The following contains spoilers for Episode 8 of Bleach: Thousand-Year Blood War, “The Shooting Star Project [Zero Remix],” now streaming on Hulu in the U.S. and on Disney+ internationally.
Bleach: Thousand-Year Blood War’s first invasion of the Quincy has been packed with unparalled gore and violence when compared to the original Bleach series. The anime’s tonal shift was established in the very first episode and, with a couple of brief but notable humorous moments, has continued down the path of ruthless and dark imagery. This approach to the series portrayed the reality of a war based on the concept of complete genocide, and the majority of the episodes thus far have felt like an endless stream of suffering.
In Episode 8, ‘The Shooting Star Project (Zero Mix),’ Ichigo Kurosaki and the remaining Gotei 13 Captains were graced with the arrival of the Zero Division. From the build-up in the “Turn Back the Pendulum” arc and even the quick exposition offered by Shunsui Kyōraku before the doors of the Tenchūren opened, it was inferred that the Zero Division were a powerful, no-nonsense collection of Captain-Class Soul Reapers. As they stepped out of the Tenchūren, the group’s expected persona was immediately subverted; they appeared more like performers than warriors. However, this moment of levity was drastically needed and arrived at the perfect time.
The Zero Division’s Well-Timed Humor in TYBW Episode 8
Bleach has always balanced the scales of serious conflict and jovial humor, giving the characters moments of respite even within serious situations. Such examples include Kenpachi Zaraki trying to cut Ichigo after saving him from Yammy Llargo, or when Shinji Hirako arrived and toyed with Grimmjow Jaegerjaquez before the latter could kill Rukia Kuchiki. Moments like these lightened the tension from a serious, life-threatening situation and gave Bleach the charm it was known for through its expert characterization. The Sternritter’s first invasion in Thousand-Year Blood War has bombarded audiences with pain, fear and death consistently, without so much of a comedic whisper.
Because of this, the playful and joking manner of the Zero Division’s arrival was vital in releasing the pressure valve of tension within the story. As events progressed from intense combat into a lull of sorrow, a moment of levity and fun was not only important to the narrative, but also needed to maintain Bleach’s unique charm. Tenjirō Kirinji using his hair like a hook and then being nonchalantly chopped by Ichibē Hyōsube, or Ōetsu Nimaiya’s dancing and Kirio Hikifune’s playful familiarity reignited the fun within the series, gives the audience a window to breathe and relax.
Humor Can Help Endear a New Anime Character
With all the doom and gloom that has been transpiring in TYBW thus far, the arrival of a stoic collection of new characters would have had far less impact. It would have driven the story in the direction of pure violence and war. By having the new characters be uniquely fun and humorous, it allows the audience to enjoy their company on the screen and the difference they can bring to the story as a whole. Due to the state the Soul Society is in, it is unlikely any of the Gotei 13 will be making light of their situation anytime soon. That is the job of the Zero Division.
While it is likely they too will soon face the threat of Yhwach and his Sternritter, forcing them to take the war far more seriously, their enjoyable presence is a pleasant break from the constant combat. To this point in Bleach, there is no funnier moment than Kiriniji throwing Byakuya Kuchiki into the Blood Pool, which is a strange thought considering what the characters had just gone through. Regardless, their continual presence will keep the story lighter, until the next act shifts the tone back into the reality of war.
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