This is the first episodic anime review I wrote since the early days of NA.KI.ME when I discussed about the newest episode of Death Note in 2006. This time, it’s on the 168th episode of Bleach! Since there was no Bleach last week, here’s a little review for those who are just catching up to the series as a little warm up for Episode 169 on the 7th, along with new Opening and Endings.

Warning: This post contains spoilers! Read at your own risk!

This episode marks the start of more fillers, where we finally get to see the new Captain of Squad Three, Shusuke Amagai, along with 3rd Seat, Kifune Makoto. The Captains don’t seem all too happy. Maybe it’s because he’s not a superstar like themselves… Ukitake gives Amagai a warm welcome and shares a few pointers. Byakuya and a few other Captains seem to have doubt about this new Captain…

To welcome the new Captain and to make him feel at home, Izuru, with some suggestions from Matsumoto, and Squad Three threw a party for Captain Amagai. The party went nowhere…until the Captain took a sip of sake which made him drunk in under a minute. It turns out that he has trouble controlling liquor. I think Kyoraku has a new drinking buddy! ^_^

Later on, Soul Society falls under attack by a hollow disturbance. In danger, Captain Amagai comes to the rescue and demonstrates his abilities the Squad Three, saving their lives! Amagai then collapses on the floor, hungover from the Sake at the welcome party…

My Analysis: This episode marks the start of a new filler arc. There’s more to come, such as the girl who shows up in the [new] Opening and Ending credits, and what looks like a new bout between Byakuya and Renji that will unfold in the future. It’s unlikely that we won’t see a Byakuya v. Renji rematch, but since it’s fillers, anything goes! This episode also has the new aforementioned Opening and Ending themes:

“Chu-Bura” - Kelun

“Orange” - Lil’B

Overall Rating: 4/5

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