In Bleach TYBW Part 4 Episode 7, we again saw something that was not at all in the manga. Let’s unpack.
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Bleach TYBW Part 4 Anime Director
Murata Hikaru, Taguchi Tomohisa
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Original Title
Bleach: Thousand-Year Blood War – The Calamity or Bleach: Sennen Kessen-hen – Kashin-tan (BLEACH 千年血戦篇-禍進譚-)
Bleach TYBW Part 4 Episode 7 Review
Tite Kubo Has Decided to Completely Ignore His Own Source Material
This season of Bleach has been one of the greatest anime experiences ever. Usually, it is the manga that traditionally provides the best storyline, and the anime cuts corners while adapting it. This time, the situation is entirely different. The manga was rushed so badly that Kubo had to step up and showcase everything that he could through the anime’s narrative structure.
This episode as well brings forth anime-original content that teaches us a lot about Yhwach’s powers and other characters’ roles in battling him. We also get a section where Shunsui gets the responsibility to look after the Soul Society in the aftermath of Ukitake’s death. The short interaction between a young Ukitake and Shunsui was sweet, and it showcased the deep friendship between them.
Bleach Brings Soul Reapers and Arrancar Together Against Yhwach
This episode also does a great job of showing how all forces come together to join hands and defeat one common enemy. The Soul Reapers are mortal enemies of the Arrancar. No one would have thought that they would help each other out. However, that happens in this episode, where Harribel and Nel team up with Shinsui and Uryu to somehow get the situation under control.
They all know that the end is near; it is impossible for them to stop Yhwach on their own. Thus, they form a plan to destroy the distortion and the sphere-like entity. According to Uryu, if the seed of destruction or the sphere, could be crashed into the distortion that was spreading below the royal palace, Yhwach’s plans could falter.
Ichigo Finally Breaks as Yhwach Takes Away His Quincy Powers
Ichigo gets a very minimal role in this episode as we mostly dive into his despair and disappointment. He realises that his powers, or Orihime’s powers, or others’ powers could not do anything to Yhwach. He was unable to stop the antagonist, and this makes him kind of give up the fight from within. Yhwach also taunts him and takes away the Quincy powers that Ichigo was once bestowed with.
Ichigo literally feels the last bit of his mother’s powers ebb away from his body. This section was really tragic, and it gets showcased beautifully through black and white animation.
Bleach’s Latest Episode Is Another Animation Masterclass
Every episode of Bleach has been one of the best animated episodes from the franchise, and this one was also no exception. The way they utilised different kinds of techniques and colour schemes added to the positive points. The background music was also absolutely brilliant. It sets the mood for every scene and elevates the tension even more.
Final Thoughts
Was Aizen shown in this episode? No, he was not. As an Aizen fan, was I disappointed a bit? Yes, I was. However, this episode was also very much needed to strengthen the plot. The final arc of Bleach struggled with its storytelling in the manga. Everything happened too fast, and without any explanation. Kubo made sure to address that and give every character their time to shine. Orihime got her moment before, and Uryu got his moment in this one.
Thankfully, with a small glimpse of Aizen and his poem, Bleach also confirmed that one of the greatest shonen villains ever would appear in the next episode.
Watch Bleach TYBW Part 4 on Netflix. What are your thoughts on the episode? Let us know in the comments below!
