Bleach: The Lost Agent Part 2

Episodes 355-366

Ichigo is training hard with Kugo Ginjo, the leader of Xcution, who has offered to help him find his Fullbring powers. But something sinister is going on; a rogue member of Xcution, Tsukishima, has infiltrated Ichigo’s household – and has manipulated the memories of Ichigo’s friends and family. He’s even worked his Fullbring power, Book of the End, on Orihime and Chad, so that they now believe he is an old, dear friend who has been with them throughout their lives – and they will do anything they can to stop Ichigo from attacking him. With his friends turned against him, Ichigo is in a very vulnerable place indeed – but, just as he finds his Fullbring powers, matters take a dramatically unexpected turn. Vulnerable, broken, Ichigo is reduced for the first time to tears. Is there no one left to support and defend him?

Well, here it is: the final set of Bleach the TV anime series. And it doesn’t disappoint. It delivers a twisty plot, full of reversals and surprises, and there’s little of the tedious recap material that slowed down many previous arcs. If it eventually falls back on its favourite shounen staple of pitting our heroes in one-on-one fights to the death which are a blend of trash-talking, mind games (Tite Kubo’s antagonists would make great lawyers) and eye-watering action, then it can be forgiven, because these duels are genuinely satisfying. The Soul Society is in Ichigo’s debt; will the Soul Reapers follow the honourable path and repay him in his hour of need for his self-sacrifice and bravery? What do you think?

It’s been said that Bleach finished when Ichigo finally defeated Aizen and, in doing so, lost all his Soul Reaper powers: a truly heroic ending. But there’s no arguing that it’s satisfying to see the endearing –though sometimes infuriating – characters that Tite Kubo created carrying on with their lives, both on earth and in the Soul Society. (And, of course, the manga is still going strong, so who’s to say that – as with Dragon Ball – there won’t be more animated material in years to come? Although the wisdom of reviving a beloved franchise beyond its natural span is another topic for discussion altogether.) The Lost Agent delivers some needed closure in not leaving Ichigo as the noble but tragic hero who has sacrificed his powers – and his connection to comrades in arms – to save the world. But then, Ichigo was never quite portrayed in that mold anyway; he is, after all, only seventeen and hasn’t even graduated from high school yet.

The actors in the US dub have grown into their roles and it’s nice to hear Johnny Yong Bosch bring some range and depth to older, conflicted Ichigo in these final episodes; both he and Masakazu Morita show us that he’s is no longer the red-haired, brawling teenaged brat he started out as – even if they still get to yell, “Getsugatensho!”

By the end of a long-running anime series, perhaps we forget (and forgive?) all the filler episodes and remember – cherish – the special moments. It’s hard not to feel emotional on saying farewell to all these characters (in animated form, at least) and it’s good to see them go out with all the chutzpah and energy we’ve come to associate with Bleach.

The Opening Song is still “HARUKAZE” by SCANDAL – the same as in Part 1 – but we’re treated to a new Ending Theme #30: “MASK” by Aqua Timez who already contributed two memorable Opening Songs: ALONES and “Velonica”. And – did I detect some new music from Shiro Sagisu to accompany the epic duel that brings the series to a conclusion? Sagisu has contributed some unforgettable and original music to Bleach over the years, creating his own unique soundscape that’s greatly enhanced the drama of the series.

But it’s also time to salute Tite Kubo for creating some of the most striking characters and character designs to be found in shounen manga today: at its best, Bleach looks superb. Who could forget Gin’s smile, Keisuke’s deceptively nonchalant posture, Aizen’s chillingly handsome looks, or Kenpachi’s crazed grin? The character designs have improved in the anime from season to season, as has the plotting. The last arcs have benefited from tighter scripts, less reliance on repetition – and, on the animation front, a few genuinely dazzling fight sequences. But, above all, it’s been good to see some genuine development for Ichigo; we witness him suffering – and not just by submitting himself to all-out physical training in the traditional shounen ‘I must get even stronger to protect my friends’ way. And then there’s Tite Kubo’s skittish sense of humour which – at its best – provides welcome relief from the more desperate and tragic moments. 

In Summary

It’s sometimes been an uneven ride, but Bleach goes out in rip-roaring style, delivering a genuinely satisfying ending. If you’ve become attached to the members of the Thirteen Court Guard Squads and their human friends, be prepared to wipe away a tear as this good-looking series comes to an end. Oh – and watch out for a cameo appearance by Kon.