Gintama anime ep 303/manga chaps 510 - 513
Dear Gintama gods and Sorachi-sama,
This is my favorite episode so far in the anime’s portrayal of the shogun arc. Not because it is so action-packed and exciting, which it definitely is, and not because it featured my OTP fighting side-by-side, back-to-back, which it did, but because despite all the fighting and bloodshed,we are reminded again and again about how strong the bond of friendship has become between all of them. That it wasn’t about just protecting the shogun, but rather protecting their dear friend. And how their friendship knows no station or status or profession. They are all equal when it comes down to putting their lives on the line for the sake of their friends. It’s a theme that you have covered many times before, usually during every dramatic arc, but it felt more powerful this time because of all the groups involved: the Yorozuya, the Shinsengumi, the Oniwabanshuu, the Iga, and of course the shogun who could be considered as a group because of what he symbolizes. I should even count Takasugi’s Kiheitai since he represents the friendship that has gone terribly wrong.
Before I get to the heavy stuff I want to say how much I LOVED all the fight scenes in this episode. Obviously I loved the pair-up of my OTP: seeing Gintoki and Hijikata fight together made my silly fangirl heart all aflutter. But besides that, I also loved seeing Kondou fight alongside Kagura and generally how everyone just covered each others’ backs. I loved how BRUTAL the fighting was; every hit from the Yato really looked like it hurt. A LOT. Especially when Kagura got that hard-knee in the crotch. I know in the manga it was more like her abdomen, but in the episode, oh my God, it looked like a horrible crotch punch. Yeouch! And then seeing how awesome and valiant Kondou was made me really wish that Otae had been around to see him in action. She might have been able to overlook all his flaws–his hairiness, stalking tendencies, outdoor defecation habits, and exhibitionism–and actually fall in love with him.
I loved how mixed in between all the hardcore battling, there were also many moments that moved me to tears. I am actually amazed I wasn’t bawling by the end of the episode because the urge to just cry it out like there is no tomorrow was definitely there. The shot of Kondou and Hijikata on the bridge was one such heart-tugging moment since it did really seem like they were saying their final farewell to the gang. When I read the chapter, I remember being so worried for them because while I didn’t think you would actually kill them off so soon (if ever…please don’t ever), there was at the same time enough doubt in me that I was genuinely scared for them. After all, they were completely outnumbered and facing a whole herd of monster Yatos; even with help from Momochi and what remaining Iga ninjas there might still be, it is still a really daunting task for mere mortals. I remember thinking, oh my God, you didn’t even at least leave Kagura with them so they have a fighting chance?? But then, when Kamui showed up in the next instant, I immediately realized why Kagura belonged on Gin’s side of the bridge. The good thing about having a shoddy memory is that I have already forgotten how Kondou and Hijikata survived that onslaught–did they just defeat the Yato themselves or did help arrive at the last minute–so I am once again feeling that tinge of anxiety for them.
Another moving moment in the episode was of course when Sa-chan’s hope of returning to the way things were with Gin-chan was cruelly shattered by Takasugi’s blade piercing through her body. It was shocking in print and actually more shocking on screen because of the angle of the shot, which was from Sa-chan’s POV looking down at the sword coming out of her abdomen. . Again, I did not think you would kill off our beloved four-eyed, Gin-stalking ninja girl just like that, but still, seeing her wounded in such a blatant manner was truly unsettling.
Sa-chan’s entire scene with Hattori in the field was another winner for most heart-wrenching moment. I know Sa-chan is all about Gintoki, but honestly, after what she went through with and for Hattori, I have to say they are really the better match. He needs someone like her by his side if he is to be the boss that she and the rest of the Oniwanbanshuu believes he could be. He needs her to keep him in line. While it might be a harder sell to Sa-chan since she literally has Gintoki goggles on, I am hoping that she will eventually see the light, especially since Gintoki has already friend-zoned her. I should really start referring to Hattori as Zenzou since I know just about everyone calls him that. Not to mention, ZenSa sounds better than HattSa.
The anime has been such a dream so far, more than delivering on bringing your awesome arc to life. And the score has just been so amazing. They have really been doing you proud, Sorachi-sama. The only minor minor teeny tiny complaint I have is that since this whole arc is pretty much serious business, I wish we hadn’t been stuck with such an upbeat, colorful opening theme and sequence which is so contrary to what is going on, and will only become even more jarring as we head into deeper, darker waters. The OP was fine for the first and second episode, what with all the dick jokes and such, but now it seems almost inappropriate. I cannot wait for DOES to take over the OP theme since their Donten is still my favorite Gintama opening song and I loved Shura as well. Sorachi-sama, can you please ask the Gintama gods to please let the new OP sequence in the new year be as awesome as the new opening song will probably be so that we may have an OP befitting the epicness of what shall soon come to be? Thank you for listening and for gifting us with this Christmas present of an episode, and Happy Holidays to you and yours!
A silly fangirl with yaoi dreams
Favorite GinHiji moment (it’s a tie because…it will be Christmas soon so it’s ok to allow me this luxury?)
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