Shogun Episode 9 Breakdown | Recap & Review Crimson Sky
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- Опубліковано 16 кві 2024
- Shogun Season 1 Episode 9 Breakdown. In-depth recap and review for Shogun 2024 - S01E09 “Crimson Sky” with the ending explained. Please Subscribe 👉 ua-cam.com/users/petepeppers...
Shogun is the new FX/Hulu historical drama based on James Clavell's 1975 novel of the same name. In episode 9 Blackthorne (Cosmo Jarvis), Mariko (Anna Sawai), and Yabushige (Tadanobu Asano)arrive in Osaka to surrender to Ishido (Takehiro Hira) on Toranaga's (Hiroyuki Sanada) behalf. Mariko informs the regents that she will be leaving the city with Toranaga's family at his request, but during her attempt to leave, the guards overpower her. She announces that they prevented her from doing her duty to her liege lord and will commit seppuku at sunset.
S1E9
"Crimson Sky"
Director Frederick E.O. Toye
Writer Rachel Kondo & Caillin Puente
Mariko arrives in Osaka for the fight of her life. Blackthorne and Yabushige scramble to save their own heads as their options dwindle.
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Not sure how they'll top that episode. Great performances by Anna Sawai, Cosmo Jarvies, and Fumi Nikaidô. Everything really came together in a satisfying way, and the only bad news is that there is only one episode to go. Let me know what you think.
This is such a great show. To me, this is like the spiritual successor to "The Last Samurai", but so much better.
In response to your opening, 99% of casual tv viewers probably haven't read the books nor are aware of the historical accounts, so Mariko's fate in this episode's ending probably came as a major shock to the vast majority of audience. For us not privy to spoilers, were quite enthralled in the dark. We don't know how the individual pieces may fall, granted we ultimately put our money on Team Toranaga.
I must say that I appreciate the titles you use for your videos. tend to ignore any video that has *_"Ending Explained"_* in the title. Like I need someone to explain what just watched! lol I mean, I do actually have a functioning brain in my head.
Anna Sawai was breathtaking in this episode, and I am devastated.
me too for real!
Her character was a whore… what da??!
The way Mariko-sama looked up at Blackthorn after Ishido prevented her seppuko, I had a single tear in my eye. When Blackthorn snuck in her room, and they embraced, again, I had a single tear in my eye. And when she died in the explosion.........................
Do not despair, in Mariko's own words, "let it come". 💙
After the explosion I paused it and just stared at my TV for 10 minutes. I knew it was coming but that was more heartbreaking than I expected. 😭😭😭
Mariko was too loyal, too noble, too smart, too beautiful for this world of savages. RIP 😭😭😭
Didn't read the book, huh?
@@Marss13z didn’t watch the episode huh?
@@briengakaplan-b1550 I watched it. Didn't like it. Didn't read the book, huh? You should. You'd understand then.
The book is irrelevant. I watched the episode. She died. End of story. My comment was based on this not the source material. You’re simply creating a debate where there isn’t one. Fine you liked the book better. I’m happy for you. Have a good day.
@@briengakaplan-b1550 There is no Mariko outside the novel.
Whatever the writers were thinking this isn't the Mariko from the book who works much better than this snippy supergirl. Too bad- she was a remarkable character. You should read the book and then, maybe you'd understand the difference. This is some sort of woke-girl boss invented by the writers to appeal to "modern audiences".
I've been watching the show with my Japanese wife (I'm English). She's been riveted and as she said after episode 9 it's very uncommon for a TV show, whether Japanese or Western, to treat Japanese history with so much intelligence and dignity. I agree
I'm slowly watching the series with my Japanese wife (I'm American). It's a very emotional series for her and I'm wondering how she'll react when we get to this episode. I already watched it first and give a heads up if something like the torture scene in the first episode happens.
Funnily enough, her major complaint so far is that Lady Mariko would not be speaking such fluent English. I had to stress that they're supposed to be speaking Portuguese and she doesn't know English. Even then, she's doubtful.
