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Orb: On the Movements of the Earth is off to a pretty strong start in the first three episodes, even if it plays a bit loose with historical accuracy. The plot is actually really intriguing—a mix of fantasy and history with some philosophical twists. We follow a group of regular people trying to unravel the mysteries behind Earth’s movements, and while some of the historical references are a bit... let's say "creative," it doesn’t really detract from the story.

When it comes to animation, it's solid but not exactly groundbreaking; it shines when the situation demands it, such as during fights. The visuals are very faithful ... to the manga, making it a unique adaptation. They’re also at their best during space scenes. It’s clear they didn’t go all out on animation in every scene, but honestly, it works. The show knows when to ramp up the visuals during intense moments or when exploring the space environment. Otherwise, it keeps things simple, allowing the story and dialogue to do most of the heavy lifting, which is fine for this kind of series.

What really stands out, though, is the character development. Rafal, Gras, and Oczy are standout characters so far, each with their own layers and evolving personalities. Rafal is constantly balancing his scientific curiosity with the risk of being caught, while Gras brings humor and a more obsessed vibe. Oczy, however, is probably the most fascinating—he's a nihilist, and his philosophical takes provide some of the most thought-provoking moments in the show. You can tell there’s a lot more to uncover in this story. Overall, despite a few quirks, Orb has some serious potential. Just don’t treat it as an accurate history, and this title may become one of the best shows of Fall to you.

TL:DR: Great animation, great writing and foreshadowing, great character development, great OSTs, great Aizen, everything great. 10/10. Watch it and don't be bothered by the overall score's decrease. Some salty whiners can't comprehend that their favorite anime are not as good as Bleach.

Criticizing the original adaptation is understandable—it was ruined by censorship, butchered Orihime's character, and suffered from poor pacing, plenty of recaps, and fillers. But TYBW? It's nearly the perfect adaptation.

The new season of Bleach: Thousand-Year Blood War brings a visually stunning and action-packed adaptation of the manga's war arc. The animation quality is a major highlight, featuring crisp visuals, fluid fight sequences, and ... vibrant colors that make the intense battles feel even more dynamic. Studio Pierrot has clearly stepped up its game compared to earlier seasons, delivering a polished experience that makes the explosive energy of the series leap off the screen. The intricate use of lighting and effects adds depth to the scenes, especially during the high-stakes clashes between the Shinigami and the Quincy.

In terms of the story, TYBW follows the final conflict between the Soul Society and the Wandenreich, a powerful group of Quincy led by Yhwach. The pacing is relentless, with very little downtime between action scenes, but it manages to balance intense combat with moments of character development. Long-standing characters like Ichigo Kurosaki, Jushiro Ukitake, Kyoraku Shunsui, and others receive meaningful moments, while the new Quincy antagonists introduce fresh dynamics and formidable threats. Some plot points may feel rushed to those unfamiliar with the manga, but overall, the adaptation stays faithful to the source material while also elevating it as no other anime ever has before, preserving the high stakes and dramatic tension that fans have been anticipating.

The soundtrack, composed by Shiro Sagisu, amplifies the season’s emotional beats and adrenaline-fueled battles. From haunting choral arrangements to epic orchestral pieces, the music perfectly matches the tone of each scene, enhancing both the intensity of the action and the more somber, reflective moments. Additionally, the opening and ending themes, with their powerful visuals and catchy tunes, set the mood for the episodes.

Overall, this season of Bleach delivers a thrilling ride, combining impressive animation, a gripping storyline, and an impactful soundtrack, making it a must-watch for long-time fans and newcomers alike. What's even more exciting is that we still haven't reached the biggest peaks of this cour; we're in for a big ride! Can't wait for 'Friends,' Bankais we haven't seen animated yet, new story additions, and upcoming fights.

The training arc in Demon Slayer is a significant letdown that disrupts the otherwise captivating flow of the series. Despite the show's usual standard of top-notch animation and gripping fight scenes, this arc is plagued by painfully slow pacing and a repetitive narrative structure. The focus on rigorous training routines of fodder nonames feels monotonous that drag on without contributing substantially to the characters' growth or the story's momentum. Viewers are left slogging through episodes that lack the urgency.

One of the major disappointments of the current arc is its failure to advance the emotional arcs of the main characters. Tanjiro, Zenitsu, and Inosuke, who have ... previously been shown as dynamic and evolving characters, seem to stagnate during this period. The emotional depth is notably absent. The interactions between the protagonists and their mentors or fellow trainees are surface-level at best, lacking the profound connections or insightful dialogues that could have made this training period more engaging. Instead, the arc feels like a checkbox exercise in showing the characters preparing for future battles.

Moreover, the training arc suffers from a lack of meaningful conflict or tension. Unlike other arcs where the stakes are palpably high, this segment is largely devoid of the thrilling confrontations and perilous scenarios that keep audiences on the edge of their seats. The challenges faced by the characters during their training are predictable and uninspiring, offering little in the way of dramatic tension or narrative drive. This lull in the storyline makes it difficult to stay engaged, as the episodes feel more like filler than a crucial part of the story.

Overall, this season is a disappointing deviation from the compelling storytelling and intense action that Demon Slayer is known for.

TL:DR: Watch it only if you like flashy colors, but even this season lacks them.
+1 point for the crow's voice actor, who seems like a much more menacing character than any villain in this kids' show.