A Gintama episode a day keeps the ending away…Episode 142
Episode Title: Life Is A Series Of Choices
MY 23 FAVORITE MOMENTS IN EPISODE 142 (manga chaps 217, 218 and 219):
Love this episode so much! My favorite ep of the arc and the best one, imo. While Gintoki’s fight with Housen later is quite awesome and brutal, in terms of emotional resonance, I have to give the win to Kagura and Shinpachi’s two-on-one face-off against Abuto. The brutality of their fight never fails to make me clench my teeth so hard that my jaw is usually achy by the end of it. I love every second of it and I wish it lasted longer.
1) Bless this very human boy for trying to protect a powerful Yato girl from powerful Yato man.
2) This moment of Yorozuya-on-Yorozuya violence was especially sweet since they were fighting over their protection of each other.
3) I love this family.
4) Tsukky being awesome and looking beautiful while doing it.
5) Such a heart-wrenching yet amazing image, and so meaningful too since Tsukky got the strength to stand up because she remembered Gintoki’s words of encouragement.
6) I always get teary-eyed even though I technically disagree with the whole throwing away their womanhood thing. I think they’re still complete women through and through even with their scares and their past and their duty.
7) This fucking psycho rabbit. After watching V/H/S 2 and seeing that image of the bloody cult dude, I can never not think of that guy when I see this scene of Kamui now. Makes it that much more disturbing.
8) Those poor women. I appreciate the muting of the colors in that moment but it really doesn’t lessen the brutality of Kamui’s actions.
9) Abuto trying to bond with Kagura over her crazy brother’s abusive tendencies.
10) You know it’s going to be an awesome fight when they go wide-screen at the start.
11) I think this is where my teeth clenching starts: you can totally tell that even though Kagura was putting all her strength into her swings and kicks, they were still barely doing anything to Abuto.
12) I love Kagura. I want to grow up to be like her.
13) I worship our Queen so much.
14) This and the noise and Kagura’s scream that resulted from it always makes me wince so hard that I actually get tears in my eyes. I could almost feel her pain from having her arm broken by Abuto.
15) Again, bless this very human boy for even attempting something like that Would’ve been more effective if he aimed for Abuto’s head, but then that wouldn’t have been in character for him and that’s why Shinpachi is so lovable.
16) In retrospect, considering the damage Abuto was inflicting on these two people that I love, it’s really amazing that he actually managed to redeem himself completely by the end of the fight.
17) I feel a sympathy pain in my gut every time I see this scene. It’s nothing short of a miracle that Shinpachi’s internal organs were permanently damaged by what Abuto did to him.
18) The moment when Kagura’s chains start coming undone.
19) I clench down here too even though Abuto took the pulverization pretty well. Seriously how did he develop such a resilience to pain? I have to wonder just how abusive Kamui has been to him over the years.
20) Holy fuck. I mean, what else can I say?
21) And yet, I still hope we get to see this side of Kagura before it’s all over because she’s just so horrifyingly amazing in that condition. I mean, I hope she learns to control the bloodlust so she doesn’t lose herself completely, but I really want to see her going berserk again. Her and Kamui, going full berserker mode on Utsuro maybe. Omg that will be so freaking awesome!!!
22) Dear sweet Abuto. He’s so helpless to this nutty Yato fam.
23) Last time someone tried to interfere with two Yatos fighting, one person got a hand through his chest and the other got his arm ripped clear off. Shinpachi is a truly brave soul.
24) Yeah, I probably was destined to love Abuto right from the start. He basically forfeited his own safety in order to save Kagura and Shinpachi: he kicked pushed them onto a roof and made no attempt whatsoever to save himself. I love that even though he was set up as a villain, he still had this compassionate side to him. Reminded me of Bansai...which I guess was the point since both of them similarly and hopelessly devoted to two misguided yet endearing psychopaths.
SHIPS TALLY:
Gintoki x Tsukuyo: lotsa mutual feelings going on between them in this arc. I would have to be blind not to see the signs. They definitely made me fear for my OTP.
Abuto x Kamui: I think it’s pretty fair to say they were pretty much canon from the get-go. It’s my fault for getting distracted with other ships for Kamui.