@@NukeMarine As she should be doubtful. Anna Sawai is just too contemporary to sell the character. If one wants to see a convincing portrayal of a traditional Japanese Lady, they should be watching the original 1980 adaptation of "Shogun" with Yoko Shimada as Mariko. That one was filmed on location in Japan, with a largely Japanese cast and production crew and unlike the new show which is shrouded in darkness, viewers actually get to see sunlight. The story is told from Blackthorne's POV for immersion, so although most of the characters are speaking Japanese, no English subtitles were shown. The audience even gets some very basic lessons in Japanese language along with Blackthorne. The acting is uniformly good, with even the bit players making an impression and Yoko Shimada is amazing. A very unique series, both then and even now.
thats because it was produced by Toranaga (the actor) , hes Japanese himself and wanted to treat his culture with the respect it deserves
The brilliance of the series is that every episode moves the story, and every character are amazingly rounded with out being modern
Even the extras are fkin awesome. The samurai who killed two dudes was fkin awesome and butter smooth with sheathing his sword
Let's also not forget the cinematography is top notch!!!
@@yoshiYoishIRL most definitely, every episode has the quality of a movie
I was so afraid they would modernize Mariko, making her a "strong female character" in the western sense. The whole point in the book is Blackthorne slowly understands the subtlety and powerful insight Mariko has in the character of her enemies. It is very difficult to squash this annoying stereotype in the US of the submissive Asian woman. Just over the weekend I had to sit through another rant by an uninformed American woman complaining about submissive Asian women. I've never met a submissive Asian woman. They exert their power with other tools and cultural expressions than yelling and violence. It's a gross generalization but one worth contemplating. Blackthorne misjudges Mariko's role in the book and slowly begins to understand how she will push fate and as a result, the history of Japan. I think this episode captures this beautifully because the viewer shares that journey of slow realization - Mariko is a force to be reckoned with, but it takes time to see it and understand her. She is so much more than a translator of language and culture. Ochiba gets it because she has known Mariko since she was a little girl.
for me the very best part of this episode was when Mariko cuts ishido off and say to him "when you have the manners to let me finish" her tone changes to a sharper high pitch and she owns the whole of osaka for that moment.
100%. In feudal Japan, women had no real agency and whatever courtesy is extended to them is by either their husband's standing or their father's or grandfathers position in society. Here, Mariko carves out her own honor and valor and power. She knows that her death while a supposed "guest" of Lord Ishido, would be a great dishonor to Lord Ishido and all the Regents who stood by and did NOTHING. She knows that this death was her greatest hand to wield. More piercing than any blade she could swing.
When Ishido sent assassins, she knew that her death would expose Ishido's cowardice and/or incompetence. The failure to protect those who either prisoner/hostage/guest of your House from harm is a great dishonor. Mariko sama accepted death and would NOT cede to the terms that Ishido set. Indeed, a powerful moment in an episode filled with powerful moments of individual courage and bravery.
And yes, she very defiantly interrupted her "host" who had repeatedly interrupted her. It is the height of incivility to speak over another in Japanese culture, likely even now, but absolutely back then. It marks of uncultured, unsophisticated upbringing. Mariko found her voice, she was speaking from the heart that she concealed to the world.
YEAH!
Everything she said in that scene and how she said it, beyond her words through her cadence and annunciation was so powerful and affecting. Made my body quiver. I was so touched by her character and moved by her performance this episode. Her words were precise and strategic. They cut! She did not waste one word, every syllable she uttered was a goldmine and demonstrated her resolute strength. She made Yabushige look like a fool and put Ishido in his place and reminded them all of her status without bearing the disgrace or shame she once harbored by her lineage. She is a true powerhouse if there ever was such a character written, I’ve only seen it portrayed by and in her. Mariko is the most fierce and stand out character. Her loyalty and word is her eternal bond.
👌👌😎
The samurai with the 2.0 K/D needs his own series. Dude was butter smooth with the double kill
I mean he was probably a veteran of many of Toranagas Wars meaning he probably has a much higher K/D.
Yes!! Shout out to that guy. I watched that very part like 5x haha
think you mean 2-1 lol
Then gets killed.
