Shogun (2024) Episode 9 Review
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- Опубліковано 15 кві 2024
- Episode 9 of Shogun, titled "Crimson Sky" sees Mariko, Blackthorne, and Yabushige arrive in Osaka for the climax of the series!
My review of episodes 1 and 2: • Shogun (2024) Episodes...
My review of episode 3: • Shogun (2024) Episode ...
My review of Episode 4: • Shogun (2024) Episode ...
My review of Episode 5: • Shogun (2024) Episode ...
My review of Episode 6: • Shogun (2024) Episode ...
My review of Episode 7: • Shogun (2024) Episode ...
My review of Episode 8: • Shogun (2024) Episode ...
Interview with the Historical Advisor for Shogun: • Shogun (2024) Historic...
Check out my review of the 1980 Adaptation and my initial thoughts of the original book it is all based off of!
Review of the 1980 Adaptation: • Shogun (1980) | Samura...
My thoughts on the book: • I Finally Read Shogun ...
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Correction: Apparently we did see Lord Kiyama speak Portuguese way back in episode two as well. Either way, it was certainly fascinating to see him speak it here with Blackthorne!
"I hate this fucking city" - Yabushige
😂
i love the inflection change in marikos voice when she's adressing the council as she gets more and more fired up, great performance!
Yes!! It resembled Lady Ochiba's fighting words. So many awesome details.
Absolutley and when she declared the ancient nature and she would not be treated as a peasant It was direct insult to Ishido and message to other ancient noble families that he was below Toranaga and her lineage.She was on fire
@@haroldgreen2251thanks for pointing that out. She asserted herself and put him in his place.
Tragic.
Most of us have had to endure this moment 2 times in their lives by now. I'm guessing we'll get another dose in 20 years.
This show has been a class act from Episode One . The actor who plays Yubushige is phenomenally talented.
RIP Mariko sama
Check out some of Tadanobu Asano's other films. The man is a gem.
@@holstorrsceadus1990 absolutely will ,after this.
cheers
I read an interpretation I really liked is that Mariko herself was the Crimson Sky (symbolically, not literally the plan), pointing out how much red she wears this episode when her usual color is white. And it also tracks with giving such a name to the episode in which she was the undisputed star of the show.
Yabushige is really that villain you hate to love lol
Also loved Blackthorn going Anjin Wick with his pistols
From the reactions I’ve seen online and my own, this definitely stands to be everyone’s favorite episode of Shogun 2024 if Episode 10 doesn’t top it.
Yabushige is awesome!
I feel he had the most character development in the series.
@@Diego-Designs I agree, the actor that play him does a really good job, He plays him with what I feel is a certain roguish charm that makes it so you can't help but to like him even though re's really kind of slimy and selfish. But at the same time, I think that it also has to do with how he's written in the show vs. how is in the book, I really did not like book Yabu where he seemed like much more of an a-hole.
"Yabushige is really that villain you hate to love"
I strange, I just hate hate him.
@@Riceball01 I agree, though the original series he also had a bit of the roguish charm and I really liked him there too
After the battle of Shekigahara, Osaka castle was burned to the ground. That sounds more like a Crimson Sky. But was this the actual name of the plan or artistic license? Was it Mariko's and others killed while trying to leave Osaka and the crimson blood that was spilled
IDK.......
This episode hit all of the beats it needed to from a story standpoint. I knew exactly what was going to happen and I was still on the edge of my seat. They absolutely nailed it. They have to much to wrap up in the next episode though!
Is it ending after the next episode?
@@Phrankytee yes
@@stevebubbie1126did you read the book? What happens to Mariko in this episode is (almost) exactly as written, and is critical to the story.
I think Toranaga miscalculated a bit with Ishido trying to capture Mariko. He sent her in to the castle to specifically get all the hostages out which would cripple much of Ishidos support. Ishido was trapped in a beautiful catch 22, can’t let Mariko go, and if he keeps her she kills herself and that will disgrace Ishido. The shinobi was a desperate attempt that is now going to completely backfire because it means that Ishido can’t maintain the security of any of the hostages. As Toranaga in the book says “Mariko was the Falcon and Ishido was her prey”.
Yes! It was to place Ishido in a no-win situation, and Toranaga knew that Mariko may well have had to go through with sepiku. However, Ishido thinks he is being smart by trying to capture her, but in the end, her sacrifice creates the absolute worst outcome for Ishido.
@@alatamore *seppuku
His plan and hers was she was not coming back.Toranaga even tells Buntaro he had decided to order them to divorce and she refused and said she would committ seppuku and not go to Osaka.She also put future plans for Anjin in place,There was no miscalculation it was always the plan.Well if there was I would say more underestimating Yabu instinct for treachery
Forgive me but I don't understand how your first sentence stacks with the rest of what you said, which I agree with. I think Ishido miscalculated trying to capture Mariko.
Mariko’s son appears in the book; he is at Ochiba’s birthday reception. Anjin notes his twisted hand and remembers Mariko telling him there were complications during the birth. At this point, he is already betrothed to Kiyama’s granddaughter, but Kiyama rescinds that after Mariko denies the will of the Council. The boy appears disappointed, but I don’t recall him disrespecting his mother in any way.
