Bleach: Episode 03

If some of the audiences already pegged Orihime as a typical airhead, the latest installment of Bleach suggests otherwise. Underneath the cheerful persona lies an inner strength and a deep sense of pain. To alleviate the burden she thought she placed on her brother, she masks her loneliness and fixes an easy grin on her face. While her intentions are genuine, her brother Inoue assumes the worst possible reason for the drastic change of attitude. And with the addition of Grand Fisher’s machinations, disaster strikes. Fortunately for the siblings, the almost tragic reunion quickly becomes a blessing in disguise. Orihime confesses her motivations behind her smile and Inoue prepares to leave for the next world.

The drastic change in the reason for the hollow transformation irks me to death. It somehow lessens the gravity of the weary souls’ despair and the shinigami’s duty to wash away the sins. Other than the nitpick, we have a solid episode complete with action, drama, humor, and heart. It doesn’t hurt that I’m slowly warming up to the OP theme.

Speaking of the OP, I just realized the extent of spoiler-y scenes it included. Am I wrong in assuming that this image comes from the soul-society arc?