@@reabsorb67752-1 is 2.0 K/D noob
I’ll post this here too. Anna Sawais better get an Emmy for this. Her portrayal of Mariko is not only the best acting I have seen all year, it’s some of the best acting I have ever seen. Building on one of the most incredible, strong and complex characters ever put to paper, the show was able to elevate Mariko into new dimensions; The writers gave Mariko focus and stoicism, and Sawai gave her heart and raw, unbridled power. Not many people can believably play a one-man army able to topple an empire. What a lightning storm of a performance she gives in episode 9 and all throughout this series. I can’t think of anyone more deserving of an Emmy
lol saying its some of the best acting ever is just delusional, along with being one of the most complex characters ever put to paper is comical. I doubt its even the best Japanese acting i've seen, even in just this show Sanada acting is easily as good , if not better. She's an amazing actress, and the show is good. but people in the west really romanticize anything from Japan and just act like its better than it is...again, she's amazing - but thats absolutely not even close to being the " best acting ever seen" unless this show is all you've seen.
and when you say " i'll post this here too" nobody knows where else you posted lmao
@@BigballsTerrence Just thought about it and I’m sticking to it…. Sanada, although amazing, is not carrying the show or acting the lead in two languages. 9 solid episodes of emotional packed scenes hot-swapping English with an unused classic form of Japanese.
Also thinking back to all the great acting in all the great shows I’ve seen recently, Fargo, True Detectives, The Bear, the Crown, etc… this one still stand out.
I’m not sure what kind of acting impresses you but judging by your screen name, I’m guessing its performances like Turtles from Entourage. However, what Sawai was able to do with, what was an already well written character, really impressed me.
(Also apologies if thats a family name)
The samurai escorting mariko and her party out of the castle were bad ass. They moved forward like it was just another day knowing damn well they were all about to die. They just moved with the grace and courtesy of honorable men about to die in performance of their duty.
Had me crying as a grown man in my bed at 1 am in the morning.. rip mariko
what a loser, you're crying at 1am as a grown man in bed. Real men are like me, crying in a recliner at 7 pm.
@@jamesmarshall6619haha
@@jamesmarshall6619You had us in the first half, not gonna lie. 😂
😭😭💔💔
This show is so fucking incredible. Anna Sawai was so fantastic this whole episode. She is amazing. I love the subtlety of this show. I appreciate that they trust the audience and dont ever dumb down the show . The embrace nuance and allow the actors expressions and body language add a lot of context. I am devastated by her death, but also super annoyed at Yabushige (who is one of my favorites) for being such a fucking idiot to side with that moron and coward Ishido.
Ishido is not a moron or a coward. I think Ishido is more admirable than Toranaga. Ishido was a peasant and climbed to the height of power. Toranaga was born into power.
@@jool7793 I don’t care if he climbed to power from the peasantry, he is still an idiot. He is a coward from his actions, using cowardly tactics to ensure his place of power. He is not an admirable character just because he came from the peasantry. He’s a terrible person clearly.
Bro did she die ?! Who going to watch if she is killed off ?!
Most humans are like Yabushige. Let's be honest here. Most people will do whatever it takes to survive in this crazy brutal world.
@@rikachiu yeah that’s why I don’t hate him, I’m just annoyed/disappointed
As a Japanese, have been very interested in this series, and has spawned many interesting conversations with friends after each week. This was the first time I was emotionally shaken (and still shaken days later). What an amazing show, and hard to believe only 1 episode left. Thank you for reviewing each week, it's been enlightening to hear a westerner viewpoint on many things in the show. 🙂
I’m very interested in the Japanese reaction to Shogun.
I'm scottish, you must be incredibly proud to be japanese. Such an amazing history you have and the time of samurai is in my opinion the greatest way of life that mankind has ever had.balance and living with honour. The greatest people on this planet. Anyways sorry for jumping in with totally unrelated comment lol but just wanted to say.
Love watching these recaps of such an incredible show. I did some digging and found a haiku ‘Mariko’ wrote which may be the one the series paraphrased: 'A flower is most beautiful when it knows the time to fall. People are like flowers, I will die without hesitation.'
by "Mariko" do you mean the real person she was based on?
@@jessiicah98 yeah - the real person went by quite a few names so i thought i'd keep it simple
So many moments in this episode were instantly iconic. The court room scene where Mariko claimed she was from a line of samurai 1000 yrs old, the Ochiba-Mariko scene, the seppuku with Blackthorne, the samurai 2KD, the Yabu kill scenes. Just amazing.
