Shogun Ending Explained | Episode 10 Breakdown | Finale Recap & Review

[@PetePeppers1]

This version of Shogun exceeded my expectations. Seeing something like this succeed through thoughtful crafting of the world and characters and true admiration for the source material is what you love to see. Mariko is a character for the ages finding purpose in her sacrifice and changing history. You couldn’t ask for better performances. And the best nun. Let me know what you think.

[@rudolphjecroy5244]

Pete…I think that Blackthornes opening scene in the final episode is a dream he is having while unconscious… you’ll notice he is holding Marikos cross, the same cross he released into the sea.

[@PetePeppers1]

@rudolphjecroy5244 yes, I hope the video made that clear. when he drops the cross in the water it confirms it.

[@I00kingin]

I too read the book over 40 years ago but came to a different conclusion as to why it ended so abruptly after so many intense story lines. Once you really know who Toranaga is, his story will become boorish. For instance Toranaga killed villagers for the loss of a ship that Toranaga destroyed just to hide his culpability.

[@ganggang3788]

The actress that plays Mariko had such a captivating and incredible performance. Her subtle eye movements and lullaby voice tone is such a stark contrast in comparison to the forgettable character she plays in Monarch. I hope she wins all the awards for this role.

[@tangelite9968]

@@ganggang3788 Anna Sawai is the actor. A brilliant performance. The entire cast and crew was stellar.

[@itskyyuuuu]

Yabushige eeeeeeasily the best actor in the series. Deserves an award.

[@PetePeppers1]

Made every scene he was in better.

[@SrynYT]

Asano needs to be in more of these west productions to have a global audience.

[@martinsmith8019]

Him and Blackthorne had interesting chemistry.

[@Andy_Babb]

100% _the_ best grunter in television. I understood those grunts!

[@Andy_Babb]

@@PetePeppers1As did Fuji. Her character was incredible; I’m so happy they gave her the ending she got in the series.

[@Grimskarr]

This final was incredible. I think my favourite moment, though, are the smiles exchanged between Toranaga and Yabushige. Yubashige smiles because he has finally been let in on Toranaga's intrigues and knows, yes, his lord will prevail. His betrayal was all part of Toranaga's calculus as Toranaga has always known Yabushige's inner heart. Ironically, he realizes he has rendered faithful service to his lord through his unfaithfulness, and his actions have made a decisive difference. Toronaga's smile, in return, acknowledges all these thoughts and also confirms to Yabushige that, yes, in his heart-of-hearts, he desires to be Shōgun, something he has so carefully guarded from those around him. It's a brilliant moment of these two comrades' hearts communing, leaving nothing unsaid at their final goodbye. Beautifully done! 👏👏👏

[@L3uX]

Perfectly said.

[@Mike-wc3jo]

And then he chops his head off 😂

[@yomama6761]

No, Yabushige smiles because Toranaga said his words he previously spoken to Omi. Basacly Omi was a snitch

[@Grimskarr]

@yomama6761 there is that, too. There is just so much acknowledged in that brief exchange. Such a cool scene.

[@Dani-rz8dj]

Yes! So many people missing the smirks. So important

[@silosara]

I love how Fuji-sama tells Blackthorne that “let your hands be the last to hold her!” Flashback to when Mariko told Fuji-sama, “let her hands be the last to hold her son!” 🥺

[@victorlin4645]

Which unfortunately didn't happen.

[@JK-qn9qr]

so many foreshadowing and smart repetition...so..good..

[@DanielGutierrez-ut1px]

🎉I guess the last to hold Mariko's body was the Japanese Mortician🎉😂❤

[@ganggang3788]

Yabu was an amazing character, literally updating his will throughout the series knowing at any point in time he will lose his head too😂😂

[@Bargadiel]

Anyone who's interested in the history behind these events, I recommend visiting Nikko in Japan. Specifically Toshogu Shrine, the place where Tokugawa Ieyasu (Toranaga in the show) is enshrined. Also, there is an Anjin street in Nihombashi Tokyo, where William Adams (the real life Anjin) was given a mansion of his own by Tokugawa. There is a small monument there.

[@1StarAStar]

I couldn’t agree more!

[@nont18411]

Visited there. Such a beautiful shrine. Toshogu feels like a great pyramid for a great shogun like Ieyasu.

[@XXAnthonyCarmineXx]

Yeah this was surprising filmed in Canada

[@善悪の基準は人それぞれ]

If you are going to Yokohama, there is a small station called Anjinzuka Station, named after William Adams aka Anjin Miura.

[@MarkGarrett]

And here in western Shizuoka is Hamamatsu castle, home to Tokugawa for 17 years.

[@eddymonies8302]

“If I could use words, like scattering flowers and falling leaves, what a bonfire my poems would make” 😢

[@Timbo6669]

“What a bonfire my poems would make”. Or; _what city destroyers my poems become_ ?

[@midsizesedan7620]

Scattering flowers, falling leaves, bonfire's glow, Nature's whispers, in twilight's gentle flow.

[@maybachyard]

Huh?

[@Giggity1080]

Could someone explain this to me ?

[@ricofico]

@@Giggity1080haiku’s

[@nonexistant3595]

Man, I love your breakdowns! No spoilers from other sources till the end, profound analysis and attention to details and an honest and respectful stance about your own impressions and the possibly diverging thoughts of other viewers. Thank you so much for covering the Shogun!

[@thehermitman822]

He's definitely worth the wait.