Tsukuyo x Hinowa: the mutual feelings were strong for them too. I mean, heck, if Sorachi-sama were to refer to Gintoki and Hijikata as the sun and moon of Edo, I would freak the F out (even though, technically that would also mean they are destined to never be together other than during an eclipse like Isabeau and Navarre in Ladyhawke, but I’m just going to ignore that part).
A Gintama episode a day keeps the ending away…Episode 141
Episode Title: Butting Into A Fight Is Dangerous
MY 19 FAVORITE MOMENTS IN EPISODE 141 (manga chaps 214, 215 and 216):
1) How can I ever hate anyone who resembles Kagura in so many ways and is this adorable???
2) Even though I knew right away that couldn’t be Kamui, the brutality of Hosen’s attack was pretty shocking. That poor prostitute. He really is a total asshole.
3) I can never NOT snicker when this moment comes up.
4) Hosen was definitely a big, scary mofo, but I think I should’ve actually been more impressed by Kamui, who was holding his own against that monster despite being like half his build. The fact that Hosen didn’t break his bones on contact is really a testament to how strong Kamui is.
5) Love my crazy Yatos.
6) Tsukky looked so sweet and almost child-like in this moment.
7) Kamui-chan!!!! Ack! SO CUTE!!!
8) I felt bad for baldy. Must’ve really sucked being killed by his own captain just cuz he was trying to prevent Hosen from murdering him.
9) I can’t help but wonder sometimes why Abuto and Unkyou didn’t at least try to just yell STOP instead of actually using themselves to stop them. Kudos to Abuto for not even batting an eye even though he just had his arm ripped off.
10) I still want a spin-off with these three bouncy amigos.
11) Kagura still looking adorable even with blood trickling down her face. I love that she was just slightly ashamed of the fact that she got hit by Tsukky’s kunai as well.
12) I really just love this because Gintoki looks like himself except with huge boobs.
13) Actually, this was kinda a sexy moment: Tsukky lighting Gin-chan’s “boob”.
14) I will always love that goofy grin.
15) Kamui kicking his feet like a little boy just makes me want to hug him. Looking back now, it’s actually a little heart-breaking that he has such childish tendencies since he obviously never got to enjoy a normal childhood. It’s obviously a case of arrested development.
16) Kagura’s Yato-sense going off.
17) I get a tingle down my spine from excitement every single time I see this moment because it marks the beginning of a truly epic fight between two monsters and Shinpachi. Really one of the best fights in Gintama.
18) I was so proud of Kagura!
19) Our Queen. I worship.
SHIPS TALLY:
Gintoki x Tsukuyo: she so easily gave up her pipe to him, like she was ready to hand him a token of her love. The fact that he even asked for it was kind of curious as well. Oh yeah, I am totally sure now at that at least at THAT point in time, Sorachi-sama was absolutely trying to set Tsukky up as THE ONE for Gintoki.
Abuto x Kamui: I got a tinge of couplehood from them right from the start.
Tsukuyo x Hinowa: her devotion to Hinowa can absolutely be seen as sisterly love or friendship only, but I’m ok with other interpretations as well.
A Gintama chapter a day keeps the ending away...Lesson 662
MY 13 FAVORITE MOMENTS IN LESSON 662:
I did have some favorite moments...but mostly I was just stressed out.
1) Sibling combo kicks! I will NEVER tire of seeing Kagura and Kamui working together!
2) Even though I know they could easily bounce back from those hits, it still hurt me to see them beaten up like that.
3) Omg, seriously, Kamui’s poor tummy. His organs had to be mush by this point from all the stabbing.
4) I really don’t blame Pachi-kun for being frozen in fear considering all the horrible carnage going on around him.
5) I looooved this moment so much: Gintoki rescuing BOTH Hijikata and Yamazaki and then Saitou finally appearing to rescue Okita and probably Kondou as well. My Shinsengumi boys were SAFE.
6) Cripes that was really horrific. Again, my heart goes out to all those poor Shinsengumi and Yato who never had a chance against that monster but still tried anyway.