Agreed. I couldn't get over the turn she made after she stood up and started to walk away.
This is going to be one of those one season mini-series that I'll return to again and again. I've got to be thankful for that, instead of feeling sad that we've only one episode left.
Again, Pete's take on the show always reveals a perspective I'd not considered xxx
One of the most amazing pieces of media i have ever watched. I honestly couldnt take my eyes off the television. Everything was beautiful, the acting by mariko was phenomenal. The script was fantastic. Everything avout it was just beautiful. I knew what was coming and i was still on the edge of my seat. The lady who plays mariko is on another level from everyone else in the show, every facial expression is just captivating. Damn i loved that episode.
Shogun raises hairs,
Devastating excellence,
Shudders in my soul.
One tip from a bilingual Japanese, *hana* or flowers, in Historical poems or references can only means *sakura* or much loved *Cherry blossom 🌸* . It is the flower representing the best of Japanese beauty and loved by the people from ancient times.
The key here is that ( it's understood without having to explain) the flowers is most treasured when It's about to fall and when falling. Many may have seen in available clips everywhere that's true. It creates the picture like snowfall in pink and b4 falling the flower is fully bloomed. That's why it is beautiful then. Going back to the prom, *Hana wa choru koso Hana nari* flower is flower because it falls (cherry blossom) that palarels the action of Mariko sacrificing herself and dying (die beautifully)
In the podcast, even Anna didn't have the knowledge. Japanese high schoolers have to take these compulsory Ancient Japanese courses to understand their cultural heritage, but Anna went international English speaking schools so she didn't know.
Thank you for the explanation :-)
Thank you, well explained. Disappointed this video couldn’t do that. Pretty much just repeated everything that happened in this episode.
Thank you for appreciating the fact that this adaptation made Mariko's life about something bigger than just a Blackthorne's love lost. I had been growing tired of reviews complaining about the lack of romance (which I don't even believe there was a lack of).
👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾 i agree! She wanted it. But her love would have prevented her from performing her duty, which made it all more meaningful. I mean, there was serious tension the entire seaso.
THE INTAMCY THAT IS SHOWN IS SO MUCH DEEPER THAN ANY SIMPLE MINDED PERSON WOULD EVER UNDERSTAND
@@rudirivas1438 yes!!! It’s refreshing to se in a tv show!
I think many expect love scenes to involve throwing dishes off the table and slamming the girl into the wall while they mash faces. I love that their intimacy is off screen because they had to hide it from everyone around them in order to survive. So, we, like those present, must only surmise and capture those little moments when they briefly touch hands. This series is very loyal to the book, which makes a point of Blackthorne's journey through the cultural gap from ignorant, defiant, to comprehension to respect. We as the reader join him in this journey. Mariko defies all expectations and we join Blackthorne in developing our stunned respect at her courage, her insight and her control. Blackthorne offering to be her second captures this moment beautifully - this was not in the book, but it is so artfully done.
Anna Sawai displayed incredible beauty & skill in her part. Impressive.
Great analysis, Pete. I believe 'Lady Toda Mariko' in this series was Anna Sawai's breakout role. What a performance! ... As there will be no second season of Shogun because that story is self-contained, I'm hopeful that Justin Marks, Rachel Kondo and FX-Hulu will take James Clavell's Asian Sagas forward with an adaptation of his sort of sequel novel, "Gai-Jin". It would be glorious to see that one done since its setting is in the 1800s --the height of Japan's Edo period.
Totally agree.
Though in the many ways they broke the book to my dismay, it all built up for me to the last conversation between Ochiba and Marko which distilled the essence of that story in the original book so poignantly that it totally won me over. The acting was so well done. And the philosphical rejoinder to Blackthorne about how her death didn't matter so why die revealed the essence of Marino's purpose. Her death had major purpose in the story. The best episode by far. I didn't realize what an awesome actress Anna Sawai and also the woman who played Ochiba. What a great scene.
Anna Sawai is incredible in Shogun and in Monarch: legacy of monsters. What an actress!
