THE FINALE IS FINALLY HERE! What did you make of it? Let me know your thoughts in the comments below! I also want to say a massive THANKS for tuning into the breakdowns every week, it's been great discussing theories with you in the comments and hearing what you think of the episodes as well. I've got a few more Shogun videos coming in the next few days so be sure to keep your eyes peeled!
It felt rushed... The last 3 episodes felt forced into "my will be done asap" of a writer that was flamboyant and original in the 1st half of the Show, and then slowly run out of time and inspiration. All the above as a mildly critique. The Show remains in its entirety a high quality entertainment, but it could be so much more if it continued the "elan" of the beginning ....
Show failed. People are so desperate for good TV that they will let anything slide.. 😅 Shogun by Fx was masterfully done up to episode 7. After that, it did a full game of thrones
@krixpop yea rushed and out of budget.. the only reason there is no battle is because they couldn't afford it.. You can feel the show building to this final show down and yet.. we got the game of thrones treatment 😅
I was expecting Yabu to realize Toranaga had him and Blackthorne figured out from the beginning. Toranaga knew Yabu was going to try and betray him in Osaka. I don't think Tor expected Yabu too cause Mariko to be killed though. Even though Toranaga sent her on a suicide mission.
In the tea house scene Kiku teaches her apprentice about negative space and it’s symbols, she comments on the empty space where a flask was “Presence is most keenly felt in absence”.
Re: Fuji’s comment on Blackthorn being the last hands to hold Mariko was a call back to episode 1, when Fuji’s son was to be killed for her husbands disrespect. When Fuji’s son was to be taken away, Mariko intervened and told them “Let her hands be the last to hold her son.”
@billdew945 Same here. I would have loved John Blackthorne to have a love life with Fuji and even have a daughter with Fuji named Mariko to remember her.
The fact that almost everyone was sad at mariko’s death (no matter what side of the conflict they were in) was her redemption from the disgrace in her family’s past. She finally wiped off the black mark from her family name. She went with honour. Something she always wanted.
Well she also wiped off her clan and her genes, so where's the glory and honor in that? over 400 years later, in today's time, she will not be mentioned and her family and bloodline will be long gone. All that remains is Toronaga's(Tokugawa) fame and glory. Undying loyalty to a lord is a fool's idea. Will Toronaga sacrifice his life to make Mariko rich and powerful? Most likely not. So I don't understand why we glorify manipulative leaders who use their subjects like sacrificial pawns for their political games. It's the same as seeing a modern day Trump fanatic sacrifice his life in service of Trump's election.
@Jake-dh9qk i mean the real person actually is still remembered in japan so her legacy did live on but also her line of family was done due to what her father did she had no choice so she is definitely not a trump fanatic but some people were at that time and after
The absence of Mariko in that scene with Blackthorne and Fuji was a cinematic version of the Japanese concept of "Ma", or the concept of negative space which creates meaning.
@8:45 mark: Yabushige mentioning having his dead body “fill belly of hungry dog” was tied to him mocking toranaga’s son’s death by slipping on a rock when he ranked it “barely above being eaten by a pack of dogs…..” he’s acknowledging his own demise as a death with no honor.
Basically Yabushige's final meet with Torenaga was a symbolic representation of the conversation between the confused audience and Torenaga. I should know, I was a part of it👀.
He's 4th wall thru the screen is totally the 3rd heart move. Even us feel like yabu, on the cliff looking at toranaga sama and said..... "well played, dono"
I not really enjoy episode 10, unlike in episode 8 and 9, i know it not about war scene like The last Samurai 2003 Tom Cruise, but at least show some, ;like the starting of battle, fight, and the end, and from begin to middle of the scene are good, but not after Yabushige second by Toranaga, episode 10 or ending are to rushing for my opinion. No battle, no Ishido lost and fled, later capture punish and parade at Osaka, He was beheaded no honor death to Ishido, Not showing story about of 2 of regent switch side, Toranaga half brother and 1 Christian regent Kiyama except leprosy Ohno, Ohno will lost and beheaded by his vassal after he know battle was lost, and later Ohno vassal committed seppukku, Toranaga become shogun bless by Emperor in Kyoto. and not show Blackthorne rebuild his ship and built navy fleet for Toranaga in European/English style ship along with Japanese style ship. Battle of Sekigahara is very important to Toranaga(Iesyu). in real even, the reason Ieasyu win because many switch side and European cannon and gun tactics(in Shogun it thank to John Blackthorne, very sad that episode 10 are just to simple. story can tell about half brother swich side and apologized to Toranaga, and Kiyama angry to Ishido and expand the story. maybe they rushing plus no more money or budget to made more scene, Episode 10, need to be speciall, with extra more 30minute or at least 20minture explaining and showing a battle, ishido lost, story about buntaro, fuji, omi and kiku relationship, the edo city(show like Osaka city and castle like in 1st episode, it take just less than 20 second). and good to show Toranaga others son especially who married with Ochiba sister, that become Heir to Toranaga 2nd Tokugawa Shogun. and then wrapng the story. we all knew what happen aftermath but, to made special and different from novel and 1980 version which just explain, better to expand and tell detail no need longer war scene like others Japanese samurai battle. for me people will love it. Episode 10 must be special and longer. if not why the point remade shogun if just same or similar ending to novel and 1980 version?
The scene was cool and intimate but just serves as a big ole exposition dump. Should’ve just given us a longer episode and show us these events instead of just explaining them to us.
@@safuwanfauzi5014 exactly, bro i used the last samurai as a focus point Toronaga didn't even avenge marikoto I was highly disappointed Fuk toronaga Kasamoto is the goat
The beginning was a dream, his dream of going back to England died when the old Blackthorn died, he accepted his fate to remain in Japan. Toranaga played us all, we were rooting for him but he really was the villain, willing to sacrifice everyone for his ambition to be Shogun.
I fail to see him as a villain tho. Being a shogun is his 3rd heart's very desire. He minimized bloodshed and outsmarted his enemies just to achieve that desire. I think it's the Minowara's destiny to once again rule Japan through Toronaga because even the Heavens would shake the ground if war is declared upon them.
It made 0 sense. Who dreams of themselves as an old man dreaming of themselves as a young man? and in the old mans dreams it was all a lie...who dreams of themselves dying in bed?
@@bryanmarks608 I think it was more to show that he saw his deathbed as being outside of Japan, meaning he lived a full life and was able to escape. He had these dreams in his worst moments, seemed like he was over it and just wanted to be home.
@@StorifiedxI took something else from that dream. He looked uncomfortable and regretful in that dream, and when the kids asked if he really got the sword from a savage, it was a kind of disconcerting vibe that came through. He seemed like he was just as out of place in England as he was in Japan when he first arrived. At this point, I think he doesn't even know what he wants anymore. He wanted a life with Mariko, but that can't happen now. If he goes back to England, he won't feel comfortable there, as we saw when he reunited with one of his mates in Edo. Hell he wanted to get away even before he got to Japan. He would just be going back to a country that feels strange to people who don't understand a thing about what he's come to know. My bet is that rather than going back to England, he would just continue on the open sea going from place to place, and maybe even ending back up in Japan (at least until Tokugawa Iemitsu issued the foreigner ban lol)
Yeah surprised he didn't pick up on it. Yabushige clearly turned and looked at him not only because he was waiting to be seconded but he wanted an answer. Also just before yabushige said he would take it to his grave and that was the last chance.
just wish the show was well done. it doesn't compare to the old one, and that is more than 40 years old...like, did the budget for this one run out and they could only afford grey and dark brown colors? i have spent almost every weekend of my 20s in dark goth clubs and i saw more light and colors then XD and the old show was completely filmed in japan..not british colombia..
Throughout the earlier season in the village, Yabushige kept on wanting to find the traitor in the village. Toranaga said those line to affirm its been your nephew all this time.
@@curiosusvagus2062Nah youre wrong... it wasnt Omi.. it was the Translator. He literally told Anjin that "I was ordered by my Lord to convert. Im a Samurai" HE WAS the Spy, Torinaga's ears and eyes in the village. He used Pigeons as messengers. ... When Yabushige uttered the words "Why tell a dead man the future, the spy was there!"
@@ellaineclemente5616 the spy wasn't there though when yabushige said this to Omi, his not in the scene. What i'm saying is its like an easter egg like Toranaga saying you never had faith or loyalty
“a mere woman threatening her own suicide…disgusting”- Ishido (ep9 50:13), reveals the difference between Toranaga and Ishido and how clueless the latter was. That 'mere woman ' did what an army could not. What a great show.
Toranaga understood the value of women. Ochiba No Kata and Todo Mariko (Akechi Mariko), even the tea house brothel maidens who were a source of information for him. He sent Mariko with the power and agency to disgrace all who branded her family as traitors and unravel their fragile cabal. In doing so, he was able to expose Ishido as a petty man, too weak to protect her heir apparent son.
It's because Toranaga knew how deep the relationship between Mariko and Lady Ochiba. While Ishido only know their relationship were just a childhood friend. All the way to the battlefield, Ishido never expected that Lady Ochiba would turn her back on him because of Mariko's death. All he think about Mariko's death is it was just a reason for Toranaga to Attack him, nothing else. Poor Ishido
what exactly did she do that an army couldn't? Season 2 isn't even out yet and you're assuming Toranaga won. My bets are on Ishido. Toranaga is a psychopath that must be stopped! I hope Anjin takes him out in Season 2 for burning his ship! He's a treacherous scum!
@@dunkenrunten4593 idk if you are joking or not but I'll help you if you are not joking, the show is based on a historical Figure named Tokugawa Ieyasu, and the event on this show revolving around the Battle Of Sekigahara, so, in the history, Ieyasu (Toranaga) won the battle of Sekigahara because most of the regent or Daimyoo who sided with Ishida(Ishido) betrayed him on the battle field. Well yeah in the show they added something about the reason of their betrayal of which using Mariko's death. But in the real History it was done by Ieyasu himself, he had been in touch with the regents who support Ishida's for months before the Battle of Sekigahara. So there you go, will Toranaga win the battle Yes, he will no matter how many episode you want the result will be the same. Is Toranaga a bad person? Not really, his Shogunate period is the start of the peaceful era in Japan for 250 years. So he was not a bad ruler.