I find it hard , that at the time period, a son would do that at a time like that
@@dandansfu I find it always worth trying to separate perceptions of history based on our exposure to interpretations of cultural convention, in public, formally, versus how people might speak in intimate, private situations. With all the emotional baggage and personal drama that would come with.
This is a son whose life has been thrown in the air by a mother with the lingering stigma of a past traitor, who wants to die, and a father who is loyal to a current traitor. I find it harder to believe that would not be a strained relationship, at that point. And I think this was the way the show chose to represent and give voice to that.
@@dandansfu We all know that they mainly added that scene to make us feel bad for Mariko and her death to be more impactful but yeah, I don’t think the kid being openly disrespectful to their parent was acceptable at that time. Oda Nobunaga did it once in his dad’s funeral and it made people call him “The Fool of Owari”.
@@dandansfu Absolutely. Lord Bunturo's son would never be disloyal to Torunaga. It was shocking that he said he would disown his mother and marry against Torunaga's authority and become aligned with an enemy. Buntaro would kill him himself.
@@nont18411 exactly
even nowdays , it’s still considered rude and disrespectful for someone to do that to their elderly /parents in their culture
Sure it happens as time and day are different but for the most part , their culture , are still more reserved.
While Yabu is a snake, I find it hard for me to blame him. He really is being used as a pawn in a game way larger than him by men who are way more powerful and couldn’t care less about him. No doubt he’s opportunistic, but he knows he’d be in way over his head tryna to pull something out. He really is just trying to survive at this point and you gotta give some points for self awareness and knowing your own limitations.
He's got some Theon Greyjoy vibes here.
Not to mention that this version made Toranaga forced Hiromatsu to seppuku for some reason. Of course Yabushige is gonna betray him. Who would want to follow a crazy old man like that?
Aah, Sekigahara! It was just one small paragraph in the italicised epilogue in the book. Not shown in the 1980 show at all. The whole of Clavell's novel is just the setup to Sekigahara, the battle that changed Japanese (and possibly indirectly world) history.
We do get a promo for Episode 10 of what appeared to be a battle between Toranaga and Ishido so we are definitively going to see the Battle of Sekigahara afterall!
@@WyattDucarin the og there isnt
@@jmgonzales7701 My apologies I was more referring to the 2024 series. But yeah there is no Sekighara in the 1980 version or even the book. Which I do wonder why James Clavell chose to not show the battle considering how important it is in Japanese history?
Not everyone can be Kurosawa, it probably was impossible for them without making the show look like a complete joke. Which is pretty smart.@@WyattDucar
i hope. Segikahara going tobe Shogun Season 2 2025...
I really hope you do another full series review after rewatching the series again in it's entirety.I feel like a second viewing will be more enlightening in many ways. Looking forward to it
I will be!
Ishido saying "やつ (Yatsu)" [which would transate to that person/that bastard], instead of formally addressing Toranaga-sama during the large meating scene had me rolling on the floor Laughing. It publicly betrayed his own peasant upbringing; showing to the entire assembly how his mask broke.
I laughed at that part too, but he did quickly realize what he had said and quickly changed it to Toranaga-sama.
It's too bad they didn't translate that properly in English (which is, admittedly, nearly impossible). So many people are going to miss out on that detail because they don't know Japanese. I think the writers were just showing how little respect Ishido actually has for Toranaga.
@@zubiecup yep, it’s kinda an inside joke. And I only got it because I grew up watching subtitled hen… anime! 😅😅😅
@@khaii13I'd like to see this new genre of entertainment called henanime good sir 😂
@@mrangles3402 it's anime about chickens.😇
Awesome review as always. I really liked the ' I am Mariko-Sama, the daughter of a Samurai , and I intend to walk out of here with or without your consent' scene. It gave me Dany Stormborn vibes.
With none of Dani's success. Remember Astipor. The masters were destroyed with fire and blood. Here Mariko dies in the dark. Only Torunaga made Ishido pay. Buried up to his neck and his neck sawed with a bamboo saw. Then 40,000 heads from his army taken. So far, no great victory. I hope episode 10 shows some.
Moment she has waited her whole life for to avenge her family and shows she is as true Samuari in her own right
I love that too. As well as the peasant dig toward Ishido
'cept one wouldn't ever refer to oneself as SAMA.
5:43 She’s based on Lady Oeyo, the younger sister of Yodo-Dono, the wife of Hidetada and the mother of the third shogun Iemitsu.
It took 9 episodes but we finally got a scene where the sun was shining (at least partially)
Because Japan is a "Land of Rising Sun" they live in perpetual twilight in there.
@@Veged4what are you talking about exactly?
@@zubiecup joke
@@zubiecup😂😂 dark Shogun the whole series was dark
Correction: We actually have seen Kiyama use Portuguese (English) before this episode. Prior to his failed ambush in Osaka Harbor, he was talking with the Father Visitor and said "Let this be my burden Father".
But he was speaking English.
I will show myself out.
This episode broke me. The attempted sepuku had me in near tears over just how intense it was
Been waiting for your review all day! 😂 Thank you, and great work as always!
I'm glad that Mariko didn't turn out to be a modern girl boss that just destroyed her male opponents.
aka modern-day narcissist epidemic
Actually we hear Lord Kiyama speak Portuguese in episode 2 when he tells father Dell’Aqua that he will “deal” with Blackthorne.
