Awesome awesome awesome episode!!! The fight scene was great, except for Inoue being useless and in the way. I thought for sure when Ichigo told her to get away that she would object or say his name, but she just says "ok" and runs away. Ichigo in bankai mode owns. I think he could have beat Ulquiorra (sp?) using bankai.

Urahara and Yoruichi in action was too cool. The Yoruichi eating scene was tiresome and somewhat rehash of Saiyan appetite material from DBZ, though seeing Yoruichi scantily clad was very very nice. The Kon scene was hilarious. The Shinigami invading the high school was the best scene. Rukia returns is even better. Art and background music were both top-notch.

I wonder why they sent that particular group of Shinigami. If the Arrancar are that serious a threat, why not send some higher level fighters? Did they just pick 5 of the more popular characters, or is this from the manga?