7) Again, totally don’t blame Shinpachi for being scared. Utsuro really was Death approaching; I would be wetting my pants.
8) I didn’t believe he would just give up like that, but it still hurt my heart to see him so vulnerable.
9) I was SO PROUD of Pachi-kun I actually cheered and then teared up.
10) And then I wanted him to get the hell away from Utsuro because no matter how proud I am of him for trying to stand up to that immortal monster, I still knew Shinpachi was no match.
11) “So until the final moment, I will not shut my eyes, and I will not let go of this sword. Father, your sword, still lives inside me...”
12) I think I had a heart attack and probably died for a few minutes when I first saw this. For one long, eternal second, I seriously thought Utsuro was about to split Shinpachi in half.
13) Ohhhh I was soooo happy to see that asshole FINALLY spit up some blood and actually look SHOCKED. Thank the gods.
SHIPS TALLY:
Gintoki x Hijikata: Gin-chan saved Toshirou. That’s all I need.
Abuto x Kamui: Abuto was obviously concerned for Kamui’s well-being after he was stabbed the umpteenth time.
Kondou x Hijikata: Hijikata looked like he was trying to crawl his way to Kondou even though he was seriously injured himself. That was sweet.
Disclaimer: Gintama is not only about shipping. Gintama is hilarious, clever, exciting, poignant, heart-breaking, loving, brilliant, and just so freaking amazing. It is only due to Sorachi-sama’s generosity that I can enjoy Gintama on yet another level, the shippy level, and I am forever grateful for that. GINTAMA IS LIFE AND LOVE.
Gintama anime ep 358/manga chaps 648, 649, 650, and 651
Dear Gintama gods and Sorachi-sama,
Please allow me to humbly express to you what I am most thankful for in this episode:
BUT WAIT, before that! Sorachi-sama, please tell me, what does Team Bandai Namco have against Bansai? Once again they cut him out of the episode completely when, in your original chapter, he was included, in a really touching moment: when NobuNobu was imploring everyone to hold back on their desire for revenge, Takasugi actually pictures Bansai. That was completely omitted from the episode and I just don’t understand why. I still loved the entire episode but that omission was rather disappointing, especially considering the other Takasugi and Bansai moments that were cut out two episodes ago. Apologies for my minirant; please allow me to return to thanking you and praising the fruits of your labor that blessed us with all the other wonderful moments in this episode.
Thank you for:
- the long-awaited demise of the fool who brought about so much death and destruction,
- the end of an era,
- an ancient premise that was not forgotten,
- Kamui’s method of saving people,
- a brother acknowledging another brother’s strength and value,
- a BEAUTIFUL sister doling out earned punishment,
- sweet Shinpachi,
- Hijikata once again returning to Gintoki what was forgotten,
- Sadaharu,
- Puppy gods,
- a wise and understanding husband subordinate,
- the big rabbit and “Nobutas”,
- the Yorozuya emojis,
and lastly, my favorite manga to anime moments (4-way tie, I CAN’T CHOOSE!):
I remember when I first saw NobuNobu die, I didn’t quite feel sadness because you had reminded us that he was responsible for ShigeShige’s death. I only felt a little sympathy for him since he was killed just as he was trying to change himself for the better and I was worried how Soyo would take the news. However, in watching his death on screen, I actually got teary-eyed for two reasons: the choice of music used which was straight out of the Shogun Assassination Arc and Sakamoto’s griefstricken reaction thanks to seiyuu Miki Shinichiro-san’s amazing performance. It was a touching moment, and a grander exit than NobuNobu probably deserved considering what he has done in the past. I was also very happy to see Enshou finally fall; it was such a satisfying moment, I loved seeing it in full animated color. And despite the aforementioned exclusion of Bansai, I actually loved this episode a lot as it included some of my favorite moments from the battle on Earth. As stupid as this may sound, I also got teary-eyed over seeing Hijikata returning Gintoki’s bokuto to him. You know I’m a sucker for GinHiji moments. Of course the interactions involving Kamui’s harem and between the Yato siblings were also treasures to me. Thank you for the abundance of riches that never fails to put a big smile on my face and brighten my day.