[@Melodicroger]

Same! I love the callout how both Mariko and Fuji wanted to die but Fuji wants to live.

[@jamesmarshall6619]

I enjoyed that it ended with Toranaga being utterly ruthless. In those times, peace wasn't necessarily achieved by clean methods, even today peace is rarely achieved by clean methods. Toranaga did care about people, but he was also ambitious and ruthless. It didn't necessarily make his character more likable but for me it made his character in this story far more interesting and fuller.

[@thehermitman822]

One of the most realistic "good" powerful people I've seen in a story.

[@heidiallen824]

They reminded us that they were still warlords.

[@notsans9995]

Exactly, in the show he's the "good" guy, but he's not really a good guy, but that at the same time he's not quite as ruthless as his adversary. He's complex and struggles with his own power and influence.

[@miguelrio1269]

In real life, Toronaga killed the heir he vowed to protect as he considered him a threat to his leadership.

[@phanhuyduc2395]

@@miguelrio1269 obviously . People even killed their father and brothers to become King in medieval times everywhere around the world . Toronaga had no choice . If the heir lived other warlords could use him as a rally point to rebel against his Shogunate

[@Dani-rz8dj]

My favorite philosophical part of the show - presence is felt most in absence - beautifully demonstrated in the absence of Mariko episode 10🤍

[@onnajy1915]

You missed something crucial during Yabushige's death. Toranaga states, "Why tell a dead man the future?" which is a direct reference to episode 1 when Yabushige whispers to Omi "Why tell a dead man the future?" when Omi asks why are we not telling Lord Toranaga about the ship? The significance of this is that it tells Yabushige that he got the wrong spy and it was Omi all along which shows why Toranaga lives the way he lives, not ever letting his closest relatives know his plans unless it's crucial to completing them. This also confirms Yabushige's suspicion that Toranaga wants to be Shogun despite the many protests that he has no desire for it because it illustrates to Yabushige that he had been in control and orchestrated everything from the very start of Episode 1. Again, Crimson Sky always revolved around Mariko even before the start of Episode 1 so Crimson Sky was going to happen. Toranaga just needed to make sure Mariko would carry out her duties thus his attempt to get any romance between Anjin and Mariko severed by giving him a prostitute and consort because he couldn't risk a romance between the two jeopardizing Mariko's resolve to die. But last and probably the most wholesome is that Toranaga wants Yabushige to know that the betrayals were not his fault as Toranaga's plans revolved around Yabushige's constant disloyalty; but in particularly, Mariko's death was not his fault since Toranaga instigated Yabushige's actions knowing he would betray him. Again, we see this as the viewer but keep in mind Yabushige has very little foresight and isn't watching this happen like we are. Also, he's an idiot. This is why Toranaga imparts the last question before smiling at Yabushige. He wanted to give him closure before he went to the afterlife by stating that everything happened, good and bad, because Toranaga planned it to from the very beginning.

[@thehermitman822]

I loved his shaded response of "what good is it to tell a dead man the future?"

[@gudhaxer41343]

I wonder if it also hints of his nephew spying on him for Toronaga bcus thats what he said in ep 1.

[@nont18411]

@@gudhaxer41343 Yes. That’s why Yabushige smiled like a mad man because he realized in the final second that his nephew was the snitch all along.

[@PetePeppers1]

They are the only two that will ever hear it haha

[@thehermitman822]

@@nont18411 "The runt WAS worthy."

[@thehermitman822]

@@PetePeppers1 Thanks for taking time out to respond. I can tell you put in the time with your vids already.

[@Bfitzgerald82]

I took Toranaga's smirk before taking Yabu's head was answering his question, Yes he did want to be Shogun. Yabu looks to his lord to see if he will answer his final question. The lord obliges and then takes his head.

[@Grimskarr]

Agreed

[@zedzedzzzzzz3d]

He even also told him who the snitch really was. Well not exactly told the name but Yabu immediately knew who it is after Toranaga said his final words to him.

[@pausiee_gaming]

​@@zedzedzzzzzz3d it was omi.

[@Cander5142]

I really hope they don’t cave to the pressures that come with media success. And that is conjuring up a direct sequel/2nd season that just ends up hurting the perception of the series as a whole. This story is done. We don’t need anything more. Adapt other books by the author but leave Shogun alone.

[@OrderOfTheDragan1429]

No.

[@SrynYT]

I wouldn’t mind a prequel. E.g. how the Portuguese established themselves there, the fall of the Taiko

[@almo9060]

Agreed. It's perfect and it doesn't need anything more, although I wouldn't mind a prequel.

[@boxtears]

Regardless of whether they do anything else, we already have this complete season. Nothing will ever change that.

[@poyax.]

Agreed. They have mastered the book so well as part of the reason they executed it so well. But my dream is they find a masterpiece of writing for the sequel's beautiful execution. No puns intended.

[@plejka]

I loved this ending, it was so poetic. Bitter sweet, sure, but still amazing. Like Toranaga said to his son, only a young man who hasn't seen a battle rushes to war. That was the whole point. This was a masterful chess play and he ended it with checkmate using Mariko. Amazing TV, finally

[@stevensingleton6985]

The absolute best review. This series was an intellectual masterpiece that demonstrates the power of storytelling in subtle ways. Bravo FX👏🏽

[@kindasupersonic7114]

In the 1980s version of this, i felt satisfied at Yabushigi’s sepuku… in this one, it left me hurt. My heart really went out to him. True, he deserved it for the shit that he pulled. It just speaks volumes to the Actors in that scene..

