Why SHOGUN Has The PERFECT Ending

I review, breakdown and explain Shogun. I discuss the ending of the FX show and why it was perfect. I react to the ending with Toranaga becoming Shogun, John Blackthorne's dream and if he stayed in Japan, Yabushige's death, Ishido losing the battle of Sekigahara and what happened after the end. I also compare it to the 80's mini series, James Clavell's novel and the real events in history with William Addams and Ieyasu Tokugawa. I also give my theories and predictions on if there will be a season 2 or a prequel.
00:00 Intro
00:50 The Emotion That Was Present
04:03 Yabushige's Demise
06:52 The Lack Of A Battle
09:16 The Ambiguous Conclusion
11:09 Outro
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Music: Emmit Fenn - Allegro
#Shogun #ShogunEpisode10 #ShogunFX #ShogunEpisode10Review #ShogunEpisode10Explained #ShogunFinale

[@BrainPilot]

Do you think Shogun has the perfect ending? I know there were hopes for a battle but I feel the decision to not include it allowed the core of the show to shine. Let me know your thoughts below!

[@Chewy427]

No battle and no future. Ending so shit it made a shitty series shittier. I wouldn't even call it an ending, nothing ended. There's still a looming battle and loads of unresolved forces. Character development is garbage, people don't change. Show me setting development. Political change, technological change.

[@586bomin]

​​@@Chewy427The ending ( as I mentioned) is anticlimactic because it's meant to. As Torunaga wanted to win the least of bloodshed spilled ,the series end without seeing a full on battle. It's as if his plan was not only within the story but breaking the 4th wall for the series and even though we don't see full on battle , we still care for those who died to accomplish the goal as if we are left with the sense we lost dear friends , as the casualties were minimal but heartfelt ( we were meant to lament because in war any loss is regrettable) .Torunaga sacrificed his closest allies for the well of the realm and as Blackthorne was just another chess piece, but becomes the one who was spare after being the one with most likelihood to NOT survive. He's transformed, he never makes it " home" because he's home. The battle of Sakigahara was never the end goal, we just need it to see what leads, not to the battle, but what Torunaga did to spill the least amount of blood and why and how Torunaga was to become Shogun. footnote: Oshiba's son might be Torunaga's

[@Filumgaming]

@@Chewy427 tv shows this good are wasted on people like you lmao. go watch some big bang theory

[@IamMarian]

No, I think it was terrible, boring and rushed.

[@Neotidus]

I can’t say I was thrilled about brief clips about how everything turns out

[@mintybadger6905]

I’m so glad they blew their budget on costumes and getting everything looking perfect instead of a CGI battle with no emotional payoff.

[@darbyohara]

Exactly. Very poor writing or just lazy. How you gonna have a 3 act structure with no climax?

[@alexlyster3459]

​@@darbyoharaIt DID have a climax. Episode 9. Marikos confronting of Ishido in Osaka.

[@lucasballestin9085]

this

[@annfryer4048]

This is not a war series. It’s about what happened behind the scenes - the people, church, trade, different cultures that lead to the war.

[@pencilswordfish]

Even the finale episode says this outright, when Toranaga tells Yabushige 'don't you get it, Crimson Sky already happened', aka the big battle already happened in the penultimate episode when Toranaga dropped a Mariko sized nuke on Ishido.

[@briengakaplan-b1550]

"You should be the last one to hold her." Ugh this damn series 😭😭😭

[@BrainPilot]

So emotional!

[@hrhqueene]

That callback to Episode 1 😭😭😭

[@rajifusama]

Everyone was looking forward to Crimson sky when Crimson sky is just Mariko all along..its brilliant

[@BrainPilot]

Incredible. Even we were deceived by Toranaga which makes it even better.

[@briengakaplan-b1550]

The poetry was mightier than the sword.

[@franug]

and Mariko knew it all along; in the first scenes with Blackthorne she says that Toranaga had gave her a mission, a new purpose in life; I think even back then they were planning it

[@MusicProducerrr]

Got the same idea while watching!

[@dirtbarton2174]

Yes. “It would have meant certain death. So I sent a woman to do what an army never could.”

[@QuoteBlink]

"Flowers are only flowers because they fall"

[@evansonhakeem]

An absolute masterpiece that leaves you wanting more.

[@furryfury.]

Thankfully, the wind. At first I didn’t understand this but I think it means, the wind will bring the seeds developed from the flowers somewhere else to grow into becoming a great tree. The wind here was Toranaga.

[@joecool2759]

Nah F that….F that…you all shut your mouths. Good ending my behind, your telling me just showing Toranaga and Ishido looking at each other on the battlefield and not fighting only to be replaced by exposition of what happened and Lady Ochiba’s withdrawal from Ishido is a good ending my behind. You’re telling me that not showing Toranga’s heralding to be shogun is a good ending…my behind. Your telling me not showing John leading the cannon/ship regiments into battle getting his justice for Mariko is a good ending…my behind. Your telling me not showing John get married and have children and grow old with his family being buried and having a grave/monument in his name in modern day Yokosuka Japan just like the man he was based off in Japanese History (William Adam’s) is a good ending….my behind. FX’s (Disney) script… F that. They dropped the ball on another great show’s ending just like Legion…..F them!!!!!!! 🤣🤣🤣

[@QuoteBlink]

@@joecool2759 We don't speak Yapanese!

[@dstarling61]

I bet you struggled with poetry in school.

[@cbojorquez]

Shogun's finale is subtle and refined like the Japanese culture itself. No over-explanations, no unnecessary battle scenes. Everything was already said and it was pretty clear that Toranaga outsmarted everyone else and that he was to become the Shogun. My favorite line, which defines Lord Toranaga as an incredible strategist, is: I don't control the wind. I only study it.

[@davidalger5625]

No, it was just written with enough space for their to be a sequel or not. The ending of the original series was better.

[@cbojorquez]

@@davidalger5625 the showrunners announced that there will be no sequel.

