Gintama

Episode 334

Gintama's knack for cringe comedy is on full display in the Slip Arc's latest outing. Although this season has contained no shortage of zaniness, episode 334 takes things up a notch in the gross-out department while still managing to tell an engaging story. Featuring buckets of blood and rectal impalement aplenty, this week's Gintama once again brings the funny—although it probably shouldn't be viewed while eating.

While visiting Tetsuko's shop, the Odd Jobs trio inadvertently makes the acquaintance of Kusanagi, a sentient sword from Planet Excalibur. With their liquid metal bodies, the Excaliburlings are able to transform into a wide array of weapons. Since they thrive on combat, these beings seek out planets where war is abundant. Yearning for the thrill of battle, Kusanagi traveled to Japan long ago with his wife and scabbard, Scabberina. However, the two soon became separated, and Kusanagi has been searching for her ever since. Desperate for a new scabbard, Kusanagi decides to take up residence in Gintoki's hindquarters until his beloved can be located. Further complicating matters is the appearance of Senbe the Manslayer, a former Joi rebel who's recently taken to murdering his old compatriots. According to Hijikata, Senbe went mad after coming into possession of an ominous black sword—which is strongly hinted to be an Excaliburling.

The gang eventually discovers that Scabberina is currently in Sogo's possession—and she has no intent of leaving. (Being a Grade A sadist, Sogo takes tremendous pleasure in Kusanagi's sadness and Gin's predicament.) After she insists that she doesn't recognize Kusanagi, the crestfallen sword resolves to remain nestled between Gintoki's butt cheeks indefinitely, prompting the silver-haired samurai to take action and challenge Sogo to a fight in which Scabberina will serve as the prize. In preparation for the fight, Tetsuko attempts to re-forge Kusanagi's dulled blade—but ultimately winds up shattering the blade completely, much to everyone's bemusement.

Although wacky hijinks and gross-out humor are the episode's main draws, the show does a good job of making the audience feel invested in Kusanagi's story and never allowing the jokes to hinder narrative progression. Amidst all the madcap shenanigans, there's a compelling story unfolding in the background, one that will likely culminate in Sogo finally getting his wish to fight Gintoki. While it's practically a given that laughs will be abundant next week, the main fight and some resolution for Kusanagi are equally enticing reasons to tune in.

With the notable absence of fourth-wall-breaking, episode 334 contains nearly every element that makes Gintama well, Gintama. Parodies run the gamut from Pretty Woman to Ashita no Joe, the physical comedy is downright brutal, and the guest characters aren't just wooden props for the main players to bounce jokes off. There are also small hints of seriousness, primarily during the Senbe scenes, but these are instantly downplayed in favor of more laughs. We also get to see Sogo at his most sadistic as he plays the role of Scabberina's new love interest. (Despite the rosy picture she paints, it's clear that he treats her like dirt.) Even though it's played for laughs, it's interesting to see other characters offer semi-realistic assessments of Okita's sociopathic behavior. The pronouncement that he's “one step away from being a serial killer” honestly doesn't seem that far-fetched.

Halfway through its latest season, Gintama is still firing on all cylinders. The show's temporary return to form continues to prove consistently hilarious and dredge up memories of simpler times in Kabuki-cho. After giving us two self-contained stories last week, the Slip Arc makes a return to multi-episode stories, but the comedy isn't any poorer for it.

Rating: A

Gintama is currently streaming on Crunchyroll.

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