@@richardbachman1260 thanks. It was late when I watched so I'll prob have to view it again. I feel like Toranaga didn't like the word Shogun. He just wanted to be the supreme leader of Japan.
I love how Toranaga absolutely decimated all those schemes in osaka... he even made us feel like fools for theorizing how things would go... we thought it would be a shock attack on osaka with canons... but no it was a shock attack alright but with strategy and a seemingly inconspicuous individual, a lady they underestimated... absolutely the best show... I don't know if any other show would be this good
The cannon training was a ruse, a distraction. It made the Portuguese want to neuter Blackthorne. Toranaga to ply their neutrality with respect to Ishido, built up Blackthorne as this threat, and then offered to neutralize him. He would have killed Blackthorne except that he enjoyed toy with the Portuguese at the threat of Blackthorne exposing the trade routes to Japan. He also spared the Anjin because Mariko brokered a deal to burn & sink Blackthorne's ship in exchange for keeping Blackthorne alive. Mariko truly did not want Anjin to be pained at her death especially as her second. She was relieved to die the way she did, fighting against an enemy, Ishido (and the others) who so arrogantly labeled her family as traitors. It was her personal vengeance to break their unity and fracture them power. And it was her relief that Blackthorne had no hand in her death. She wanted him to live so she will be remembered for who she truly was thru him, as she only revealed her true self to Anjin. Toranaga respect this wish of Mariko's. And Anjin living helps him keep the Portuguese at bay given how fearful they are of him exposing their exclusive trade route.
@@arunkandiyil3962 It still seems like that wouldn't have gotten him much if not for Lady Oshiba changing her alliance. Did they know that the death of Mariko would have that effect on her? Was the intention for Mariko to die all along? It does seem like there was some luck as well as strategy involved.
It’s toronaga’s way of telling yabushige that the spy he’s been trying to find from the start of the show was his nephew, omi, all along. Because that’s what he said to omi about toronaga at the early episodes
You're assuming he subdued his enemy, but season 2 isn't even out yet, so how could you possibly know that? The flashforward was merely a vision in the psychopath Toranaga's mind. Believe me, the truth will be set free and Anjin will take him out in Season 2 for burning his ship.
That open scene was a dream, it was one future he could have had, but we know he never left Japan. And, if you listen to the official podcast, it is a dream,a possible future. Also, not showing the battle was also a master stroke…how many shows movie do we have to see violence to be satisfied. I’m sad to see this show in..for me this version is a masterpiece. S/B, for those that didn’t read the book…the battle isn’t in the book either.
It's not seen in the original 1980 tv series either and is just mentioned as an epilogue voice over while Toranaga in full battle armor is watching Blackthorne build his new ship. I believe it's none other than Orson Welles who tells the audience that Toranaga later faced Ishido's forces at the battle of Sekigahara and by noon he had defeated the enemy forces. Ishido was caught alive and in order to fulfill the old prophecy of him dying "very old" with his feet firmly in the ground Toranaga had Ishido buried neck deep into the ground in Edo and passers by were asked to saw his neck with a blunt bamboo saw. Ishido endured for three days and "died a very old man". Following Toranaga's victory the emperor appointed him the title of Shogun. So the mini-series ends. In the 1980 mini-series Toranaga reveals to the audience in an inner monologue that he had Blackthorne's ship burned because Toranaga believes that Anjin still has a lot to teach him. The 1980's mini-series is more euro-centric and Toranaga is shown to have a keen interest in English customs, knowledge of the world and modern warfare. So it's implied that aside from Toranaga believing fate brought Anjin to Japan and to save his life twice, he also believes that letting Blackthorne sail to England or risk having him going to war with the Portuguese and perishing would prevent Toranaga from gaining even more knowledge about the Portuguese, Spaniards and the rest of world. In short Blackthorne is much too valuable to Toranaga to be allowed to leave Japan. The inner monologue reveals Toranaga believes that it's Anjin's fate never to leave Japan whereas it's his own fate to become Shogun. To my knowledge it's left to the reader of the novel or the viewer of both tv adaptations whether Blackthorne makes it back home or not. What is known however is that the real historical inspiration for Blackthorne, the English pilot William Adams, never left Japan and died there in 1620. Blackthorne's eventual fate is also alluded to in one of Clavell's other Asian Saga novels set centuries later as well as in Clavell's 1981 novel "Noble House" which is set in 1963. A minor character named Riko Anjin makes a brief appearance. When main character Ian Dunross (Tai-Pan and a descendant of the Struans) notes her blue eyes, she relates a family legend that she is descended from a shipwrecked Englishman who became a samurai. Dunross considers the story implausible...
Def a death bed dream or vision after he died. He never left Japan. He was imagining what his legacy back home would be after all he went thru. There was no big parade or greeting from the queen like he thought would happen when he first arrived. Just his grandkids theorizing about all his belongings from Japan. That’s his legacy- just a collection of relics from the past. Not some heroic victory in war against the Portuguese Christians. He didn’t end up a conqueror. He was transformed by Japans unique culture and realized you can achieve more in battle with your mind than you can just going around slaughtering ppl who have different beliefs as you. I’d even go as far as to say that wasn’t Mariko’s cross but that he became a born again Christian.
I did want to see the battle, but yea the show didn't really need it. What I love about the show is the minimal use of Toranaga, because it paid off when he revealed his plan. How, after all the time of him saying he didn't want to be shogun and just wants to live a peaceful life in edo, he was planning all along on how to take absolute power and rule over Japan. It kinda made him look like the true villain of the show after all the sacrifices and deception.
@jool7793he is a piece of shit, but the beheadings in the village I think is a plot by Toranga in order to kill traitors in his region, bro has an excuse for the massacre as well 💀
@jool7793 Or he feels like its a necessary sacrifice in order to unite Japan and stop future conflicts. He made it obvious when he told his son that you cant trust or depend on anyone except yourself.
The ending was perfect. It left all the closures to our minds. It didn't try to show us how each thing played out. It showed us the extreme planning and behind the scenes type of strategy. I really liked how they ended with blackthorn and fujisama. And toranaga and yobushi.
That was the most lackluster finale I've ever seen. I don't know how the writers could have so much buildup to a war only for nothing to happen in the finale. This series would've been flawless if they only added in a little more action.
I would have liked to have seen a showdown between Toranaga and Ishido. As far as a plan from Toranaga, I’m not so sure if his son’s and friend’s death aided “the plan”. I would have liked to have seen Toranaga become Shogun. Some good scenes but a bit anticlimactic.
"let your hands be the last to hold her" is the reference to ep.1 when Fuji-sama was forced to give up her child, and those are words that Mariko said to her
This ending was everything I wanted. The absence of Mariko hanging on everyone, Yabushige going nuts, the revelation of Torenaga, the ending with the boat. I cried a little everywhere during this episode. I can say it right this is one the best thing I have ever seen. Thank you so much that I was able to follow it with Brainpilot. That channel understands it perfectly. That show makes you want to be someone better and to enjoy life even more.
I love that Toranaga just openly admits he just genuinely likes hanging out with Blackthorne and that’s why he keeps him around. Dudes just doesn’t want his homie to leave by when I saw Blackthorne looking at Toranaga in that last scene, I didn't need a translation to know that Blackthorne just accepted his fate and stayed in Japan for the unforeseeable future. Toranaga clearly wanted a BFF and went to extremes to keep Blackthorne nearby while Toranaga climbed his way to the top of the Shōgun.
Obviously "A Dream of a Dream" is referring to Blackthorne and him being an old man back in England, as he always saw himself. Up until Mariko's death that is. Her crucifix symbolising his fundamental break and "awakening" from that dream. He willingly remains in Japan, as the historical Adams did. Terrific show and this ending needs a rewatch to fully absorb.
The finale of Shogun is, like the whole buildup was, a masterstroke of storytelling brilliance that left me utterly fulfilled. As the curtains close on this monumental series, it's abundantly clear that it has cemented its place in television history as one of the greatest of all time. Every frame of the final episode is a testament to the meticulous craftsmanship and unwavering dedication of its creators. From the stunning cinematography to the hauntingly beautiful score, every aspect of this series reaches new heights of excellence unseen in nowadays TV. And as we bid farewell to this extraordinary journey, I can't help but feel grateful for the opportunity to have been a part of it. Bravo, Shogun. You will be sorely missed.
Nah it let me down. I was expecting an epic battle with the build up not this. That novel was garbage for not telling the actual battle. It started as a 9.5 ended as a 7.
@@gregmasters8558the whole point is we didn't need to see the battle, it'd be out of place. how did you read the novel and take away from it that it wasn't just about john and mariko. you read the novel but expected a big battle even though there wasn't one in the book? hahahaha
You are conflating the Blackthorne character with William Adams' fate. There is no concrete rule tying the two of them to a common end point. Unless the producers of the show have stated emphatically that there will be no season two, the so-called dream sequences of Blackthorne dying back home in England may be the hint that there is another season. And why not? It has been extremely enjoyable television for a change. 👌😉
@@ToddSauveI don't think there will be a second season as the writers said they've put a "full stop" to the story. Besides, in the scenes of old Blackthorne, he was seen holding Mariko-sama's cross when in reality, he already threw it away alongside the remains of Fuji-sama's husband and child.
I mean Blackthorne has alot of chances to leave Japan. It's not like Japan is isolated nation. He could probably hitch a ride on Ming dynasty trade ships who also interact with other european merchant ships.
Oh believe me he will leave Japan. Sooner or later Anjin will find out Toranaga is the spy infiltrator that burned his ship and he'll slice him right open by the cliffs just like Toranaga killed his only remaining friend like the psychopath is. This is my predicion for Season 2.
14:12 I got chills when I heard the beginning of the intro music play against the very last shot of the show. In the intro, the sharp and major notes at the beginning imply a peaceful time in Japan, before the tumultuous period signalled by the ships, the Zen garden being destroyed and the Osaka castle being attacked. The music then uses flat tones and minor notes, straight up ominous, signalling unrest and war. But in the last shot of the show, only the peaceful music is used. This shows the peace has been restored, and shows us that for almost 2 centuries after that, Toranaga's shogunate succeeded in a peaceful time without wars for Japan. It was so powerful - the show is genius!
