Bleach

Just when I thought the filler would actually end, right? Actually, I enjoyed this episode. The firelit party (complete with kegs of sake) was hilarious and had dialogue that was fresh from the usual formula used in Bleach. Animation was pretty well-done considering how we've seen really horrible fillers in the past that look like it was made from Flash. Highlights:

- watching Rukia eat dango in the opening, with slight snow in the background. Finally, some graphics details! - the fight scenes didn't ooze of recycled animation, and we saw some unique tactics. Rukia and Sode no Shirayuki lined up in similar poses was pretty cool. I'm glad they're actually featuring her, possibly, in this arc - we didn't see much of her good personality in the prior.



Something bothering me was Rukia's inconsistency with whether or not she still has her sword or not. In the beginning, she couldn't find hers, and yet in the latter battle, she had it, even while Sode no Shirayuki was onscreen.



We'll see what happens between Byakuya and Sode no Shirayuki. His glare was a little ominous when they first encounter in this episode.



I'm glad that they're giving more depth into the rogue Zanpakutou, and that they're actually putting effort into filler. This means a good 7.5.