[@mohdrosley9909]

Hope another novel by James Clavell such as King Rat or Tai-Pan will get adaptation

[@davidalger5625]

@@cbojorquez "I think if we had a story, if we could find a story, we would be open to it. But I don’t think that anyone ever wants to be out over their skis without a roadmap and everything. And it’s also just about, do people want more of it?”

[@AliAiham]

… Japanese culture in the sengoku period right?? 😂😂

[@gonaye1]

The most beautiful part of the finale for me was how many people were affected by Mariko’s death, either by regretting it (Ishido, the Regents, Yabusige), remembering her poetry (Lady Ochiba, Toranaga) remembering her words (Blackthorne, Fuji), or honoring her wishes (Toranaga, the Monk Alvito). Toranaga’s vision (and four-dimensional chess game) was finally realized, but the show never forgot that Mariko was the true heart of the story, transforming everyone by her life and by her death, and destroying Toranaga’s enemies in a way an army never could. She was such an unforgettable character in a such a wonderful show. Thank you, Mariko-dono. You are the beautiful flower that finally fell, but, thankfully, you have been carried by the wind for all of the world to see and cherish, and you will never be forgotten. 🌸🌺🌸

[@briengakaplan-b1550]

RIP Crimson Sky aka Toda Mariko

[@milosmilosmilos]

A strong female character done right.

[@annfryer4048]

The ENTIRE Series … MASTERPIECE!! What I REALLY appreciated… the male characters showing sorrow and crying. Use to seeing Japanese men stern, cold, emotionless, hard to get a read on. This series allowed them to be human and relatable! This did the Japanese people a service! IMO. ❤️❤️

[@ZaimGamePlay]

" Why send an army, when I send the only woman capable of an army " - toranaga sama

[@khusidas31]

Wow what poetry

[@mirandansa]

John and Fuji on the boat... their platonic union, sharing their farewell to the people they loved, in the silence on their feelings for each other. Such a beautiful scene.

[@ronnieguimond8357]

I just adore Fuji. Just an innocent soul. Doing her duty as consort and eventually growing to trust Blackthorne to release her husband and son's ashes into the sea. When she told Blackthorne to let his hands be the last to touch Mariko's cross, I felt the touching emotion of that moment.

[@user-sh8em7ue3z]

As a Japanese, I am grateful to this drama for introducing the feudal era of Japan to people around the world today. In historical fact, after the Battle of Sekigahara, peace prevailed in Japan for a while. However, it was a difficult time for Japanese Catholics. I recommend the movie "Silence" for its depiction of that time.

[@aceplatini859]

The show has great costumes, sets and actors, sadly the story has a ton of set up and zero payoff. I don’t recommend Shogun as you’ll leave feeling dissatisfied.

[@greenacres9287]

“Silence” is a very powerful film!

[@TurboMoist]

@@aceplatini859L take.

[@petergianakopoulos4926]

I've been to Japan I know about the feudal area. I know samurai swords can cut through 3 people tops.

[@Avis0123]

​@@aceplatini859 Not every story has to end in a battle sequence. The actual climax was episode 9 and episode 10 was about everything that happened after. It was emotional and beautiful. I don't know what kind of standards you have if that wasn't a payoff for you

[@dstarling61]

This story was never about battles, at least not military ones, it was a story of characters and boy did it deliver. Showing the Battle of Sekigahara would have added nothing to the story. And as Toranaga pointed out, the outcome was inevitable and history proved him right.

[@annfryer4048]

EXACTLY!!

[@sharebear421]

It would have added a lot actually, the decisive ending. With the costumes and set pieces it could’ve been spectacular

[@jmgonzales7701]

yes it was a political thriller

[@thedingleberrybush6076]

@@sharebear421I think they were also held back by covid bungling on site shooting as the best we would’ve gotten for a battle would’ve been all cgi. I think it was wise they opted out of that as it would’ve devalued the shows point and message.

[@grahamhill676]

What do you mean it would've added nothing? We would've actually seen Blackthorne do what he was meant to do. We would've seen the climax for the ENTIRE lead up of the series. The series is called SHOGUN, and doesn't feature a shogun. It doesn't even feature progress towards shogun because the only change is that Toranaga gets one ally. That's it.

[@peterlovett5841]

It was brilliant. A prequel or sequel would detract from that brilliance. Let the series stand as a guide to what producers need to do in the future.

[@BrainPilot]

That's totally fair!

[@ElSa-fu8bi]

agreed! hands off! stop considering to tinker with perfection....

[@jmgonzales7701]

how about adapt other james clavell books,

[@ronin8x]

"Victorious warriors win first and then go to war, while defeated warriors go to war first and then seek to win." Sun Tzu It was the right ending 🏆

[@keesvandenbroek331]

Maybe a small reminder to Putin?

[@craniusdominus8234]

Yup, this was exactly what came to mind when I first read Shogun some two decades ago...

[@reanukeeves3692]

Genghis khan begs to differ.. Guy just command and conquer

[@McLarenMercedes]

​@@keesvandenbroek331How do you know you got the win first and then go to war side right? It's not over yet and we shall see how this plays out. I highly doubt you have the slightest idea how that conflict began, its roots and what's at stake for who. Let's say that one side foolishly believed they would be actively helped and now have reduced themselves to cannonfodder for people who until yesterday didn't care one iota about them. It's called hypocrisy and you'll find that one more sides than that of the "enemy". Vietnam and Afghanistan proves that things don't always work out the way some assume it will. I'll tell you another historical fact: most leaders try to stall a war as long as possible by consolidating their position first, allocating resources well in advance and bargaining/bartering by coming to terms or putting their foot down. I'll tell you one thing: as despicable as Putin is he's no fool. Underestimating your opponent is the hallmark of a fool. What you wish to see is not strategic thinking.

