@@vincenrow7190still a fantastic show, but I was a bit disappointed by the ending too. Just being told what was gonna happen by Torenaga just felt wrong
It's this ignorant attitude that resulted in the core of the book being erased and Blackthornes character mostly erased. This resulted in a highly produced, but generic, Japanese castle drama.
I was one of the Red Archer escorting Blackthorne. I thought I had been cut out of the scene but might have actually made it. I also played one of the Grey Samurai. I just want to say it was an amazing experience and so proud to be part of this show. If any of the showrunners, cast, crew is reading Thank you so much from the bottom of my heart for makiing a dream come true you where amazing and I learned a lot from the experience.
@@davidrobinson9163bro you are in like every comment section on the videos of this show. If you hate it so much why are you here LMAO😂 So butt hurt and for what??
second worst ending of a show EVER! 0next to game of thrones. don't worry your acting was great! i was hoping for a hell of a lot more action in at least the last episode but the writers failed miserably on that part, as far as wardrobe and acting you guys were perfect, looked good just a massive writing failure, was not any of the actors fault.
@@travisspazz1624 I'm going through it right now. She must've known that there was a chance she gets out of this mess alive. So was she asking to spare his life so that they could be together no matter how bleak the odds were? I kind of believe so and it makes me happy to know that she understood that life wasn't always so cruel & brutal that there can be beauty & joy in it.
Throughout the series you could tell Blackthorn and Mariko cared about each other but it would have probably gotten John killed if she had fully gone for it, at the end they each tried the best that they could for each other through acts of caring, Blackthorn by telling her the truth about how he felt and stepping in to be her second when he could tell she was going to die long and painfully without him and then you find out she had used essential her only dieing wish to save him even before he had told her how he felt.
Mariko remains calculated and poised until the very end. Knowing that she could save 2 for 1 by destroying blackthornes ship and also erase blackthornes useless vision of waging war against the catholics. Her sacrifice made him realize that his war is so small and meaningless in the grand scheme of things and theres much more to enjoy than that. You can see he find meaning in living on that small fishing village by willing to sacrifice his life for the villagers
The emotional heights of this episode, and then you hit us with the story that Blackthorne and Fuji let go of their loved ones in the very bay James Clavell's ashes were scattered. It's not just saying goodbye to this story, it's also thanking and saying goodbye to old man James himself. God you guys know how to make me cry. Bless you, everyone who made this possible.
Note to FX - Please get the same team that worked on this project for other amazing stories that can be adapted into a screenplay. This series hit different as compared other series that many platform try to make. Shogun for Emmy awards 👏🎬
As a book reader I thought I had it all figured out ( knew Blackthorne would seppuku the moment they didn't take his Tanto away ) but the " Let your hands be the last to hold her " line really hit me out of nowhere.
That was also the same thing Mariko said when retainers were wanting to take Fuji-sama’s baby away, way back in episode 1. There were some wonderful callback, word for word, lines in this episode.
Sometimes a war drama isn't about fighting it, but preventing it. It can also be about loving the women around you and pulling your ship out of the water with your new homies.
As a fan of the original mini series with Richard Chamberlain, Toshiro Mifune and Yoko Shimada I was completely mesmerized by FX's (except for the commercials) phenomenal version featuring Cosmo Jarvis, Hiroyuki Sanada (l love this guy!) And Anna Sawai. This series should win a Black Ship, or at least, an Erasmus load of Emmy's. If not, there is truly no justice in the world. Excellance!!
@@piercingmoon24 it happened earlier on and it was because Toranaga was going to punish the village for not teaching Blackthorne to speak Japanese well enough. This is a much more understandable motivation and timing.
@@MrCarloArellano Yeah, I was wondering if it had been dropped completely, but it had so much more gravitas and weight to it happening where it did, at the end. Blackthorne was reeling, flailing, practically shellshocked by that point. It was like he was desperate just to do one good thing, one right thing, in what time he thought he had left.