A Gintama chapter a day keeps the ending away...Lesson 661
THE 15 MOMENTS THAT MADE ME EMOTIONAL IN LESSON 661:
Another chapter which was mostly stressful and hence I didn’t really have favorite moments. When I first read this chapter, I think I spent most of the time either shouting profanities because so much horrible things were happening, or just yelling at the guys to stop talking and RUN.
1) The Shinsengumi doesn’t deserve Yamazaki. WE don’t deserve Yamazaki.
2) Omggg Yamazaki is such a sweetie. This made me a little weepy.
3) I love him; he really was so badass and awesome, but I really just wanted Kondou to get the fuck away from Utsuro like IMMEDIATELY after he stabbed him. Every extra second he spent talking to that guy, was like another second lifted from my lifespan.
4) And this is where all my cussing started because I so hate it when I’m right sometimes.
5) More profanities. Like seriously, double the number of SHITs.
6) Ok this shaved more time off my lifespan.
7) I was really proud of Hijikata and Okita for getting their strikes in, but again, I just kept yelling at them to RUUUUUNNNN.
8) More profanity here. The only small comfort I had was that hopefully, they were only flesh wounds and nothing vital was hit.
9) This was...nightmarish, to say the least. I didn’t think Sorachi-sama would wipe out all three of them all at once like that...but the gloomy title for this chapter inserted just enough doubt in me that I remember being really scared when I first saw this.
10) So many fatalities. Seriously, RIP to all the good, decent Shinsengumi and Yato members that perished.
11) Even though the chances of Kamui surviving any injuries Utsuro might inflict on him was higher than the Shinsengumi boys’ odds, I still worried about him a lot. Every hit he landed on Utsuro to me was just another opportunity for Utsuro to kill him.
12) I was hoping SO HARD that Umibouzu’s idiot bullet would work, even though I doubted it would at the same time, just because it would be too easy and things would end way too quickly. I had a feeling Sorachi-sama wanted to torture us some more.
13) I just felt bad for the amount of stabs Kamui’s poor stomach has had to sustain during this war.
14) Ugh, yeah, hate it when I’m right.
15) It’s amazing how knowing the outcome absolutely does not take away the heartache of seeing our beloved Shinsengumi boys all bloodied and prone, as if dead.
SHIPS TALLY:
Gintoki x Hijikata or Gintoki x Okita: because Gintoki was obviously deathly afraid for both Hijikata and Okita.
Abuto x Kamui: just cuz when they are in the same frame or interacting with one another, I automatically think it’s because they’re already married.
Disclaimer: Gintama is not only about shipping. Gintama is hilarious, clever, exciting, poignant, heart-breaking, loving, brilliant, and just so freaking amazing. It is only due to Sorachi-sama’s generosity that I can enjoy Gintama on yet another level, the shippy level, and I am forever grateful for that. GINTAMA IS LIFE AND LOVE.
A Gintama chapter a day keeps the ending away...Lesson 636
MY 15 FAVORITE MOMENTS IN LESSON 636:
I love this chapter so freaking much. Yato sibling powers, activate!
1) I love these two so much, especially as a united front.
2) Basically the Eldest was just one gigantic penis.
3) I laughed so damn hard.
4) The look on Kagura’s face was especially priceless.
5) Omggg these two children.
6) My heart was so full...sure, they were beating each other up and all, but finally there was no animosity involved whatsoever and they were just being total brother and sister.
7) I especially loved how Abuto was being a total disapproving nanny.
8) Kamui being a mentoring big bro just totally brought tears to my eyes. He was finally being the big brother Kagura always wanted of him. I was so HAPPY for her.
9) Adorkable x 1000.
10) Kagura obviously admiring her big bro Kamui’s fighting prowess. Again, so touching, so earned.
11) Kamui’s face right before a gigantic Yato penis was thrown at him.
12) I just really really loved these siblings’ antics.
13) Their Eldest crotch volley was just sublime.
14) I just loved that the Eldest went from being one big penis to one big mosaic ball.
15) I am just so proud of Kagura and Kamui. Felt like we waited forever to see them finally join together on the same team and be a family again.