[@badrequest5596]

that quote also reminds me of accounts on musashi's last duel with sasaki kojiro by the beach. he managed to get kojiro enraged and unfocused by simply arriving 3 hours late and still moving with no rush. kojiro was enraged by the insult that he threw away his scabbard to ground as unsheating his sword. to musashi this meant kojiro had already lost, since throwing away his scabbard implied he would not need it and did not mean to sheath his weapon again, meaning he doubted he would survive the encounter. which he did not edit: kojiro was also known for using a nodachi, which is a much longer version of the standard katana, while musashi used a normal sized katana. because of the reach difference, musashi did not use his katana and instead carved a longer wooden sword out of a boat oar to match his opponents blade size and reach

[@pretty-white-lamb]

They went for the poignant and poetic end rather than the heroic and spectacular, consistent with the way the story was told up to that point. I actually loved the way Ishido's downfall was depicted as a manifestation of Toranaga's grand vision: just looking at the war correspondence and knowing he lost before the battle even began.

[@wiewat231]

Typing did lots of correspondence too

[@joecool2759]

Nah F that….F that…you all shut your mouths. Good ending my behind, your telling me just showing Toranaga and Ishido looking at each other on the battlefield and not fighting only to be replaced by exposition of what happened and Lady Ochiba’s withdrawal from Ishido is a good ending my behind. You’re telling me that not showing Toranga’s heralding to be shogun is a good ending…my behind. Your telling me not showing John leading the cannon/ship regiments into battle getting his justice for Mariko is a good ending…my behind. Your telling me not showing John get married and have children and grow old with his family being buried and having a grave/monument in his name in modern day Yokosuka Japan just like the man he was based off in Japanese History (William Adam’s) is a good ending….my behind. FX’s (Disney) script… F that. They dropped the ball on another great show’s ending just like Legion…..F them!!!!!!! 🤣🤣🤣

[@ElZilchoYo]

@@joecool2759 You missed the whole point of the show then, if you want an action sequence go play Shogun Total War.

[@rupitusman]

​@@joecool2759you type like blackthorne ranting to toronaga and mariko just translating it to: "the anjin disagrees with the ending"

[@joecool2759]

@@rupitusman lol yea

[@mej6519]

I wanted fuji to stay with blackthorne.

[@alexlyster3459]

That was never going to be her plan. But I think her decision to become a nun is a sign of her friendship. When she was first assigned to be his consort, she did so under the condition she could kill herself to be with her family afterwards. But she instead decides to keep on living, in large part due to the peace her time with Anjin and Mariko brought her.

[@ZaimGamePlay]

Think yes... In the end... Fuji became a nun... Cause in Japan fueral era was when you set your mind you set it there's no going back.... Fate shukumei

[@CorePathway]

Part of me too…but that would be too “Hollywood” and we loved this show because it doesn’t pull punches.

[@ed8018]

Fuji was badass.

[@davidalger5625]

That is their plan for the sequel. They set they up by releasing the hold her child and husband had on her. They should do like Halloween. Shogun 2, 3, 4... 35.

[@presipa232]

It was the perfect ending because we got to see a glimpse of Toranaga's mind which was the most interesting aspect of the show. It was not about the battlefield. Also the ambiguity of his character was on point in terms of historical accuracy and overall storytelling.

[@BrainPilot]

Exactly! His mind was so interesting to follow!

[@itsmederek1]

He never existed so how can his character be historically accurate?

[@mygbt]

The ending evoked memories of how the women of Shogun were instrumental in shaping the climax. Mariko, Ochiba, Fuji, Kiri, Kiku, Iyo; special shout out to Yabu.

[@Moshington]

Underrated comment 😅

[@RainyNightGaming88]

Im a grown ass oldschool man and I almost teared up watching Blackthorne reaction after Mariko's death. This is what good TV looks like. Incredible production.

[@ElSa-fu8bi]

I agree. Even I cried for Mariko. I love the un-wokeness of this show. The women are just as strong as the men without being some man eating "strong" woman....

[@scratchy996]

I saw the original show as a kid and Mariko's death shocked me. I didn't understand back then why she made her choice. This time I knew what to expect, but it still felt like a punch in the gut. As a grown man, having experienced many things, including forbidden love, their relationship felt so raw and real, heartbreaking and refreshing at the same time.

[@Lemon0Tart]

The score in Shogun was just perfect. Upon re-watching I noticed that the music in the scene of Mariko's and John's last night together before her death was the same played during his last goodbye in the boat with Fuji. What a beautiful series Shogun was.

[@evansonhakeem]

20 years ago I'd heard about an amazing TV show produced in the 1980's called Shogun. The production took great care of bringing Japanese culture to life. I then began reading all of James Clavell's works. From the multi-hundred page sailing adventures to the meticulous thoughts of hearing every villagers thoughts as events were unfolding. The new series is everything just as good as the original TV production and brings a level of quality that fully modernizes a setting from the 1600's. I got to relive my fond memories of Blackthorne and Mariko. There was sort of fond sadness seeing this show draw to a conclusion. Emotions are displayed in subtle manners which left capacity for my own thoughts and feelings. I remembered how much these works meant to me 20 years ago and I'm lucky to feel the appreciation I have now.

[@josephfarrugia2350]

Gratitude for sharing your beautiful thoughts & your appreciation for your literary journey over the years. The way you described is in itself so poetically nostalgic, which makes your piece so inspiring too. Well done, & a wave from tiny little Malta (Europe).

[@johnf6861]

One of the best shows I've ever seen. The ending was such an emotional journey and just perfectly in tune with the overall feeling and motif of all 10 episodes. The acting by not only the 3 main characters, but also ALL of the supporting characters (Fuji and Yabu have a special place in my heart) was at the pinnacle of the profession. Cinematography, costume design, writing. Such an epic undertaking to make this quality of a show. I am blown away by this series.

[@darklonewolf4519]

It's awesome to see series like this and I wish we could see this type of quality TV more often these days, instead of the garbage fast food most shows are just offering to the audience. Shogun was definitely worth it and I appreciate it in all its glory !

[@THEGAMESEEKERS]

you know why it was perfect? Toranaga: Any last words? Yabushige: 🤪hehehe 👏😂that's why.

