Bleach: Episode 37

After watching Bleach’s latest installment, I readily apologize for making fun of Sado’s loyalty to Ichigo in the previous entry. The excellent directing for this particular episode and the superb interpretation of Sado’s seiyuu, Hiroki Yasumoto bring life and emotion to this otherwise ignored subplot. A choice selection of comedic cuts balances out the overall seriousness of the episode. The flashbacks are surprisingly free of melodrama. Instead, Sado narrates his experiences with Ichigo in a straightforward fashion. While the confrontation itself lacks the usual showy techniques, it compensates by allowing viewers to experience a different side of Sado.

Some may perceive Sado has given his loyalty to Ichigo rather easily. It is true, to some extent. However, aside from a father figure who cared for him as a child, he has never known true friendship before he met Ichigo. In a sense, he felt kinship. Mostly because both do not conform to the society’s “norm”. Once Ichigo extended his hand freely to him, a strong bond of loyalty formed.

I am very pleased with this current chapter. It is a successful attempt to flesh out a bit of the resident muscle dude’s character. And as for the flashbacks, I have to say they rather well-dome. ^^