❤❤❤❤❤❤
Mariko in white---as in death---- kimono with leafless branch, with red---as in crimson sky, as in war---underwrap. Remember Blackthorne was described as a goshawk----who destroys anything in its path; Mariko is the peregrine falcon with a single devastating strike.
Look at her final pose at 16:40
😢🥲
Two additional things: Mariko asking Kiyama to be her second, then Kiyama basically being forced to not aid her helps further align the Christian lords against Ishido. This also sets up Blackthorn stepping in to aid Mariko (anti-mirroring Buntaro who refused Mariko's wishes). The emotional aftermath (which anti-mirrors the day of Mariko's wedding) is what leads Blackthorn being in Mariko's room (their "wedding night") when the shinobi try to kidnap her, foiling that plot. Ishido basically undermined his own plan by being too demanding or dismissive.
Mariko: Am I being detained??!
Council: Well... No. But yes.
I am still heartbroken...
Damn the end destroyed me 😢
Love your reviews because despite knowing what will happen next, you don’t let your ego spoil it for those of us who never read the book. Unlike other reviewers of this show. I didn’t even ever hear about the book until the show started.
This is a great episode. Writing, cinematography, lighting, acting is all top notch. Anna Sawai did a great job in concealing her feelings throughout the series and does a wonderful job in releasing Mariko's hidden self. The scene where Mariko attempts to lead the hostages from the city was very satisfying. I was both surprised and pleased that Blackthorn offers to be her second. I particularly love the way she takes Blackthorn's hand with both of hers after her aborted seppuku attempt. The writers leave no doubt this time that Mariko has a deep emotional and physical attachment to Blackthorn. When the explosion occurs at the end of the episode I was deeply moved. I own and have watched the 1980 version many times and even though I knew what to expect I could not hold back the tears. The only problem I have with the series, which I am very happy with, is Anna Sawai having too good a command of western English. Without reading it I knew immediately that she grew up in a country where English was the first language. I found it distracting from an otherwise outstanding performance every time she spoke in English because it reminded me that she was acting. If you listen to anyone who grew up in Japan speaking English you know what I am talking about. A small detail for most but I like to completely immerse myself in characters and the story and it's the only detraction I feel worth mentioning. I'm certain Sawai will continue to prosper and have a memorable career in the performance arts. 💙I have to admit I fell in love with Shimada Yoko after her performance as Mariko in Shogun 1980 and wish to honor her memory by mentioning her passing in July of 2022💙. I hope all of you enjoy the series as much as I have and for those of you who have not read the book or seen the 1980 version with Richard Chamberlain I urge you to do both. ✌
The downplay of the love affair between Mariko and Thorne actually improves the story away from that kind of cliche.
It sucks that shes gone but its great that her death had so much meaning
Only by knowing when to fall
Do flowers become flowers
And people become people
散りぬべき 時知りてこそ
世の中の
花も花なれ 人も人なれ
Hosokawa Gracia, born Akechi Tamako 1563-1600
Beautiful
Thank you for putting this up. How profound.
These were her last words before being killed by her vassal.
❤❤ thanks
Dude, I’ve been waiting for your breakdown since yesterday. Thank you.
Blackthorne is a real beast with his gun
"If you're gonna carry it, You better know how to use it..."
Homie brought his gun to a sword fight. Fkin op
Anjin Wick
Really impressive reloading skills
he's a fuckin beast. somehow makes the guns look cool in a world of samurai and katanas.
Another BRILLIANT summary, Peppers-san. MANY thanx. Props!
You do a really great job with these, Mr. Peppers (Pete?). I don't subscribe to too many channels, but I just subscribed to yours. :)
Mariko's poem line "leafless branch" clearly upset Ochiba. Could it mean the Taiko and was this Mariko's way to tell Ochiba that she knew the Taiko was unable to father children and the Heir was not legitimate? The last words of the Taiko's wife in last episode also seemed to adress that she helped with or even orchestrated Ochiba's pregnancy.
I often wondered the same. I truly don’t buy it that the Taiko fathered the Heir.
The medicine Ochiba gave to the wife seemed to kill her as she died right afterwards. That’s how it seemed to me.