[@georgecain123]

Mariko’s death was heart breaking….so final episode was just sadness with her being gone. Episode felt empty without her presence….she really was the focal point of the show; and the affection between her and blackthorne. Sort of a Japanese‘Romeo and Juliet’ tragedy. It seems even in old age, blackthorne’s heart still belonged to ‘Mariko. He thought of her dying in his arms on his deathbed while clutching a cross. It was a love story vs Mariko’s duty to Japan.

[@dw4101]

They were smart not to kill her before getting almost to the end of the series

[@bastet8840]

I ugly cried all the way to the end. The funeral was a massive public display of the respect the people had for her, and that was huge. All the families stood together for the final goodbye. Thank you Mariko-sama ❤😭

[@dbrooke3629]

Oh man I cried so much in this episode too.

[@lewesc]

Shogun felt more like the HBO mini series of old than current TV series. It's kind of nice knowing there is no season 2.

[@CorePathway]

“Hey, we have a hit! Let’s drag this out for 5 more seasons no matter how ridiculous we have to make the plot”

[@leebarbs7176]

That S4 Ghost Yabu arc certainly got a bit weird...

[@davidalger5625]

Um, it is Hollywood - money always wins. It will be rushed, but it will arrive. Perhaps that is the real Crimson Sky.

[@briandavion]

@@davidalger5625 no there won't be a season 2. if anything Clavells other asian saga books will happen

[@guidoferrari5415]

@@leebarbs7176 Man I kinda want yabu one kenobi ghost around in season 6

[@johnl4933]

The color palette was absolutely beautiful in this show compared to the 80's series. Very earthy tones and none of the bright colored kimonos. A very strong cast of characters well-acted. I think Asano Tadanobu may have made a name for himself with western film makers. Hope to see more of him.

[@briandavion]

to be fair bright coloured Kimonos was proably more realistic, we tend to with our historical drama's these days go with dark earth tones when really they tended to wear fairly bright colours

[@therecalcitrantseditionist3613]

Of any thing i can criticize "modern audiences" for, it's their inability to tolerate a historical color palate in a historical drama. This show even with thr dark tones was ok. Not nearly as bad as medieval European depictions where everything is black/brown/grey leather

[@briandavion]

@@therecalcitrantseditionist3613 I recall an old calvin and hobbes comic where Calvin's dad tells Calvin that the world was black and white, not film and photos. Sometimes I wonder if people really tink that

[@samuraijackoff5354]

I still wish they went for the Kurosawa style of coloring. Bright colors and skies, then the dark contrast of smoke, gunfire, bright fires and bright red blood.

[@scratchy996]

The 80s show looked more realistic. The Jesuit priests actually wore orange, to look like the Buddhist priests. It's a modern Hollywood trope to have earthy colors in medieval/renaissance shows, a time when people wore very colorful clothes.

[@munkongwoo751]

I totally agree, it is the most perfect and poetic ending for any series I have ever seen! I loved it. I love the part when Lord Toronaga released the hawk to the skies and retorted, “may you have many daughters” l realised that Mariko was like a daughter to him and his loss was deeply felt too!

[@flameout12345]

The scene of old blackthorn was what he was afraid of and not real. First of all, he dropped Mariko’s cross into the sea, secondly, there was a brief flashback of his old self when he confronted Toronaga sensing going further with the protest will cost his life and the dreadful death to old age scene disappears.

[@bachiistsho2940]

Good point!

[@dbrooke3629]

I didn't get that it was something he was afraid of, but that it was a future he had been moving towards: he'd return to England on Erasmus, return to his wife and kids, hold onto and treasure his experience in Japan (and Mariko-sama), and die an old man, but he would be a man who regretted leaving Japan and still held onto the memory of Mariko-sama. By attempting to take his own life he ends that future, realizing that was a future he didn't want anymore. I would go so far as to say Toranaga-sama would not need to burn down Blackthorne's ships indefinitely as he already, in his heart, does not want to leave.

[@flameout12345]

@@dbrooke3629 remember when he describe the horizon to Mariko when they vist met? That's what I got out of it.

[@rickraw100]

The battle of Sekigahara where lord Tokugawa Ieyasu was out numbered 75,000 warriors to 120,000 and still won the war to become SHOGUN.

[@ZaimGamePlay]

Make it a movie instead since we all seen the forseeing from toranaga sama. It was a chef kiss when he told yabu about it...

[@nont18411]

@@ZaimGamePlay There’s already a movie in 2017 named “Sekigahara”

[@ngyeok7511]

​@@ZaimGamePlay8

[@Barlofontain]

Don't forget the part where a large portion of the 120,000 switch sides

[@BKLYN_TZU]

I was privileged enough to see both versions of Shogun as a kid in 1980 and now as an adult they did a wonderful job in this retelling of this story I hope they turn the next book Tai-Pan into a mini series

[@bjdaniels4228]

That would be awesome! And re-do Noble House as well!

[@BKLYN_TZU]

@@bjdaniels4228 that's the truth there's so much material from the Asia books series they could create new shows for the next few years

[@BlockBlender]

Man this show really hit me in the inside.

[@BrainPilot]

It was such a powerful one!

[@jackyhuang8408]

"Why tell a dead man the future?" Most memorable line for me

[@nagarajanramamurthi3429]

To wind up a series based on a book which is so full of events and people is not easy. The last episode really nailed it. For me Toranaga was the main person who orchestrated the events and was simply brilliant .

[@r.n.321]

Alittle disappointed of not having a battle, none the less, this series was truly amazing.. one of the best out there. the perfection that the actors and cast did for this was totally appreciated by many fans

[@safuwanfauzi5014]

no ishido fled and capture, be punish, no show blackthorne rebuild ship just like in 80s.

[@Hadrian117]

I'd say this series was more of a drama & thriller-esque rather than an epic (with all the spying and manipulation). Having a big grand battle at the end actually feels forced and unbefitting the series in my opinion

[@maxmustermann-zx9yq]

@@Hadrian117 look up the real history, that battle had so many plot twists, it would have totally fit

[@teutonicAnon]

There is no battle in the book

[@TurboMoist]

@@maxmustermann-zx9yq The Battle of Sekigahara has no resemblance to the show. Completely different people and motives, only thing in common is the betrayal.

