It’s Fall 2024, and the time has finally come once again – Bleach: Thousand-Year Blood War is back with its third part, titled The Conflict. Considering the events of the first two parts, one has to wonder just how intense things are going to get this season for it to only now be considered a ‘conflict’. Nevertheless, the end of Part 2 left us on one of the most unrelenting cliffhangers in recent memory, making the return of Bleach a cause for celebration in more ways than one. Let’s dive into the details!

Episode Overview

The season kicked off today with its premiere episode, and there’s a lot to discuss. Plot points from the first two parts will be explored, along with the events of today’s episode, so be warned! Spoilers ahead! With that said, let’s get into the first episode of my most anticipated anime of the season!

Recap of Part 2

Where Part 2 left off, viewers were locked into the fierce battle between the Quincies and Squad Zero. Few fans are likely to forget the season’s conclusion, where we witnessed Senjumaru and Ichibē revealing their fearsome bankais, seemingly turning the tables on Yhwach’s army. If you enjoyed those scenes, you’re in luck! A somewhat annoyingly large portion of today’s premiere is dedicated to recapping those moments, frame by frame.

I couldn’t help but feel a little deflated upon realizing how much of Part 2’s finale was being revisited. For a premiere episode, fans are eager to jump back into the action, set up the plot points of the season, and experience new content after such a long wait. While the Squad Zero bankai scenes were stunning, they were unforgettable on a first watch, making the recap feel entirely unnecessary.

Action and Animation Quality

Once we get past the padding, however, Bleach proves that Pierrot still has it. At its core, Bleach is an action show, and the action in this episode is as good as ever. The animation delivers the same intensity that characterized the previous parts of the Thousand-Year Blood War, gripping viewers with a level of excitement that few contemporaries can match. Watching Bleach’s action scenes has always been visceral, and it seems that Part 3 will maintain that high standard.

Continuity and Structure

Thus far, the Thousand-Year Blood War has not felt particularly divided into distinct parts. The original run of Bleach aired weekly, and the vibe of the Thousand-Year Blood War has felt similar, with seasons only separated by their release gaps rather than thematic shifts. This episode particularly exemplifies that, as it feels like a direct continuation of the previous events. There’s no grand introduction to mark this as a season premiere; we are thrown right back into the fray.

While this continuity can be seen as a strength, it also raises questions about why the series has been split in this manner. To me, this episode felt more like a finale to Part 2 rather than a proper start to Part 3. Would it have been impossible to fit one more episode into Part 2 for a better transition?