Glad knowing someone else thinking what I’ve often suspected. 😲
Omg so who is the father
They never really went down that road in the show. In the book, you understand why Ochiba has fears and how they're related to Toranaga. There is also a big push for her to marry him which has a lot more influence there. I'm fine with those things being omitted and I like the connection she shares with Mariko. I do wish they expanded on Ochiba's motivations though.
The last two episodes were fantastic. It is hard to believe they will be able to wrap everything up in only one more episode. I wonder if it will be a longer episode.
I haven't seen anything that would confirm that but I wouldn't be surprised.
It’s only going to be an hour unfortunately
Well that was disappointing
If Toronaga's intent was to free his wives and son, break up the Council for good and turn the head families in Osaka against Ishido and side eye Lady Ochina then mission accomplished. Mariko died under Ishido's care after being detained. Not an idea place for The Heir to reside. Loyalties are being changed...ideal time to strike as Ishido no longer knows who his enemies are. Mariko restored her Samari heritage by self sacrificing herself on behalf of her leige Lord. If the Priests sent the kidnappers, they just showed their political hand and have further pissed off Blackthorn. Great episode!
Even Anna Sawai said she wanted them to expand on the love story but there simply wasn't enough time.
Thanks Pete, great recap.
thanks for the video
In a way her death will set a chain of events in motion that will make Edo Tokyo and forge the genesis of the Edo period and later modern Japan
The poem : Lady Garcia :
Only when you know the time to fall
Flowers can become flowers
People can become people
I hope this series starts a decent revival of some dope shit samurai movies. The guard disposing of the first two guards was stone cold silky smooth and I want to see more of it.
I'm sad she had to die but I'm glad she got something for herself, ie seeing how Blackthorn really felt about her , before she died. It would have been devastating if she had to do it herself w/o having experienced that.
An extraordinary episode and amazing TV - subtlety, drama, love and death. And thanks @Pete for the best analysis and commentary on the show.
At least Blackthorne got one last pillowing.
Yea, but not near long enough!
beautiful, heart wrenching, tense followed by tears. I'm going to miss mariko!
Thank you so much for this episode!!!
This is the kind of breakdown the show deservers, great work.
chirinubeki
toki shirete koso
yo no naka no
hana mo hana nare
hito mo hito nare
Because they know when
their time to perish is come
in this world of ours
blossoms fall as blossoms will
and people as people will.
- Akechi Tama Gracia
Arigato
Waited all day for your breakdown. Stellar as always! Shogun is Goated! On shortlist with the likes of GOT, Sopranos, Breaking Bad and The Wire as truly prestige television!
Mariko, for me will go down as one of the best characters in TV history. In only 9 episodes she made us love and admire what true strength and loyalty is.
there were some unexpected discussions of catholic dogma surrounding suicide in this ep... if the person committing seppuku were to die from it, that would be considered suicide; but if their second beheads them, then they were killed by their second. at the same time, the second did not commit murder as it was to end someone's suffering (this is considered a catholic justification for euthanasia in modern times). ultimately, killing someone does not incur a direct condemnation to hell as would suicide in any case.
this is such a weird "loophole" but it does square with catholic teachings afaik.
bro is the best TV review channel on youtube right now 🙏🙏love you man
Excellent video recap. I would only add more focus on the Ochiba / Mariko discussion which imo was pivotal to the episode and the entire series.
First a bit of background, in the discussion between Ochiba and Ishido, Ochiba understands that behind Mariko’s actions is the maneuvering by Toranaga. This touches on the root of the series, which is the conflict between Toranaga and Ochiba.
So, in the discussion between Ochiba and Mariko, Ochiba makes fairly plain her motivation which is to preserve the life of her son. The “games” that Mariko is playing (as Ochiba put it, which are under the direction of Toranaga), are a mortal threat to the life of Ochiba’s son.
Essentially, Ochiba sees the bigger picture for the fate of Japan and so does Toranaga. If Toranaga succeeds, it will mean the death of her son.
By contrast Mariko’s motivations are more narrow but intense which makes her the perfect tool for Toranaga. Mariko feels her family has been wronged and that she has suffered because of it and by her death she is striking a blow at the injustice which her family has received.