I’m very interested to see how Toranaga’s plan will come together. After Hiromatsu’s seppuku I was reminded of a quote from a video game “Battles may be won by the better warrior, Wars are won by those who are willing to sacrifice everything to ensure victory” - Kratos, God of War 2018
That was pre-wise Kratos though
I thoroughly enjoy your channel! So glad I came across it when I first started watching this series. Speaking of Game of Thrones, you should cover House of the Dragon, (I know it’s a different genre) season 2 and review each episode. You always offer interesting perspectives in your reviews.
Well we knew Toranaga had other son's because when he wrote his will he talked about the grandkids. And yes, Lady Ochiba's sister is the mother of his grandkid.
The most unfortunate negative factor of both the 1980 and the 2024 adaptations of Shogun has been the same; time.
One season is not enough time to flesh out the complexities of Clavell's novel.
is this gonna be just one season??
@@AFR0MAMBA
Unfortunately, yes.
This is why the story is rocketing along at breakneck speed.
Totally agree. Look at Vikings- SIX seasons. What a collasal missed oppurtunity and waste of the genius art provided by Mr. Clavell. Anybody with a brain knows you dont do Shogun in 10 episodes. Sure its good TV, but what a waste.
@@TomSmith-bh5tz Honestly while I agree Shogun is too short at one season, vikings was too long as six seasons. I'd rather get one season wanting more instead of six seasons and being glad its over and never watching it again.
They should have done 15 episodes @@WhyAreYouAngry
I'm pleased that in this episode, they made the Anjin-san a little more useful in acting as her second which made for a touching moment, stepping forward to save his love from Hell and his use of pistols during the fight gave him a bit more presence where usually he's meandering through events like a Deer caught in headlights. As I've mentioned on some of your other videos, I would have liked to have had more focus on his adapting rather than rejecting Japanese culture as in the books and greater displays of his intelligence rather than self-interested acts of bravery.
The show just about managed to bring back the romance for a few nano-seconds without it seeming too forced, but so many meaningful moments between the two have been tossed aside. I appreciate that some of this modern audience desire more of the politics in place of the romance story, however I feel we get less of either compared to the 1980s show or the book and they may have missed the point that James Clavell's the Shogun is meant to focus on the Anjin-san (Samurai William) and his journey to learn, adapt and adopt Japanese culture, not be another show/story about Tokugawa Ieyasu. The greatest issue I take with this show, is they take from the character of Blackthorne to lift other characters like Tsuji and Buntaro, to the point that you almost end up rejecting Blackthrone's rejection of Japanese culture while coming to like more the translator priest and the heart-broken Buntaro.
I have said before that especially in these times, we need iconic television moments to lift an audience and create fond memories for this generation to look back on and I'm just not sure this series will be something young people think back to in the same way as the generation before cherished the 1980s version. I like realism and historical accuracy, but sometimes a little romanticism and flamboyance is required to transport the audience and take them on a fantastical journey they will remember for time to come. Without Toranaga doing the Sailor's dance with Blackthorne or his attempting Seppuku in front of Yabu, we miss some important scenes that give depth to the character of Blackthorne, demonstrating his beginning understanding of the Japanese way of life & death, the meaning behind their customs and ultimately Blackthorne becoming a Samurai in more than just name. This version shows a Man lost, consistently selfish in his desires and goals, brave but mostly useless to himself, rather than a competent, intelligent Man navigating his way through a new land,employing his wits and guile to avoid death at every turn, while gaining respect from the other characters he encounters. Consider the comparison with the Buntaro archery scene while drinking Sake - Blackthorne in the book and 1980s show inspects the three arrows fired into his post through the shoji screen (Rice-paper wall) and instructs Fuji-san to order the household that the arrows be left there forever as testament to a master archer..... this shows a totally different kind of Blackthorne - one who is adapting, paying proper respect and even Buntaro who hates or is disgusted by this 'Barbarian' can still feel moved by the respect the Anjin-san is paying him. It makes for an entirely different character to the one they've portrayed in this version. Hopefully people understand where I'm coming from, even if they don't agree.
p.s. I loved that the Shinobi leader was keeping the count, tapping his own shoulder just like in the book to know when to deploy the next wave of assassins...
I feel like the reason that we aren't seeing the romance the same in this series as we did in the original series or in the books is that the writers intentionally made this series to be far more focused on the Japanese side of the story than on the western side of the story. That being the case, their romance is much more subtle and not hitting us over the head with it. We the viewers don't fully know what happened way back at the brothel either. It was left to speculation
@@coltfan1726 - so then they should have omitted their relationship, and instead had Mariko fall for a Japanese samurai
I agree with everything you have said. A helpless Blackburn would not have lived through the journey to Japan. He should be portrayed as someone who acts appropriately enough to survive. The character portrayed does not. Mariko in the book has heart. This Mariko is depressed and angry throughout the series. I couldn't tell you why Blackburn or anyone else likes her. She seems to hate everyone. This series might be historically accurate, but the main characters are incredibly unlikable.
I'm quite late this time around and don't expect that you'll see this comment, but as always, THANK YOU for another INVALUABLE review!