[@caroleappling2007]

Just to see Toranago standing there at the end..and then to have the title Shogun, be the final shot 🤌🏽 It made me cry. 10 across the board, this series is a masterpiece ❤️

[@aceplatini859]

The dude was said to be a trickster and wise but by the end he was portrayed as a chancer and a coward. Whether intentional or not, these are not good qualities for the author/showrunners to impart.

[@JackMeoff46]

Toranago

[@klaede9666]

​@@aceplatini859 Those were Yabushige's words and he was a simpleton. Toranaga was a very complex and subtle man and we could never truly gaze into his mind.

[@theprofessor451]

​​@@aceplatini859 the real character on which toranaga is based on became shogun and gave Japan nearly 250 years of peace. That's the kind of man he was. So stop your BS about him being a coward or anything, he faught in 90 battles in his lifetime. He was what Japan needed and he was best at it.

[@RealHumanBean4U]

I just wish we could have had text of the epilogue from the book (which is like one paragraph long). The shock of not having the battle and instead getting a textbook "this many people died and Ishido suffered" was great.

[@1chrisford]

For some reason, the scene with Fuji and John Blackthorne honoring and letting go the people they cherished the most was my favorite. Fuji, played so well by Japanese actress Moeka Hoshi, was so good at showing a wonderful young woman who had suffered cruel, unbearable terrible tragedy and shaming. Fuji was an emotional center for both John and Lady Mariko. A loyal woman of high birth, education, bravery and we find - kindness. So happy the script had John Blackthorne doing her a great kindness in turn, the respect both had developed for one another as they gave eternal life in spirit, at least, in the burial at sea. That was the most perfect part of that perfect ending. The overarching theme of East meets West and a stranger in a strange land learning to try and grasp the mores and ways of the culture. To connect. And the boat trip of Fuji and John showed victory - how with work, very different people from very different cultures could have each others backs and build a strong relationship. Far better that than a CGI battle.

[@swhitebull]

And it shows that the human condition surpasses all cultures and barriers - I believe that in the end, Blackthrone and Fuji came to love each other in a different way than Blackthorne and Mariko had loved, but love nonetheless. It built on respect each earned with each other (the first inkling of this was when Fuji was injured in the fire and earthquake, and watched Blackthorne resurrect the garden stone) and then comsummated with the grief that each had endured.

[@boxtears]

This show rewarded viewers who paid attention throughout and disappointed those who spent most of their time on their phones. I'm glad it didn't go for the easy crowd-pleaser of a massive cgi battle, which would've been a betrayal of everything this show had been about while insulting the viewers who had been watching diligently throughout.

[@josephfarrugia2350]

Well stated. A battle scene or scenes would have been so out of place in this series that it would have ruined the whole experience. The final interaction between Yabushige & Toranaga is priceless, as is the final interaction of Blackthorne & lady Fuji.

[@milosmilosmilos]

People upset that a show about chess didn't end with rocket launchers.

[@ZaimGamePlay]

The series is a love letter to me... The amazing acting, setting, deception. Mind blown 3 heart. It's amazing.

[@raywheeler6822]

Wrong....

[@squirlmy]

"Betrayal"?!?!? It would certainly be different, but I don't think it would be a betrayel. The 1980 series had a bit of battle at the end I believe, and wasn't bad at all.

[@tiagomendesvisscher9030]

It is a perfect show and Since there is no season 2…. “Flowers are only flowers because they fall.” A perfect show is just a perfect show because it has an ending. It’s good not to milk things out that should end

[@christophergallagher3721]

6:20 - Toranaga repeats the exact words in such a way that he reveals to Yabu that he knew all about his betrayals from the very start (whether from Omi or another informant), which at least can provide some palliative consideration for Yabu that his dithering wasn't in vain. He may have failed himself, but he still proved useful to someone else.

[@ICU1337]

Thank you for all of these breakdowns 🙏🏽 All of them were great and this was such a great show. Now that its done I can go watch those deep dive spoiler vids you have for the real life characters 😉

[@BrainPilot]

Glad you enjoyed! And haha, hope you enjoy them!

[@dirtbarton2174]

I can’t believe this show was so good. I was thinking season 2. nope. This is the first time I’ve heard about this story. It was beautiful.

[@dw4101]

Exactly. It is perfect without a second season. They have concluded the story beautifully

[@benjaminngopwaamos6878]

I think Yabushige's fear of death was further enabled by the curiosity that led him to boil one of John's men in the first episode. He was obsessed with understanding what a man's final moments felt like and he came to the conclusion that it meant nothing profound. I think it makes him an interesting character imo. It's also kinda funny how Yabushige arrived Ajiro as it's lord in the first episode, but arrived as a prisoner in the final episode.

[@franug]

I was thinking about this today; this has catapulted into one of the better TV shows I've ever seen, up there with Mad Men (for me). The sole fact that it's one season instead of trying to elongate the story into more just for commercial reasons made it better, even if it's a bit sad. The character development (especially John) was top-notch, the production level was insane, the acting amazing, the subtlety of the story much appreciated...I've been recommending it to everyone!

[@ashleywetherall]

I loved the semi main character of Fuji. Moeka Hoshi was so subtle in her characterisation. It was not only a perfect show. it was also a great complementary piece to the original 1980 miniseries as by watching both we get distinct opposing views of the story. The 1980 was a western, where the 2024 took mostly the Japanese perspective.

[@max_coast]

It's not what I had hoped for, but upon the 2nd viewing I'm a fan. The whole series could be called 'slow', but it never felt too slow for me. The insight and revelations each episode delivered were so solid. This ending revealed the true insight of Toranaga and in such a way made the title of Shogun so much more than a winner of battles. I applaud the series for doing its thing and doing it well. It was great.

[@sgtlamancha805]

Absolutely stunning front to back. Going to spend the weekend binging it to see everything I missed the first time. Can’t wait.