Toranaga has sent Mariko much more than a fallen flower but figuratively as a “bomb” to get rid of (or figuratively “blow up”) the hostage protections which Ochiba has set up for her son. Ochiba knows this threat but in the end there is nothing she can do to stop the results of Mariko’s and Toranaga’s actions.
PS. As for the criticisms by certain fans of the book, about the lack of romance. While the things which Blackthorn does in the series informs the audience about what is going on (in an entertaining way), almost always what he does is not important to the main story. With one exception, in the beginning of the series John-Anjin gives important information to Toranaga about how Christian nations divided up the world. That’s it. The Blackthorn/Mariko love affair is a side note and less of it does not affect the main story as described above.
I had pretty much given up hope that Hollywood was still capable of producing anything decent and then came Shōgun and even more to my amazement, 3 Body Problem.
Thanks for the recap/review.
I forgot about her death, devastating!!! I watched the original show back in 1980 and I haven't seen it since and like I said it was like reinjuring an old wound. Anna Sawai deserves an emmy. I know there has been a lot of comparisons between the two. The original is more from Blackthornes perspective, while the more modern one is more based on the Japanese perspective. Both are excellent. I will say this though, Anna Sawai does not have that classical Japanese female look like that of Yoko Shimada.
Great breakdown, love Shogun!
Wow! I'm REALLY enjoying this series!!! I saw the original version back in 1980 and it had a great affect on my life. It actually made me find and read the book when i was 14. Here are a couple of my observations. I don't remember the book as much as it's a thousand pages and it's been about 40 years since I read it, but I do know that the current series follows it a lot closer than the original and I like that. One slight disappointment. I don't really buy the Mark-Blackthorne relationship at the end. In the original, they really built it up and made it very romantic. Here, it's literally just a few minutes before she dies. Also, I miss the soundtrack of the original; nothing wrong with the current one, but just not the same. Anyway, I'm really sad that there's only ONE episode left!
This is a million times better than any MCU movie.
Gosh, if only one were able to appreciate one thing without needing to tear down another.
bros talking about super heros films on a video about a japanese tv show, I dont even like marvel , but the obsession people have with not liking it is bizarre. man really said nothing just came to yap and bounce
Loved the episode.
I am saddened to hear there will be no season 2. However, I am excited to read the book. Shogun is the best thing on television in a long time!
In retrospect, the moment where the door gets blown to bits with Mariko reminded me of one of these Loony Toons cartoons. Farwell Mariko, we will miss your excellent character in this great show.
Excellent series
Great review! Thank you! ❤ I’m still so sad 😢 but I thought it was excellent
Anna Sawai could read a phonebook and I'd be captivated. We knew it was coming, but Mariko's ending was still a gut punch. Shogun is one of the rare series you don't want to end. I just wish they had put the final two episodes on one night so we could see the story's conclusion. Waiting another week is torture.
Mariko just had to go out with a bang😂
Huge shout out to the Anjin, who was able to reload his flintlock pistol in a fraction of the time it would have taken in real life, while being attacked from all directions by sword wielding assassins. 😯😂
I COMPLETELY agree with you about scaling back the romance being a good choice. I know lots of book readers and fans of the 80s series don't agree, but I think they needed to do something different for this series and it was intelligent; their relationship became more sutil just like the rest of the plot.
That being said, Blackthorne's willingness to be Mariko's second for her seppuku was the biggest show of love ever; he was about to kill the woman he loves and go against his own values because he knew how important it was for her to die on her own terms and with a Japanese sense of dignity. Them having sex just after that was very on point and touching. What an episode!
I think a nice touch in Mariko's death is that it preserves her soul, at least in the eyes of the other Christians around her. As a Christian she knew suicide is considered a cardinal sin and would damn her in the afterlife, and even though she was willing to risk that to fulfil her mission, it was clearly causing her great distress (as we see in the scene with the portuguese priest).
The death that ultimately befell her is still tragic, but at least she could die knowing she hadn't damned herself.
I think the knowledge she had fulfilled her duty as well as stayed true to her faith must have been a comfort to her in her final moments. a bittersweet sendoff for an amazing character.
Amazing performance
I don't think you were supposed to think Blackthorne would stop her in the seppuku scene. It was obviously going for subverting that trope and the viewer should at this point predict that.