[@CrimsonMey]

He's a shitface...but, he's an entertaining shitface.

[@bb1111116]

This is my second comment for this video. SPOILERS I saw the Shogun series a second time with my family. It helped that I did not have to wait a week for each episode to be available. Watching episodes each day helped to get an even deeper understanding of the back story of the series. I mean really deep. * Through flashbacks the audience is told that there were two former rulers of Japan. * Lord Kuroda Nobuhisa (who is based on Oda Nobunaga), who in the series is the father of Lady Ochiba (the mother of the heir). Lord Kuroda Nobuhisa is killed by Akechi Jinsai, (based on Akechi Mitsuhide), who is Mariko's father. * The next ruler of Japan is the Taikō, (based on Toyotomi Hideyoshi), who is the father of Lady Ochiba’s son, the heir. * In the series the killing of Lord Kuroda Nobuhisa (Oda Nobunaga) by Mariko’s father is considered by some characters to be a great disgrace. Mariko is berated by her husband, Buntaro, asking her to confess her father’s treachery. * However, with my second viewing and discussing this with my son who studied Japanese history in college, something new was revealed. - In the series Lady Ochiba says that she believes that Lord Toranaga was behind the killing of her father, Lord Kuroda Nobuhisa (Oda Nobunaga), the former ruler of Japan. - This is a huge revelation. Later statements by Toranaga support this idea where he tells Mariko that she needs to finish the mission of her father. * What is going on? Let’s go back to Akechi Jinsai, (based on Akechi Mitsuhide), who is Mariko's father. Over time many people in Japan have developed a positive view of Mitsuhide. There is a shrine to him with a statue and there are festivals celebrating his memory. * What happened? While it is accepted that Oda Nobunaga was a unifier of Japan, it is also recognized by many that he was a brutal tyrant. In the series the viewer can see Lady Ochiba’s father, Lord Kuroda Nobuhisa (Oda Nobunaga), cutting off the heads of Buddhist monks. - It has been speculated that this is one of several reasons why Oda Nobunaga was assassinated. * This leads to a bigger role for Toranaga as not only a unifier of Japan but as a man of peace which he explains in his speech to Yabushige before his seppuku. - As I mentioned, earlier Toranaga tells Mariko that she needs to fulfill her father’s great purpose. What is that? To rid Japan of tyrants who create more war in Japan. Ishido, who controls Osaka castle, has all the leaders of the main families prisoner. Anyone who tries to leave will be killed. Mariko’s death by Ishido exposes this and it breaks Ishido’s tyrany. * The later defeat of Ishido in battle finishes Toranaga’s master plan, to remove the tyrants of Japan who have sewn division and to allow him to become Shogun which will create an era of peace (that will last for 250 years).

[@lamo1724]

I think it's wonderful now that we're so much more receptive to watching shows in other languages. Sanada has said that he wants to provide more opportunities for these amazingly gifted actors to create many more great shows. I'd love all of these actors to become household names xxx

[@thehermitman822]

"xxx" Any of them do other types of films I should research?😁

[@lamo1724]

@@thehermitman822 I took a look on IMDb , Google etc and found shows / films that some of them are in, available on my streaming sites. For example, I've just started watching Giri / Haji with the actor who played Ishido. My point was let's look out for them in upcoming as well as available shows we've not seen before, because they're clearly very talented xxx

[@aliceDarts]

... What is wrong with you??

[@samsaad5431]

what do u mean "we're NOW so much more receptive to watching shows in other languages"? Crouching Tiger Hidden Dragon 23 years ago made more than $128M and was best picture. Life is Beautiful in 1998. Hero in 2004.

[@paintedjaguar]

In the 1980 version of Shogun, the largely Japanese cast was shown speaking their dialogue in Japanese with NO subtitles. On network TV. The series was a huge hit, and that was over 40 years ago now. You and your pals aren't that special...

[@michaelwilley65]

I loved the series, the cast & the ending. I completely concur that not showing the battle was a good decision. It’s not necessary, but I guess some might be disappointed.

[@thedon.32]

It def wasn’t necessary how the show ended wasn’t good though. It did feel rushed. Because ep 9 was peak. Left with a lot more questions. They really used the actors to carry the show with what the writers couldn’t do, still good show just not my favorite with how it ended and that criticism doesn’t include a big battle. I genuinely disagree with how it ended didn’t even show the regents turning on ishido, saying the war was won before a sword was lifted. Based on the books it’s true but in real life it wasn’t many battles took place, and if they took the creative liberty to keep mariko alive and make her a major role to help Ochiba make a last minute choice, they could’ve had the creative liberty to appease to the mainstream which would’ve introduced many people to the Edo period.

[@Andy_Babb]

For a moment, at the end, I felt pissed that it ended where it did… and then I took a moment to consider the entirety of the series, how many things were implied without being shown, the overall storyline - and I kind of felt it was a fitting end to a damn-near-perfect series. The ending was poetic, which I quickly realized was the entire point. I _would_ be okay with some sort of spinoff about Toronaga and Blackthorne should it ever come about haha

[@richardbachman1260]

I'm watching all the reviews I can from E10, and I gotta say, this is one that I enjoyed the most. It touches more on the internalization of each character. Nice job.

