Bleach: Episode 21

With the movement of the recent episodes, I might be mistaken with my assumption that Bleach will only run for twenty-six installments. But the quickened pace of the first thirteen has suggested otherwise. Could it be that the title has reached a popularity that enable itself to continue its storytelling? Or would the series conclude abruptly leaving unsatisfied fans wanting for a second season?

As with the previous episode, this chapter provides loads of action interspersed with unexpected humor coming from Ishida. How can you not like the guy who makes his own costume and prepares an extra one for precaution? I can’t believe his VA is the same one who voices one of the most irksome character (in my book) I have encountered.

The gang reaches Soul Society and faces their first obstacle, the city’s gatekeeper. As intimidating as their opponent seems to be, the unfazed Ichigo effortlessly defeat the gatekeeper. Access is granted albeit temporarily. Another shinigami appears and blocks their path.

I think I’ve commented somewhere before that some of the characters of the Soul Society’s shinigami seems to be patterned from the Shinsengumi. Maybe it’s the swords. Or maybe I’ve been watching one to many Shinsengumi-centric anime recently.

Quick note. The uber-bleached-out effect seems gone. Whew.