Watch for your take on every episode Pete. This week would you allow me to add by picking up on a few nuances which, may explain why this week was all about Mariko sama. Anna really nails her character. In case we missed it Ochiba emphasises Marikos standing when shes summoned along with the Anjin. Ochiba bitterly explains how great she is and when Mariko dismisses the Anjin it’s perfect timing and the way he sloppily walks off highlights the classy way Marikos handling herself. The greats amounts us get others to do their talking.
Earlier in the episode Marikos opening poem line has a hidden message and judging by Ochibas reaction it didn’t miss the mark. I hope next week we will see the effect when she shifts allegiance. Next week will be tricky - for me if I don’t feel the absence of Mariko it’s a success. Can’t wait.
Im just sad for blackthorne that he finally broke through on Mariko and they chose to be with each other, for sure now, and 5mins later she just dies… so sad and frustrating, but it just supports the emotions blackthorne must go through…
This was one of the best TV show episodes I have ever watched!
I love oaba!!! Omg her voice her swag is everything
This episode ended with a bang.. what a fantastic acting, story and way of portraying it.
I was hoping you would interpret the poem that Mariko recited in Ishido’s court. I believe it had some significance as it went over EVERYONES heads except for Ochiba. The writers seem to hint it back at us again with Yabu teasing Mariko about it later. My guess is that it was a foreshadowing to her own death that she knew was coming, one way or another.
I think it was a way for them to communicate with something that's just between them. And I think it's a good contrast of using words for battle rather than armies. Hopefully there will be more to discuss after next week.
I understand now why she would used that sentence about not coming from a peasant background. She wanted to remind everyone that they all came from a powerful lineage and they shouldn’t let someone who was a peasant control them.
This story is a masterpiece. Ive cried many times during it
The whole thing is well done period, what a show. I wish they could have stretched it a little longer. Simply a masterpiece.
Finally!!!!
And flowers are often plucked in full bloom.
The show does such a great job of showing how important the fatalistic and duty bound fuedal japan culture is for politics and society.
also, cant get over how rediculous and uncomfortable blackthorn looks in his outfit but maybe that was on purpose.
Where is this playing at on tv ?
geez, i didnt realise until 11minutes of the video that you are describing Blackthorne as the Anjin. For the first 11minutes i thought you were describing Blackthorne as the 'engine' of the show.
show of the year! only one show that could top this is house of dragon, but lets see
I agree. Can’t wait to June 16th! Going to miss my weekly Shogun episode. It’s been outstanding! Would love to see another of James Clavell’s Asian novels brought to life.
@@debbiezito6199 I suggest you watch Tokyo vice its based on a true story
Sad, was hoping she got REAL vengeance at the end of a weapon and a better story conclusion.
Either way what a powerful episode
They drug out that little permit thing
I was shocked and saddened by her demise 😪
o I admire your thoughts and explanation on this❤
I have thoroughly enjoyed the entire series ... except for the gore. :o I just learned to shut my eyes when I knew it was coming. This series is beautiful. Love the costumes and the acting. All top notch.
By the THEE best TV show this year. Give her an Emmy already!!!
What did Mariko whisper to Anjin right before she took her place before the doors? She whispers "Anjin ...._________" and I can't quite make it out.
I still want to see a battle so bad. I hope they cut some people down in the last episode. But it is still one of the best shows I have seen in years. Love it.
I think everyone is going to turn on Ishido. You can’t have a pig farmer kill a royal without consequences.
There will be the historic battle of Sekigahara in context of the last episode. The question is if they show it. It was not shown in the 1980 series. In the book it is merely mentioned.
I like how on set, they had Sawai's death scene with flash, and other things to simulate an explosion, and right when it happens, they bust out with a Happy Birthday song and a cake.
Marino getting blasted was kinda funny ngl
Loved it, only part I didn't enjoy was how Blackthorne suddenly transforms into an uber fighter when the ninjas show up, killing a couple of them, and how clumsy these elite special forces warriors were portrayed. They already showed how deadly just one of these would be when the 'maid' turns out to be one, and now a whole squad is stopped by a couple pistol shots? They did the same thing in The Last Samurai, wish they would give more props and respect to authentic ninjutsu warriors in these shows.