[@jeffdege4786]

In an odd sense, the classic Samurai Trilogy is a sequel to Shogun. Shogun ends with the march to Sekigahara. The trilogy begins with Musashi awakening after the battle.

[@NDWinnerIs]

Mitamoto Mushashi?

[@steak5599]

@@NDWinnerIs I thought he was a Fictional Character, along with Sasaki Kojiro and their Duel on the beach. Or was it those Characters did exist, but their Story was a Fiction.

[@Barlofontain]

@@steak5599 Neither the people, nor the duel are fictional

[@Barlofontain]

I love those films, (Miyamoto Musashi played by the legendary Toshiro Mifune, who of course was Toranaga in the original Shogun TV adaptation) One thing I always found amusing about Musashi is that despite being undefeated in duels, he was often on the losing side of battles, including two against Tokugawa Ieyasu (the real Yoshi Toranaga)

[@jeffdege4786]

@@steak5599 Musashi Miyamoto was real, the duels really happened, and most of the details were fiction, from the novel "Musashi" written by Eiji Yoshikawa in the 1930s. Musashi became a famous artist and author, his "Go Rin No Sho (The Book of Five Rings)" is still in print.

[@Ayoo_Sabb]

Like this if you got emotional when John said “No Translator” to Fuji 🥲

[@BrainPilot]

The slow turn of the head as well!

[@kurremkarmerruk8718]

I feel like Yabu isn't getting his props, but I guess he was written that way throughout the series. If I remember, in the book he goes out perfectly -- three slits to the belly (probably impossible in real life) without a sound, then decapitation, with everyone watching. The unhesitating seppuku was a nod to that in the show, and Toranaga's smile was a kind of acknowledgement of how well he died, I thought. I also vaguely remember that he planned on scheming his way through his next life to get revenge on Toranaga . . . Fun character. He was outclassed by Toranaga, just like everyone else, and was a competent schemer, but couldn't quite see the end game. But Toranaga did need him in Osaka for crimson sky to work. If the whisperer of assassins wasn't there, Ishido may not have killed Mariko so dishonestly, may not have even thought of it; if Yabu didn't die disgraced, Toranaga would have had to find another way to secure his troops; if Yabu hadn't been scheming with Ishido, Toranaga may not have looked weak enough, and Ishido desperate enough. He was there as the wild card, the disruptor and sower of chaos and dishonour, exactly what Toronaga needed him to be. So let's put some flowers on Yabushige.

[@davidnewell3717]

Agree 100% Even you brief inclusion of Fuji holding John’s hands before letting the cross fall into the water almost had me in tears again. A beautiful and emotionally resonant conclusion.

[@BrainPilot]

So many moments in that final episode we're just so powerful!

[@MarlenePetrella]

For 12 hours in September of 1980, I was immersed in seventeenth century Japan and infatuated with a more mature and resourceful Dr. Kildare. Unable to let it go, I plunged into the 1000+ pages of Clavell's book. So in 2024, when I saw the trailer for this new miniseries, I was delighted. Then, as I watched each episode, I realized I had to erase the past if I was going to embrace the beauty of this version. I found it difficult to watch Blackthorn walk--a sort of lumbering next to the silken gate of Mariko and Fuji or Martin Alvito. And he never seems to get ahead of the intrigue. He is always a step behind. For me, Blackthorn was the star and in this version he was not. So, I cleared my mind, drank some tea, and rewatched the episodes. Their beauty is exquisite. Their subtle movements and glances matchless. By the last episode, it is clear Mariko is the main character. Her physical absence is palpable and this perfect ending makes us feel the pain each character feels remembering her. One thing I did miss that I was hoping would be included from the book--the pillowing discussion where Blackthorn gets very angry about them offering him a boy. When the guard suggests that he might want a duck, they hesitate to ask and he says they could just get a duck and let it walk around the room and let the Anjin use it if he wished. Hilarious! I would have loved to see that.

[@MusicProducerrr]

The battle Shogun had been building on was Mariko's battle all along..

[@artlindauer598]

Maybe if you never read the book or saw the original series, the ending wasn't bad. However, the 1980 series ending was much better and showed the cremation of Mariko-san. That was sadly missing. Somethings are better in the new and some are better in the old. Do yourself a favor, see both and read the book.

[@ghostraptor2068]

Mr brain pilot take this ❤, loved your breakdown videos for shōgun

[@BrainPilot]

Thanks a lot! Glad you enjoyed the videos

[@robertsvoboda3508]

It is a complete story, no need to fabricate a second season or a prequel. Great video, keep up the good work! 🙏🙌

[@BrainPilot]

Thanks!

[@wandab3843]

Toranaga relied on Ochiba's deep respect for Mariko. I still didn't believe she would flip sides like that especially after what she said about Toranaga. I wonder why they stayed away from the paternity of the heir?

[@nont18411]

They didn’t have enough time and ran out of budget. The show should have been 13 or 16 episodes to cover all the plotlines in the book.

[@alexc8209]

Ochiba was the biggest loser in the story. She loses everything by backing Toranaga but I guess it was her love of Mariko that made her do it. I cant blame her because I fell in love with Mariko too!

[@steak5599]

@@alexc8209 Did she lost everything though? Mariko said she did what she did was just because she is scare of Toranaga. She was Power Hungry. She don't want to be forced to Married to Ishido either. Once she understand Toranaga is not going to kill her and she is safe, she didn't lose anything by switching side.

[@briandavion]

@@steak5599 thing is, historicly, Towagawa DID end up killing the Heir and his mother he kind of had to if he didn't want his own children to have a powerful dangerous rival

[@steak5599]

@@briandavion but that was years later and the Heir got arrogant and made claim to the "throne" though. Had he not challenged Tokugawa, he would have lived peacefully. Besides, I don't think they are even Royalty, I thought Japan always had the tradition of whoever dominated the battlefield gets to be Shogun, bloodlines don't matter. The Emperor and Royal family are completely different thing and have no power during that period.

[@SDarklighter]

Good time watching, been so long yet so short

[@craigcarlson4022]

Very well described and summed up. They did a brilliant job with conveying the characters’ emotions and arc.

