Gintama: 3-Z Ginpachi Sensei Episode 5: Brings back the Parco brothers and peak absurdity

Gintama: 3-Z Ginpachi Sensei Episode 5
Gintama: 3-Z Ginpachi Sensei Episode 5 (Image credit: Bandai Namco Pictures)

If there is one thing fans can expect from this series is that they are going to get tired of laughing, and Gintama: 3-Z Ginpachi Sensei Episode 5 proves that this anime is not ready to lose its magic anytime soon. From introducing characters from the main series like Tsukuyo, Gengai, and Sakamoto, the episode managed to capture the essence of Gintama as it turned any scenario into a comedy goldmine.

Gintama: 3-Z Ginpachi Sensei Episode 5 starts with introducing three robbers who have stolen 50 million yen, and anyone who catches them shall be given a lump sum reward of one million yen. Naturally, all the teachers are invested in catching these robbers are everyone wants the money. Except Ginpachi, who was the least bothered and wanted to read his Jump comic in peace.

Principal Hata, ever the opportunist, frames it as a golden chance to boost the school’s popularity and enrollment, because of course he does. He wants everyone to participate, so he even offers Ginpachi a reward if he also participates. Reluctantly, he agrees, and what follows next is a wild goose chase all around the school campus.

The chaos escalates fast, teachers turn into vigilantes, robbers cannot escape from the premise as the principal activates barriers, and even the Armstrong family gets a shoutout with the hilariously named “School Life Armstrong Barrier.”


Classic Gintama callbacks and parody gold

Still from the anime (Image credit: Bandai Namco Pictures)
Still from the anime (Image credit: Bandai Namco Pictures)

Gintama: 3-Z Ginpachi Sensei Episode 5 is packed with callbacks, and fans have not only taken notice but also appreciated these additions. The Parco Brothers (robbers in this episode) were initially seen in Gintama Season 1 Episode 8. Watching them again sent a wave of nostalgia, and their presence fit right in the school setting.

Their reappearance, along with the usual slapstick misunderstandings and over-the-top reactions, makes the entire episode feel like a tribute to the earlier days of Gintama. The episode also reintroduced Gengai, the old man who created an air cannon, but instead of aiming at the robbers, he blew himself off. In true Gintama fashion, even the most ridiculous gag, like the cannon’s “soy sauce mode,” turns into a running joke that fans couldn’t stop laughing about online.


Tsukuyo steals the spotlight

Tsukuyo, Ginpachi, and Robbers (Image credit: Bandai Namco Pictures)
Tsukuyo, Ginpachi, and Robbers (Image credit: Bandai Namco Pictures)

One of the highlights of Gintama: 3-Z Ginpachi Sensei Episode 5 is how Tsukuyo was introduced. Her character is popular due to her mix of seductive confidence and brute strength, which adds to the perfect comedic setting. She tried to fluster the robbers into forgetting about running away, and when the episode took a weird turn, she started bashing them up with a Bazooka.

Also, Ginpachi accidentally falls into her chest moment in Gintama: 3-Z Ginpachi Sensei Episode 5 is classic Gintama fanservice, funny, flirty, and perfectly timed. Fans who watched this episode are happy with her return, as they are referring to her as the best girl of this spin-off.


Sakamoto, Matsudaira, and the teachers of chaos

Still from the anime (Image credit: Bandai Namco Pictures)
Still from the anime (Image credit: Bandai Namco Pictures)

Another surprise in Gintama: 3-Z Ginpachi Sensei Episode 5 came in the form of Sakamoto, who shows up as the math teacher. His signature laugh and butchering of Ginpachi's name, in addition to his airhead optimism, made his screentime chaotic. Matsudaira, as always, brings his over-the-top intensity and chaotic authority to the mix. When these eccentric adults are tasked with handling a school lockdown, the result is pure Gintama-brand insanity.


Gintama: 3-Z Ginpachi Sensei Episode 5: Familiar formula, still fun

Still from the anime (Image credit: Bandai Namco Pictures)
Still from the anime (Image credit: Bandai Namco Pictures)

While there were a few fans who left, like the comedy in this episode was not like the previous installments, Gintama: 3-Z Ginpachi Sensei Episode 5 managed to capture the spirit of the original series. From the jokes, reintroducing characters, and Ginpachi often breaking the fourth wall, talking about how he is not Gintoki, and reminding everyone that he is just a teacher, made the episode entertaining to watch.

It is true that since the Halloween special episode, the series has also been focused on storytelling. What was particularly enjoyable about episode 5 was the meta-commentary about “sticking to the setting,” which is so Gintama, breaking the fourth wall while doubling down on the absurdity. Sure, it’s not as groundbreaking or emotional as the main series, but 3-Z Ginpachi Sensei was never meant to be.

Edited by Nisarga Kakade