Bleach: Episode 116
Rating: 9.6/10
Impressions:
Well, if anyone’s wondering, no, I did not give up blogging, and I did not die. My computer failed and I had to get it fixed, which took a long few days. But now I’m back and everything should be fine! Ok, onto Bleach! (sorry I’m a day late…sigh now I have heaps of blogging to catch up with!) Once again, the quality of this show surprises me. It must have been me getting used to the crap quality of the fillers, as Bleach is looking more like the manga, as it should be. Also, this episode covers two and a third chapters of manga, retaining the ‘two and a bit manga chapters’ to ‘one episode of anime’ ratio quite nicely.
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I really like the distortion effect used when Inoue recalls her encounter with Ichigo an Rukia a short while ago. I have no idea what its called, but it really resembles what a real memory or dream should look like in my opinion. However, it isn’t used in a second flashback, though I don’t know why. Perhaps it’s to emphasize that Inoue’s mind has calmed. |
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Anyway, this episode effectively combines the signature Bleach-style comedy, heavy emotional development, as well as the advancement of the plot and an insight into the enemy (aka Aizen and the Arrancar). The manga is being followed very closely now, and the awesomeness of the printed form can be seen now. Hopefully, there will be little fillers too. |
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The emotional development part of this episode focuses on Inoue, as she has basically become the ‘main’ girl, as Rukia becomes during the earlier Soul Society arc. And is it a shock that Orihime likes Ichigo? I think it’s a bit late in showing that, but of course, that feeling derives after watching 40 or so episodes of mediocre fillers. |
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The little conversation between Inoue and Rangiku shows that the female vice-captain is not all playful, flirty and perhaps airheaded. I guess most people have a sentimental side to them regardless of their outward appearances and actions. However, Inoue’s troubles have no less been solved. She’s still got a way to go in terms of development. |
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A few other people are in a phase of semi-depression it seems: Chad and Tatsuki. Chad is the one who used to fight side by side with Ichigo, and now he’s really just a nuissance in the way, who can’t keep up with his comrade. This is sure to make him feel useless and incompetent, not to mention unable to keep his promise of fighting for Ichigo and vice versa. |
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On the other hand, Tatsuki is the bystander who still doesn’t know what’s going on. What would you think if you saw a friend in a black robe with a sword, and hideous monsters on the loose? It would certainly be pretty disturbing, and not to mention not being let in on something that involves those you know is pretty frustrating. |
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This episode, another main antagonist is introduced: Grimmjaw. I find him to be the typical punk/thug with an attitude. He sure has the looks to suit. However, this isn’t necessarily a bad thing, as his attitude would pretty much match with Ichigo’s, except worse, and a fight between the two would be pretty interesting, not to mention a verbal fight between the two. |
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Next up, it’s time for another Shinigami vs Arrancar battle, and this time, on a much larger scale. With the recent arrival of the Shinigami from Soul Society, and the fact that the new Arrancar are to seek out and kill anyone with reiatsu means the two groups clashing is inevitable. And with the display of power, the upcoming episodes should be a treat! |
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I think it’s about time Rukia shows us some real action now, and that’s exactly what she’s going to do in episodes to come as it seems. And even though Rukia isn’t a ranked soldier, she definitely has some sweet moves. Perhaps some of you have already seen it in the Bleach OAV (Sealed Sword Frenzy, I think), though I haven’t myself. |
Preview:
Next episode – #117
Shinigami vs Arrancar!
Popularity: 26% [?]
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Shakugan no Shana anyone with the torch-shaped reiatsu blobs?
Orihime crying while Praising Rukia?
Rukia winning an oscar for her performance? …followed by the funniest thumbs up I’ve seen in Bleach.
I fucking came.
You knew didn’t you, Danny? You were thinking, “Shaunz is going to die when he watches this ep from overhappiness”.
i think you’re preview pics are from another episode?….
meanwhile, so happy that bleach is back to manga and more bankai fun in the future that i fell sick
acegunner: yeah, i got the same feeling from when the arrancar were sensing the reiatsu of the people in the vicinity
Darkshaunz: lol just like you! xD
titus: yeah thanks, its fixed now…i think
The music is continuing to kick all sorts of ass. From that Spanish-themed tune in the scene where Grimmjow questions Ulquiorra and makes fun of Yammi to that theme near the end where Grimmjow is telling the arrancar to kill anyone with any shred of reiatsu…really made this episode all the more awesome.
Not quite sure if this is just made up by the fandoms, but I’ve caught whispers floating around about Show Spoiler ▼
Personally, I would remember something that significant, so I think it’s false. But in a way, it would make sense. Seeing as how Rukia Show Spoiler ▼
And I’m seriously about to shoot Kubo for getting my hopes up. Show Spoiler ▼
brian yeah, the music has vastly improved and I’m loving it!
Vitiates, im pretty sure that that is in fact true (i remember it at least), and for the last spoiler, u mean the shock reappearance of ‘that’ guy? (and i take it he’s a fake, since i havent read the latest chapter yet)