Bleach Uncut Season 2 Box Set
2008, TV Series (Episodes 21-41). Director: N/A. 525 minutes. DVD, bilingual, $69.98. Distributor: Viz Media.
Much like Death Note, if you don't already knowBleach, then I'm nearly at a loss for words. After all, Ichigo, with his spiked hair -- and nearly orange at that! -- is the modern samurai for whom 21st-century Japan has been waiting. Not only is he a skilled warrior, but he also has a hip coolness that even the ladies love. More important, it's not just our world that finds Ichigo enticing. When Rukia, a soul reaper from another plane of existence, crosses over to hunt down a rogue hallow (a lost soul), she finds herself attracted to Ichigo's spiritual energy. And when Ichigo and his family come under attack by this spirit, a wounded Rukia transfers her soul-reaping powers to the young teenager, making him a full-fledged soul reaper. So begins the story of Bleach.
In season two, a seminal feature of this anime's story begins: the attempt to save Rukia. For her transgressions in the mortal world, the Soul Reaper Society has imprisoned her within their walled compound. Ichigo and his recently formed band of heroes -- Chad, Ohime, Ishida, and Master Yoruichi -- must now cross over to the world of the soul reapers and save Rukia from execution.
For anyone who has spent many late hours watching Cartoon Network, the later seasons ofBleach are probably fresh memories, or even the impetus of their Bleach love. But going back to Season Two is a wonderful walk back in time. In my opinion, these episodes are what made theBleach phenomenon. After leaving the mortal world behind, Ichigo and his team (along with the viewers) begin to learn about the military-like Soul Reaper Society: their squads, their lieutenants, their training, their captains, their characters. Moreover, as Ichigo and his friends search for a way into the compound and meet various soul reapers, the single combat, the contest of heroes, begins. The action then flows like a raging stream. But the groundwork is also laid out for the future of the series. New allies, such as Ganju, are introduced. The personal histories of Ichigo's friends are explored. And Ichigo himself finds that, as strong as he is, he has to learn how to control his spiritual power and to truly master his sword, if he wants to free Rukia. The rescue will undoubtedly not come quickly, and the road traveled will be filled with both drama and comedy.
Overall, I like this season. As I've said before, the later episodes of Bleach tend to wander off track, to lose sight of the main story: the Ichigo/Rukia dynamic. Now, in a box set that contains five DVDs, there are obviously going to be some "filler" episodes that some may find annoying. But, in the end, there is a focus and continuity in Season Two that invests you in the relationship between Rukia and Ichigo.
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