Bleach - Anime Disscussion (Spoilers)

[Baerbel Haddrell]

Re: Bleach - 206 (Spoilers)

My brother came over to visit from Germany and I introduced him to Bleach. He had no experience whatsoever with Japanese Anime and I was curious what he thinks. He didn`t become a big fan like me but he likes it. He likes it enough so that he is considering to buy the American uncut boxed sets himself.

But like me, he doesn`t like Kon at all. He says if Kon is not in the teddy he is sometimes quite interesting but Kon the teddy is awful.

 

[Meredith]

Re: Bleach - 206 (Spoilers)

I thought it was pretty funny, actually.

Granted, irritating if you want the next part of the actual story, but once you get past that it's just a humor piece.

I got more of a laugh from Hat and Clogs causing Kon nothing but pain and suffering.

 

[Baerbel Haddrell]

Re: Bleach - 206 (Spoilers)

As I expected there is not much I can say about Bleach 214 and certainly less that is positive.

The first part of this filler was at least sometimes cringe worthy funny. The second part degenerated from having some somewhat interesting scenes within the nonsense to an episode that was embarrassing to watch. When this “We can`t show this on television” part arrived my daughter started to ask questions I really didn`t want to get into and I just said they are being silly. At least this is over now.

What I was interested in is the preview after the end credits. That looked very promising and I am very curious. It also helps that at the very end of the episode there was the announcement that there won`t be any air time for the slapstick gang as I call them, at least not in the near future. Great news, at least to me!

Now I can`t wait for the start of the new season!

 

[Technobuilder]

Re: Bleach - 206 (Spoilers)

So 215 sounds solid.

See you guys after the show.

 

[zakkrusz]

Re: Bleach - 206 (Spoilers)

Well, the main story is back. However, the last time Ichigo fought Uqiora, he almost died, I don't see how this rematch is going to be any different after so short a time, but of course we've also seen Ichigo pull off a win in a similar situation fighting Kenpachi earlier in the series so it should be one hell of fight.

 

[Baerbel Haddrell]

Re: Bleach - 206 (Spoilers)

Spoilers for Bleach 215

I love this start of the new season! The new music and the start up show the fun quirkiness I enjoy about Bleach. Seeing Rukia, Orihime and Matsumoto dance to the music like that, I had to think of the James Bond movies. Well, we will certainly get action and gadgets!

I think it is a good choice to isolate Aizen, Gin and Tosen immediately for a while, allowing the shinigami to battle the rest of the invaders. Not only is this a good tactical move especially when you keep in mind what powers Aizen has and that they don`t know much at all about the abilities of the Espada and the rest of the group. This way the viewers can also just get to know these people better and study them for a while by seeing them fight and interact with each other. That especially applies to the large cast of the shinigami. We know a lot about them but I am sure, we will get the opportunity now to learn more, also things that will be important in future when the big picture starts moving again. I am very much looking forward to that.

It was nice to meet Saidou again, the guy who was first sent after Rukia early in Bleach. And we could see again how incredibly powerful Yamamoto is. Aizen didn`t even flinch. The flames never reached him. Even if he is imprisoned for a while, it shows again how powerful he is.

Las Noches is now in Ulquiorra`s hands. The same applies to Orihime. Their conversation was very interesting. Ulquiorra has always been more multi layered than the other Espadas. He is not only an extremely dangerous fighter but also very intelligent and curious about his enemies. He uses this opportunity now that he is alone with Orihime to learn more about emotions and concepts that are alien to him like friendhip and compassion and what a soul is. He sees them as a weakness but he knows that Orihime and her friends not only value them very much but also draw a lot of strength from them. The quote “All for one and one for all” came to mind when Orihime explained. I liked that part of this episode very much. It was not surprising but nevertheless powerful, a good way to start a new season.

Ichigo is not only one of the six friends who are in my opinion more family than friends, Orihime loves him. That this is mentioned so early on as well is interesting. The way he was heading for her was the typical Ichigo approach of bashing everything in his way. Well, I could see again that Ichigo and Renji have a lot in common and then Chad and Rukia joined, too. I enjoyed watching that. Of the six only Uryu was missing early on during their mission to help their friend.

I liked the end music too and the teasers of things to come. Rain is not a good omen in Bleach but we will see.

 

[Technobuilder]

Re: Bleach - 206 (Spoilers)

^I have a feeling the Uryu will show up just in time to help Ichigo/save Orihime.
(Stupid Love: 'Square')

All in all, I liked getting back to the current story arc. Hopefully the Vizard & Isshin show up at some point soon. (If Kakura Town really is in Soul Society, then I'm sure Isshin & Urahara are no doubt taking advantage of that very fact.)

