Golden Kamuy [Season 1-4]

Alright, let’s dive into the latest episode of Golden Kamuy Season 4—because honestly, if you’re not watching this show, you’re missing out on one of the wildest, most unapologetically weird anime out there right now. This week’s installment? It’s like someone took a history textbook, a horror movie, and a slapstick comedy, threw them in a blender, and hit “puree.” And somehow, it works… mostly.

First off, let’s talk about the chaos. Our crew—Sugimoto, Asirpa, and Shiraishi—can’t even take a steamboat ride without things going sideways. Of course, the boat they pick is the one with Botaro the Pirate, who’s basically a human wrecking ball with a diving obsession. Dude’s swinging anchors like they’re baseball bats and going toe-to-toe with Sugimoto, and honestly? I’m here for it. Fans on MyAnimeList are split on whether he’s a temporary ally or a future villain, but let’s be real—anyone who can match Sugimoto’s “immortal” energy deserves a spot in the crew. Plus, his idea to track the gold back to its original hiding spot? Smart move. The gold’s probably scattered across rivers like Easter eggs, and this might be their best shot at cracking the code.

But let’s not forget the show’s signature weirdness. Shiraishi, that master of disguise, pulls off a Pennywise impression that had me cackling. Imagine a guy in a raggedy coat popping out of a gutter, mask and all—straight out of It. Fans are losing it over this reference, and honestly, it’s the kind of randomness that makes Golden Kamuy so unique. Who else but this show would throw a Stephen King nod into a Meiji-era gold hunt? And don’t even get me started on the postman from hell. Dude’s trigger-happy, thinks he’s a sharpshooter, and gets taken down by Asirpa pushing him into the river. Classic.

Now, the emotional beats. We get a glimpse into Sugimoto’s past—his family’s struggle with tuberculosis. It’s a heavy moment, showing why he’s so desperate for the gold. But here’s the thing: some fans feel like the directing’s off. One comment mentioned that the episode felt “like way too much random stuff happening all in one go,” and I get it. Between Botaro’s introduction, Sugimoto’s backstory, and the postman chaos, the emotional weight of Sugimoto’s past doesn’t land as hard as it should. It’s like the show’s trying to cram too much into 24 minutes, and some moments get lost in the shuffle.

Then there’s the mystery of the tattoos. A street peddler drops a hint that the tattoos might be “useless now,” which has everyone panicking. If that’s true, Sugimoto’s whole mission—collecting tattooed skins to find the gold—could be for nothing. Asirpa picks up on this, and it’s clear she’s not backing down. Her determination is one of the show’s strongest points, and it’s keeping the tension high even when the pacing feels off.

But let’s address the elephant in the room: this is supposed to be the final season, right? With only two episodes left, fans are confused. “Wait, isn’t this the final season?” one comment asks. “It doesn’t seem close to an end.” The manga wrapped up in 2022, so the anime’s got to wrap things up, but with so many loose ends—Tsurumi’s plans, the gold’s location, Asirpa’s future—it’s hard to see how they’ll tie it all together. Some are hoping for a movie to give the series a proper send-off, and honestly? That might be the way to go. A two-hour epic with all the action and heart this show deserves? Sign me up.

Not everyone’s loving the season, though. One fan called it “slow compared to previous ones,” and I get that. The first three seasons were nonstop chaos, but this one’s taking its time setting up the endgame. But hey, good things come to those who wait—right?

Overall, this episode is a mixed bag. The humor’s on point (shoutout to Shiraishi’s Pennywise), the action’s wild, and the emotional moments are there—they just need a little more room to breathe. Botaro’s a great addition, Asirpa’s still the boss, and Sugimoto’s backstory adds depth to his “immortal” persona. If the final two episodes can balance the chaos with the heart, this season might just stick the landing.

So, if you’re into historical dramas with a side of horror references and pirate brawls, Golden Kamuy Season 4 is still worth your time. Just don’t expect it to make sense—because let’s be real, that’s part of the fun. Now, if you’ll excuse me, I’m off to rewatch that Pennywise scene. It’s better than candy, and yes, I’m quoting a fan comment. Deal with it.

5/5 for the chaos, 4/5 for the pacing—but let’s be honest, I’d watch Shiraishi do anything. Bring on the next episode.