Ep 5. Oedo Group's Danger!
- February 3, 2004
- 46 min
-
7.2 (5)
As the fifth episode of season one of Gokusen, "Oedo Group's Danger!" sees the series continue to explore the life of Kumiko Yamaguchi, the newest math teacher at the all-male high school, Shirokin Gakuen. Kumiko, known as "Yankumi" to her students due to her rough and tumble background, finds herself caught up in the dangerous underworld of the yakuza once again when two of her former classmates from an all-girls school turned yakuza wives come to her for help.
The Oedo Group, a powerful yakuza organization, has targeted Kumiko's former classmates for trying to escape their arranged marriages. Now, Kumiko finds herself pulled back into her old life as she tries to protect her former classmates from the Oedo Group's wrath. At the same time, she must balance her duties as a teacher and her on-going efforts to reform her delinquent students.
As always, Kumiko's unorthodox methods and resilience are on full display as she works to keep her students safe from yakuza violence. She even enlists the help of the always dependable former student Kuma, who works at a host club owned by a rival yakuza family. Together, they must navigate the murky waters of the yakuza underworld to keep Kumiko's former classmates safe.
Meanwhile, back at the high school, Kumiko continues to butt heads with the stubborn and belligerent Sawada, the leader of the "3D" class. She is able to make some headway with him, however, when she not only teaches him how to admit his mistakes but also convinces him to apologize to his fellow classmates for his actions. This is a significant moment in the series as it shows Kumiko's ability to reach even the toughest of her students.
The episode is further improved by the inclusion of some impressive action sequences, including a tense showdown between Kumiko and the Oedo Group at her former classmate's wedding. The climactic moment of this episode is when Sawada and his classmates are finally able to come to her assistance when it is most needed, showing that Kumiko's unique blend of toughness and compassion has made a real difference in their lives.
Overall, "Oedo Group's Danger!" continues to build on the world and characters introduced in the earlier episodes, while also introducing new compelling storylines and challenges for Kumiko and her students. The episode is an exciting and emotional ride that demonstrates the best qualities of Gokusen - the heart, humor, and action of the series that has made it a hit with viewers across the world.