@@MrCarloArellano Toranaga wasn't there. When Toranaga escaped Osaka, and left them all at Anjiro, Yabu had told the villagers that they would be put to death and the village burnt if Blackthorne didn't learn Japanese in six months. That evening in a meeting with Yabu, Omi, Igurashi and Mariko, Blackthorne had asked Yabu to rescind his order to the villagers, and when he refused, saying it was unimportant, Blackthorne said, in that case he would commit seppuku. Yabu asked the others if they thought he would go through with it and decided to test him. Omi stopped him with help from Igurashi. This is something that was missing from Blackthorne and Mariko's aborted seppuku: Everyone waited to see how they reacted, honouring them, as both of them had prepared themselves to die by there own hand. Neither of them was in a place, mentally, for a coherent conversation.
Letting go of Mariko's cross to the river was the end of Blackthorne's dream as an old man. This show is just... I mean can we have more writing like this in future.. I mean common season 2 is not impossible.
Toranaga summarize the 40% remaining of the novel to yabu.. season 2 could be possible but they should end it on a high note.. Story telling wise; they did a better job than the book!!
It's not impossible, but it's also not really needed. They delivered on exactly what they set out to do...be respectful to the history while elevating the tragedy of the character of Mariko. It truly was one of the greatest tragedies of a character I've ever seen in ANY media format. And to go any further would just water down what they were able to accomplish.
@@kroduk2400 I take it you mean you stopped after her death. I can understand why. I'm a real sucker for a good tragedy and Mariko is the best I've ever seen. Anna Sawai did a phenomenal job with it. And I appreciate that the show was able to make her even more tragic. She was never given a real moment to just soak up the beauty life has to offer. She couldn't enjoy the joy of being a mother because Buntaro was verbally abusive towards her son. Even though he loved her, he sought to control her by reminding her she's a traitor's daughter and how he was the only person in Japan who would marry her. She was just beginning to enjoy what true love can be like & Buntaro returns from the dead. But she ended up having a beautiful moment that she could carry with her to her inevitable fate. And her "Anjin-sama, let it come" will forever haunt me. I was upset that the show didn't give us her funeral. But the show went in a different direction and showed us the impact she had on Blackthorne, Ochiba, Toranaga and even Alvito.
Addressing every major character’s story is a monumental feat considering the size of the cast. It saddens me that the show ended so fast but the quality makes it be ok, I’d rather have something as good as this over getting a ton of filler and underwhelming elements everywhere; congratulations to the whole crew, you made this show one of the best in recent memory and I’m sure many of the members of this passionate team will get to continue sharing their skills in other productions.
What an incredible series! Ive never invested so much into the interviews, podcasts & history of how the series came about but also the real history. Everyone who helped make the show should be Super Proud & knowing it gone down so well in Japan says a lot. Educating the rest of the world in Japanese culture at the time too is fascinating. I hope you all sweep the awards & this series will be watched, rewatched for decades. Thank you for 10 episodes of pure emotion 😍🥰❤
This series with all its accompanying Podcasts etc has been excellent. Quality screams out from every scene, script, acting, sets, costumes, photography etc. I am so sad to see it end. Flowers are only flowers because their fate is to fall.
Absolutely in tears almost the entire episode. . . . wished the ending with old Blackthorne was resolved, but this masterpiece of creation will live on and become the product by which all else is compared against. Farewell friends, we really were treated to a glimpse into a world that only masterful art is portrayed.
Blackthorne never made it back home to England; the deathbed scene was not Blackthorne's future, but the one he chose to cast aside! In loving Mariko, Blackthorne chose to let go of her (the rosary), and instead hold on to the thing she lived & died for―Toranaga's Japan.
It was resolved. He imagined himself as that old man, notice the old man was holding Mariko's cross that he threw into the water. He didn't want to become him.
Finished the finale just before over dinner, a massive congratulations to all involved in making this absolute spectacle of television. Looking forward to you all winning the awards you so richly deserve for making this show the way it should be made. Did the book justice to a tee.
The incredible significance of this show is further highlighted when one considers the historical context of Japan and the United States. People from countries that were once enemies have come together in a spirit of respect and collaboration to create a truly magnificent masterpiece. As a Japanese, I am truly grateful for the remarkable work that has been done. Thank you so much!