[@The.ModernMan]

I was initially disappointed with the ending, but it was mostly out of expectation of an epic battle and seeing complete resolution with characters like Ishido/Saeki. Upon reflection, I realized it was a perfect ending. A huge battle would have been out of place with how the entire show was and I love the end scene with Yabu where it feels like Toranaga is talking to us. It really left me with a holy shit feeling and made me reflect on all of his actions throughout the show. Like this dude wanted power the entire time and the council was right to want him gone. Maybe they could have managed everything with 12 episodes, but for a 10 episode series with the pacing they had, they nailed the finale.

[@jenkins5265]

Yah exactly! We begin with thinking Ochiba is a villain, but by the end, I totally understand why she’s so wary of him. He was the true villain all along!

[@The.ModernMan]

Haha, oh man did she goof big time. He will be the end of her and her son.@@jenkins5265

[@dennisobrien2578]

Thank you BrainAnjinsan.

[@esanjuan212]

Perfect yes! Thank you for this

[@BrainPilot]

Glad you like it!

[@tovpp7]

I think in all the praise I see and all the discussion on the show, Omi’s journey/development is going under appreciated. I like the subtlety of it all. It’s no drastic change like, Blackthorne or Ochiba or Mariko. But that’s why I appreciate it sm.

[@lekebbles1392]

The whole point was it all ended with a whimper and the wind blowing. Instead of thousands dying in a mad dash to had a hail Mary attempt A single person gave their life as they always wanted. To prevent all that desperate slaughter A battle would be fought But it was a battle that was already won If you were upset that the battle was not shown, you were fooled by the future shogun as well All his enemies wanted the battle..as they would win The Lord that won, won it before the armies ever marched Much like THE ART OF WAR preaches The show leaves us behind...almost like we ourselves, out lived our usefulness to the future Shogun..and so are told only what we needed to know. And are left behind. A clever little trick

[@clumsyturtle8544]

It is one of those shows you finish and you can't stop thinking about days later. It was really well done.

[@BrainPilot]

Yeah it really is!

[@gkx4x]

I thought that Fuji and the Anjin suddenly being such good friends was a bit weird, ofc in universe they spent months together but Fuji just got so little screentime after episode 4 that i didnt really feel like they buld that friendship. Fuji deserved more than a scene every 2-3 episodes, epspecially after they kind of teased a deeper relationship between the anjin and Fuji with that hand gesture after the earthquake. I gotta saythat Mariko and the Anjin also needed more direct romantic moments, she was hard because she had to be and im sure she knew her fate for a long time but her making out with John in episode 9 was way to sudden. I just think these small moments they had since ep 4 werent enough to show that they are still very muich in love like that

[@swhitebull]

Fuji and Anjin-san had enough moments in the book for Toranaga to suggest to Fuji that she was possibly pregnant. Fuji said she wasnt sure.

[@gkx4x]

@@swhitebull WHAT

[@swhitebull]

@@gkx4x yep. Last or 2nd last chapter of the book. Theyre discussing the end of Fuji's 6-month term as consort and where she go from there (seppeku is what she desires), and Toranaga says she has a "Bloom" in her cheeks, and asks her if she's pregnant. Anjin-san and Fuji do "pillow" earlier in the book.

[@swhitebull]

@@gkx4x Also, let it be said that in the book, Blackthorne found Fuji unattractive, but that Mariko encouraged him - out of respect for Fuji - to treat her as as consort - in ALL ways, if you get my meaning.

[@danielcaiado6924]

They had the chance of having a really cool battle scene portraying Sekigahara, like a LOTR battle, they have the CGI to do it, huge battle scenes are really cinematic, and they skipped it, I was really disappointed by that.

[@etoquette]

It was a pleasure, the 21 episodes (inclusing yours, giving us one more today). Lonely tuedays ahead...

[@BrainPilot]

Glad you enjoyed!

[@Orixil]

Show don't tell. It leaned too heavily into telling. I think there was an expectation toward more of a show for the finale. But alas.

[@neklamp2431]

Well said!

[@BrainPilot]

Glad you agree!

[@samuraiko]

The fact that they ended the series on the shot of Toranaga standing alone was a MARVELOUS callback to the Taiko telling him that the man who stands at the top is the loneliest man on Earth. That more than anything told us that Toranaga would in fact become Shogun... and thus be alone.

[@sharebear421]

Was disappointed for sure. Was still a pretty good ending but no battle (that actually happened and was most decisive) felt odd and kinda blueballish

[@user-pk7hk3vb4s]

I stand in awe of these great artists that took this story and made it their own. It made me feel so many different emotions for these characters and it’s been a long time since I cried but this made me cry and feel and think.

[@kakyoukuzuki]

People who thought that the ending was rushed, the book ending was even shorter. Ishido's death was just 2 sentences long. Episode 10 is more like an epilogue. Everything we saw lead up to episode 9.

[@soulphisto79]

Let's hope that the brilliance of Shogun will bring further exploration into the rich history of Japan. I would love to see an adaptation of the Tale of the Heike, or perhaps a story centered on Minamoto no Yoshitsune, and the establishment of the Shogunate.

[@bobobo2224]

I totally agree. Not many shows could end so perfectly.

[@GodSEndOMG]

We also have to think how the producers in 1980 would think if they had the tech we have now to make a nice battle. With modern computer we can easy make a good battle, so maybe a battle would also be good. Either way it was a good modern version of the 1980 version. Both was good.

[@briandavion]

It was a modern version of the NOVEL. which never really described the battle eaither

[@agnieszkadziadon1173]

It was the best tv series for some time with a specific atmosphere, poetics and mood. beautifully presented old Japan and samurai time. so much work for us, by set designers, choreographers, costumes. wow. bravo. thank u.

[@rKhael53]

Probably one of the most clever and meaningful ways to avoid the massive production coasts of a battle. Really well-written.

[@BrainPilot]

Yeah it was so well written!

[@scottjones4659]

Loved every moment, simply a masterpiece!