It sounds like this episode was probably the "climax" of the show and I won't lie the flame of my hopes have been fanned once again!
There is still a lot I've been disappointed by with this show and have been very vocal about my disappointments, but it truly sounds like an entertaining watch if not being compared to the source material it's inspired by (again I strongly maintain that this cannot be considered an adaptation because of the significant alterations that have been made to the story). Which is increasingly rarer in today's western film industry, and that makes me quite happy.
I guess my biggest disappointments are that this wasn't a true adaptation and that the historical inaccuracies present could easily have never been present. Tbh I'm more upset than I like to admit about the Shinobi scene... of all the historical inaccuracies, this is by far the worst offender in my opinion. My displeasure is only magnified by how much effort supposedly went into ensuring the historical accuracy of the show and how much they touted the accuracy of it only to have such a massive inaccuracy with that scene. That said I am fairly impressed with how much more they got right than they got wrong, nowadays that's quite rare with the western film industry. Again though I repeat that the inaccuracies that were present never needed to be with a bit more care and attention.
Again thank you so much Shogunate, these reviews are a highlight of my week and I find them truly invaluable! See you next week for the finale!
I don't dislike Cosmo Jarvis's interpretation, what bothers me is how they destroyed the character, completely changing him. At least they tried to salvage a bit of the relationship between John and Mariko. Those of us who watched the 80s series understood some gestures, but I imagine people who are experiencing the story for the first time seeing John telling Mariko to live for him and being like 'What the hell? They've been fighting the whole series.' As for the episode, I thought it was the best along with episode 8, but I found the scenery at the end to be too dark. I hope the last episode is extended so we can appreciate details that were skipped in previous episodes and taken for granted. I want to see how Anjin's story will end because they've changed it so much that I don't even know what to expect anymore. But at least, despite all the changes they've made and having a script tailored to the current audience, they've respected the story to some extent, and that's appreciated
Completely agree. I wonder though is Toranaga's purpose was not just the release of the hostages but wanted it to take her life. I think he knew that if well respected and loved Mariko was killed, the Lords and Ladies would blame Ishido and withdraw their support for him.
I do think a lot of book reader/80s series viewers dislike of the John/Mariko relationship this show is based more on previous expectation than y'all think. It's totally understandable, and I would feel cheated if I was in your position too lol, but for the record, for me and all my friends family experiencing this Shogun for the first time, their relationship doesn't seem shallow or empty at all! It's one more based in longing and want than connsumation but their connection seems very evident and important. My friends still randomly rave about Ep 6 and the willow world scene. People make little gifsets of the touches and looks. They're relationship isn't lost on us!
I don't know what it is exactly, but he always looks like he's walking around stoned ... not a fan of his interpretation
As someone who neither watched the 1980 version or read the book, I can confirm I was sort of thrown back by that scene, other than the one night she pretended to be a courtesan to sleep with John after the hot springs scene, they've spent the last 2 episodes at each others throat and basically saying 'just translate for me' the romance was definitely on and off whiplash with no real reason for it going either way
Love your content, channel and presentation.
I loved Blackthorne's semi auto flintlock
In all fairness, I think he had two and they did try to show him reloading. If they tried to be accurate, we'd have to watch him reload each pistol over a good 10-15 minute time frame.
He has 2 pistols, it was not really exaggrated tbf
He HAD two guns, he gifted one of them to Fuji.
@dogukan127 He gifted one to Fuji in episode 4.
Being old enough for me to have seen the premiere of the original series, I found chapter 9 well-balanced and with no extension of the romance as in the first TV show. This was also a more realistic experience for me because I was force-fed all the wrong ninjustu crap as it all exploded in all the bad ways in Europe, so most of the beautiful culture of Japan got washed out.
So, for me, this rendering is the far superior version, and I feel like a kid again, but not following a wishy-washy fake road like after the original TV show was released..
This incels are so focused on the love story that they have forgotten to enjoy the politics. The problem with the cringe novel reader and wannabe jap historian like this random youtuber is they are too stick in the love story of a white men saving an asian girl . They are viewing it with the lens if white men saviour trope. The show has rightfully decreased the focus on love and emphasis on politics which for me is more interesting and engaging
Just as you say that this is the best episode so far, I feel like this is also your best review so far. Well done. I was also in your thinking about the game of thrones formula, but I think that works better in a series that has more than one season, as the finale is sort of a set up for the next season. But here there won't be one so it makes sense for the climactic action sequence to be at episode 10.
Yes great review as always! And I also agree this should be episode 8 instead of episode 9!
This episode brought back primary themes that had been sidelined or delayed in this version of the story. This episode again highlights the difficulties of translating a multi layered novel into a mini series. The director and producers make changes, add and subtract things from the novel, sometimes being more or less successful, but ultimately being unable to please every viewer. However, on balance this version has succeeded more often than it failed.
I love the subtle undercurrents in this series. A clear contrast is created between Ochiba and Mariko, the two childhood best friends, both destined for family tragedy, yet they turn out so differently. Ochiba is willing to sacrifice the world to save her son, yet Mariko is willing to give up everything for her loyalty to Toranaga. There is a strong contrast between the scene where Mariko's son forsakes her and the meeting with Ochiba, where she rants about the need for her to "protect" her son (via aligning with Ishido and taking all of the other families hostage).