 

[zakkrusz]

Re: Bleach - 206 (Spoilers)

For a second, it looked like Uqiora was going to cop a feel off Orihime there.

^I have a feeling the Uryu will show up just in time to help Ichigo/save Orihime.
(Stupid Love: 'Square')

It would make sense he is the fastest next to Ichigo.

Las Noches is now in Ulquiorra`s hands. The same applies to Orihime. Their conversation was very interesting. Ulquiorra has always been more multi layered than the other Espadas. He is not only an extremely dangerous fighter but also very intelligent and curious about his enemies. He uses this opportunity now that he is alone with Orihime to learn more about emotions and concepts that are alien to him like friendhip and compassion and what a soul is. He sees them as a weakness but he knows that Orihime and her friends not only value them very much but also draw a lot of strength from them. The quote “All for one and one for all” came to mind when Orihime explained. I liked that part of this episode very much. It was not surprising but nevertheless powerful, a good way to start a new season.

Now that he's in charge it's time for change in Hueco Mundo:

 

[Baerbel Haddrell]

Re: Bleach - 206 (Spoilers)

I love this picture! Not that I would drink tequila but I wouldn`t mind some burritos.



I agree with both of you about Uryu: He will join Ichigo very quickly, I am sure. As much as I enjoyed the flashback chapter, I missed these people and especially Uryu who is my favourite Bleach character.

I prefer it if not too many characters show up at once: The big assembly of Shinigami versus Aizen`s troops is enough for now. But at a later point I definitely hope to see the Vizards. Isshin should show up as well, even if he disguises his identity. Now that his home is in danger maybe Uryu`s father will decide to do his part as well. Bleach is full of surprises. With so much spirit energy being dispersed I don`t think it is impossible that especially Ichigo`s younger sister Karin and Tatsuki will develop their own abilities as Chad and Orihime did.

 

[Technobuilder]

Re: Bleach - 206 (Spoilers)

Well I'm certainly in for "Burritos & Tequila" (But neither in excess.)

Fish Burritos are especially yum.

The Sisters Ichigo with Spiritual Powers = Intriguing.

 

[Meredith]

Re: Bleach - 206 (Spoilers)

Spoilers for Bleach 215

It was nice to meet Saidou again, the guy who was first sent after Rukia early in Bleach. And we could see again how incredibly powerful Yamamoto is. Aizen didn`t even flinch. The flames never reached him. Even if he is imprisoned for a while, it shows again how powerful he is.

Yes I almost forgot who he was. He seems to be in the captain level range of power but he does not want to actually be a captain and is content to go on regular patrol, kinda like the captain from the princess saga.

Now that he's in charge it's time for change in Hueco Mundo:

You made me laugh, thanks!

The Sisters Ichigo with Spiritual Powers = Intriguing.

Yeah, they definitely have powers, wonder if they will become soul reapers or if they will become more like Chad and Orihime or maybe even Ishisda Uryu.

I wonder if Ichigo's mom was a normal human with powers like Orihime or if she was a soul reaper.

Working theory: Ichigo's dad and mom were regular soul reapers who were sent out to re-capture Urahara after his escape, there was a fight, they discovered the truth, faked their deaths and settled down in faux bodies and had kids.... somehow.....

 

[Baerbel Haddrell]

Re: Bleach - 206 (Spoilers)

If I am not mistaken I remember it was mentioned that Isshin got his powers back after 20 years when he was talking to Urahara. My guess is therefore that Ishigo`s dad met his mom when he was basically a normal human being and started to have a family with her.

My husband still thinks that Ichigo`s mum was a kind of princess but I doubt it. I think she was a human being without any powers which explains why one of the twins has stronger powers and is more like her father and the other is more like her mother.

As I already mentioned in this thread the book “The Bleach Breakdown – the unofficial guide” offers a clue about Isshin Kurosaki. It says that he wears a white piece of a Thirteen Guard Company captain`s uniform around his left arm. I wonder, was he Jushiro Ukitake`s predecessor? We know from the current chapter that Ukitake has been a captain for more than 100 years which could mean that Ichigo`s Dad is indeed much older than he looks.



I don`t think Ichigo`s dad was around during the recent flashback chapter. Hm, it is really difficult to guess what his background story really is but I am sure, finding out will be very interesting.

