It expertly balances Gintama’s signature absurd humor (like Kagura’s social unawareness) with serious action and philosophical differences between former friends. Viewer Takeaways
Fans often consider this the true start of the story, as the first two episodes were filler specials, and episodes 3-5 focus on gathering the core cast. Gintama Episode 5
While episodes 1 and 2 are often skipped by newcomers, Episode 5 is essential for understanding Gintoki’s history and his complex relationship with Katsura. While they appear briefly, this episode begins fleshing
While they appear briefly, this episode begins fleshing out the dynamic between Gintoki’s group, the resistance, and the Shinsengumi police force. Key Highlights & Themes This simple errand quickly escalates when they cross
Katsura’s goal is to overthrow the Amanto (aliens) through radical, sometimes violent, means—a contrast to Gintoki’s desire to live a peaceful (if lazy) life.
In this episode, Gintoki and his crew at the Yorozuya (Odd Jobs) are hired to deliver a mysterious package. This simple errand quickly escalates when they cross paths with (often called "Zura"), an old war comrade of Gintoki and the leader of a resistance faction known as the Jouishishi. The episode establishes the following:
The episode popularizes one of the series' most iconic jokes: Gintoki calling Katsura "Zura," and Katsura constantly correcting him with, "Zura janai, Katsura da!" ("It’s not Zura, it’s Katsura!").