Yabushige’s final poem harkens back to the episode they were marching back to Edo when he told his lackey that being eaten by a dog was a worse death than drowning (or something). I think it was Ep.8 at the beginning. So, I think it’s his way of showing remorse.
When Toranaga said to Yabushige, "why tell a dead man the future", it brought me back to episode 1 when Yabushige said that exact same thing to Omi. I think Omi had been working for Toranaga the whole time, only Omi knew that line from Yabushige.
he couldnt even spare his best friend the truth before murdering him. What a piece of psychopathic filth. Anjin will take him out in season 2 for burning his ship. Toranaga will pay for his actions!
This show is surely in my top 5 of some epic television shows of the last 25 years. I'm not going to lie but i started getting really emotional through out the episode maybe just the realization that it's over and how much i'm going to miss this great story. BrainPilot you did a fantastic job with your insights and reviews. I look forward to viewing more from your channel. Thank you mate. Well done!
we are all part of the series, you watching, the characters, the production, and the author of the book. admit it, Toranaga had us. hehehe, still the best series so far, for me.
Bit of trivia - the location where Fuji pours her husband and son's ashes was the same real lake where the ashes of Shōgun author James Clavell were scattered.
Toronaga doesn't bend the wind to his will; he reads it. "Thankfully the wind catches them". Their deaths are useful. Also the leafless branch was Mariko's empty family line.
This was the best episode of this show. I loved how you compared the falcon toranaga, but I feel that it could also symbolize mariko sama. As toranaga being able to control her, preventing her for dying and give her a purpose in his plan. As the bird flew away it tells us how mariko sama was at peace flying into the sky.
In the book shogun toranaga compares his vassals to birds of prey. Mariko being a peregrine falcon his favorite bird. After her death he releases her from his service.
I think over the ten episodes the show built up so much respect from the viewers that by the end, we didn’t feel like we had to have what we expected from it - we were there for whatever they were going to show us. At first I was shocked that we didn’t get to see that battle, but now I think some traditional big-battle finale would have been out of place. Mariko’s actions in Osaka and her death were more impactful than a battle could have been.
@jool7793you seem so confident to write that. But I read other comments saying otherwise, plus the book and the real life story. Ishido's army is defeated, he is buried neck deep, passers by hit him or something and he dies 3 days later "an old man".
@jool7793lol my dude the battle of Sekigahara actually happened. And Ishida Mitsunari lost. Then Ieyasu (Toranaga) went after the heir and his mother. Toranaga was a POS in real life
@@Koksn_Todorov This is one of the few things I specifically remember from the novel. In it Ishido is buried up to his neck. The people were invited to saw at Ishido's neck with a bamboo saw. He lasted three days. Those few lines must have impressed me.
With so many awesome actors in this show. it's really hard to pick one stand out, but if I had to I would have to pick Yabushige's actor Tadanobu Asano
he's a legendary actor in Japan. Glad western audiences get to see him. Funnily enough, he's actual a quater caucasian because his maternal grandfather was Norwegian American, though he never met him
really nice video to watch after the come down of finishing the finale. i swear to god, when the final shogun title screen played at the end - the visceral and physical reaction of shock, awe, horror and amazement was really an insane experience 😭 u hit the nail on this feeling of gratitude i have for getting to see this show !!
Ahhhh yes! Loved it. Loved the interiority of this remake. Its focus was on the people, the characters. Ultimately we all know what happened and that’s not what this show is about.
"why tell a dead man the future" actually has special meaning that it is a line used by Yabushige in episode when Omi asking him whether to inform Toranaga the arrival of the black ship, and Yabu replied him this line, which supposed only to be known between Yabu and Omi, so when Tora used this line to reply him, actually is telling him Omi is my guy from the very beginning.
I think he use omi to edge on his son , which toronaga knew his son would do something rash since he was short tempered. I think toronaga used his son as a sacrifice pawn if that makes sense. Especially how toronaga is hold his new child
I really enjoyed your explanations and assessment of the show all along. I am a Japanese expat from SF bay area. and I also studied and performed classical theatre style of Noh and Kyogen (Comedy) to US audience for 25 years. What I really liked of this show are many layers of explorations of Feudal mind sets of natives there. So much of it didn't survive modernization throughout the time. But the core of it remain strong in current Japan just as well. Calm and corrected on the out side but true feelings/ideas should be hidden till you unleash it when you know you should. One thing I want to add is that costumes in this show was striking in the sense they are totally not classical Japanese. The fabrics, bold patterns used in very modern esthetics and many weaving technics of today. Yet they made it look authentic. I also thought ladies didn't leaned to walk in Kimono very well as their shoulders (upper body) were swaying side to side. Their foot step were not sliding calmly and because they are taking too small a step which made them shuffle. That's like nit picking because the show as a whole was fantastic.
The scene where Blackthrone echoed Mariko-sama's words moments before committing sepukku was the best scene in my opinion. How he went from advising Mariko not to waste her life away, to being prepared to give his life in to protect the villagers.
Thanks for the summary/breakdown/meaning of this final episode. Well said, Mister! I love how Toranaga's answer to Yabushige's final question was "Why tell a dead man the future?", because that is exactly what Yabushige said/replied in the beginning of the series to his nephew Omi (someone else maybe?), when asked if they should inform the then-captive Toranaga back at Osaka Castle about the most recent happenings. Even THEN, Toranaga had his spies and informants. What a master of trickery and what a profound reply with just the right amount of brevity and irony. Splendid! 💜
Yabushige's death poem was probably a call back to him mocking Nagakado's death being pathetic hitting his head on a stone, but being eaten by dogs is even lower showing what he has done deserved a death having the lowest of form
Very insightful analysis, I'm glad to have discovered your channel. I'd like to propose that in Yabushige's final poem, he referenced a hungry dog because he might have always felt a hungry dog himself, always trying to find various ways to survive. That poem was beautiful in its simple and direct prose.
"Why tell a dead man the future?" is the same line that Yabu said to Omi in episode 1 when Omi asked him if he was going to tell Toranaga about the guns and cannon that they had retrieved from the Erasmus.
I read the book during my senior year of high school in 1979. I have read it twice since.The authenticity of this series was phenomenal. Nicely reviewed.
For the people wanting some kinda battle, the original novel itself was focused on the love between Mariko & Anjin with the whole Japnese culture & 1600s history revolving around it. Even the novel has very little writing regarding the final war. It mostly ends with Mariko's death, so that's the style this show has followed.
It reminds me of AoT fandom lol. They just say the ending is trash because they wantend to see war and blood without any characters in-depth analysis like Shōgun did. It's funny that usually shows and movies that have too much action turn out to be bad af and people still like them but when a show does what Shōgun did they start saying the show is trash. People really can't appreciate well written things.
I read Shogun over 40 years ago. I was completely blown away by the complexity of the individual characters, the history of feudal Japan, the vast cultural and religious differences between the characters and the sheer power of story. I have reread Shogun so many times that there are passages I know by heart. Of course I was thrilled with the original miniseries and it was difficult for me to accept this new version but I can honestly say that the new miniseries was just as gripping and powerful as the original. The actors were all magnificent and the production was an enormous success. Whew!
I felt more sadness in this episode than prior because it not only is the end of a great show but because of the portrayal of the impact of Mariko-sama's loss to Blackthorne, Fuji-sama, Yabushige Lady Ochiba, & Toronaga. What a powerful ending. 🙏
When John fought so hard not to cry on that boat but still teared.. combined with that music oh my my. Top notch acting. Might be my favourite scene in the series.
Thank you Brainp(i)lot for being our Anjin, navigating us through the misty and choppy waters of 17th century Japan. Looking forward to your future breakdowns of interesting shows that are often overlooked by bigger channels.
After finishing episode 10, now I understand why ep 9 was titled crimson sky. One woman was sent to do what an army never could. Beautiful story telling
Having no knowledge of the previous Shogun I thought all season we would get this epic battle where he’d defy all odds. I knew when Mariko passed this would not end the way I initially expected and Ishido would lose to himself. Even though I wanted an epic fight I had the same thought that it was never about the battle, It was about Toranaga using his wits to prevail at any costs. This was a perfect ending to an amazing show. I loved every minute of the season. Toranaga was one the most mesmerizing characters I’ve seen in a show. The actor did an outstanding job. 10/10.
It looks like Toranaga sacrificed his own son to kick off the spiral of war events. If he worked with Omi from the start, it’s Omi who stirred Toranaga’s son to attack his the messengers from Ishido, and later his uncle. Also, in the end Toranaga stresses it’s good he has another son; and he thanks his son for making his sacrifice earlier. so Ishido got that right about Toranaga - he sacrificed everything to be the Shogun, including his own son. What a hallmark true villain that Toranaga!
oh damn, yeah. does it imply that he worked with torunaga from the start though. It totally makes sense but I just need to know if he did work with omi from the start fuuuuuuuuuuck thats something
He didn’t sacrifice his son tho. Those series of events were completely unfortunate bad luck. The dude straight up slipped and smashed his head on a rock. How did Toranaga sacrifice him???
@@fullcircle8564 by knowing son is impulsive as his already clearly demonstrated and choosing not to inform him about the bigger idea 💡 left a lot of room for the young man to act stupidly. Plus, specifically in the in earlier episode when the attack by cannons happened by impulse of his son stirred by Omi who clearly worked for Toranaga. And at the same time Toranaga just left leaving this set up with Omi for his son to unleash attack cannon mode. It’s pure manipulation
It’s interesting how Toranaga is playing so 5D chess manipulating events that some viewers still don’t see it and write off to accident. As Yabu asked “How does it feel to bend the wind to your will?” It feels like no one get’s it lol
Great show! Would've loved to see Toda Buntaro's reaction when he heard about his wife Mariko dying & also the use of the Anjin to be a distraction to everyone was pure genius 👌kinda felt bad when Fuji said she was leaving 😢
@@reyerik8240She probably became a Buddhist nun, not a Christian one, so she would have been fine. In fact I’m not sure if there even were any Christian nun orders in Japan at that time.
@@reyerik8240 Considering there's no indincation that she was Christian beforehand, and becoming a nun or monk was a thing people did back then, it's almost certain that she was talking about a Buddhist nun.
