Despair dominates the story when Ichigo finds out just how powerful Soul Reapers really are during a bloody battle over Rukia. Action filled, this episode marks a turning point in the storyline and sets up the next big arc.
In the previous episode, Ichigo found out that the zanpakutos are more than magic swords that can cut up spirits. They have names and special powers which the villainous Renji demonstrated in easily overpowering the substitute Soul Reaper during the opening recap. Brought to his knees trying to rescue Rukia, things look very bad indeed.
Clearly shocked, and in shock, the high school student is helpless as Renji prepares to finish him off. He is not the only one shaken, for Rukia is horrified to see him so badly injured. Desperate to provide him a chance to escape, she attacks the tattooed Soul Reaper and tries to restrain him despite her weak body.
Bleach being an animated series aimed at teenagers means that a stereotypical power up for the main hero is imminent. Ichigo stands up and glowing blue energy forms as wisps around the hilt of his sword as his spiritual pressure rises. Suddenly, the tassel pops and he attacks Renji before he can move. Of course, this all involves a lot of thought narration from the Soul Reaper observing how impossible all of this is – that is also a tradition in these kinds of shows. So far it is all very predictable.
His spiritual pressure massively increased, the boy moves faster than Renji can counter. Ichigo trash talks while completely overwhelming his opponent, which is yet another formula of the genre. Here in the States, we would be saying something like “don’t get cocky, kid.”
And to my immense surprise, that is exactly where the story went. Taking out the junior Soul Reaper was impressive, to be sure, but there is a reason that Rukia’s brother has the title of captain. Captain Kuchiki is less than impressed with Ichigo and demonstrates it with quiet disdain while snapping the blade off of that oversized sword.
Completely outclassed only begins to describe the situation the would be rescuer finds himself in. Mortally wounded by a move from the senior Soul Reaper straight out of a samurai movie, Ichigo is dropped and begins to bleed out while a mortified Rukia watches.
Her attempts to save his life are pathetic and heart breaking, as is her final look back at him while she is escorted away. The rescue attempt is not merely a complete failure, but a fatal disaster.
All the dying boy can do is watch her back while she leaves, before giving in to tears of despair. Far from being the protector he envisioned himself, he is a casualty in a game much bigger than he understood. Once again, the rain associated with his grief begins to fall as his vision dims…
Thoughts
This is a very serious episode in the series with only a dash of comedy that feels inappropriate given the tone of the rest of the content. While it is highly combat and Ichigo centric, Rukia steals the episode with her emotions breaking through her normal self control.
It is also one of the few times that emotions more than just friendship are implied between the two. Due to the age group it is aimed at, Bleach does not bother with romance and is adverse to showing any kind of relationship of that sort, even with minor characters. So emotions of that type are hinted at between the lines and barely then. But it is clear that there is something special between Ichigo and Rukia from what is shown in this episode and that is enough to launch a thousand “ships” amongst the fans. It is also no wonder that the out of continuity movies play it up more to appeal to those fans.
The events of Episode 17 set up a mini arc that closes out the first season, so it is about ending the relatively happy high school days storyline and teasing the next big arc. Aside from the previously mentioned inappropriately timed comic scene, this is one of the better episodes in the first season.
BEWARE! HERE BE SPOILERS!!!
The master of surprise entrances shows up again as Ichigo dies. Urahara certainly picks the right time to show up, but it turns out he was watching the whole battle to begin with. He did not lift a finger to help during the fight, but did heal Uryu and Ichigo afterward.
Talk about awkward awakenings. Having started to go into the light and being shown naked in a Ken doll way, Ichigo opens his eyes to see a strange man on top of him. It would be a funny moment, but it breaks the emotional momentum of the episode and is simply irritating.
Mr. Hat and Clogs is quite a schemer and the mystery around him only deepens. Having allowed Ichigo to get himself mortally wounded and his Soul Reaper powers permanently destroyed was all just to teach the boy a lesson about differences in power levels. There is also a nice moment when the carrot top perceives the cane as something else in a moment of foreshadowing.
After testing his resolved, Urahara offers to train the teen and open a way to Soul Society so Ichigo can rescue Rukia. It is an offer that cannot be refused and the atmosphere is vaguely threatening. But it seems like the rain has stopped falling to the boy.
Far more sinister than Urahaha’s plotting is the black cat friend of the shop owner, Yoruichi, who silently watches the entire conversation.
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