Recollection #5 (Episodes 9-10)

Unbeatable Enemy (9) - Ichigo, from the previous episode, is stricken with rage as the hollow who killed his mother appears before him, the manipulative Grand Fisher. Ichigo's mother, the center of Ichigo's entire world, dies right before his eyes by Grand Fisher's "human" bait. Upon realizing this, Ichigo wants revenge and goes rampant on the hollow. However, Ichigo's emotions and the hollow's strength prevented him from killing Grand Fisher as he escapes. Ichigo, saddened that he couldn't kill the hollow that took his mother's life, cries in Rukia's arms - Rukia relieved that Ichigo didn't die in his death battle against Grand Fisher. Eikichiro, the Shinigami sent to investigate Rukia's involvement in the Human World, let's them go. For years, Ichigo has blamed himself for not being able to protect his mother, but Isshin, Ichigo's dad, reassures Ichigo it wasn't his fault - Masaki loved everyone that she'd sacrifice her life for Ichigo's sake. Isshin also points out that he smokes a cigarette one day a year (The date of Masaki's death) because it was the first compliment Isshin ever received. Isshin, in his serious moment, tells Ichigo to buck-up and if he could, when he dies - die with a smile. This marks the moment where Ichigo becomes permanent in being a Shinigami. Here are pictures from Episode 9:

Thoughts: I liked this episode for couple reasons. Ichigo's resolve as a Shinigami is shown, but at the same time - Ichigo's emotions of rage, sadness, and revenge wasn't strong enough to kill Grand Fisher (the eventual achilles hill of any hero). Isshin, in this episode, is doing parenting right - bucking up Ichigo to live and die with a smile in the future, to not blame himself and to live on. Ichigo didn't die in this episode (though he was close) and it was thanks to the spirit of Ichigo's mother protecting him. This episode showcases Grand Fisher's manipulativeness (turning the bait into the splitting image of Masaki). Rukia is happy and relieved that Ichigo is finally realizing that he has to fight hollow and protect the living from hollow likes Grand Fisher. Out of all the hollows Ichigo fought, Grand Fisher is the most disgusting, horrible, and worst of them all - manipulation, tease, and kill. Grand Fisher got what he deserved, but I was upset that he fled like a p*ssy instead (in the manga after he fled, he is turned into an Arrancar by D-Roy & Iceringer). I like the bond that Ichigo and Rukia share, Ichigo now realizing what he has to do. However, Rukia's far from being safe as Eikichiro let them go, but it didn't stop the investigation from taking a turn for the worst. 

Assault on Trip at Sacred Ground! (10) - The introduction of TV sensation Don Kanoji pretty much sums up this episode. For amusement, he plays with humans who are on the verge of becoming hollows and increases the process unaware of what he is actually doing. Ichigo, aware of this, tries his best to alert Don of his actions with little success at first. For the kids, Don says, but he didn't know the implications behind his actions as Ichigo once again saves the day from a hollow that was once human. The hollow turned into a human because of Don's inability to discern amusement from foolishness. And so, Ichigo saves the day, Don cries, and Ichigo reassures Don's fans that they love him still (try something different). Don is saddened by his actions (briefly), but the show must show on (I suppose). All of Ichigo's friends and family are fans of Don's work and even Rukia, accustomed to the Soul Society, is joining in on the fun (although she later learns of Don's stupidity against a human turning into a hollow). Here are some pictures from Episode 10:

Thoughts: I wasn't a big fan of Don. Some may like him because he brings comic relief to the show, but I wasn't digging it one bit. He's a moron that publicizes entertainment wrongly. You saw what he does - he turns humans w/holes into Hollows. For the children he says, but Don should've known better and now, Ichigo has to clean up his mess. Though he learns of his mistakes, it still doesn't stop from the show business. I mean he could've ignored Ichigo's warnings or even do something stupider, so I wasn't digging any vibes from Don's character because he's a moron and is pretty weak - trying to act all badass, ya kidding me now? I will, however, admit Ichigo's friends and family become fond of Don is pretty hilarious because though they think it's funny, it's just pure dumb entertainment who comically fights the supernatural. The Bwahahaha thing is a recurring catch phrase, which I thought was funny, but other than that - I wasn't digging it. It felt like filler to me, but this canon. I mean Don's character is by no means relevant to the story and heck, he didn't stand a chance against Aizen. I can go on and on and on about why I'm not a fan of Don, but I will just come out and say it - HE IS THE WEAKEST CHARACTER IN THE BLEACH SERIES. HANATARO CAN WHOOP HIS SORRY ASS! For those of you who like him, more power to you. That's my opinion, he sucks. 

Until then, you all stay classy now! Look forward for tomorrow's Death God's Bebop Track. Photos courtesy of http://bleach.wikia.com/wiki/Bleach_Wiki