Following your videos on Shogun since episode one. Absolutely loved your work! Thank you for making videos for Shogun. Still can't believe Mariko-Sama is no more. Oh man I am in love with her❤
There are no words to describe how much this entire series has meant. I watched the original one when aired and loved every minute. This one was an absolute masterpiece and should be recognized as such. The absolute best show on tv and simply cannot be outdone. Phenomenal!!!!!!!!!
I wish this series almost followed the 80's ending for Ishido, where Toranagda narrates that Ishido is buried. Then the citizens are allowed to saw the most famous head in Japan. I thought this was a powerful ending, but lacked the action packed scenes from the other episodes. The creators did warn everyone that the ending is not what everyone would expect. 9/10 from me 9.5 for the series as a whole!
The soundtrack as you mention correctly is so poignant, it's the co-star in those shots. So much love and respect to everyone involved in this production. b
I don't think Yagushiges desperation was because he simply wanted "to survive". It was stated in the first episode that he's obsessed with the moment of death. We even saw that he was ready to die when he fell from the cliff. Instead I think his desperation was because he did not want an "Ordinary death". He even asked if he could be killed in a more gruesome way like being eaten alive by fish. This shows his character always was ready to die but he simply wanted his death to be memorable and glorious. Also I can be wrong but I personally think when Blackthorn saw the look on Toronagas face as they raised his ship and saw the serious expression on Toronaga he chuckled to himself because he realized in that moment that it was indeed Toronaga who set fire to his ship. Toronaga probably thought he would take much longer to retrieve it but seeing him do it that quickly was not something he planned on. So the smile Blackthorn gave was actually him realizing that as skilled as Toronaga is in predicting people and the outcome of events, Blackthorn still beat him because Toronaga failed to predict what he's capable of.
Yabushiges smile before cutting him self after toranaga saying “why tell the dead man the future” realized he was already checked mate from the moment the barbarians arrived at izu. another point was he was proud that he also played a role for a unified Japan and what he felt was happiness and pride and so he looked up to toranaga and smiled. It was a very good scene.
"Too good to be sitting there. But then again, Flower are only flowers because they fall." Here's to you my friend, you have been a good companion throughout the series. Looking forward to stumbling again on your channel with another series.
The cross John was holding as an old man wasn’t Mariko’s. He most likely became a born again Christian- either sincerely or because the religion he went to Japan to conquer is now the only thing he has to remember the woman he once loved. He became more involved in the church in order to learn more about her- because after she dies it’s the only thing John could turn to in order to feel her presence and connection. It could have been a death bed vision or thought about what his legacy back home in England would be. Since he never left Japan they probably just assumed everyone on the ship died. He never returned a conqueror. He didn’t achieve some big victory in war against the Portuguese Christians. He was never greeted by the Queen. All that remained of his memory and legacy after he died were the belongings he accumulated on his trip to Japan. His grandkids theorizing about his swords- which oddly enough he never used. And in the scene he also never speaks to his kids or grandkids which imo means he never really cared for them. He dies holding onto the only person he truly ever cared for in his life- Mariko.
Just like how people differentiate the three great unifiers ruler of Japan. "Give Oda Nobunaga a singing bird he would say "Sing Bird or i will kill you", give a Toyotomi Hideyoshi a singing bird " Sing Bird, or i will force you to sing", Give Tokugaaa Ieyasu a singing bird he would say "Sing Bird, or I will wait till you sing". In this series he literally have to sacrifice all his most loyal vassal just for his plan to work. And All he did is literally just waiting and stay. Wait and use every little thing he can use to his advantage. Like Blackthorn, his importance is just to give him more time and a distraction to his enemy, and just like he said without John his banner will survive so he definitely had more plan to avoid his death sentence by the regent. That just show us how great he is with his planning and all of that.
Everybody acted so greatly, but i was so drawn in (and scared) by Lady Ochiba. She's so beautiful yet so terrifying. The way she talks... i absolutely love it.
All I have to say is that I was crying when Toranaga stopped the Anjin from killing himself.. How quickly he got over there and popped him like Bruce Lee had me 💀🤣
Every single actor was incredible. There was no stand out - because they were all masterful. In any other show, if the same actor delivered the same level of performance as they did in Shogun - they'd be the stand out. Basically I'm trying to say that they all deserve best actor award/s! (although knowing Anna Sawai is a kiwi (and I'm an Aussie) meant she was always gonna be my fav (and then as her fame grows aussie's will try to claim her as our own (that's Toranaga level planning right there ;) ))
Thanks for clarifying Blackthorne's dream because I was thinking he finally made it home at some point, but when I saw him holding onto the cross I wasn't sure.
@@BrainPilot not liking the taste of the ending now, but perhaps time will tell how much I'll love this show and its ending. It's like a beer (or even wine, although I like wine at first time trying), need some acquiring taste that comes with time
THE FINALE IS FINALLY HERE! What did you make of it? Let me know your thoughts in the comments below! I also want to say a massive THANKS for tuning into the breakdowns every week, it's been great discussing theories with you in the comments and hearing what you think of the episodes as well. I've got a few more Shogun videos coming in the next few days so be sure to keep your eyes peeled!
I enjoyed it. Loved the moment between Anjin and Fuji on the boat.
It felt rushed...
The last 3 episodes felt forced into "my will be done asap" of a writer that was flamboyant and original in the 1st half of the Show, and then slowly run out of time and inspiration.
All the above as a mildly critique.
The Show remains in its entirety a high quality entertainment, but it could be so much more if it continued the "elan" of the beginning ....
Show failed. People are so desperate for good TV that they will let anything slide.. 😅
Shogun by Fx was masterfully done up to episode 7. After that, it did a full game of thrones
@krixpop yea rushed and out of budget.. the only reason there is no battle is because they couldn't afford it.. You can feel the show building to this final show down and yet.. we got the game of thrones treatment 😅
Thank you for every Tuesdays in-depth Shōgun explained videos... Kudos to this channel. Man, we deserve szn 2! 🫶
Can't deny Yabushige's actor performed masterfully and it was absolutely worthy of an Emmy award.
Yeah he was so good in this show. Played a total fool in a charming way!
He was definitely my favorite. Similar to Littlefinger in GOT... Brilliant character
He absolutely killed it.
@@BrainPilot agree most complex character
I was expecting Yabu to realize Toranaga had him and Blackthorne figured out from the beginning. Toranaga knew Yabu was going to try and betray him in Osaka.
I don't think Tor expected Yabu too cause Mariko to be killed though. Even though Toranaga sent her on a suicide mission.
Man, the scene when Anjin says "no translator" at Fuji-sama. I felt that 🥹 🥺
and he looks to his right
@@dominicijavier1575 yes and she sat beside Anjin reminiscing Mariko with teary eyes... Fuji-sama captured my heart.
I know. Me too.
@@andygarci I want spin off with her casting and JB can save money use the same set design
In the tea house scene Kiku teaches her apprentice about negative space and it’s symbols, she comments on the empty space where a flask was “Presence is most keenly felt in absence”.
Re: Fuji’s comment on Blackthorn being the last hands to hold Mariko was a call back to episode 1, when Fuji’s son was to be killed for her husbands disrespect. When Fuji’s son was to be taken away, Mariko intervened and told them “Let her hands be the last to hold her son.”
Shheeeesh!! I did not catch that,that is awesome
Damn T.T
I love Fuji kinda sad she will leave JB and he will be solo
great catch
@billdew945 Same here. I would have loved John Blackthorne to have a love life with Fuji and even have a daughter with Fuji named Mariko to remember her.
The fact that almost everyone was sad at mariko’s death (no matter what side of the conflict they were in) was her redemption from the disgrace in her family’s past. She finally wiped off the black mark from her family name. She went with honour. Something she always wanted.
Word, Lady, 100%. I concur.
N in real life thats how it was viewed a lot of people were upset she had died.
Well she also wiped off her clan and her genes, so where's the glory and honor in that? over 400 years later, in today's time, she will not be mentioned and her family and bloodline will be long gone. All that remains is Toronaga's(Tokugawa) fame and glory.
Undying loyalty to a lord is a fool's idea. Will Toronaga sacrifice his life to make Mariko rich and powerful? Most likely not. So I don't understand why we glorify manipulative leaders who use their subjects like sacrificial pawns for their political games. It's the same as seeing a modern day Trump fanatic sacrifice his life in service of Trump's election.
@Jake-dh9qk i mean the real person actually is still remembered in japan so her legacy did live on but also her line of family was done due to what her father did she had no choice so she is definitely not a trump fanatic but some people were at that time and after
@reyerik8240 I have a question does she a son in her historical self?
The absence of Mariko in that scene with Blackthorne and Fuji was a cinematic version of the Japanese concept of "Ma", or the concept of negative space which creates meaning.
She was there by not being there
She was with me.
yea, well my first thought was that of Kiku saying: presence is most felt in absence
Really great Direction and camera work
I automatically thought of all the moments with John, Fuji on one side and Mariko on the other :( , it was a nice touch
@8:45 mark: Yabushige mentioning having his dead body “fill belly of hungry dog” was tied to him mocking toranaga’s son’s death by slipping on a rock when he ranked it “barely above being eaten by a pack of dogs…..”
he’s acknowledging his own demise as a death with no honor.
damnnn that's a good catch, what an awesome callback
Plus he wanted a death by cannons. The guy is ridiculous.
Ooo I missed that! Good memory!
Clever human!
