So since this latest Bleach episode batch was all about the Main romance subplot, I figured I’d provide my thoughts on Bleach’s various pairings, as of where I am right now (Episode 167).
Now, when I talk about pairings in a show, understand that I have two lenses for doing so. One is my Shipper’s lens; the “I really like these two together, that moment was cute, I’m gonna ship them” POV, which can literally be slapped onto any two characters in any show ever, and the “this is the romantic subplot and I’d like to see how well it unfolds” POV.
The latter is the one that is usually frustrated and disappointed by the romantic subplots in Shonen anime; while the former can retreat to fanfic to enjoy both preferred pairings and better written versions of official ones, the latter has to examine canon, analyze and sigh over the way characters often get mishandled because shonen authors don’t want to write romance, yet for some reason often do. (props to One Piece alone for just flat out not going there.)
Going into Bleach, I was prepared to experience the same disappointment. It’s the trade-off we accept in Shonen. You expect weak, half-baked romance storylines, and in exchange you get all the good shonen-y things. I was prepared, based on the general fandom opinion, to see the series mishandle poor Orihime and for her relationship with Ichigo to be as underwhelming as any Shonen.
I did not expect Orihime to instantly become my favorite character, but lo and behold that’s exactly what happened
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So here are my thoughts, as of right now, on the Bleach pairings.
First, let me provide my “Second Lens” thoughts on the two future Official Pairings: Ichi/Hime and Ruki/Renji, as romantic subplots rather than ships: I like them both and think they’re well-developed.
Ruki/Renji have known each other forever, have a nice chemistry and character dynamic, and are very protective of each other. They don’t seem to quite realize their feelings are romantic yet, which explains why they’re not together already, but that’s fine. Ichi/Hime have also known each other since the start, have a good solid connection and care for each other, and have been well-written as a subplot: They’re always important in each others’ storylines, but without either being the center of the other’s. Orihime has relationships that matter outside of Ichigo (Tatsuki, Rukia, her brother, Uryu) and Ichigo, vice versa (Uryu, Rukia, his dad, now Grimmjow and Nel). They are still important to each other and each other’s development, but without it overwhelming either character’s story. That’s all I really ask from a romance subplot in a show and so far Bleach has delivered nicely.
So now my thoughts on all the ships:
Ichigo/Rukia: This is one I so far only see as a BROTP. Perhaps it’s because I’ve only watched the canon stuff, but I just don’t see them romantically. They seem like siblings to me. Like, just for instance, in Ruki’s rescue arc, Ichi spent half the time getting into ego fights rather than putting saving her first, while in Hime’s rescue arc that’s what he’s been focused on the whole time. It’s not that I don’t believe they’re close friends, I just don’t see them as more than that. So far, of course. Something could always change my mind :)
Tatsuki/Orihime: Definitely one of my favorite pairings for this show. Has been from the start. They haven’t had much screentime lately but I still ship the hell out of them. They’re really cute together.
Ichigo/Uryu: I still do like these two but I’ve cooled on them for two reasons - one, lack of screentime, and two, a possible spoiler I heard that they might be first cousins, which is a bit of a no-no for me. Ah well.
Uryu/Orihime: This one’s OK. One or two cute scenes.
Tatsuki/Ichigo: I really kinda like this rarepair. Another one who’ve known each other forever.
Ichigo/Orihime: My thoughts on this one as a ship are that they’re cute together but not really my shipping vibe. I tend to prefer a different character dynamic type but I’m totally fine with them being the official pairing.
Renji/Rukia: This one I really enjoy as a ship as well as “well-written canon romance”. They’re really my style. Bantering but loving childhood friends and all.
Rukia/Orihime: I got really into this one recently. This arc was so shippy with them. All that face touching, friendship, support and sensing each other’s sacrifices and all.
Renji/Byakuya: This one is kinda popular in the fandom and I kinda shipped it at first. There’s not a lot to work with but I guess I’ll see.
Grimmjow/Ichigo: This one is really popular in the fandom too. I guess I see it a little but it’s not like my usual shonen rival ships (the TDBKDK triangle, Suzalulu, Lawlight, to some extent SNS, Kakavege, etc.)
Orihime/Ulquiorra: Tthis one is the classic hero/villain kinda deal. I said it had a Phantom of the Opera vibe and I still think so. The tragic potential “could never really be” thing that’s all about exploring the darkness of the hero and the potential light of the villain. Something that’s fun as a ship but not for endgame romance.
Yoruichi/Soi Fun: Me and most of the fandom are clearly convinced these two are married and I believe they’re right.
Hitsugaya/Momo: This one is cute. Heal her heart Hitsu.
So yeah that’s my thoughts so far. No central definite OTP but a lot that I love and none I dislike.
