Gintama

Episode 277

This week's installment brings the highly-anticipated genderbent arc to a moderately satisfying, albeit predictable, conclusion. Viewers didn't doubt for a second that Gintoki and company would return to their original genders by the end of the storyline. Still, even with predictable results, we wanted to see if Gintama would surprise us—or at least keep us amused along the way. Unfortunately, it only did an adequate job of both.

As with last week, the humor is once again dialed down a notch. Since there are no more genderbent characters to roll out, most of the shock value that carried the arc's first episode has dissipated. Of course, that isn't to say episode 277 is devoid of laughs. For example, Shinpachi's observation about Sa-chan's harassment of Gintoki/Ginko taking on darker connotations in light of their reversed genders is both astute and funny. (Although the fact that the gender swap made any sort of difference in that dynamic says something about double standards for stalking victims.) Wackiness aside, this arc was primarily focused on Jyubei's/Kyubei's existential journey to accepting herself for who she is, even if it means Otae will never view her as more than a friend. In many respects, the hijinks were nothing more than background flavor.

In a humorous turn of events, all of the affected residents of Kabuki-cho have their genders restored—with the unfortunate exception of the main cast. Since most of the show's female regulars are skilled fighters with no shortage of confidence, they fall into their roles as men without skipping a beat. However, upon the urging of bishonen Tsukuyo, the newly-female Shisengumi decide to give up law enforcement and work as naughty policewomen in Yoshiwara. To be fair, it's likely meant as a dig at the men's general ineptitude, but the joke seems like a jab at women too, since the characters are capable as male police, but only worthy of donning "sexy policewomen" costumes as women. (Except for the sadist Sougo, who appropriately goes into the dominatrix business with submissive Sa-chan.) Rather than take things sitting down, Ginko goes on a quest for answers, while the other two thirds of the Odd Jobs Trio dedicate themselves to becoming stronger. Ginko soon discovers a way to cure the series' key players, leaving Kyubei to make the toughest decision of her life.

The Gintama genderbent arc had its moments early on but petered out soon after. Fortunately, the plotline didn't overstay its welcome, taking up only three episodes. Additionally, Kyubei underwent some genuine character growth, which is a rarity in this series. However, if the show wanted to convey a poignant message about gender fluidity and personal identity, it was buried beneath a mountain of fat jokes and crude humor that only sometimes paid off. In the end, the arc proved to be solidly middle-of-the-road Gintama fare.

Rating: B-

Gintama is currently streaming on Crunchyroll.

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