Made it a point to watch Bleach Episode 220 tonight because I was really looking forward to more intense battle scenes between the Shinigami and the Arrancar. Bleach 219 was a superb episode and I really loved how Hisagi was able to take out Findor. Anyway, Bleach 220 picks up with Ikkaku and his opponent – Poww. In the last episode, we saw Ikkaku flat on his face while Poww was standing triumphant over the fallen Shinigami. Review and synopsis of Bleach 220 after the break.

Bleach 220 Review
The episode starts with Poww continuing the brutal beat down on Ikkaku. It’s pretty obvious that the Shinigami is no match against Poww’s raw strength. Just before Poww breaks Ikkaku into two, an unlikely character makes a timely save. 7th Division Captain Komamura steps in and delivers a crushing right fist to Poww’s face, sending the Arrancar flying. Iba then comes into the scene using several rods to stop the teleportation of the real Karakura town from Soul Society (because the pillar was destroyed).

Poww manages to pick himself up and retaliates, punching Komamura hard, sending the Captain crashing into several buildings. The Arrancar then decides to take the fight to the next level. He brings out his sword… which looks like a Toothpick and unleashes his true form – Calderon (Pilot Whale). Poww grows into a towering deformed giant with Popeye forearms. He begins to chase down Ikkaku and Iba. Before he manages to squish the two Shinigami, Komamura makes the save again, catching his punch and doing the unthinkable. He throws the gigantic Arrancar to the ground. While watching this part, I really felt awed and excited because Komamura was never really given enough screen time in the previous seasons of Bleach. Now we finally get to see the “beast” in action.

Komamura doesn’t hold back, and releases his Zanpaktou’s Bankai: Kokujuou Tengen Myou-ou (Enlightened King’s Heavenly Punishment). Komamura’s Bankai summons a massive oni-samurai wearing black plate armor and wielding a gigantic blade. Komamura’s Bankai deflects the Cero blast of Poww, and the two giants start to tear up the town. In desperation, Poww locks down Komamura’s arms and tries to deliver a point-blank Cero. Komamura’s Bankai takes the full force of the blast, but it barely even scratches the armor of the Oni Samurai. Komamura forces the blast into Poww’s mouth which is simply a raw display of brutish strength. Komamura finishes Poww off with an overhead cleave.

The next part is a bit emo. Iba scolds Ikkaku because he didn’t use his Bankai, therefore losing the battle. Because of Ikkaku’s pride, the pillar was destroyed. I loved how Iba says that if you want to be proud, then become stronger. All that matters is the win. I now have new found respect for this weird mustached shinigami.

Episode ends with Barragan getting really annoyed that his Fraccion lost against the Shinigami. Based on the preview for next week’s episode, we’ll see more action and I just can’t stop loving it. Definitely waiting for Bleach Episode 221!