Review of Gintama Season 5

Last season finished with a 'point of no return' conclusion, and this season, Gintama., follows up by stripping away most of the comedy elements that were so present in earlier seasons. With most of the earth-bound side characters having completed their arcs, the story shifts to space to better understand our favorite amanto. This season begins with a tone that feels much more like a traditional shōnen, which is to be expected, given that the lightheartedness of earlier seasons couldn’t simply be restored after the events of Gintama°. What truly sets this arc apart is how it manages to deliver character moments that feel deeply embeddedwithin them. We finally get to understand the roles these characters have been playing from the very start, and why they’ve acted in a certain manner along the way.

The themes of Gintama also progress masterfully. The ongoing focus on Bushido is now tied to a new exploration—what does it really mean to become stronger? This theme blends seamlessly with the arc's overwhelming amount of battle sequences, giving the action more depth than mere spectacle.

Naturally, the presence of so many gag episodes throughout the series might make this arc feel somewhat jarring for some. The animation also felt off in some points. However, Gintama was never just about comedy, action, or drama alone and never really had animation as it's strongest point. Gintama is a unique experience each time, and while this arc might not immediately seem that way, it delivers in spades by the end.