best girl of the episode: Rangiku Matsumoto (2)

Episode rating: 9/10