Gintama 24

[denshi_no_ultra]

A classic Katsura episode, a must-watch-until-know-it-by-heart for every Katsura fan :D

Episode title: A Cute Face Definitely Hides Something

Source of subs: Shinsen-Subs

Episode summary:

Comments

[juneaddams]

I cried at the epilogue, haha. This is easily one of my favorite oneshot episode ever. I rarely see transgender characters portrayed with depth and compassion in the media, let alone in a JUMP series, so the issue of acceptance, and what family truly is, and seeing people for who they are, these are resonant themes and I can't help but applaud Sorachi for bringing this so early in the series' run. It says a lot about him as a mangaka.

On Katsura, I think you got it exactly right here: "Katsura probably would be very good with children - he did not behave in a condescending manner, kids hate that, and talked to Teruhiko like his equal." I mean, Zura looks at the world with ZuraVision, and he's crazier than a drunken bat, but ZuraVision also means he's able to see the essence of people past their physical form and its social implications. Elizabeth is a cute pet and not a castaway Amanto freak, Kagura is not just a kid but someone with leadership qualities, etc. He can respect people no matter their age or appearance so long as the person has a good soul.

I think it is quite in character for Gintoki and Zura to come to the kid's defense. Despite their silliness, they both have a strong sense of justice and altruism, and definitely a soft spot for kids. Remember Seita? There's a scene where Gin-san smiles looking at Seita taking orders at Otose's snack shop. So yeah, kid in trouble, bullied by transphobic classmates? No doubt they'd step in. Especially if it gave them a chance to be gross. XD

I also agree, so freaking much, on Gin and Zura's synchronization. It gave me warm feelings. It says so much about their friendship that despite the bickering, they know each other deep enough to communicate without words, and, in a crisis, act with unison. My favorite part is when they're persuading Teruhiko to run when the monster approaches. They do responsible adult / parent figure thing very well when real shit happens. So proud of them. :')

[denshi_no_ultra]

That theme is not personally important for me, but I approve of Sorachi-sensei tackling such serious topics, it really shows that Gintama is not all about silly jokes.

That's a great way to put it, Katsura really sees people differently, and it allows him to notice what really matters. ZuraVision, that sounds like a good name for a tag, I might use it sometime ;)

Yeah, but Gin-san stole Seita's wallet first XDD Although Seita started it. And then Gin-san and Katsura were both quite nice to that baby that was left at Yorozuya... I suppose you're right, they would defend a bullied kid.!

I know, right! It made me all warm and fuzzy to know that despite everything, Katsura still has such a good friend! And that was indeed a great moment, the two of them can be completely awesome and unselfish when the situation calls for it.