SHIPS TALLY:
Abuto x Kamui: I was calling him a nanny but “concerned spouse” would’ve been just as applicable.
Disclaimer: Gintama is not only about shipping. Gintama is hilarious, clever, exciting, poignant, heart-breaking, loving, brilliant, and just so freaking amazing. It is only due to Sorachi-sama’s generosity that I can enjoy Gintama on yet another level, the shippy level, and I am forever grateful for that. GINTAMA IS LIFE AND LOVE.
A Gintama chapter a day keeps the ending away...Lesson 635
MY 13 FAVORITE MOMENTS IN LESSON 635:
1) I love big brother.
2) Love love love!
3) Kamui’s rather insightful words.
4) I was glad that Gori-pirate and Cyclops-pirate were back and on the good guys’ team, and I also loved Kamui’s smiling face.
5) Kamui giving his idea of a peptalk.
6) Seriously, I am just so proud of Kamui for finally growing up and being a proper big brother and actually paying respects to his little sister for straightening him out.
7) I wish this moment had better resolution because it was so amazing: Kamui crossing paths with both Gintoki and Okita, which I had been hoping for so much.
8) They’re back-to-back and being a united sibling unit. How can I not love this??? Felt like I’ve been waiting for this moment forever!
9) Kouka must be so proud of her two babies.
10) Not a favorite moment but I was surprised by the Elder’s physique. Kinda creepy that he still has a little head and seemingly no neck.
11) Yato on yato violence is always a win for me.
12) Really, I was so proud of Kamui in this chapter because of how much he’s matured, I felt as if I was Kouka.
13) YES. ALL THE YESES IN THE WORLD. LOVE.
SHIPS TALLY:
Abuto x Kamui: again, as far as I’m concerned, they’re freaking married.
Gintoki x Kamui: yeah, I know I’m being totally unfaithful to AbuKamui but I can’t deny that I still get a little thrill whenever their paths cross.
Takasugi x Kamui: I feel the same way when this power couple cross paths., or in this case, talk to each other.
Gintoki x Hijikata or Okita x Kamui: please refer to moment #7...they were within close proximity to each other, that’s enough for me.
Disclaimer: Gintama is not only about shipping. Gintama is hilarious, clever, exciting, poignant, heart-breaking, loving, brilliant, and just so freaking amazing. It is only due to Sorachi-sama’s generosity that I can enjoy Gintama on yet another level, the shippy level, and I am forever grateful for that. GINTAMA IS LIFE AND LOVE.
A Gintama chapter a day keeps the ending away...Lesson 651
Awwwww...my heart....
MY 10 FAVORITE MOMENTS IN LESSON 651:
1) Kondou is such a good leader.
2) Their matching grimaces as they raced to get to Sadaharu’s side.
3) Abuto basically telling Kamui to be a good big bro and take care of his little sis. He’s such a good husband.
4) Poor sweet Kagura...the guilt she was feeling totally slayed me.
5) Just seeing how desperate Kagura was to get to Sadaharu seriously just made my heart clench.
6) These brave little puppies...I love them.
7) The intensity on her face...all out of her love for Sadaharu...I totally felt and identified...that is me if my puppies were in danger.
8) I got emotional...they’ve come such a long way and Kagura fought so hard to get to this point. Yato sibling love is just so warm.
9) I just thought it was adorable that big bro Kamui basically said his little sis was a cute little rabbit.
10) YES, Papa rabbit appears! And I was so glad Nobume was by his side...for a sec in the chapter, I thought it was Utsuro that got her.
SHIPS TALLY:
Abuto x Kamui: yes, I am just going to refer to Abuto as Kamui’s husband from now on. Abuto earned it after chasing after that crazy rabbit for so long. I mean, just look at how tenderly Abuto looks at Kamui-chan!
Gintoki x Nobume: I felt a tinge.
Disclaimer: Gintama is not only about shipping. Gintama is hilarious, clever, exciting, poignant, heart-breaking, loving, brilliant, and just so freaking amazing. It is only due to Sorachi-sama’s generosity that I can enjoy Gintama on yet another level, the shippy level, and I am forever grateful for that. GINTAMA IS LIFE AND LOVE.
