Gintama

Episode 316

As the Farewell Shinsengumi Arc comes to a close, viewers are forced to say goodbye to the staff of Odd Jobs Gin-chan for the fourth time. In many respects, this was the most consistently solid season Gintama has given us. On the aesthetic front, the series has never looked better—and while some battles were more fluidly animated than others, the emotionally charged faceoff between Gintoki and Takasugi was arguably the show's most impressive fight sequence. Although this season featured the series' lengthiest foray into drama to date, the majority of the proceedings were still dominated by the madcap comedy and spot-on satire Gintama is known for.

In the immediate aftermath of Sasaki's death, the heroes manage to escape Kokujo Island as Utsuro/Shoyo watches on with a devious smile. Even though they were unable to recover the deceased's body, Nobume, Tetsunosuke, and the remnants of the Shisengumi and Mimawarigumi give Isaburo a makeshift military sendoff. Not surprisingly, Nobunobu is enraged upon discovering Sasaki's betrayal. The fact that he was betrayed by the commissioner-general of police within three months of becoming shogun has made him appear weak in eyes of his political allies, many of whom are exiled from the capitol. (I'm kind of surprised he didn't just kill them.) Wishing to capitalize on this opportunity, Matsudaira recruits many of these men to aid in his rebellion efforts.

After Katsura convinces Hijikata that the Shinsengumi should leave the capitol and fan the flames of rebellion in other parts of the country, the key members of Edo's (former) top police force say their heartfelt farewells to Gintoki's gang, who promise to protect the city in the Shinsengumi's absence. Now sporting a deep scar that runs down the center of his face, Kondo enjoys a relaxed cup of tea with the Shimura siblings, Kagura and Sogo engage in one last brawl to determine once and for all who's stronger, and Gintoki and Hijikata sit down to a quiet meal at their favorite restaurant. This time around, both men eat the other's signature dish. As Gintoki wolfs down a stomach-churning Hijikata Special, Toshiro goes to town on an Uji Gintoki-don. Since these two have wildly different taste buds, this is more a sign of respect than a genuine interest in trying new things. The episode — and the season — ends with the Shinsengumi boarding an airship bound for parts unknown.

There are a number of poignant interactions scattered throughout episode 316. Otae's willingness to welcome her “gorilla stalker” into her home shows that while she may not reciprocate his feelings, she certainly cares for Kondo on some level. Her unexpected kindness nearly moves Kondo to tears, ultimately making it harder for him to leave Edo. Since Gintoki and Hijikata have begrudgingly acknowledged their quiet respect for one another several times in the past, their amicable farewell isn't quite as surprising, but it's bittersweet nonetheless. If these two ever meet again, I'm sure they'll resume their trademark bickering, but that's exactly what the audience wants from these two characters.

There isn't much comedy to be found, and the few jokes we get (like Gintoki and Hijkata declaring each other's dishes “disgusting”) are meant to be more touching than outright humorous. Similarly, Kagura and Sogo's farewell faceoff seemed intent on eliciting warm smiles instead of laughter. More than anything, the episode is a denouement, a chance for viewers to catch their breath before the next arc begins — only it's not beginning any time soon. Like the Shogun Assassination Arc, this is not a standalone story, but rather a large piece of the series' endgame. On the off-chance that the anime never resumes, this would be a deeply unsatisfying note to end on. That being the case, I wish they had followed the previous season's example and went out on a purely humor-focused episode. Since this series has no fourth wall to speak of, the characters could even acknowledge that the story was set in the pre-Shogun Assassination Arc timeline.

As the last episode of the Farewell Shinsengumi Arc, this week's Gintama dots the i's and crosses the t's, offering a satisfying send-off to some of the series' most important supporting players. However, as the last Gintama episode for the foreseeable future, it leaves something to be desired. The Odd Jobs crew is secondary (Shinpachi is barely in it at all), there's precious little comedy, and we're left completely in the dark with regard to where the story will go from here. With Nobunobu more bloodthirsty than even, Shoyo alive and serving the Tendoshu, and Edo without a proper police force, a renewal announcement can't come quickly enough.

Rating: B+

Gintama is currently streaming on Crunchyroll.

Amy is a YA fantasy author who has loved anime for over two decades.