Golden Kamuy (2020)

[ゴールデンカムイ]

Season 3

Director: Hitoshi Nanba
Studio: Geno Studio
Starring: Chikahiro Kobayashi, Haruka Shiraishi, Kentaro Ito
Episodes: 12

Synopsis:
Having formed an uneasy alliance with Lieutenant Tsurumi, Sugimoto travels to Karafuto in search of Asirpa.

Impressions:
We leave Hokkaido for Karafuto (Sakhalin) and the new setting presents opportunities for exploring the cultures of the area's indigenous people, the Sakhalin Ainu, the Uilta (otherwise known as the Oroks) and the Nivkhs. This allows Asirpa, who's been the main cultural ambassador, to be the one introduced to new people and customs. She also learns more about her father, which is one of the things Kiroranke is going for on this trip. Speaking of Kiroranke, having both him and Ogata in Asirpa's group is filled with dramatic irony given Asirpa's obliviousness to their true nature. Sugimoto's group has an interesting dynamic as well, teaming him with the likes of Lieutenant Koito and Sergeant Tsukishima as well as Tanigaki and Chikapasi.

Similar to my criticism of the second season, we have a backstory chapter for Tsukishima that doesn't feel very organic. Contrast this with the flashback chapter for Wilk, which meshes much better. It's not a dealbreaker or anything. More of just a minor quibble. Speaking of these backstory episodes, it's up to you whether the interconnectedness of the characters' pasts is intriguing or a touch contrived (or both).

Everything comes to a head at the end, which makes for a pretty satisfying season finale. We also drop some hints and set things up to keep you hanging for the next season. All told, this season should make fans of the series happy and I recommend adding it to your collection.

Rating:
Own It