This week's episode of BLEACH: The Thousand-Year Blood War, Part 3: The Conflict features plenty of original anime scenes and brief sojourns in the disasters headed towards the Soul Society. Last week's episode was certainly the most important of the few that have been released from Season 3 so far; The first part of the episode features a flashback to the primordial sea that existed before the Soul King divided the world into three parts and shows a depiction of Yhwach's growth and progression from that world to the next. that we recognize. The episode also gives us a rematch between Yhwach and Ichigo, which ultimately ends with Yhwach tricking Ichigo into splitting the Soul in half.
This week's episode immediately follows those events and mainly deals with different reactions to the present. the situation was completely hopeless for Seireitei. Overall, this is a fun and exciting film, including some lore about some characters and the long-awaited return of another.
Spoilers for BLEACH: The Thousand Year Blood War, Part 3: The Conflict Episode 3 DARK ARMS
New Anime Retrospective
This week's episode begins with a unique anime flashback, featuring Ukitake and his parents, while also showing some touching backstory between him and Shunsui Kyoraku. This leads to a much more systematic delivery of the episode's plot, especially since Ukitake performing the Kamikake ritual doesn't appear at all. And, like the flashback in last week's episode, this episode captured the primal, otherworldly aesthetic and atmosphere that we can now expect from anything Soul King related (or his scattered body parts).
Moving on to the later parts, even this flashback fight is quite well choreographed and thoroughly satisfying to watch, as is the sword fight between the two dual zanpakuto users to see some of the original characteristics of Kyoraku is like a person who does not hold back against any opponent. I feel this is a quick and concise way to convey a level of mutual respect between two people at an early stage. The everyday scenes with soothing music are also a pleasant respite from all the chaos and suffering going on in the present. In the end, the conversation between Ukitake and Unohana was an interesting touch, although whether that particular scene was intended to convey what I thought or not will probably remain a mystery for quite some time.
Honor versus lifeHonor vs. Life
The weakest point about this episode is that it's a bit disjointed; While the spliced-together flashbacks and alternating perspectives give the scenes variety and create a sense of movement through time leading up to the present, it also means there isn't too much time spent. Time is devoted to any one part so they stand only as a whole. their parts. In my opinion, its strongest and most notable characteristic is the continuation of several themes that have been present in BLEACH since its first season, especially the existential chauvinism of the Soul Reapers and the question about the purpose of life..
In the first part of BLEACH: The Thousand Year Blood War, Yamamoto was scolded for not taking advantage of Orihime's power to restore his lost arm and fight with all his might. The reason he does not do so is because he feels that Shinigami should not rely on humans to solve problems that do not directly concern them, placing Shinigami at the top of the spiritual hierarchy. and seems to consider himself superior to such an act.. The same type of thinking might have caused someone like Yamamoto to reject the idea of going to Aizen for support in a time like this; His pride, and the pride of the Seireitei in general, would not allow it. That's the same type of thinking that made the Shinigami feel justified in destroying the Quincy 1000 years ago.
I appreciated the glimpse of Unohana, Ukitake, and Kyoraku grieving together over Yamamoto, especially since they are now three people who put something aside to achieve the safety of Seireitei, the life of surname in the case of the first two and honorific for Kyoraku. All three have used unconventional means to create safety. It emphasizes what “kind” of battle this is and what ultimately needs to be protected.
Ultimately, this episode marked a turning point for some of our recurring characters in many ways. As for Yhwach, we learn that his precognition ability to see the future involves the Soul King's arm regenerating his body, creating an exception to this overwhelming ability which previously seemed to have no weaknesses. For Ukitake and the Shinigami on the ground, we have a captain who makes the ultimate sacrifice for just a small chance to keep the world stable. And for Kyoraku, we give up our pride to maximize our ability to survive and protect life. All three points give the Shinigami an advantage, and I'm excited to see what their survival efforts bring next week.
© TITE KUBO/SHUEISHA, TV TOKYO, dentsu, Pierrot