[@AerielFerguson]

Mariko was my fav.....I really loved her and Blackthorne's eye contact communication❤

[@1chrisford]

Japanese actors that they cast and did the production in Canada, were almost all superb. "Fuji" was a family favorite. Within that great finale, Fuji and John Blackthorne had killer scenes.

[@sailingadventurer]

Well, Fuji and blackthorn end up together in the books.

[@jiujitsukitty9319]

​@sailingadventurer Historically, Blackthorn (William adams) character remarried a japanese woman and has two children however was never allowed to leave japan and so, would send home money to help support his first wife and 2 children in England.

[@F1derful.]

Fun tidbits: 1. The jinbaori toranaga wears in the sekigahara battle scene is the same one he wears in the earlier flashback scene when he’s still a child. 2. Right before he cuts off yabushige’s head he stares at him for a brief second because he knows this time it won’t take him 9 tries like he did when he was young. It all comes full circle

[@itim777]

I interpreted the Yabu scene as him letting Yabu suffer a bit

[@F1derful.]

@@itim777 yabu doesnt make a sound because he is actually fascinated by death.

[@superiordelivery4256]

@@itim777 Same here. For Markio.

[@seansilver8757]

Plus to reassure him that hes indeed the same as the rest of them, he just a little better at their stupid little game🙃

[@chewiewins]

A dream of a dream applies both to Blackthorne’s dream of returning to England & Toranaga’s dream of being Shogun

[@zedzedzzzzzz3d]

But only one dream was made into reality.

[@ADivaForLife]

Which one was real??? I thought the cross was in the lake or ocean

[@bayrammehmed3205]

​@@ADivaForLife toranagas dream is real

[@NoTimeAllTime]

I was disappointed not reading about Sekigahara over 20 years ago, and I am disappointed not seeing it now (somewhere in the middle I was disappointed by not seeing it in the 80s series). That said, Shogun is still one of my favorite books and I think the series will be one of my favorite series (I will give it time to digest). I have read James Clavell's other works and they didn't really stick with me, his type of story and story telling isn't the type of storytelling I enjoy, which makes the fact that Shogun is something I find masterful all the better.

[@0IAmMe]

The definitive “Ending Explained” video. You went even beyond the show and the book!!! 👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼

[@R0N1N_Inc]

"Together forever" That scene had me shed a tear or two as I reflected on a loss of my own, the casting and cinematography of Shogun for me were perfect, Hiroyuki Sanada truly poured love into his craft as an Actor and on this occasion Producer; A truly iconic production which will last long into the future for others to see.

[@johns2711]

An exceptional series. Anna Sawai is a force. Her acting in Episode 9 was beyond words. Hiroyuki Sanada was amazing throughout and maybe it took me 10 episodes to finally appreciate him but Cosmo Jarvis was terrific in 10. They paid a great honor to the original series. Bravo!

[@thehermitman822]

Gotta give the show credit for being different and good.

[@wangtoriojackson4315]

My favorite part was when Yabushige was like "You know, Toranaga-sama, you really are the Shogun."

[@agentnukaz1715]

I liked his character alot even though I hoped he would die much earlier

[@ssotkow]

1:44 Poetry are not for everyone, but for those who try to write them, poems may embody a writer's essence in simple stanzas. For Yabushige, his death poem reveals his straightforward mindset. Like shallow Koi ponds, where Yabu literally and metaphorically stood in, he too swims near the surface for all to see, unobstructed. Hence, would be easily manipulated by deeply layered plotters whose motives are buried below surface, invisible to the eyes. "My dead body. Don't bury me. Don't burn me. Just leave it in the field. And with it, fill the belly of some hungry dog."

[@arctan2010]

well said. I bet a lot of viewers were expecting an epic “Crimson Sky” battle but instead got a lot more philosophy than expected. People will overlook the idea of winning a battle without fighting one is a more difficult and noble feat than actually fighting one. It irks me reading comments comparing this to GoT or worse copying GoT.

[@thehermitman822]

Well, it's GoT's if one of the key players actually makes everyone else their pawn for the good of the realm.

[@XXAnthonyCarmineXx]

Yeah was a letdown I think everyone was expecting some sort of action

[@thehermitman822]

@@XXAnthonyCarmineXx I'll take good story over pointless action.

[@OrderOfTheDragan1429]

The final was boring.

[@PetePeppers1]

George RR Martin has said he loved the book Shogun and I think it's influence on Game of Thrones is pretty easy to see.

[@mrfun177]

One correction Adams was not the one who was instrumental in trade negotiations for the Tokugawa Shogunate. That was actually the 2nd mate of "de liefde" Jan Joosten van Lodensteyn who was taken in by Tokugawa alongside Adams. Adams build ships for the Shogun but Lodensteyn was made the main advisor on trade and foreign relations and was gifted a far larger and more lavish estate then Adams which was located where modern day Tokyo central station is located. Lodensteyn was also never given permission to leave Japan since he was that important to the Shogunate when it came to trade and foreign relations and was instrumental in setting up the monopoly that the Dutch had on trade with Japan during Japan its time of isolation.

[@jeffa4822]

you must be dutch 🤣🤣🤣

[@kholui]

You keep posting this every where, but the truth is both men were highly influential - it doesn't have to be a competition. As much as you try to play down Adams' role to just a ship builder, the historical evidence contradicts that - he was very much involved in diplomacy and trade negotiations too, both on behalf of the Dutch and English. He held a close, cordial relationship with Ieyasu. As a contemporary wrote of Adams on his passing: "I cannot but be sorrowful for the loss of such a man as Capt William Adams, he having been in such favour with two Emperors* of Japan as never any Christian in these part of the world." (*Note - Europeans at the time often didn't understand the distinction between the title of Emperor and Shogun. In this instance, he is referring to Ieyasu and his successor Hitada).

