For those wanting to see more of Ichigo and Uryu, you can’t go wrong with episode 30 of “Bleach: Thousand-Year Blood War,” titled “The Betrayer.” Read on for a recap of the episode and our thoughts below!
Recap
Jushiro Ukitake becomes the right arm of the Soul King, effectively keeping the deity intact, and momentarily confusing Yhwach. Ichigo manages to catch Yhwach off guard and prevent him from dealing the fatal blow. Yoruichi steps in, and using her paper talismans, manages to keep the Yhwach at bay. She erects a protective shield around the Soul King, which is being cradled by the shadowy right arm.
As long as Ichigo can keep Yhwach at bay, the Soul Society can stabilize and a new Soul King can take its place. Unfortunately, her efforts are useless because Uryu Ishida appears and shoots her in the back with an arrow. The shield breaks, once again giving Yhwach access to the Soul King.
Ichigo and Uryu then engage in a fierce battle, while their friends try to fend off the other Quincies, including Haswalch, who appears to be studying Uryu. Desperate and angry at Uryu’s betrayal, Ichigo demands to know why he has deflected. Uryu’s answer is simple: “I am a Quincy.”
Though Uryu seems to possess a killing intent, Ichigo is not so eager to fight his friend. This hesitancy allows Uryu to channel his new power, Quincy Voll Stern Dich. This new ability gives Uryu the advantage, and he shoots a powerful arrow right through Ichigo, who appears defeated.
Review and Thoughts
Once again, a visually-stunning episode. From watching Ukitake enshrouded with the black shadows of Mimihagi to the incredibly-animated fight between Ichigo and Uryu, The Betrayer is certainly one of the best episodes of the entire series.
Of course, it is difficult to see Ichigo and Uryu at odds with one another, but it makes for one exciting fight. Both have come a long way since the Full Bring Arc, and they are not holding back. Though this battle is exciting and fast-paced, the deeper meaning behind it is heartbreaking. In a way it parallels Ichigo and Uryu when they first met and start out as enemies, with Ichigo representing the Soul Reapers and Uryu the Quinces. However, knowing how far they have come—from rescuing to Rukia to fighting Ulquiorra and protecting Orihime—it is extremely hard to watch them revert back. After everything they’ve been through, this battle makes it seem their struggles are unimportant, and their friendship cannot withstand the cruel history between the Soul Reapers and the Quinces.
This is where Derek Stephen Prince (Uryu Ishida) truly gets to shine. It plays Uryu in such a way that, though he has betrayed his friends, viewers are able to understand him. Though he does everything in his power to aid Yhwach, there is no denying his pain as he talks about the death of his grandfather, his sensei. Throughout the series, Ichigo and Uryu have been able to find common ground, but the Quincies have always been second-class compared to the Soul Reapers. Uryu shouts, “It was always Quincy blood that has been spilled. Our blood!” The way Prince delivers this line is so powerful, allowing viewers to sympathize with his pain and proving this third cour is not holding back.
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