@@fukkitful I don’t see you being a warlord to a Japanese province…
Basically Yabushige's final meet with Torenaga was a symbolic representation of the conversation between the confused audience and Torenaga. I should know, I was a part of it👀.
loved that part
He's 4th wall thru the screen is totally the 3rd heart move. Even us feel like yabu, on the cliff looking at toranaga sama and said..... "well played, dono"
I not really enjoy episode 10, unlike in episode 8 and 9, i know it not about war scene like The last Samurai 2003 Tom Cruise, but at least show some, ;like the starting of battle, fight, and the end, and from begin to middle of the scene are good, but not after Yabushige second by Toranaga, episode 10 or ending are to rushing for my opinion. No battle, no Ishido lost and fled, later capture punish and parade at Osaka, He was beheaded no honor death to Ishido, Not showing story about of 2 of regent switch side, Toranaga half brother and 1 Christian regent Kiyama except leprosy Ohno, Ohno will lost and beheaded by his vassal after he know battle was lost, and later Ohno vassal committed seppukku, Toranaga become shogun bless by Emperor in Kyoto. and not show Blackthorne rebuild his ship and built navy fleet for Toranaga in European/English style ship along with Japanese style ship. Battle of Sekigahara is very important to Toranaga(Iesyu). in real even, the reason Ieasyu win because many switch side and European cannon and gun tactics(in Shogun it thank to John Blackthorne, very sad that episode 10 are just to simple. story can tell about half brother swich side and apologized to Toranaga, and Kiyama angry to Ishido and expand the story. maybe they rushing plus no more money or budget to made more scene, Episode 10, need to be speciall, with extra more 30minute or at least 20minture explaining and showing a battle, ishido lost, story about buntaro, fuji, omi and kiku relationship, the edo city(show like Osaka city and castle like in 1st episode, it take just less than 20 second). and good to show Toranaga others son especially who married with Ochiba sister, that become Heir to Toranaga 2nd Tokugawa Shogun. and then wrapng the story. we all knew what happen aftermath but, to made special and different from novel and 1980 version which just explain, better to expand and tell detail no need longer war scene like others Japanese samurai battle. for me people will love it. Episode 10 must be special and longer. if not why the point remade shogun if just same or similar ending to novel and 1980 version?
The scene was cool and intimate but just serves as a big ole exposition dump. Should’ve just given us a longer episode and show us these events instead of just explaining them to us.
@@safuwanfauzi5014 exactly, bro i used the last samurai as a focus point
Toronaga didn't even avenge marikoto I was highly disappointed
Fuk toronaga
Kasamoto is the goat
The beginning was a dream, his dream of going back to England died when the old Blackthorn died, he accepted his fate to remain in Japan. Toranaga played us all, we were rooting for him but he really was the villain, willing to sacrifice everyone for his ambition to be Shogun.
Thats why the name of the episode : The dream of a Dream
it wasn't in england though. there was a shot of the exterior at one point showing it was in japan
There are no villains in this story. Everyone has their own agendas
I fail to see him as a villain tho. Being a shogun is his 3rd heart's very desire. He minimized bloodshed and outsmarted his enemies just to achieve that desire. I think it's the Minowara's destiny to once again rule Japan through Toronaga because even the Heavens would shake the ground if war is declared upon them.
No heroes, no villains. Just winners and losers.
Throwing Mariko's necklace into the water signified that blackthorn older with the kids was a dream.. True masterpiece of a show!
It made 0 sense. Who dreams of themselves as an old man dreaming of themselves as a young man? and in the old mans dreams it was all a lie...who dreams of themselves dying in bed?
@@bryanmarks608 I think it was more to show that he saw his deathbed as being outside of Japan, meaning he lived a full life and was able to escape. He had these dreams in his worst moments, seemed like he was over it and just wanted to be home.
@@bryanmarks608 He was dreaming of the future he wanted, when he threw the cross into the water, he was accepting the future he was going to get.
@@bryanmarks608he wasn't dreaming of himself as a young man in the dream. He was just dreaming of himself waking up in England as an old man
@@StorifiedxI took something else from that dream. He looked uncomfortable and regretful in that dream, and when the kids asked if he really got the sword from a savage, it was a kind of disconcerting vibe that came through. He seemed like he was just as out of place in England as he was in Japan when he first arrived. At this point, I think he doesn't even know what he wants anymore. He wanted a life with Mariko, but that can't happen now. If he goes back to England, he won't feel comfortable there, as we saw when he reunited with one of his mates in Edo. Hell he wanted to get away even before he got to Japan. He would just be going back to a country that feels strange to people who don't understand a thing about what he's come to know. My bet is that rather than going back to England, he would just continue on the open sea going from place to place, and maybe even ending back up in Japan (at least until Tokugawa Iemitsu issued the foreigner ban lol)
the crimson sky was Mariko all along
Indeed😢
The friends we made along the way
@@YasonYoulol
You noticed the Colour of her under Kimono at the Audience with Ishido and Ochiba;)?
she ended up more like Crimson Mist though
I think Toranaga's smile to Yobushige answered his last question. This scene was so well done.
Yeah surprised he didn't pick up on it. Yabushige clearly turned and looked at him not only because he was waiting to be seconded but he wanted an answer. Also just before yabushige said he would take it to his grave and that was the last chance.
just wish the show was well done. it doesn't compare to the old one, and that is more than 40 years old...like, did the budget for this one run out and they could only afford grey and dark brown colors? i have spent almost every weekend of my 20s in dark goth clubs and i saw more light and colors then XD
and the old show was completely filmed in japan..not british colombia..
In the book he admits to himself how he always wanted to be Shogun and he would have blasted through the heir with his cannon if he had to.
He said why tell a dead man the future to him because thats what he said about Toranaga earlier in the series in secret.
@@presipa232 the episode 1, at 43:56 s, in a conversation between Yabushige and Omi
OH crap. That's awesome
Throughout the earlier season in the village, Yabushige kept on wanting to find the traitor in the village. Toranaga said those line to affirm its been your nephew all this time.
@@curiosusvagus2062Nah youre wrong... it wasnt Omi.. it was the Translator. He literally told Anjin that "I was ordered by my Lord to convert. Im a Samurai" HE WAS the Spy, Torinaga's ears and eyes in the village. He used Pigeons as messengers.
... When Yabushige uttered the words "Why tell a dead man the future, the spy was there!"
@@ellaineclemente5616 the spy wasn't there though when yabushige said this to Omi, his not in the scene. What i'm saying is its like an easter egg like Toranaga saying you never had faith or loyalty
“a mere woman threatening her own suicide…disgusting”- Ishido (ep9 50:13), reveals the difference between Toranaga and Ishido and how clueless the latter was. That 'mere woman ' did what an army could not. What a great show.
Toranaga understood the value of women. Ochiba No Kata and Todo Mariko (Akechi Mariko), even the tea house brothel maidens who were a source of information for him. He sent Mariko with the power and agency to disgrace all who branded her family as traitors and unravel their fragile cabal. In doing so, he was able to expose Ishido as a petty man, too weak to protect her heir apparent son.
It's because Toranaga knew how deep the relationship between Mariko and Lady Ochiba. While Ishido only know their relationship were just a childhood friend. All the way to the battlefield, Ishido never expected that Lady Ochiba would turn her back on him because of Mariko's death. All he think about Mariko's death is it was just a reason for Toranaga to Attack him, nothing else. Poor Ishido
what exactly did she do that an army couldn't? Season 2 isn't even out yet and you're assuming Toranaga won. My bets are on Ishido. Toranaga is a psychopath that must be stopped! I hope Anjin takes him out in Season 2 for burning his ship! He's a treacherous scum!
@@dunkenrunten4593 Bruh.
@@dunkenrunten4593 idk if you are joking or not but I'll help you if you are not joking, the show is based on a historical Figure named Tokugawa Ieyasu, and the event on this show revolving around the Battle Of Sekigahara, so, in the history, Ieyasu (Toranaga) won the battle of Sekigahara because most of the regent or Daimyoo who sided with Ishida(Ishido) betrayed him on the battle field. Well yeah in the show they added something about the reason of their betrayal of which using Mariko's death. But in the real History it was done by Ieyasu himself, he had been in touch with the regents who support Ishida's for months before the Battle of Sekigahara. So there you go, will Toranaga win the battle Yes, he will no matter how many episode you want the result will be the same. Is Toranaga a bad person? Not really, his Shogunate period is the start of the peaceful era in Japan for 250 years. So he was not a bad ruler.
The smile Yabushige and Toranaga gave to each other implies to me that the answer was a yes.
Yes to what question?
@@tjk3430to Yabushige's question of whetherToronaga's wish since the beginning was to become Shogun.
@@tjk3430that he always wanted to be shogun
@@richardbachman1260 thanks. It was late when I watched so I'll prob have to view it again. I feel like Toranaga didn't like the word Shogun. He just wanted to be the supreme leader of Japan.
@@richardbachman1260 I mean, the title of the show speaks by itself
I love how Toranaga absolutely decimated all those schemes in osaka... he even made us feel like fools for theorizing how things would go... we thought it would be a shock attack on osaka with canons... but no it was a shock attack alright but with strategy and a seemingly inconspicuous individual, a lady they underestimated... absolutely the best show... I don't know if any other show would be this good
The cannon training was a ruse, a distraction. It made the Portuguese want to neuter Blackthorne. Toranaga to ply their neutrality with respect to Ishido, built up Blackthorne as this threat, and then offered to neutralize him. He would have killed Blackthorne except that he enjoyed toy with the Portuguese at the threat of Blackthorne exposing the trade routes to Japan. He also spared the Anjin because Mariko brokered a deal to burn & sink Blackthorne's ship in exchange for keeping Blackthorne alive.
Mariko truly did not want Anjin to be pained at her death especially as her second. She was relieved to die the way she did, fighting against an enemy, Ishido (and the others) who so arrogantly labeled her family as traitors. It was her personal vengeance to break their unity and fracture them power. And it was her relief that Blackthorne had no hand in her death. She wanted him to live so she will be remembered for who she truly was thru him, as she only revealed her true self to Anjin. Toranaga respect this wish of Mariko's. And Anjin living helps him keep the Portuguese at bay given how fearful they are of him exposing their exclusive trade route.
i dont get it, what did they achieve with the "attack" other than a few people being released from osaka?
@@Elcoonn Those few people were the hostages that Ishido had over a lot of lords, their freedom means more army to Toranga
@@arunkandiyil3962 It still seems like that wouldn't have gotten him much if not for Lady Oshiba changing her alliance. Did they know that the death of Mariko would have that effect on her? Was the intention for Mariko to die all along? It does seem like there was some luck as well as strategy involved.
@@erinm9445 Ochiba would never have turned against him if he still had the support of the other lords.
Lady Mariko will forever be an iconic heroine. What a bonfire she built.
She was a homewrecker. 🍿
*"Why tell a dead man the future?"*
-Damn, Yabushige-sama, that backfired well
It’s toronaga’s way of telling yabushige that the spy he’s been trying to find from the start of the show was his nephew, omi, all along. Because that’s what he said to omi about toronaga at the early episodes
@@PhilGMonteno, it was Muraji….
@@michael5725 then you need to rewatch episode one. and reconsider whether a lord like Toranaga would only have one spy for any occasion.