[@darshivid]

Anjin actually married a Japanese woman according to my wife Yoko. I loved this series. I lived in Japan for over a decade and I never realized what Anjinzuka was or who it was named after.....I'm almost ashamed to admit it considering how often I used that train station in Yokosuka Japan.

[@Xynic48]

The real life John Blackthorne (William Adams) did settle in japan and had a japanese wife and kids

[@eelchiong6709]

​@@Xynic48 In Clavell's novel "Noble House" Blackthorne's female descendant gave the Taipan of Noble House vital trade info

[@desputnikcommander]

I don't get how you repeatedly pick the best shows, see what is going on and tell it in a way that I deeply understand (non native english) and admire because of your analogies and outting things in perspective. First KZbinr I am going to donate! Don't stop doing what you obviuosly thrive on. I'd really like to discuss shows with you, but I don't have your level of reading situations.... so I keep learning from you :)

[@missioncardiac7599]

Not often that I completely agree with a reviewer, but you nailed this one, as did the showrunners.

[@captain_britain]

Pete rocks. Always brings excellent analysis

[@ehta2413]

This was easily one of the best tv-series I've watched, maybe even the best. Attention to historical detail going as far as real death poems, age-correct footwear and hell even having cast learn time correct dialect of Japanese is not something you will ever see in fully western productions these days. Also I absolutely loved the ending, and don't think they should make more even if it saddens me that I never got to see Anijn and Toranaga on his fleet together.

[@mauijot]

Your review is the BEST of all! Thank you for sharing your thoughts that truly reflect my own. Producers Rachel Kondo and her husband are excellent and will earn high marks for their effort. I am biased, of course, since Rachel was my student long ago at Maui High School. She is a gifted writer and remarkable woman.

[@lendial]

The final moments between John and Fuji as the gripping OST plays is one of the best moments of the entire show. they somehow made us experience so much from just 10 episodes of run time.

[@bb1111116]

I liked this video and all the others on this channel about Shogun, an excellent TV series. A few more thoughts about episode 10. The video covered a lot but I’ll add some more. Yabushige (Yabu) tells Toranaga *”All this death … just to ensure some victory in our names… It’s what you’ve always wanted, isn’t it?”* Yes, but while Yabu is beginning to understand the deeper plans of Toranaga, Yabu hasn’t fully realized how deep it can go. - Because of Mariko’s friendship and death, Ochiba has told Toranaga that she has agreed to not support Ishido in the upcoming battle. Ochiba doesn’t realize it but that will be a death sentence for her and her son, the heir. - Toranaga plays on powerful people’s emotions, he makes promises to them, he gets people to back down, all of it for his advantage. - Ishido was going to marry Ochiba. Ishido, who came from a peasant lineage, was pledged to the heir which gave Ishido legitimacy. Toranaga who comes from a samurai family not only has no need for the heir but Toranaga has always seen the heir as a threat to his dream of becoming Shogun. In the future Toranaga (Tokugawa) will keep maneuvering and fighting the heir and his mother until they are forced to commit seppuku. A PS about Blackthorne; I was fine with Toranaga keeping the Anjin alive for amusement. The Anjin was no threat to Toranaga (Tokugawa) so, they could have a friendship without all the political maneuvering which dominated the ruling elite of Japan.

[@darthgzuz]

Tokyo Vice n Shogun ... best tv shows so far ... perfect endings. Japanese actors r in a totally different league.

[@qjitsu]

I think you may have missed the detail where Toranaga lets Yabu know that his nephew was a spy since it was Yabu who originally said the line about telling dead men the future which was probably why they smiled at each other. Or at least you didn't bring it up.

[@richardemerson8075]

Oooh good spot!!

[@lunger42]

I didn’t catch that, good catch

[@superiordelivery4256]

Great catch! I wondered how he knew about that line. Of course it was the nephew! Smart kid.

[@nellychingo2010]

Yabushige later, at his end, asks "What is it like to shape the wind to your will?" shortly before we move ahead in time to watch the Dream within a Dream. Remember how Toranaga says "I don't control the wind, I only study it" , it coincides with the brothel lady who says "Fate is like a sword, only useful to those who wield it" Toranaga never controls the wind; like the wind and the sword; he simply studies its form and plan with the flow

[@davebox588]

Notice also that Mariko mistranslates virtually everything Blackthorne says so as not to offend anyone. Except for when she translates Kiku's ("brothel lady") words. Is this because she hopes Blackthorne will learn how to be a bit more Japanese in his attitudes, or because she wants a successful "pillowing" to distract him from lusting after her?

[@Mugen3]

You know? Poetry recitation has been recognized as a part of the culture of samurai and aristocrats for more than 1,000 years. Therefor there is still the Emperor poetry session in Japan every year, and even Emperor or someone of their family reads a poetry in public every year!

[@franug]

Thanks for all the reviews. The ending was masterful, as the rest of the series. Definitively one of the best TV shows I've ever watched. I think one of the main questions they want us to ponder is if the end justify any means. Toranaga obviously did...do we?

[@anroux]

This has been an incredible show, and following along with your series has made it all the better. Thank you for everything you've done.

