(story-art-sound-character-enjoyment) and conclude with my overall statement about this seaon
Story: 8/10
The true magic of Gintama is that it is episodic in nature and very comedic in nature. These comedic arcs and episodes help to connect the watcher to the side characters, so that when eventually a serious well-constructed arc does take place it takes a dramatic impact on the reader/watcher. The thing that this season will get a lot of flack for is stringing two serious arcs together. The arcs themselves are really good and I would place them in the top 3 in terms of serious arcs (courtesan of the nation is the best imo). However, it just so happened to be too bad that the arcs led directly into each other.
So to sum up this point, I really do enjoy the serious arcs and they are an essential part to Gintama. However, Gintama's strength lies primarily comedy and making the audience connected to side characters that would not get attention in typical shounen anime. But I do applaud Sorachi's attempt to steer Gintama in a new direction towards its finale.
Art 9/10
This is where this season truly separates itself from the others. Although the fight scenes aren't as crisp as the season before, the back grounds are much prettier and the lines are much bolder. The detail in the faces are much more visible and give Gintama a great look.
Sound 9/10
As always, Gintama has a pretty great ost that establishes the emotional backdrops of scenes. However, 3/5 of the OPs this season were pretty mediocre until the last arc blew me away,the second OP was excellent as well. In terms of EDs Gintama was pretty excellent. Voice Actors 10/10, Gintama knows how to cast
Character 10/10
No other anime does better at connecting the audience to ALL of its characters as Gintama. It's one thing to have a well-written MC with strength and weaknesses as well as villains. But Gorilla has made it to where any character can be placed in the spotlight of an arc and the audience will feel sympathy for them. Gintoki will always have the focus on him as the main character should, but the voice acting and writing of the side characters truly propel it further than other anime
Enjoyment 10/10
EFFING HILARIOUS
Overall 9/10
I like that in this season Sorachi is trying to lead Gintama to its inevitable close. However, it makes me feel sad when I'm reminded that Gintama is going to tie ends but it has to be done. If a lot of comedy has to be sacrificed then I stand by Gorilla-Sensei in making sure the series has a solid ending. This season is a success and it's no suprise Gintama composes most of the top 10 on MAL