It was Yabu's scribe...He even said have a good death at ep 10. to Yabu in the end.
Wowowwow
"The Supreme art of war is to subdue the without fighting"
- Sun Tzu
Yup
Underrated comment.
The Supreme art of war is to subdue the *enemy* without fighting
You're assuming he subdued his enemy, but season 2 isn't even out yet, so how could you possibly know that? The flashforward was merely a vision in the psychopath Toranaga's mind. Believe me, the truth will be set free and Anjin will take him out in Season 2 for burning his ship.
@@dunkenrunten4593
You definitely either didn't watch the ending or didn't understand it or think of life and movies in B&W.
Yabushige dying on a cliff is an amazing callback
That open scene was a dream, it was one future he could have had, but we know he never left Japan. And, if you listen to the official podcast, it is a dream,a possible future. Also, not showing the battle was also a master stroke…how many shows movie do we have to see violence to be satisfied. I’m sad to see this show in..for me this version is a masterpiece.
S/B, for those that didn’t read the book…the battle isn’t in the book either.
It's not seen in the original 1980 tv series either and is just mentioned as an epilogue voice over while Toranaga in full battle armor is watching Blackthorne build his new ship. I believe it's none other than Orson Welles who tells the audience that Toranaga later faced Ishido's forces at the battle of Sekigahara and by noon he had defeated the enemy forces. Ishido was caught alive and in order to fulfill the old prophecy of him dying "very old" with his feet firmly in the ground Toranaga had Ishido buried neck deep into the ground in Edo and passers by were asked to saw his neck with a blunt bamboo saw. Ishido endured for three days and "died a very old man".
Following Toranaga's victory the emperor appointed him the title of Shogun. So the mini-series ends.
In the 1980 mini-series Toranaga reveals to the audience in an inner monologue that he had Blackthorne's ship burned because Toranaga believes that Anjin still has a lot to teach him. The 1980's mini-series is more euro-centric and Toranaga is shown to have a keen interest in English customs, knowledge of the world and modern warfare. So it's implied that aside from Toranaga believing fate brought Anjin to Japan and to save his life twice, he also believes that letting Blackthorne sail to England or risk having him going to war with the Portuguese and perishing would prevent Toranaga from gaining even more knowledge about the Portuguese, Spaniards and the rest of world. In short Blackthorne is much too valuable to Toranaga to be allowed to leave Japan.
The inner monologue reveals Toranaga believes that it's Anjin's fate never to leave Japan whereas it's his own fate to become Shogun.
To my knowledge it's left to the reader of the novel or the viewer of both tv adaptations whether Blackthorne makes it back home or not.
What is known however is that the real historical inspiration for Blackthorne, the English pilot William Adams, never left Japan and died there in 1620.
Blackthorne's eventual fate is also alluded to in one of Clavell's other Asian Saga novels set centuries later as well as in Clavell's 1981 novel "Noble House" which is set in 1963. A minor character named Riko Anjin makes a brief appearance. When main character Ian Dunross (Tai-Pan and a descendant of the Struans) notes her blue eyes, she relates a family legend that she is descended from a shipwrecked Englishman who became a samurai. Dunross considers the story implausible...
He abandoned his own children. That future is inaccessible
Def a death bed dream or vision after he died. He never left Japan. He was imagining what his legacy back home would be after all he went thru. There was no big parade or greeting from the queen like he thought would happen when he first arrived. Just his grandkids theorizing about all his belongings from Japan. That’s his legacy- just a collection of relics from the past. Not some heroic victory in war against the Portuguese Christians. He didn’t end up a conqueror. He was transformed by Japans unique culture and realized you can achieve more in battle with your mind than you can just going around slaughtering ppl who have different beliefs as you. I’d even go as far as to say that wasn’t Mariko’s cross but that he became a born again Christian.
We don´t know because those amateurs ended the show prematurely.
I don't think that show lacked any violence. Even without an epic battle of armies, there was violence enough.
I did want to see the battle, but yea the show didn't really need it. What I love about the show is the minimal use of Toranaga, because it paid off when he revealed his plan. How, after all the time of him saying he didn't want to be shogun and just wants to live a peaceful life in edo, he was planning all along on how to take absolute power and rule over Japan. It kinda made him look like the true villain of the show after all the sacrifices and deception.
thats why its amazing
agreed, we didn't need to see it
@jool7793he is a piece of shit, but the beheadings in the village I think is a plot by Toranga in order to kill traitors in his region, bro has an excuse for the massacre as well 💀
@jool7793 Or he feels like its a necessary sacrifice in order to unite Japan and stop future conflicts. He made it obvious when he told his son that you cant trust or depend on anyone except yourself.
Is the villain a villain if he builds 250 years of unprecedented peace?
The ending was perfect. It left all the closures to our minds. It didn't try to show us how each thing played out. It showed us the extreme planning and behind the scenes type of strategy.
I really liked how they ended with blackthorn and fujisama. And toranaga and yobushi.
No it wasn’t.
Confusing Cliffhangers are not profound cinematic masterpieces they're just bad writing and lack of budget
That was the most lackluster finale I've ever seen. I don't know how the writers could have so much buildup to a war only for nothing to happen in the finale. This series would've been flawless if they only added in a little more action.
@@KingKongLaQuiesha the book did not detail the war and there is no second book on that..... so the series stuck to the original material...
I would have liked to have seen a showdown between Toranaga and Ishido. As far as a plan from Toranaga, I’m not so sure if his son’s and friend’s death aided “the plan”. I would have liked to have seen Toranaga become Shogun. Some good scenes but a bit anticlimactic.
"let your hands be the last to hold her" is the reference to ep.1 when Fuji-sama was forced to give up her child, and those are words that Mariko said to her
Ooohh, you're right. Ouch goes my heart all over again. What a series!
This ending was everything I wanted. The absence of Mariko hanging on everyone, Yabushige going nuts, the revelation of Torenaga, the ending with the boat. I cried a little everywhere during this episode. I can say it right this is one the best thing I have ever seen. Thank you so much that I was able to follow it with Brainpilot. That channel understands it perfectly. That show makes you want to be someone better and to enjoy life even more.
@Ter9393 you must be shallow then lol
I love that Toranaga just openly admits he just genuinely likes hanging out with Blackthorne and that’s why he keeps him around. Dudes just doesn’t want his homie to leave by when I saw Blackthorne looking at Toranaga in that last scene, I didn't need a translation to know that Blackthorne just accepted his fate and stayed in Japan for the unforeseeable future. Toranaga clearly wanted a BFF and went to extremes to keep Blackthorne nearby while Toranaga climbed his way to the top of the Shōgun.
And he saved his life multiple times so thst was an extra good luck charm
Maybe Toranaga believed Blackthorne is his good luck charm and maybe one day he'd save his life for a 3rd time...
@@reyerik8240 yea he like you not going anywhere and I love the fact he said he probably going have to destroy his ship again in the future
@@Koksn_Todorov lol now we know why he keep him around and refuse his request to go home
Dudes will always rock
Obviously "A Dream of a Dream" is referring to Blackthorne and him being an old man back in England, as he always saw himself. Up until Mariko's death that is. Her crucifix symbolising his fundamental break and "awakening" from that dream. He willingly remains in Japan, as the historical Adams did. Terrific show and this ending needs a rewatch to fully absorb.
I think the Taiko also says this on his death bed. "This life is so strange. A dream of a dream"
Exactly.
I thought it had to do with Toranaga's dream of a peaceful and united Japana, but under him as Shogun, a dream he never disclosed to anyone
The finale of Shogun is, like the whole buildup was, a masterstroke of storytelling brilliance that left me utterly fulfilled. As the curtains close on this monumental series, it's abundantly clear that it has cemented its place in television history as one of the greatest of all time.
Every frame of the final episode is a testament to the meticulous craftsmanship and unwavering dedication of its creators. From the stunning cinematography to the hauntingly beautiful score, every aspect of this series reaches new heights of excellence unseen in nowadays TV.
And as we bid farewell to this extraordinary journey, I can't help but feel grateful for the opportunity to have been a part of it. Bravo, Shogun. You will be sorely missed.
Well said
Nah it let me down. I was expecting an epic battle with the build up not this. That novel was garbage for not telling the actual battle. It started as a 9.5 ended as a 7.
@@gregmasters8558the whole point is we didn't need to see the battle, it'd be out of place. how did you read the novel and take away from it that it wasn't just about john and mariko. you read the novel but expected a big battle even though there wasn't one in the book? hahahaha
@@gothbossbaby they shoulda based it on real life events where their was seiges and the big war. This was crap.
@gregmasters8558 🤡
It's just a dream sequence because he never gets to leave Japan.
But that ending shot showing Toranaga looking out over the water.... so powerful.
You are conflating the Blackthorne character with William Adams' fate. There is no concrete rule tying the two of them to a common end point. Unless the producers of the show have stated emphatically that there will be no season two, the so-called dream sequences of Blackthorne dying back home in England may be the hint that there is another season. And why not? It has been extremely enjoyable television for a change. 👌😉
@@ToddSauveI don't think there will be a second season as the writers said they've put a "full stop" to the story.
Besides, in the scenes of old Blackthorne, he was seen holding Mariko-sama's cross when in reality, he already threw it away alongside the remains of Fuji-sama's husband and child.
I mean Blackthorne has alot of chances to leave Japan. It's not like Japan is isolated nation. He could probably hitch a ride on Ming dynasty trade ships who also interact with other european merchant ships.
Oh believe me he will leave Japan. Sooner or later Anjin will find out Toranaga is the spy infiltrator that burned his ship and he'll slice him right open by the cliffs just like Toranaga killed his only remaining friend like the psychopath is. This is my predicion for Season 2.
@@dunkenrunten4593there won’t be a season 2. This is the end of the show
14:12 I got chills when I heard the beginning of the intro music play against the very last shot of the show. In the intro, the sharp and major notes at the beginning imply a peaceful time in Japan, before the tumultuous period signalled by the ships, the Zen garden being destroyed and the Osaka castle being attacked. The music then uses flat tones and minor notes, straight up ominous, signalling unrest and war. But in the last shot of the show, only the peaceful music is used. This shows the peace has been restored, and shows us that for almost 2 centuries after that, Toranaga's shogunate succeeded in a peaceful time without wars for Japan. It was so powerful - the show is genius!
