Jumping the Shark

Posted in zero thoughts by moyism on April 8th, 2007

Jumping the shark but in a good way. At least, that’s what I thought after watching Gintama episode 50. One thing that’s great about anime comedy series, especially those that don’t take themselves seriously, is they’re allowed to be more creative and outgoing compared to say, something like Death Note that’s high on drama and character development.

With that being said, the most recent episode of Gintama had the cast celebrating making it to Year 2 of airing and trying to think of some way to give more “umph” to the series. Basically this led the majority of main and supporting characters dropping by Gin’s place (the main hero played by the awesome Tomokazu Sugita) giving their two cents on what the anime should be like. What followed were some hilarious suggestions that parodied other famous anime series and media until Gin gave his suggestion, which ended being the new OP and ED for the series.

What follows is some of my favorite suggestions given by the characters with short commentaries, including what media was being parodied. All I have to say is be prepared, very prepared

It just wouldn’t be a comedy anime without referencing Gundam somehow. One suggestion was simply adding an additional letter to their current title, spoofing the letters from Gundam ZZ, Gundam X, Turn A Gundam, Gundam Victory, and G Gundam. I loved the fact they even pointed out how Turn A Gundam and G Gundam are not really sequels and thus cannot be used; that’s quality research right there!

Another great Gundam-related suggestion by Kagura (the china looking girl) involved changing whom the focus should go to; this time it should be the heroine (her) and not the hero (Gin). Her idea span parodying a few movies, although I wasn’t too positive where they were from. The best, however, was the Gundam part especially the nekomimi enemy mecha!

All I can say is jp should be very scared if the above screen shots ever came true. I was laughing and cringing at the same time as the two cast members’ suggestion involved ripping Pretty Cure in all its glory. God helps us all if that ever comes true!

At least someone in the cast loves their shounen series. Yes, they parodied all the great shounen series currently in Jump (which Gintama is also a part of): One Piece, Bleach, and Dragonball Z. The funny thing is the character who suggested it, Otae, is voiced by Satsuki Yukino whom is also in Bleach. I guess my fanboyism for cross-references to other series the actors/actresses are in had me all excited and laughing when this scene came up.

Romeo X Juliet this is not. Reverse trap maybe? Or just people cross dressing? Either way, it was still funny as hell.

There were a few more suggestions but these were definitely the best of the crop and the most easily recognizable by the general audience. Honestly can’t wait until the actual season starts as Gintama keeps getting better (and more wackier) as times goes on. I don’t know if it is because the mangaka ran out of ideas and just decided to go with the flow, but whatever the reason I’m liking it.

Everyone definitely needs a series or two they can just veg out to, and Gintama fits the bill perfectly. If you haven’t already, I highly suggest watching an episode or two; thankfully the series is currently being subbed by the great folks at Shinsen-Subs and Rumbelsubs! (If it helps any, Tomokazu Sugita really gets to extend his vocal talents as Gin playing the field from uber serious to awesomely hilarious all within the same episode)