[@okazaki111]

Yabushige previously said the exact same line to Omi, ``Why tell a dead man the future?'' In the first episode, there was a scene where they discuss whether to report weapons from overseas to Toranaga. At the last moment, Yabushige realized that Toranaga knew this. Then they smile back at each other.

[@Widderic]

The look that Yabushige gave Toranaga before he cut his head off was incredible. So much in that look.

[@christamez734]

Kudos to the writers. Every episode was well done. The finale tied everything up wonderfully. Mariko got what she wanted serving her lord and she makes arrangements to give Anjin what he wanted, life. Though I think he questioned his choice towards the end.

[@barryfisher4734]

Thanks for your good review of the show, Here are a few remarks: In the book, the ship was destroyed as a gift to the Christians, but more importantly to Kiyama as a proof of his sincerity that he wasn't an enemy to the catholics and to get Kiyama to switch sides during the coming battle. The series wasn't far off that, but I think it left out the turning Kiyama reference. The other point in Marino's actual mission to Osaka was to confront Ishido and free the hostages so several Daimyos could then flip allegiance to Toranaga. This was done by Mariko both to further the cause of her lord Toranaga but also to fulfill her most inner desire which was to honor the memory of her father and fulfillment of a primary rule of Samurai culture as stated in the book, ie to not rest until the murderer of her father was avenged and her innermost desire to die due to the shame of being spared from the slaughter of her entire family at the hands of the Taiko. She and Toranaga both knew that was her secret desire and that was what was behind the bonfire remark by Toranaga in 10.. In the book I believe Toranaga thought in one act she destroyed all her enemies which were also Toranaga's. Lastly the most serious mistake to me in the show was the first episode when Blackthorne first met Toranaga. The series chopped that crucial establishing scene and thereby butchered a major theme in the book, Alvito undermines Blackthorne at that 1st meeting by explaining that his allies the Dutch were in rebellion against their lawful liege lord, Spain. This was the central political issue Toranaga was embroiled in, because he was accused of seeking to rebel against the heir of the Taiko, his liege lord. Per the book, obedience to one's liege lord was at the core of Japanese culture and disobedience was punishable by death, which is why Toranaga insisted that there were no mitigating circumstances for rebelling against your lawful liege lord. Then Blackthorne said there is one mitigating circumstance and that was "Unless you win". This scene crystallized the heart of Tornado's story, and was essential to establishing how the feudal system nominally worked in Japanese law but not always in reality, and the tension of Toranaga's quest apart from his public stance; yet the show runners trivialized this major thematic plot line into why fight the Catholics if you can't win, which missed this major plot point. To me this was an unforgivable plot change made for no good reason. Other changes didn't really bother me as much. At the end of the day, I thought episodes 9 and 10 were wonderful on their own merits. The acting in 9 when Ochiba and Mariko have their last conversation was so brilliant by both women it made the whole show better for me. Also in 10 the scene with Fuji in the boat was very poignant and using Yabu to let Toranaga explain what he was really doing was a clever idea. I thought the Oldman Blackthorne scenes were unnecessary and I really didn't see the value you did in them. Of course the production values, attention to detail and the acting throughout the series was beautiful. Thank you for your synopsis of the series, it was really good.

[@Soussdagoose]

What a truly beautiful and incredible show highlighting a great symbolic story. Thank you for covering this mini series, Pete 🙌🏼 Also, that shared smirk between Toronaga and Yabushige during his seppuku 😉

[@smittyjjensin558]

I am glad they opted to not include an epic war scene. A spectacle like that would have distracted from Toranaga's true accomplishment of arranging all the right pieces and checking without an all out battle.

[@midsizesedan7620]

Very questionable decisions from him

[@AirborneAnt]

Then don’t put the show on the FX channel (the literal home of action movies) this show should of been on The Women’s Entertainment Network…

[@rustiouk760]

​@@AirborneAntgo and watch some Transformers movies if you can't cope with drama.

[@XXAnthonyCarmineXx]

Yeah but it was a letdown

[@AirborneAnt]

@@XXAnthonyCarmineXx a gigantic letdown…they’ll hide it under “subverting expectations”…but that’s just an excuse of falling short and not hitting the mark…

[@riccarrasquilla379]

thanks for the thorough review

[@allenbrady8083]

Really looked forward to your review. You didn’t disappoint.

[@XXAnthonyCarmineXx]

Yeah he was late compared to the other shogun KZbin’s I had to watch someone else’s this morning 😂

[@PetePeppers1]

After a full season with no problems this one kept giving me a copyright claim and it took hours to sort it and get it uploaded. I know I'm slower than most so I'm glad to see a lot of people are willing to wait.

[@allenbrady8083]

@@PetePeppers1 I frequently rewatch the finale review of The Expanse. It's that good. So yes, your work is worth the wait, and in my experience, always so. A big thank you once again.

[@Gr1mTh3R34p3r]

Never read the book or to be honest had any interest in watching the show. I took a chance on it when there was only 2 episodes out and I have to say I'm glad I did. I was very happy with the show I have recommended it to many people. I appreciate the back story and the break down or the final episode.

[@shaun906]

the series has left with with such complex emotions, even feeling teary at how beautiful the scenes were, how meaningful the script was, the source material clearly represented and how well they were performed by the cast! 10/10 from me!

[@XXAnthonyCarmineXx]

Finally you were behind on this one compared to the other shogun KZbinrs I had to watch someone else’s this morning 😢but I’m here to support now lol 😂

[@jimmerhardy]

The ending was as poetic and obscure as Japanese mysticism. Very brave and wonderful. Few shows command respect like ShoGun.