 

[Baerbel Haddrell]

Re: Bleach - 206 (Spoilers)

Spoiler for Bleach 216

After the introduction last week this episode is starting to set the stage for the first battles. Not a lot is happening yet but nevertheless, I found this episode interesting to watch.

Now the battle between Ichigo and Ulquiorra is beginning. I am very much looking forward to this very powerful story. I could see again that Ulquiorra is one of the most complex villains Bleach has to offer.

Then there are the four battles to defend the four support pillars. It certainly makes things more interesting now that the Espadas are not only strong but some are also clever. Nevertheless, that Barragan discovered the pillars so quickly surprised me a bit.

Madarame the hot head versus this very calm nearly bored looking giant should be a good contrast. It made me laugh that Ayasegawa`s opponent has the same character flaw, both being obsessed by looks but in a way I found more funny than annoying. This should be an interesting battle. Choosing Kira as well is something I welcome very much after his excellent story arc in the “New Captain” chapter. I gained much more respect for him. I liked the start of the battle between this quiet and often pretty shy fighter with this idiotic loud mouth. Kira definitely gained more self confidence, something I welcome a lot. I am looking forward to learn more about Hisagi`s abilities soon, too.

 

[Booji]

Re: Bleach - 206 (Spoilers)

Well, I'm only up to episode 111 cause I'm watching the english dub. Anyways, just wanted to say it's amazing how much better the show got in the the span of two eps since the Bount arc ended. Also, it seems 2 eps will be shown each week until july. I am happy.

 

[3D Master]

Re: Bleach - 206 (Spoilers)

It made me laugh that Ayasegawa`s opponent has the same character flaw, both being obsessed by looks but in a way I found more funny than annoying. This should be an interesting battle.

Actually, his opponent isn't obsessed with looks; he's obsessed with BEAUTY, just like Ayasegawa. It's just that Ayasegawa looks upon beauty as pure outside looks, while his opponent sees beauty on the inside of things and beings.

These episodes would be a lot more interesting if actually some time is spend on the story. A whole THIRD is spent on opening credits, recap and ending credits! A THIRD! The recap ends at 6:50!

 

[zakkrusz]

Re: Bleach - 206 (Spoilers)

216:

Interesting episode but it was all just setup for upcomming matches and nothing actually happens.

 

[Technobuilder]

Re: Bleach - 206 (Spoilers)

Bleach 216:

Here I was all set for something to happen, for us to get some story progression, and what do we get instead but another case of the worst kind of filler there is.

Arc-Stretching Filler

The filler that can't be skipped, because it incorporates actual story progression elements from the larger Story Arc.

It's easy to spot, everyone starts acting stupid and making "anime" faces in the middle of a battle between life and death.

*cries*

 

[Baerbel Haddrell]

Re: Bleach - 206 (Spoilers)

Spoiler for Bleach 217

This was excellent. After I had to laugh about the antics during the fight between Ayasegawa and Charlotte things got progressively more serious and really interesting. First of all this new generation of Espadas obviously has at least one release, something like the Shinigami`s Shikai. As funny and ridiculous Charlotte looked especially in the released form there was no doubt about it how dangerous that guy was.

If Charlotte hadn`t grown the rose bush around them Ayasegawa would have been dead. He didn`t want anyone to see his real powers even if it means his death. Ayasegawa`s power is beautiful. The way it manifested itself in these flowers taking the energy from Charlotte and the rose bush – I was impressed. What an original idea!

But it is not only beautiful but very powerful. I find it ironic that also his best friend Madarame is hiding the true extent of his powers. At least a few people know but it seems Ayasegawa`s power is a complete secret to anybody except himself.

There is something seriously wrong when Shinigami feel the need to hide what they can do. That both of them are in Kempachi`s squad says a lot, too.

It makes me wonder how many others might hide their abilities like Ayasegawa because they are afraid their image would suffer. Nevertheless, I wonder how long someone even like Kempachi would laugh should he ever fight against his power.

Hopefully attitudes will change not only for the sake of the Shinigami who feel they have to hide their true nature but also because it is dangerous especially in a war where so much is at stake.

 

[zakkrusz]

Re: Bleach - 206 (Spoilers)

217 had some interesting action at least, even though I really disliked both characters and didn't really care who won.

I'm looking forward to the other lieutenants' fights though.

 

[Baerbel Haddrell]

Re: Bleach - 206 (Spoilers)

I am mainly looking forward to Kira`s fight. I like him very much especially since the "New Captain" chapter.