Yabushige is such a treat to watch. He kills every one of his scenes and I’m always interested in his character. His acting is so good, I can imagine him playing any role. I can see him as serious as a Yakuza boss to the comic relief in a comedy.
It's great this comes out minutes after I watch the episode.
It was beautiful. I will be needing this in 4k.
I'm glad they chose Tadanobu Asano to play Yabushige, there's a very unique charisma to him as an actor that always made me enjoy the characters he play. I remember watching the first episode and just exclaiming "wait, I know this guy... KAKIHARA!" (in my defense, I missed the opening credits for that episode haha)
I like how he spent the whole series going back and forth between sides and everytime he seems like his mind is made up, something comes up and flip him and this culminates in that episode's betrayal which cost him his life in previous versions and almost got him killed in this one. I also enjoyed 1980's version, though he was played very differently, more jovial two-faced over scheming fence sitter. Both interpretations are good and I'd be hard press to choose one over the other.
That said I really enjoyed the episode, though I would've also liked a GoT style battle episode based on Sekigahara, but I guess we'll see next episode if there's a bit of it and how Toranaga will turn his situation around. I'm also curious if a certain detachment will try to take a certain Ueda castle from the Sanada family will be mentioned haha, guess we'll see!
I’m very sure that Lord Kiyama spoke Portuguese to the Jesuit priest in the earlier episodes
I loved the shinobi scene and i think making it a stereotypical “hollywood ninja” was the right choice, for people who aren’t familiar with a historically accurate shinobi, they might not understand it. I was heartbroken about Mariko though :(
I agree because remember the female assassin in one of the earliest episodes? I spent two whole days explaining to various friends that she most likely had been shinobi, how they were tried and how they usually operated, and they all just stared at me like I was making stuff up 😆
As usual I agree with your overall assessment. Parts were faithful to the book and those that were not it appeared to be wrap-ups to earlier issues not in the book. Absolutely correct about the “too little too late” aspect of Mariko and Blackthorn’s romance, so much of this has been left out. Same with Rodriquez, he was prevalent in the book and the 1980 treatment and here he is a ghost. I have come to a new revelation, this series has a more cinematic feel that the 1980 series, especially when you consider the music, much better in this new series. The 1980 series has all the look and feel of a tv miniseries where this one does not, more like a movie. However the new series is almost constantly dark, like almost all of it was filmed on a soundstage. I find myself giving a small nod to the 1980 series as far as accuracy to the book. Episode 9 was better than 8 for sure, not sure yet what my favorite episode is, will wait for the final one. My overall slight disappointment with the series still exists and this is mainly because of all the departures and omissions from the book; but in terms of the music, cinematography, costumes, and culture they did an excellent job.
I definitely understand your point. For me, I feel like I want a few changes and not a strict adaptation of the book, especially when that already exists in the 80's series. I want to be a little surprised.
With Shogun being such a character focused series, especially the book, it would be interesting if you did a video on what the famous samurai’s personalities were like when they weren’t busy killing each other. Their hobbies, how they talked to others, were they mean or funny or nice, etc. I’m not sure how much record of that stuff would actually exist, but I always wonder how we might perceive certain samurai differently if we knew what they were really like.
Ishido is more cunning than I thought, the type of cunning that is ruthless as compared to Toranaga's "know thy enemy" mantra.
I was wondering what the significance of the poem was. Not knowing Japanese, I can only see the emotional effect of the poems from the reactions of other characters, but I felt a void not knowing why the poem that Mariko said affected Ochiba so much.
I loved Ochiba! Her gaze was amazing! I had to check the scene again if she blinked.
These cliffhangers are driving me crazy xd , love this show.
I also love Yabushige. Although I think 1980 version was better in everything but Yabushige, Buntaro and even Ishido are awesome. Cannot believe they cut out such important character like Rodriges. He was awesome when played by John Ryhs Davies
It's kinda hard to replace Gimli, though
Shogun raises hairs,
Devastating excellence,
Shudders in my soul.
Part of me wonders in the absence of a second season ((big sad if true) they stretched out the few proceeding episodes, to what felt like an overly pronounced extent, to budget for a grand finale.
Some minor quibbles with some of the Shinobi no mono stuff aside, it really was a masterpiece of an episode.
I want a big battle but have a feeling that we’ll get 10mins of some battle footage, but it’ll probably play a small part of the episode…
This was fucking insane ! I’m still confused as to what Yabu is going to do. He doesn’t know either
Old man needs to catch a break.
Yabu was underserved in this adaptation.
I’m nervous about this finale as I find it impossible to resolve some of these plot points in just one episode in a satisfying way
It was really satisfying for me to see the writers return to the source material for the events of this episode. Mariko proclaimed her power and exerted her will to meet the moment in service of the larger goals of her lord. All other action was in support of this story arc and, despite changes from the original story (Blackthorn stepping in to second her seppuku), the episode left me glad that I had invested in the series. I'm looking forward to their conclusion very much.
Blackthorne drooping around, following others like a constantly sad puppy is this adaptations weakest aspect for me, only one he seems to have some chemistry is Yabushige.