[@JvWet]

Thank you for an extraordinary discussion (here and previous videos), I really enjoyed it and concur with most of what you say about this awesome series and the source, Clavell's book (fan of Clavell's Asian Saga books). My only major disappointment is that about halfway through the series it realised it was a miniseries and there wasn't going to be second season!

[@ac55699]

Great video. Excellent insight on this wonderful series. It's been a long time since I have been emotionally invested into a tv series like this one. I have to say I have I have a lot of conflicting emotions with Toronaga. I guess I need time to absorb with what I've just seen. I don't think they need to do a season 2. Why ruin a masterpiece? Keep up the great work.

[@StorytellerStudios]

I agree that the battle sequence was not needed. Tomonaga's willingness to sacrifice those dear to him for the unification of Japan is very reminiscent of many Chinese Movies such as "Hero" which have the same thought.

[@morganlewis2667]

I can't help but wonder if his ultimate goal was unification of the country for it's sake or for his own ambition. Both? Or in reality of fate they can't be seperated.

[@kristofersandlund2169]

Agree! I think “both” is most likely.

[@slaplace123]

I didn't understand the whole coma dream/ crucifix thing watching the other day. Makes a lot more sense now, thanks.

[@davidellis8052]

Extraordinary show. And thanks for the fantastic summary reviews.

[@el_tunmbs]

Awesome review throughout, the breakdown of each episode was great

[@Bayan1905]

Most shows these days are disappointing, or they change too much etc. Shogun was the first show in a long time, as far back as I can recall that I couldn't wait for the next episode. This is how storytelling needs to be. Amazing how in the last year, the best movie that was a total surprise was Godzilla Minus One and then this adaptation of Shogun being produced and starring Hiroyuki Sanada. This show was a masterpiece.

[@spaceburger80]

Thank you, Pete, for this incredibly deep and thoughtful synopsis of the final episode and the series. Excellent work.

[@gussygoro2469]

That’s really super. The spoilers ahead prove there’s a lot to unpack from this great series. My take, not that Goyer’s was that Toranaga told Ochoba No-kata that Ishido would undoubtedly kill the heir. Mariko’s death poem about the leafless tree or whatever was, to me, the prelude to that letter. This series was like the wind, and I’ll watch again to peg my theory. I’m hoping for a continuation of some kind, but I’d rather hold my tongue than breath.

[@milosmilosmilos]

I don’t think Torenaga really meant that Anjin just makes him laugh truthfully. His next step was to completely shut down the window into his secret heart, so I think that statement was a half-truth, a closing of the window and a direct “fuck you” to Yabu’s earlier “you have me to thank for the Anjin”. Hia final “fuck you” though was not keeping silent on whether or not he wanted to be Shogun, but citing him the quote Yabu -whispered- to Omi, with his most trusty adviser right behind them, letting Yabu know someone close to him was Torenaga’s spy all along and never letting him know who it really was.

[@selina6408]

Love your thoughtful, perceptive and comprehensive breakdown. A worthy companion piece to a masterful show.

[@enochamoahmintah5832]

Your analyses were outstanding

[@halflucan]

Normally when someone claims to be playing 4D chess, its BS But i really appreciated that they explained that without Ochiba, the head main council guy would be seen as a traitor and the other armies would be Christian which would nullify the war

[@zenden6564]

Thoroughly enjoyed your expositions, well done, sir. 👏 Thankyou.

[@knightingale9833]

"Why tell a dead man the future" is what Yabushige told Omi when he asked him why he hasn't told Toranaga about the foreign ship. Omi was another spy for Toranaga all along.

[@stevetrevor7004]

This show is beautiful, what a wonderful journey

[@ckkher]

really impressed. Best of the year so far.

[@vvmmuu]

Thank you for your summaries. I was angry that they showed you the ending in the first sequence. I was angry as well because he had the cross which he threw into the sea. Then you explained that it was his dream for the future. Having said that I think that it should have been more obvious that it was a dream because it lead to assumptions that were correct. I found you with Foundation and enjoy all your videos, also I never watch before, only after I have seen that episode, which included not watching the preview trailer for the last Shogun episode. I look forward to watching more of your videos in the future. ALL the best.

[@Dovey14]

There were a lot of people who gave up their lives for the rise of Tokonaga's rise to Shogun. I lived in Japan and know the real story. But with the killing off of Mariko (who in my opinion was the show), Continuing would be pointless.

[@cbspock1701]

The original mini-series ended the same way with not showing the battle. I just hope they won't do a season 2. They should just let this be. I thought this remake was really well done

[@PetePeppers1]

I'd love to see this creative team make another show and doing one of the other books might work, but this story is complete because they did such a good job with it.

[@ITFDBLA]

@@PetePeppers1I saw an interview with the actor/producer who played Toronaga on the FX channel here on YT and he said that he was planning on working on similar projects with a Japanese and Western team again.

[@azguyazdesert417]

​@@PetePeppers1Me too. The huge success of Shogun all but gaurentees a re telling of Tai Pan, Clavell's other Asian Saga. To be honest Shogun is a very good story, but it's basically a tragic love story. Tai Pan is a much better story with more moving parts, intrigue, drama, adult themes, action, with a more sub plots, as well as a good bit of history. Plus with Tai Pan, you also get a sequel, a la Noble House. There was a Hollywood production of Tai Pan, it was good, but no where near enough time to really let the story unfold in one stand alone 2 hour movie. A season long 15 or 20 episode type show on a network like FX/Hulu could really do the story justice.