There is just something soothing about Ochiba's voice and the way she talks in the series
It’s so calm, yet eerily intimidating. Like one wrong move and she’d have you executed with a smile.
Yeah I totally get that too!
@@Zarastro54 exactly my feeling! You don't know if she would kill you in your sleep or tuck you in lmao
"Why tell a dead man the future" was actually said by Yabushige in the first episode, so it came full circle...
Yabushige's death . the smile on his face before the blade disconnected his head. its how i would have done. great acting . thanks.
Yabushige’s final poem harkens back to the episode they were marching back to Edo when he told his lackey that being eaten by a dog was a worse death than drowning (or something). I think it was Ep.8 at the beginning. So, I think it’s his way of showing remorse.
When Toranaga said to Yabushige, "why tell a dead man the future", it brought me back to episode 1 when Yabushige said that exact same thing to Omi. I think Omi had been working for Toranaga the whole time, only Omi knew that line from Yabushige.
nah
possibly
Yep. It was a clever callback to episode 1 at 43:56. Either the scribe, omi, or the courtesan was spying for him all along.
he couldnt even spare his best friend the truth before murdering him. What a piece of psychopathic filth. Anjin will take him out in season 2 for burning his ship. Toranaga will pay for his actions!
I wish that Happens @@dunkenrunten4593
This show is surely in my top 5 of some epic television shows of the last 25 years. I'm not going to lie but i started getting really emotional through out the episode maybe just the realization that it's over and how much i'm going to miss this great story. BrainPilot you did a fantastic job with your insights and reviews. I look forward to viewing more from your channel. Thank you mate. Well done!
Thanks Tim! Glad you enjoyed the videos
we are all part of the series, you watching, the characters, the production, and the author of the book. admit it, Toranaga had us. hehehe, still the best series so far, for me.
Bit of trivia - the location where Fuji pours her husband and son's ashes was the same real lake where the ashes of Shōgun author James Clavell were scattered.
My interpretation is that "flowers are only flowers because they fall, but thankfully the wind...catches them.
I think it's rather that the wind lifts them up again and carries them so they will not be forgotten
Toronaga doesn't bend the wind to his will; he reads it. "Thankfully the wind catches them". Their deaths are useful. Also the leafless branch was Mariko's empty family line.
Interesting, my interpretation is that the wind makes the flowers fall with grace
The wind is fate, that which gives the falling flowers meaning.
This was the best episode of this show. I loved how you compared the falcon toranaga, but I feel that it could also symbolize mariko sama. As toranaga being able to control her, preventing her for dying and give her a purpose in his plan. As the bird flew away it tells us how mariko sama was at peace flying into the sky.
I thought it was a given that the falcon he let go was Mariko, have many daughters was confirming it imo.
Ya
Episode 9 was the best for me... And right After comes the 8
I definitely thought the falcon was a reference to Mariko as well
In the book shogun toranaga compares his vassals to birds of prey. Mariko being a peregrine falcon his favorite bird. After her death he releases her from his service.
I think over the ten episodes the show built up so much respect from the viewers that by the end, we didn’t feel like we had to have what we expected from it - we were there for whatever they were going to show us.
At first I was shocked that we didn’t get to see that battle, but now I think some traditional big-battle finale would have been out of place.
Mariko’s actions in Osaka and her death were more impactful than a battle could have been.
@jool7793you seem so confident to write that. But I read other comments saying otherwise, plus the book and the real life story. Ishido's army is defeated, he is buried neck deep, passers by hit him or something and he dies 3 days later "an old man".
@jool7793lol my dude the battle of Sekigahara actually happened. And Ishida Mitsunari lost. Then Ieyasu (Toranaga) went after the heir and his mother. Toranaga was a POS in real life
@@Koksn_Todorov This is one of the few things I specifically remember from the novel. In it Ishido is buried up to his neck. The people were invited to saw at Ishido's neck with a bamboo saw. He lasted three days. Those few lines must have impressed me.
With so many awesome actors in this show. it's really hard to pick one stand out, but if I had to I would have to pick Yabushige's actor Tadanobu Asano
Yeah he was incredible. Like you said, the whole cast were just so good!
Yeah he was great and my fvrt too
For me Anna Sawai
he's a legendary actor in Japan. Glad western audiences get to see him. Funnily enough, he's actual a quater caucasian because his maternal grandfather was Norwegian American, though he never met him
really nice video to watch after the come down of finishing the finale. i swear to god, when the final shogun title screen played at the end - the visceral and physical reaction of shock, awe, horror and amazement was really an insane experience 😭
u hit the nail on this feeling of gratitude i have for getting to see this show !!
Thanks a lot! Glad you enjoyed the video
"Flowers are flowers because they fall."
The Blackthrone and Fuji Sama friendship at the end was so good to see.
Ahhhh yes! Loved it. Loved the interiority of this remake. Its focus was on the people, the characters. Ultimately we all know what happened and that’s not what this show is about.
I didn't know what happened, so I found parts of it kind of confusing 🤷♀
"why tell a dead man the future" actually has special meaning that it is a line used by Yabushige in episode when Omi asking him whether to inform Toranaga the arrival of the black ship, and Yabu replied him this line, which supposed only to be known between Yabu and Omi, so when Tora used this line to reply him, actually is telling him Omi is my guy from the very beginning.
am I think that’s a reach
Omi did have a lot of ambition.
@@Aih1616 really? Because Omi basically snitched on his uncle
Its kind of funny considering the real life people these two are based on are father and son and they never betray Ieyasu.
I think he use omi to edge on his son , which toronaga knew his son would do something rash since he was short tempered. I think toronaga used his son as a sacrifice pawn if that makes sense. Especially how toronaga is hold his new child
I really enjoyed your explanations and assessment of the show all along. I am a Japanese
expat from SF bay area. and I also studied and performed classical theatre style of Noh
and Kyogen (Comedy) to US audience for 25 years.
What I really liked of this show are many layers of explorations of Feudal mind sets of
natives there. So much of it didn't survive modernization throughout the time.
But the core of it remain strong in current Japan just as well. Calm and corrected on the
out side but true feelings/ideas should be hidden till you unleash it when you know you
should.
One thing I want to add is that costumes in this show was striking in the sense they are
totally not classical Japanese. The fabrics, bold patterns used in very modern esthetics
and many weaving technics of today. Yet they made it look authentic.
I also thought ladies didn't leaned to walk in Kimono very well as their shoulders (upper
body) were swaying side to side. Their foot step were not sliding calmly and because they
are taking too small a step which made them shuffle.
That's like nit picking because the show as a whole was fantastic.
The scene where Blackthrone echoed Mariko-sama's words moments before committing sepukku was the best scene in my opinion. How he went from advising Mariko not to waste her life away, to being prepared to give his life in to protect the villagers.
Thanks for the summary/breakdown/meaning of this final episode. Well said, Mister! I love how Toranaga's answer to Yabushige's final question was "Why tell a dead man the future?", because that is exactly what Yabushige said/replied in the beginning of the series to his nephew Omi (someone else maybe?), when asked if they should inform the then-captive Toranaga back at Osaka Castle about the most recent happenings. Even THEN, Toranaga had his spies and informants. What a master of trickery and what a profound reply with just the right amount of brevity and irony. Splendid! 💜
Thank you, glad you enjoyed the videos!
Yabushige's death poem was probably a call back to him mocking Nagakado's death being pathetic hitting his head on a stone, but being eaten by dogs is even lower showing what he has done deserved a death having the lowest of form
Very insightful analysis, I'm glad to have discovered your channel. I'd like to propose that in Yabushige's final poem, he referenced a hungry dog because he might have always felt a hungry dog himself, always trying to find various ways to survive. That poem was beautiful in its simple and direct prose.
Thank you! Glad you've enjoyed the video the videos on the show
"Why tell a dead man the future?" is the same line that Yabu said to Omi in episode 1 when Omi asked him if he was going to tell Toranaga about the guns and cannon that they had retrieved from the Erasmus.
Yes, the point is that Omi was also spying for Torunaga all along. This is his way of telling him,
I read the book during my senior year of high school in 1979. I have read it twice since.The authenticity of this series was phenomenal. Nicely reviewed.
@@stevebubbie1126 I will leave that naive comment be.
I cant be the only one that noticed that Yabushige died on the same hill/rock that John rescued him from
I thought maybe that was the case too, but it could be any cliff.
Nice work with the recap. It's been a heck of a season and a heck of a show. One for the ages...
For the people wanting some kinda battle, the original novel itself was focused on the love between Mariko & Anjin with the whole Japnese culture & 1600s history revolving around it. Even the novel has very little writing regarding the final war. It mostly ends with Mariko's death, so that's the style this show has followed.
Well yeah ? It was pretty disappointing.. lol
@@214chopsticks214 Super disappointing. What a waste
It reminds me of AoT fandom lol. They just say the ending is trash because they wantend to see war and blood without any characters in-depth analysis like Shōgun did. It's funny that usually shows and movies that have too much action turn out to be bad af and people still like them but when a show does what Shōgun did they start saying the show is trash. People really can't appreciate well written things.
@@nozel7922pipe down dweeb
@@nozel7922just shallow audience simply
I read Shogun over 40 years ago. I was completely blown away by the complexity of the individual characters, the history of feudal Japan, the vast cultural and religious differences between the characters and the sheer power of story. I have reread Shogun so many times that there are passages I know by heart. Of course I was thrilled with the original miniseries and it was difficult for me to accept this new version but I can honestly say that the new miniseries was just as gripping and powerful as the original. The actors were all magnificent and the production was an enormous success. Whew!
I felt more sadness in this episode than prior because it not only is the end of a great show but because of the portrayal of the impact of Mariko-sama's loss to Blackthorne, Fuji-sama, Yabushige Lady Ochiba, & Toronaga. What a powerful ending. 🙏
When John fought so hard not to cry on that boat but still teared.. combined with that music oh my my. Top notch acting. Might be my favourite scene in the series.
You gotta admit though, Ishido did look like a badass in his Samurai armor
Thank you Brainp(i)lot for being our Anjin, navigating us through the misty and choppy waters of 17th century Japan. Looking forward to your future breakdowns of interesting shows that are often overlooked by bigger channels.