Yes, indeed, it's hard to muster suspension of disbelief after taking in how the show works to underline his backwardness in learning to bow, ridicule his capacity to comprehend Japanese and generally diminish him. It. bespeaks the petty, mean, vindictive frame of the feminist mind.
@@cocoacrispy7802 Why the feminist mind? Maybe the writers wanted to show how much the Japanese truly resented the Europeans (starting during Hideyoshi's reign before he tried to conquer China but got stuck in Korea), and especially Christians, which led to them closing their borders in 1603?
@@cocoacrispy7802 I don't believe that Blackthorne was neutered for a feminist agenda or perspective. I believe Blackthorne was neutered as a character and his relationship with Toranaga cauterized/Mariko relationship sliced out because the controlling interest of executive producers, writers, casting agent, and cast themselves, are native Japanese. The Japanese are perfectly happy to create fictional fantasy stories where a foreigner from a far away land appears and helps save the day- but when you start to do that to Japanese history, even historical fiction, it provokes a latent nationalism in Japanese audiences. Therefore, I think Blackthorne was gutted in order to appease Japanese audiences and the Japanese nationalist-leaning writers, not some socialist-leftist-feminist agenda.
@@Shamino1yeah, I wouldn't say it's anything to do with feminism, more to do with the fact the writers were probably shut scared of being accused of making a 'white saviour'show which is what happens when any white guy is shown to be competent or helpful in any media that is set in a foreign land, tale dances with wolves or the last samurai for example, even though neither of the white men save the day in those films they still got accused of 'white saviourism'
I was left wondering, why is the episode named "Crimson Sky"?
How could a reviewer who calls himself, the Shogunate, miss the entire interaction when Toranaga meets with the Council of The Regents and they discuss whether he is holding the mother of the heir hostage and he says she is at his castle for the birth of her sister’s first child. He says something to the effect that she is no more hostage than he is in Ichido’s castle. Hard to believe you missed this key scene.
The name of my channel has nothing to do with the show or book it is based on.
Given Disney is slowing pulling out of physical media, I hold no hope this show will ever find its way to disc. But it feels like the perfect candidate for extended episodes. There's just these minor plot points that feel like they come from nowhere, and were possibly alluded to in scenes that were cut. And I can only hope this might be something made available should Disney decide to milk some more subscriptions.
EDIT: also we better get some more gd Fuji in the final episode
If Ishido didn’t want to kill Mariko, why did he send the shinobis with a bomb to capture her?
I guess they were not expecting her to still sacrifice herself like that. But yeah I can see how that's an odd choice
In the book, the bomb was a last-ditch effort to open the way as reinforcements were arriving, making the operation a sure failure if they didn’t do something quickly
The intent was to capture her. The bomb was a last resort, as they were running out of time (there were huge fights going on all over the castle in the book) and no one had told them of the iron door (it was secretly put there by Toranaga during the construction of the castle).
sending shinbis to infiltrate his own said to be well defended osaka castle is stupid on ishido's part.. he could have done in on their travels and blame it on Bandits.. Now Ninjas openly attack osaka castle at night and kidnap someone... that in itself, for all the ppl being taken hostage there is outrage.
@@SiD19884 Everyone knows he's lying anyway and this wouldn't be any different if he killed them outside the gates (it's not like they aren't aware of what happened Sugiyama). So he has some plausible deniability anyway, but this way he could use the shinobi breaking into Osaka as pretext to further tighten up security and an excuse to delay letting them go even more.
Shogun has been the best series we have seen in many years, I look forward to it's release on DVD.
It is Definitively one of the best series on Prestige TV, In fact it is one of my favourite TV series alongside House of the Dragon, Blue Eye Samurai, and Andor. Even though it is ending and there is no plans for season 2. I would love to see a follow up show adapting Tai-Pan or even doing a prequel series about the Taiko which I always find the flashbacks and his story very interesting essentially a Riggs to riches story. granted there isn't a novel about the Taiko by James Clavell. There is one by an author name Eiji Yoshikawa. They could use that novel as a foundation for a prequel series essentially similar to how Better Call Saul is a spin off/prequel show to the Breaking Bad. I also think it would be cool to do a show about Kuroda essentially the counterpart of Oda Nobunaga and explore his story as well? There is so much potential here especially how successfully the Shogun is?
I think Tokyo vice beats shogun. Both are amazing
@@Colorado_Ronin I love Tokyo vice, but I still find this show better. Though I cannot fault anyone for thinking otherwise. Two great masterpieces.
@@coltfan1726 That’s fair
Maybe due to my lack of knowledge of the book, so at first I was.... not sot satisfied with the episode, although I love the actions that it has provide and agree that this is one of the better episodes.
Another part where I agree, that something is a little bit too late, if they put this entire episode in ep.8, I will definitely be more hyped for the next week episode, but knowing that next episode prolly will ended up as what I had in mind. My hope only lies that they could end it in a bang and not rushed it heavily
Well done!
The writing for Mariko in this episode is KILLER! Give her an Emmy and the writers an Emmy! Holy smokes
The strongest Toronaga has been in this show and he wasn't even in it
In the podcast for this show they mentioned that they touch on the battle of Sekigahara and one small albeit weird curiosity I've wondered about is throughout this show why do they not move peoples hair out of the way before chopping off there heads or is hair not problematic... just in other series where axes are used they tend to move hair or put it in a cap.
