Gintama

Episode 359

The decisive battle with Utsuro draws ever closer as our heroes get the trump card they've been waiting for in an action-packed Gintama. Hoping to replicate the strategy he used on Rakuyo, Umibozu reveals that he's collected Altana crystallites from planets across the universe and created Shoryumon, a weapon that fires concentrated blasts of the Altana extracted from the crystallites. (He also used the crystallites to create a hair-growth gun, which helped him regain his glorious mane.) By hitting Utsuro with a heavy dose of incompatible Altana, his immortality can be nullified, thus providing Gin and company with a chance to kill him. Before the Odd Jobs crew continues their trek to Sadaharu, Umibozu entrusts Gintoki with another weapon he threw together: a sword created with steel that was imbued with the crystallites.

Even though the Dragon God priestesses and Dog Deities were able to get most of the ley lines under control, their efforts are rendered useless when Utsuro destroys the Gate found in Edo's Terminal. As Nobume puts it, “Nobody can stop it anymore. Not Utsuro, not anyone.” To make matters worse, both Sadaharu and Komako have expended a tremendous amount of Zen power, making them both weaker and causing them to shrink in size. Things continue to take a turn for the worse when the group is pursued by undead Naraku and both priestesses are injured. Meanwhile, with the Heavenly Bird on an out-of-control collision course with Earth, Prince Hata makes the tough call to destroy the ship, but before he can do so, Hasegawa brings him to his senses in a manner that mirrors their first confrontation. Taking Hasegawa's advice, the prince tasks his entire fleet with getting in front of the Heavenly Bird and deploying anti-impact shields. Although this barely slows the ship down, the remnants of the Liberation Army are so moved by Hasegawa's efforts that they offer the assistance of their own ships and shields.

Since just about every member of Gintama's massive cast has gotten a chance to make their mark on this epic final battle, it's only fitting that Hasegawa finally lives up to all the bluster he showed in Silver Soul's first episode. All the hardships he experienced after losing his job at the Immigration Bureau appear to have led up to this moment, and his time as the show's Meg Griffin has ultimately turned him into the savior his planet needs. Although his speech about being unemployed contains comic undertones, it comes off as more inspiring than funny in the moment. Intertwining his fate with Hata's is another satisfying full-circle move, as both men are high-status buffoons who experienced hilarious falls from grace.

Umibozu's reemergence makes for the some of the funniest moments of the season and facilitates the return of the tsukkomi/boke routine that accounts for much of the show's humor. The revelation that Shoryumon came about as a byproduct of the hair-growth gun is particularly funny and helps reestablish Umibozu as a comedic presence after the character's dark turn in the Battle on Rakuyo. (Arguably, the Kagura's Boyfriend arc served the same purpose, even though it took place prior to the endgame arcs.)

As usual, none of the small victories the gang experience come easily. Things never coincidentally or serendipitously come together in our heroes' favor—the characters earn these payoffs and play active roles in each other's successes. Getting to know these characters for the past twelve years makes it easy for viewers to become emotionally invested in each battle and ensures that each victory feels meaningful. It's almost surreal watching this relentless melee throw obstacle after obstacle at the cast, only for them to blast through them by the skin of their teeth.

Silver Soul continues to excite, amuse, and provide an all-around satisfying experience. Episode 359 not only finds the entire Kanko/Kouka family uniting against a common enemy, but also Hasegawa and Hata coming together to save the planet. This arc has consistently brought out the best in each character and forced them to set aside personal differences to discover new strength.

Rating: A

Gintama is currently streaming on Crunchyroll.

Amy is an author who has loved anime for over two decades.