[@BrainPilot]

Couldn't agree more!

[@snittykitty1]

Less is more, only one season to no full battle scene- smartly done. I feel like this will be an annual re-watch for me as a companion with Blue Eye Samurai.

[@WilliamDoyle-rb6lt]

The boat scene where Angin helps helps put her son and behind her was perfection. The way they look at each as. the camera pulls away you kind of hope she scraps the convent idea and they get something going as he obviously would like to do.

[@mateofantasma]

The battle was won before the armies arrived to the field of Sekigahara, the show did great. Also, Yobushige said that phrase at a time that Toranaga was not there, so by repeating this phrase at the end Toranaga is also telling Yobushige that he has been aware of his machinations all along, he had spies there, and becoming Shogun was his plan all along. Fantastic writing.

[@benroper5049]

Initially I was disappointed on finding out there was no second season. I felt that the Series ended without a resolution However, the more i've thought about the ending, the more I liked it. We the audience really were Yabushige. The explanation of crimson sky was fantastic. Episode 9 was also called crimson sky- that confused me so much last week but makes SO much sense now What a tear jerker of a finale too Brilliant show

[@reginaldgooden3495]

Toranaga was playing chess while everyone else was playing checkers! This show was superbly done in every way possible! No need for a battle because it was already won in the mind! 🎬

[@johneqwest]

There was no need for a big battle scene. The battle was won with Mariko's mission resulting in the strategic earthquake under Ishido's feet. A woman was sent to do what an army could not.

[@thethpian]

Anjin San was no Richard Chamberlain. Made the other characters shine and the series about Japan rather than a Connecticut Yankee in King Arthur's Court feel.

[@PROVOCATEURSK]

Imagine showing Thanos getting all 6 infinity stones and then the movie ends. Like WTF.

[@dstarling61]

That you are comparing Shogun to a ridiculous Marvel movie, shows how much you didn’t understand it. Pay attention in school, it will serve you well when you grow up.

[@gkx4x]

@@dstarling61 cringe answer, the material doesnt matter when he is making an example

[@str1xt]

@@gkx4x You need the material to give an example. Go back to school

[@gkx4x]

@@str1xt bro does not know what an analogy is lol

[@str1xt]

@@gkx4x And yet you called it an example? And yet alas, you still need the material for said analogy to make sense, bruhhhh.

[@hamersb]

When your scheming and strategy is so on point you avoid an entire war and still come out on top. That shows how smart toranaga was. And although a massive (cgi) battle would have been intense and entertaining. This was the better ending

[@SAKURA_KIRAKIRA]

マジで本当にそう思います😊

[@dark_winter8238]

But he didn't avoid the war. The battle was the largest in feudal Japan.

[@briandavion]

@@dark_winter8238 but... he turned it from a battle he would have lost into one he could WIN

[@dark_winter8238]

@briandavion very true. I just correcting the false take of going around that he avoided a war.

[@athenovae]

9/10. I wanted to see the cannons fire one last time. Didn’t need a full episode dedicated to the battle, but show it’s start at least like the beginning of a charge. 😭

[@ixxirecords26]

Currently crying while reliving that finale through this video. Just spectacular.

[@christopherikechukwueyidah5928]

This iteration of Shogun is a masterpiece. The ending so meaningful. Made me wonder how one person can hold so many schemes in their head and execute them and win, Amazing.

[@mione3690]

I'm glad they didn't show the battle. It would have changed the vibe of the last episode. Also, the cgi of the reference to the battlefield was already a bit janky, so I wouln't like to know how the battle would look.🙈

[@timothy1949]

😂😂its a budget issue bro

[@garvitprashar3671]

​@@timothy1949 The battle was skipped in books too

[@MustardSkaven]

Seeing the aftermath or outcome would have been nice though.

[@MustardSkaven]

@@garvitprashar3671 It wasn't skipped. It was just told of briefly. The book does make it clear Toranaga wins and Ishido dies.

[@MilkoInsano]

the 1980 version had a much more clear bond between Mariko and blackthorn but Mariko's death has so much more weight in the remake to not only blackthorn but the rest of the characters too

[@KittSpiken]

It wouldn't be a Japanese novel if it didn't end with someone spilling their guts. Yabushige's end was perfect. How he drew and plumbed his blade in one motion. How he smiled through gritted teeth and stared at Toranaga in his final moments, trying to get one final read on his liege lord. The edge of Toranaga's mouth twitching as his vasal's final act subtly cracked his stoic visage and Yabushige may have just caught a glimpse of Toranaga's secret heart before his demise. What a performance to end it on.

[@ashtonturner2862]

Agreed. It is perfect.

[@Anton_OORer]

Grandiosa serie!

[@Justificus]

Oddly, the least developed character was Toranaga. We see almost nothing of his inner demons. He proclaims the realm is all important, but he is sacrificing anything and anyone who stands in the way of his ambition to become Shogun. Tens of thousands of soldiers must die, he demands absolute loyalty, he orders death for villagers when the destruction of Blackthorne's ship was his plan all along, and If all the pretence and lies aren't enough...he comes across as a total sociopath without a conscience. We needed more backstory on how he became one of the most brilliant military leaders of feudal Japan. And why he could sacrifice his own children, friends, and allies with a confidence that these things must be done to insure that his goals were achieved and his personal survival was guaranteed.

[@MarklovesAngels]

After the first 2, I almost gave up on it with the changes from the book. But so happy I hung in there. A very satisfying ten episodes. In the end, Toranaga achieved his goal. Ruler with minimum amount of bloodshed. Whole armies survived and peace came.

[@nicolasolguin7697]

Yall think this show is going to get nominated for any awards ?

[@BrainPilot]

Loads I reckon!

[@dstarling61]

Tons of nominations on the technical side. And if Anna Sawai doesn’t get an Emmy, I will be very disappointed.

[@briengakaplan-b1550]

Probably... all of them. And will win all of them.

[@samuraiko]

@@dstarling61 Agreed - just give her the Emmy and be done with it. Same goes for Hiroyuki Sanada.