What an awesome comment! Thank you, glad you enjoyed the videos!
Toronaga the Last Airbender
he does not control the wind. he just studies it. he's no air bender
@@dominicijavier1575 Toranaga, the last airstudier duh😮💨
Toranaga the ship burner.
He is the fucking fire Lord
After finishing episode 10, now I understand why ep 9 was titled crimson sky. One woman was sent to do what an army never could. Beautiful story telling
Its been fun BrainPilot these couple weeks...We might get a spin off coz greed is on our side 🤣🤣
Haha, that is true!
Pray for Gaijin. Another masterpiece of the same Author.
Having no knowledge of the previous Shogun I thought all season we would get this epic battle where he’d defy all odds. I knew when Mariko passed this would not end the way I initially expected and Ishido would lose to himself. Even though I wanted an epic fight I had the same thought that it was never about the battle, It was about Toranaga using his wits to prevail at any costs. This was a perfect ending to an amazing show. I loved every minute of the season. Toranaga was one the most mesmerizing characters I’ve seen in a show. The actor did an outstanding job. 10/10.
It looks like Toranaga sacrificed his own son to kick off the spiral of war events. If he worked with Omi from the start, it’s Omi who stirred Toranaga’s son to attack his the messengers from Ishido, and later his uncle. Also, in the end Toranaga stresses it’s good he has another son; and he thanks his son for making his sacrifice earlier.
so Ishido got that right about Toranaga - he sacrificed everything to be the Shogun, including his own son.
What a hallmark true villain that Toranaga!
oh damn, yeah. does it imply that he worked with torunaga from the start though. It totally makes sense but I just need to know if he did work with omi from the start fuuuuuuuuuuck thats something
He didn’t sacrifice his son tho. Those series of events were completely unfortunate bad luck. The dude straight up slipped and smashed his head on a rock. How did Toranaga sacrifice him???
@@fullcircle8564 yeeah
@@fullcircle8564 by knowing son is impulsive as his already clearly demonstrated and choosing not to inform him about the bigger idea 💡 left a lot of room for the young man to act stupidly. Plus, specifically in the in earlier episode when the attack by cannons happened by impulse of his son stirred by Omi who clearly worked for Toranaga. And at the same time Toranaga just left leaving this set up with Omi for his son to unleash attack cannon mode. It’s pure manipulation
It’s interesting how Toranaga is playing so 5D chess manipulating events that some viewers still don’t see it and write off to accident. As Yabu asked “How does it feel to bend the wind to your will?” It feels like no one get’s it lol
I’ve absolutely loved following your breakdowns of this show! Can’t wait for more in the future!
Thanks a lot man! Means a lot
Great show! Would've loved to see Toda Buntaro's reaction when he heard about his wife Mariko dying & also the use of the Anjin to be a distraction to everyone was pure genius 👌kinda felt bad when Fuji said she was leaving 😢
and she was becoming a nun. that was the most depressing. a nun. what a waste!
And literally 20 years later in real life the shogun son bans the church closes japan to most people
@@reyerik8240She probably became a Buddhist nun, not a Christian one, so she would have been fine. In fact I’m not sure if there even were any Christian nun orders in Japan at that time.
@Zarastro54 there actually was in kyoto but u also could be right
@@reyerik8240 Considering there's no indincation that she was Christian beforehand, and becoming a nun or monk was a thing people did back then, it's almost certain that she was talking about a Buddhist nun.
Following your videos on Shogun since episode one. Absolutely loved your work! Thank you for making videos for Shogun. Still can't believe Mariko-Sama is no more. Oh man I am in love with her❤
Thank you, glad you enjoyed the videos!
I'm just happy with John's scenes with Buntaro and Fuji, two of my favorite characters.
Yeah they were great moments!
There are no words to describe how much this entire series has meant. I watched the original one when aired and loved every minute. This one was an absolute masterpiece and should be recognized as such. The absolute best show on tv and simply cannot be outdone. Phenomenal!!!!!!!!!
I wish this series almost followed the 80's ending for Ishido, where Toranagda narrates that Ishido is buried. Then the citizens are allowed to saw the most famous head in Japan. I thought this was a powerful ending, but lacked the action packed scenes from the other episodes. The creators did warn everyone that the ending is not what everyone would expect. 9/10 from me 9.5 for the series as a whole!
The soundtrack as you mention correctly is so poignant, it's the co-star in those shots.
So much love and respect to everyone involved in this production.
b
I don't think Yagushiges desperation was because he simply wanted "to survive". It was stated in the first episode that he's obsessed with the moment of death. We even saw that he was ready to die when he fell from the cliff. Instead I think his desperation was because he did not want an "Ordinary death". He even asked if he could be killed in a more gruesome way like being eaten alive by fish. This shows his character always was ready to die but he simply wanted his death to be memorable and glorious.
Also I can be wrong but I personally think when Blackthorn saw the look on Toronagas face as they raised his ship and saw the serious expression on Toronaga he chuckled to himself because he realized in that moment that it was indeed Toronaga who set fire to his ship. Toronaga probably thought he would take much longer to retrieve it but seeing him do it that quickly was not something he planned on. So the smile Blackthorn gave was actually him realizing that as skilled as Toronaga is in predicting people and the outcome of events, Blackthorn still beat him because Toronaga failed to predict what he's capable of.
Thanks for reviews of this series!
Really enjoyed watching them! Great work! 👍
Glad you like them! Thanks for watching!
Gonna miss this show 💯
Same!
Only 1 season?
@BIGNA281 yep
@@BIGNA281 that's what the show creators said
Erase Game of thrones and make 9 Seasons of Shogun!!!! 🤙🏼
The being left in the fields for a dog was my absolute favorite part of the episode. Such an introspective scene
John and Fuji scenes all amazing he even took it upon himself to save the village from terror upon Fuji request or concern
Yabushiges smile before cutting him self after toranaga saying “why tell the dead man the future” realized he was already checked mate from the moment the barbarians arrived at izu.
another point was he was proud that he also played a role for a unified Japan and what he felt was happiness and pride and so he looked up to toranaga and smiled. It was a very good scene.
I bicycled from Kyoto to Tokyo in autumn last year.
I rode thru Sekigahara w/o knowing its significance.
I feel like committing seppuku right now
"Too good to be sitting there. But then again, Flower are only flowers because they fall."
Here's to you my friend, you have been a good companion throughout the series. Looking forward to stumbling again on your channel with another series.
Thank you. I'm glad you've enjoyed the videos along with the show!
Fuji-sama deserved a good pillowing before starting her nun journey
yup
Lol😂
🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣
She seemed distinctly uninterested in that, so no.
I don't know why but I was expecting some sort of romance to start between them at the end.
The cross John was holding as an old man wasn’t Mariko’s. He most likely became a born again Christian- either sincerely or because the religion he went to Japan to conquer is now the only thing he has to remember the woman he once loved. He became more involved in the church in order to learn more about her- because after she dies it’s the only thing John could turn to in order to feel her presence and connection.
It could have been a death bed vision or thought about what his legacy back home in England would be. Since he never left Japan they probably just assumed everyone on the ship died. He never returned a conqueror. He didn’t achieve some big victory in war against the Portuguese Christians. He was never greeted by the Queen.
All that remained of his memory and legacy after he died were the belongings he accumulated on his trip to Japan. His grandkids theorizing about his swords- which oddly enough he never used. And in the scene he also never speaks to his kids or grandkids which imo means he never really cared for them. He dies holding onto the only person he truly ever cared for in his life- Mariko.
Tuesdays wont be the same for awhile
Such a shame
Trash show
Just like how people differentiate the three great unifiers ruler of Japan.
"Give Oda Nobunaga a singing bird he would say "Sing Bird or i will kill you", give a Toyotomi Hideyoshi a singing bird " Sing Bird, or i will force you to sing", Give Tokugaaa Ieyasu a singing bird he would say "Sing Bird, or I will wait till you sing".
In this series he literally have to sacrifice all his most loyal vassal just for his plan to work. And All he did is literally just waiting and stay. Wait and use every little thing he can use to his advantage. Like Blackthorn, his importance is just to give him more time and a distraction to his enemy, and just like he said without John his banner will survive so he definitely had more plan to avoid his death sentence by the regent. That just show us how great he is with his planning and all of that.
I would've loved Toranaga's traitorous half-brother looking for his head too.
Everybody acted so greatly, but i was so drawn in (and scared) by Lady Ochiba. She's so beautiful yet so terrifying. The way she talks... i absolutely love it.
i need more 😭😭
We all did. This was a terrible disappointment
All I have to say is that I was crying when Toranaga stopped the Anjin from killing himself.. How quickly he got over there and popped him like Bruce Lee had me 💀🤣
Epic ending on so many fronts. Thank you for your outstanding reviews.
Glad you enjoyed it
no battle scene just feels like a 10/10 girl who is handicap
^ for sure. Should’ve given the fans what they wanted & showed battle of Sekigahara. Trash show. Can’t believe it ended like this.
Every single actor was incredible. There was no stand out - because they were all masterful. In any other show, if the same actor delivered the same level of performance as they did in Shogun - they'd be the stand out. Basically I'm trying to say that they all deserve best actor award/s! (although knowing Anna Sawai is a kiwi (and I'm an Aussie) meant she was always gonna be my fav (and then as her fame grows aussie's will try to claim her as our own (that's Toranaga level planning right there ;) ))
That a LEGEND of a show!
Kashigi Omis performance during the series is so underrated. Especially during hiromatsus seppuku. had me in tears
10/10 masterpiece for me personally!!!
Thank you for the weekly breakdown
I love fuji sama, the ending was perfect. I will watch separate movie about battle of sekigahara just to perfected my notion
Yeah i'd watch that too!
Thanks for clarifying Blackthorne's dream because I was thinking he finally made it home at some point, but when I saw him holding onto the cross I wasn't sure.
A lot of references and Easter eggs about previous scenes on this season were too many and I liked it
Still getting goosebumps after watching the final ep and this review. Such a masterpiece show
It was such a good ending to an incredible show!
@@BrainPilot not liking the taste of the ending now, but perhaps time will tell how much I'll love this show and its ending. It's like a beer (or even wine, although I like wine at first time trying), need some acquiring taste that comes with time