[@mr.duanesharpe]

Ya. I agree. Put this to bed and don’t make another season.

[@SrynYT]

@@azguyazdesert417I suspect Apple will want in on this.

[@nyantaro-momo2]

I noticed this after it was pointed out on a reaction channel by another Western person, but Yabushige's final death haiku seems to have been translated quite differently. Either is fine as long as you can convey his feelings, but the English translation of Yabushige's death poem that OUMI actually read out in Japanese is completely different. I was wondering why Westerners didn't laugh at that scene, but the translation was completely different. On purpose, the producers said, ``Perhaps they chose a farewell poem that would be understandable to the Japanese mentality and would also make people laugh.'' In any case, this is also Yabushige's YAEGAKI. By the way, the haiku that Oumi read out in Japanese is: "Don't burn the dead body, don't bury it, let it be exposed in the open, and feed the hungry dogs." It is too childish and lame to call a haiku with a careless feeling. His death poem also expressed Yabushige. The English translation of the death haiku is just a bad haiku, and it is a quiet haiku that doesn't really make an impression on Japanese people. The haiku must have had the kind of impact typical of Yabushige. However, in the eyes of Westerners, this may have led to the conclusion that ``Japanese people are barbaric.'' By the way, in Asia, Japan has not eaten dog or human flesh since ancient times, even in war situations. Dogs have been part of the family since ancient times.

[@Soussdagoose]

I appreciate how it ended at the beginning of the end, and focuses on how Toronaga check-mated his enemies in his mind before any player could realize the game was over for them and the future written for Japan. Beautiful.

[@PaulFulbright]

For me the moment that really sealed the deal on this show being one of the al time greats in TV history was when ***SPOILERS JUST IN CASE*** Toranaga, just before seconding Yabushiga, answers his question with the same line Yabushiga told his nephew in the first episode, and Yabushiga just...instantly recognizes that means his nephew was a spy all along and that he has been so far behind Toranaga in this game that he effectively wasn't even playing and just gets it over with. Such a BADASS revelation and they don't give you a flashback to the line, or anything, they just quietly drop it there, like the flash forward that isn't a flash forward, and you get it or your don't, and if you get it, my god, it's epic, and if you don't, it just means there is still more reasons to rewatch and ponder. Just an incredible show.

[@tyronealfonso]

Thank you for these videos. Makes watching a great series even better.

[@murrayuomoto4181]

Very helpful, I would say...as a missionary who has served in Japan for 40 years now, And before that, as a missionary kid in Sendai. BTW, I thought I caught a tiny misspelling which should have been Ieyasu, the Shogun. But many thanks for your labors.

[@ae6888]

The series so far exceeded my expectations! It was beautifully written and wonderfully acted. Yabushige was such a source of comic relief. Thank you for bringing to light that the flash-forward was just a dream. I couldn’t quite wrap my head around that and it was rather confusing - until seeing this video! Now I can appreciate the finale and thee whole series even more.

[@frankjames4743]

Amazing summery. Thank you

[@LethalMartialArtist]

I think the ending was beautiful! It didn’t need a big final battle. The dialogue and writing was powerful enough to finalise things.

[@cappybenton]

Wunderbar - Your episode recaps we’re fantastic. They really helped me understand and gave me a greater appreciation of the series.

[@jjmanic8783]

Great Video! Your VO is a little low frequency heavy. Please pull down about -6dB out at 160hz with an EQ plugin. Currently it is very difficult to understand what your're saying

[@candacedonald4087]

Great show.. and to think I almost didn’t watch it. Glad i gave it a shot!

[@eb8827]

I also think that in the dialogue with Yabushige we realise that Toranaga is not necessarily the "good guy". He wanted to become shogun and sacrificed his people for it. To his son he said: "You are playing a game of friends and enemies, when you have only yourself in this life."

[@TheLshyne]

Great breakdown Pete. I also appreciate the insight you brought having read the book. Are you planning to do a new video now that we’re getting two more seasons?

[@mezina92]

Yes! I waited for your video on this! I love your summaries.

[@marycecol7173]

Amazing summary of each episode. Thank you so very much.

[@Kmkmkmkm0010]

What a detailed explanation! I liked Mariko how changed the translation especially from Anjin to Toranaga. Without her, their relationship will be destroyed by misunderstanding!

[@drewsmyser7213]

The moment the two men share before Yabu dies was beautiful. Seemed like Yabu himself saw the irony in all the work/time he spent playing both sides to attempt to save himself from what he thought was the sinking ship Toranaga clan, only to learn that he was jumping onto Ishido's actual sinking ship. When he finally gets his just reward and stabs himself, it is as if for a brief moment his sins were completely absolved and his last moments alive he feels almost proud. He is acknowledging Toranaga's great brilliance and cunning, recognizing his victory, and feeling honor that his lord won despite the odds (and OH YEAH his own working against him)... all encapsulated within and communicated through that cheeky little Yabu smirk he gives Toranaga.

[@KarateLars]

Good explanation.I particularly like the historical background included in the explanation. Thank you.

[@ghostsdragon9222]

The smile at Yabushige got me really thinking. Was Yabushige correct in thinking that this was all to get Toranaga to become shogun and was that smile just confirming it

[@Joy_Dabih]

I burst into tears when they looked over at the empty space. 💔