Golden Kamuy Final Season [Season 1-5]

Alright, let’s dive into the final season of Golden Kamuy—and wow, what a ride it’s been! For those who’ve been following Saichi Sugimoto and Asirpa’s quest for Ainu gold since 2018, this fifth season feels like both a homecoming and a bittersweet goodbye. Let’s break down what fans are saying about the first episode, from the chaos of the opening to the lingering questions about pacing and animation.

First off, the show wastes no time throwing viewers back into the action. As one fan put it, “Welp, they didn’t waste time with this season. First episode of the final season and there’s already a hunt for a wanted criminal.” That’s classic Golden Kamuy—no filler, just straight into the chaos. The return of beloved characters like Asirpa, with her signature “hinna hinna!” exclamations, and Sugimoto’s badassery had fans cheering. “Sugimoto is still a badass and taking care of business,” another viewer noted, capturing the essence of what makes this series so addictive.

But it’s not all smooth sailing. Many fans pointed out the pacing issues right away. “The first half of the episode was real fast paced and ruined the tension of the groups reunion,” one commenter lamented. Others felt the episode was a bit disjointed, with scenes jumping around without much breathing room. “Were the manga chapters or movie this disjointed? They just blew through everything,” someone wondered. It’s a valid concern—with around 70 manga chapters left to adapt, the team at Brain’s Base is clearly trying to cram a lot into this season. As another fan explained, “With the amount of chapters remaining, they can’t take it slowly if they want to adapt everything in one cour.”

Animation quality was another hot topic. While some praised the return to “season 3 levels,” others weren’t so kind. “Why does it look like it was animated using Powerpoint?” one user joked, highlighting the janky character designs and awkward shots. Asirpa’s fluctuating height and Hijikata’s tiny head in certain scenes didn’t go unnoticed, with one fan quipping, “I can’t remember this show being this ugly!” Ouch. But hey, not everyone was down on the visuals—some felt the animation was a step up from the previous season, so it’s a mixed bag.

The humor, as always, was a highlight. Golden Kamuy is known for its outlandish jokes, and this episode didn’t disappoint. “Man, I forgot how out of Left Field the humor in this can be/comes at you,” a viewer laughed. Even during intense action sequences, the show manages to sneak in a laugh, like the running gag about “sperm trails” or Chinpo Sensei’s unexpected cameo. “Chinpo Sensei being the star of the episode,” one fan declared, proving that the series hasn’t lost its quirky charm.

Now, let’s talk about the big question on everyone’s mind: Do you need to watch the prologue movies before this season? The answer, according to multiple fans, is a resounding no. “No it picks up right after where last season ended,” one user confirmed. Another added, “The Movie was basically an edited version of the first few episodes of this season so don’t worry.” Phew—no need to hunt down those hard-to-find films!

But wait, there’s a catch. Some viewers who watched the movies noted that the first episode only covers a part of their content. “Just a part. To fully cover both parts of the movie, it should take around 4-6 episodes,” someone explained. So while you don’t need the movies to follow along, die-hard fans might still want to check them out for extra context.

As for the plot, the episode introduces a Jack-the-Ripper-style serial killer in Sapporo, with a crime scene that mirrors the city’s map. “Jack the Ripper’s crime scene perfectly matching the layout of Sapporo’s city map? I’d a feeling it was going to come down to some form of re-creation but this was certainly interesting,” a fan mused. It’s a classic Golden Kamuy twist—blending historical intrigue with wild, almost absurd storytelling.

The return of villains like Ogata also had fans excited. “Man I miss villains like that guy, it’s good to have him back sowing chaos,” one viewer said. Ogata’s unpredictable nature and penchant for causing trouble are a big part of what makes the series so thrilling, so his presence here is a welcome one.

Of course, there’s a sense of nostalgia hanging over this final season. “Close to 8 years since mangaka Satoru Noda’s Golden Kamuy began in the anime scene, seeing its final chapter come now has been quite the dream since its beginnings,” a long-time fan reflected. For many, this show isn’t just about gold—it’s about the journey, the friendships, and the rich tapestry of Ainu culture woven throughout.

But let’s not forget the memes and inside jokes that make Golden Kamuy’s fanbase so lively. References to “sperm trails,” “Chimpo Sensei,” and even One Piece (yes, really) peppered the discussions, showing that the community is as passionate as ever. “whatever slop you watch before you know that you can always come to golden kamuy and cleanse your soul,” one fan joked, summing up the series’ unique ability to entertain and captivate.

So, what’s the verdict on the first episode? It’s a mixed bag. The pacing is rushed, the animation has its flaws, and some scenes feel disjointed. But for fans who’ve stuck around this long, the return of Sugimoto, Asirpa, and the gang is enough to keep them hooked. As one viewer put it, “Good to have this back after over 3 years. Don’t quite remember all the stuff that happened last time but yeah, that doesn’t quite hamper the experience in any way.”

As we gear up for the rest of the season, there’s hope that the team will find their groove. “I really want this season to not be a cliff notes version of the manga,” a fan pleaded. With the stakes higher than ever—will they find the gold? Will Asirpa reclaim her heritage?—the final season has the potential to be epic.

In the end, Golden Kamuy’s final season is off to a chaotic, messy, and utterly entertaining start. It’s not perfect, but then again, neither is the journey Sugimoto and Asirpa have been on. And isn’t that what makes it so memorable? Here’s to hoping the rest of the season delivers the satisfying conclusion this beloved series deserves. Hinna hinna, indeed!