I can't wait to binge watch this
I am liking the new series a lot, and love the 1980s series and rewatched around 5 years ago and will certainly watch it again one day. Just so happy that the critiques have to get pretty niche, that is a remarkable achievement with historics, even fictionalised historics.
I only just watched this episode before I read your review, I agree this episode was one of the best if not the best so far, glad the whole son's situation has been established, will they show up in episode 10, Mariko dying at the end I saw coming well most of it, Yabu, in the end, betraying Toranaga/Ieyasu is interesting and I look forward to episode 10 a lot like other reviews I agree 1 season is too short 2 would have been better but that won't happen.
Episode 10 will see the ramifications of Ishido's actions which I look forward to seeing, Will Yabu try and kill Blackthorn or Toranaga himself who knows. Episode 10 is shaping up to be a great finale.
I also loved Blackthorn going all Anjin Wick on the Shinobi.
"Anjin Wick on the Shinobi" That was the best thing I have read in a very long time!!!!!
Lord kiyama already spoke Portuguese, episode two 53:36 “let this be my burden father” before the female assassin shows up for blackthorne
I felt the shinobi scene was fine I'm not sure it was overblown
Stephen turnbulls book on ninja really investigated the factual origin's as opposed to the later hyped myth
While Anna Sawai has done a great job portraying what she was supposed to portray, I wish they had given her the opportunity to convey something other than sadness and melancholy. Nine episodes of that wears you out in the end. Anna seems to have a fun personality, so I think she would have pulled off Mariko’s more lighthearted moments.
One-note Mariko; that's what battling the patriarchy will do for you, though.
And now, with both my favorite characters dead, I wait with bated breath the season finale. I hope they stick the landing.
Who was the other. The old man?
Yabu gotta survive 😅😅😅..love that dude. Also, super ninjas killing well trained samurai easily yet had problems with blackthorne?? I know clavell wrote this but..
Most of the samurai the shinobi killed were jumped in the dark and had a knife put in their necks before they knew what was happening. Blackthorn was awake, alert, and had his pistols.
He got instructions from Ishido but no paper trail. He's not getting out of this alive.
Clavelle didn't write whatever this is. I do know it's not Shogun.
@@KellysAdventures305 it's not based on the book he wrote? There was an 80s mini series based on the book as well.
@@patrickjeffers7864 Yes the 80s mini series was based on the book. The 2024 mini series they say is based on the book but it deviates from the story way too much to where it is unrecognizable as the the story of Shogun. Most of the important relationships and events are changed and jumbled around. The characters are all different in their motives and actions. IMO they are riding on the success of the book and 80s mini series to play off this completely different story. If it were stand alone and not called Shogan based on the novel, it wouldn't sell nearly as well. Seeing a Samari CRY (Omi-san) because he might lose a battle is so wrong on so many levels its mind blowing.
I’m sure a whole lot of y’all Crimson Cried.
Welcome to the Crimson Herring.
Despite my criticism in previous episodes about how Mariko the wife continued to handle her domestic affairs, especially after how the truth of as to why she was kept alive has laready been revealed; I do have all the respect in the world for Mariko, the Retainer. She fulfilled her duty and managed to say out loud what every Lord in Osaka was feeling but were too afraid to say. And she was committed to everything to the end.
(Minor Tangent: I am happy the gate scene was not a "girl-power mopping the floor with all those men" moment) Now all of Osaka's Lords are soured against Ishido; and Ochiba might have to put the engagement on hold in order to Mourn Mariko. Her mission is a success.
Speaking of which, it’s so heartwarming and heart breaking that “Leave us” scene between Mariko and Ochiba. I'm Happy Ruri-hime did not just outright hate Mariko for being her father's daughter; but their exchange was so heartbreaking as they both knew each other so well and what the other was doing and them pleading with each other to make the step to end the hostilities, and saying their goodbyes like that... it was made clear: Ochoba was willing to do anything to continue on living, while Mariko was samurai through and through and was trying to convince her that the duty is what is most important. The fact that Ochiba-Sam’s had to turn away to hide her tears and she can’t maintain her mask )9 fold fence) was just Gold. i think I'm sweating through my eyes.
And Blackthorne finally doing the right thing and deciding to Second Mariko, instead of just dismissing all of Japan's customs and cultures as BS , that was the best gift he could have ever given her. So much so that despite my misgivings about Mariko the wife; their last night of intimacy was completely EARNED; despite all your valid concerns which I mostly agree with.🥹🥹🥹
And thankfully, Ishido stepped in, because Blackthorne was already shown as not capable of properly wielding that sword.
Yabushige's betrayal was to Kidnap Mariko AND not lay a hand on any of the VIPs (it was shown on screen that Shizu and Kiri was not killed when the shinobi identified them in their sleep). They need to make it look like some bandits or assassins got to her while she was sneaking off in the evening despite getting her permits: that was why the shinobi did not kill her right away, but rather were trying to take her away. Mariko became aware of this right away and chose where to meet her end: she did not go to the gate where she would get captured as Yabushige intended. Having grown up there with Ochiba, she knew what would happen when she chose to hole up in the store house.
Beautifully written, I had issues with Mariko the wife too
@@mrangles3402 I have not read the book, so I’m free from that bias.. the thing for me was this: they were so intent in avoiding Asian Fetishisation that they overcorrected in the opposite direction and diminished Blackthorne so much that they had to make Mariko extra mean to Buntaro, and made her character so inconsistent in episode 7 to force the connection. 🤦🏽🤦🏽🤦🏽
That being said, I am nitpicking an otherwise wonderfully executed show.
@@khaii13I don't think she is written as inconsistent here. She is just a different character from book Mariko. This show Mariko is much colder and more spiteful which I am fine with.
Anyone can explain the Ninjas invasion ?
Maybe its my fault for not knowing the source material. But I'm disappointed that we didn't get at least one proper battle.
The other great clans detest Ishido, especially after the slaughter of Lord Sugiyama and his family; Ishido's trump card is the hostages, if he loses that then the other great clans will side with Toranaga. I really take exception to Blackthorne making an offer to Ishido- he was loyal to Mariko; no way he would have done this.
I wish we could see Sekighara play out.... this show has been awesome
I can't judge whether or not I like Shogun's 10-episode formula until I see the finale.
12:55 I feel that
Jesus, I didn't realize I searched for this video early 😂
Me: yay no ninjas
Ninja shows up 🥷
Me: 🤦♀️😂
Why? 11:14 Can someone explain the reason behind this address?
Regarding the Ninja vs Shinobi thing. I was told that Shinobi are more like saboteurs and spy's who are acting without fighting, while Ninjas are more like Seals. So I would argue the Where Ninjas. Also the Villiges where the Ninjas life aren't that far from Osaka.
looks like Mariko... had a blast
Too soon? haha
Enjoyed the episode mostly, but I wish Yabu, like in the book was the one to be Mariko's second. It added something to his character arch in my opinion, but I see why they did it in the show.
In the book, Blackthorn had a moment back at Anjiro where he threatens to commit Sepukku. That moment is kind of his transition to accepting Japan. It didn't happen in this series, so I feel like this scene is that moment for him. Especially right after begging her to stay alive for him.
Since when does Blackthorne become Anjin Sama?
I was disappointed in her death. I was hoping for something more, not a exact re-creation of her original series death. I also thought the show would at least start a battle under an episode called "Crimson Sky"
Mariko - "They're Shinobi..."
Me - "HELL YEAH THEY ARE!"
Lol
I started with the series and then read the books. I have to say, as I read the books, the less I liked the series. Now, I have to say that if you have not read the books, the show is great but once you have read the original story, the story seems to lose a lot. For example, Mariko and Blackthorne's love story was developed and had meaning; the show dedicated a few minutes at best. Also, the kidnap attempt and the sacrifice at the end, without Blackthorne's involvement and aid, it is not the same.
I didn't see the original series, and i didnt read the book.
I do know a lot of the history. But i dont know spoilers
And tnis show is amazing keeping me on the edge of my seat
That's because you didn't read the book nor saw the 1980ies show...
dont read the book before the tv show ends. you wont enjoy the show as much
I like the show, but they sure don't explain much. I need to see Toranaga explaining his plan to somebody.
good to see you've chilled the f*ck out with your reviews of this show - much less nitpicky😛
I haven't read the book nor watched the previous Mini Series but I hope FUJI DOESN'T DIE OR I'M GOING TO RIOT.
(PLEASE DO NOT SPOIL ME AAAAAAA)
I almost wish I had never read the book. I just can't enjoy the show with it being extremely different from the novel.
Love the battle scene specially the samurai who accompanied mariko
I am not sure it will happen but in the last episode I want to see at least some shot from Battle of Sekigahara....
Definitely the best episode so far. Anna Sawai has been outstanding throughout and in some episodes has come across as the main character (no bad thing as her story is compelling). In some ways I like that she and Blackthorne have both been irritated with each other and also in love. That's how real relationships work. Mariko's devotion to the mission trumped the relationship in her eyes and Blackthorne had his own selfish interests as well aa seeking to stay alive. Moments like him deciding to be her 2nd so she doesn't die thinking she's going to be damned are what sells the relationship. I will say that her frequent moments of irritation with him, also demonstrates there is something going on because it shows her confliction. If she barely gave Blackthorne a second thought, she wouldn't be pissed off with him, something Toranaga picked up on.
If Toranaga had other sons why did he choose Nakagado to accompany him? Maybe the rest were all hostages of other warlords, or maybe Nakagado was the pick of the litter which proves how far the fruit can fall from the tree.
When is this over !!???
Very soon. Fear not.
I liked the episode overall, but the problem to me remains Blackthorne, who remains to be annoying and I hate how they realized their version of the character.
Zero chemistry between him an Mariko and totally unfounded why they would get romantically involved. I must admit I really liked the performance of the actress playing Mariko, it was a great arc and though I don't mind she's out of the story, this episode I really liked her, even the scenes with the priest.
I did expect more between her and Lady Ochiba to happen, but it's acceptable this way.
Yaboo is indeed a great character and very well performed by the actor.
Don't see why Yaboo's help was required to get the Shinobi in?
What's up with that, they don't know how to get in without Yaboo opening the door?
That's ridiculous.
Wil there be a second season?
No, since they are just only following the book.