Thanks for this show. One of the best shows I've ever watched. Hope it will set a standard for other shows, especially when it has an historical and cultural background. Which should be respected at all cost and not being turned into something that it was not. Deep and utmost respect for the amount of effort that was made in making this show one of a kind. May all of you win lots of awards for this masterpiece in storytelling. Tears in my eyes as Mariko's cross sinks in the water. Such a beautiful scene between John and Usami. How lady Ochiba tells Ochido that Mariko will get all the respect she deserves in just one sentence. And the final scene between Toronaga and Blackthorne. Excellent ending to a wonderful show.
SHOGUN is super awesome! Thank you so much for all the hard working efforts from all the cast and crew!! The poetic approach of this shows reminds me of Japanese TV shows in the 90s. I am missing it! I am now watching Kirin ga Kuru (Awaiting Kirin), a 44 episodes Japanese TV show, that tells the life of Akechi Mitsuhide, the father of Akechi Tama / Hosokawa Gracia, the historical figure that inspires Toda Mariko character! I love this show, so far, the script and acting are awesome! Its like watching a prequel of SHOGUN, since the lead role is Mariko's dad! Recommended to all SHOGUN fans who still cannot get enough of SHOGUN!
I'm going to miss the show and this podcast so much, what a masterpiece in filmmaking! Many thanks to everyone involved and especially to Emily, Hiroyuki, and Frederik
One of the things that I loved about this series… might not seem like much… but I love how they allowed the Japanese men to show sorrow and cry. So use to seeing them stern, cold, no emotions, can’t get a read on them, never letting their guard down. I love that they made them more human … just like other men of other races. I think this was a great service to the Japanese people. ❤️
@@gtaylor6937Yup in a way I felt for him as well after all I think everyone at some point in their lives has been on the wrong side of unrequited love. The conflict was at the same time I had a bit of a crush on Mariko but also rooting for John and Marko to get together.
"Look where the flask just was. What do you see?" "I see nothing, Elder Sister." "You see where the flask is no longer." "Presence is felt most keenly in absence." Felt the whole finale was the personification of that idea. Congratulations and appreciation for the whole production for the achievement this series is.
It's been a pleasure. While reading the book back in 2017 I always imagined vividly the scenes, characters, etc. with shots, vfx, sound, music and cinematography. I just thought this book feels like a script rather than a novel, in a good way. Very visual and dynamic. Pure entertaining without being shallow. I knew back then that the book needed a solid tv show adaptation considering we entered a TV show renaissance in 2013 more or less with True Detective Season 1. Of course a Reinaissance that was paved by the likes of The Sopranos and The Wire. To my suprise I discovered the book had a highly acclaimed adaptation in the 80s so I watched it with my then GF (I convinced her to read the book before and she was hooked too). It was amazing and I found that they had big balls to not subtitle the Japanese dialogues, even more so considering the American viewers back then! Really ballsy and well produced. But still some aspects felt dated and I knew a current adaptation with the tech and modern philosophy would make it even greater! And then last yeat I learned that an adaptation was about to be released in the beginning of this year. WOW. Now listening to these podcasts has opened my eyes to the enormous effort to bring this show to life by a team. An effort that spans more than 13 years! It's crazy. I cannot even begin to imagine the struggles, negotiations and sheer willpower and creativity to bring this shiny diamond to us hungry viewers. I'm so grateful and it's been an honor to be here as a witness to this masterpiece. Thanks all the producer, investors, directors, writers, costume designers, art department producers and directors, cinematographers, music composers and directors, sound designers, VFX directors and of course the amazing cast that delighted us with these array of peculiar, epic and tragic characters, and also all the nameless working ants that worked day and night in the set like gaffers, assistants, cooker, etc. so the machine could run efficiently. I cannot thank all of you enough. This miniseries has been more than I could ask. A dream come true, truly.
My sincerest thanks to everyone who's worked on this show! It's the finest TV I've seen in years. And my special appreciation for the writers of this show. As an aspiring writer myself, this was an invaluable masterclass.
Cosmo Jarvis' conclusion and insight of his character Blackthorne in the final episode is really touching to hear.💓 Thank you so much Ms. Yoshida for hosting the podcast. I had a great time listening and learning about the production, the cast, the storytelling and the real history behind. お疲れ様でした！
WOW!! Michaela Clavell's story about scattering ashes at the same bay gave me chills!! James Clavell may be a spiritual producer who made this show happen from above . And Sanada san's view comparing to Shogun and Producer. I felt like It was also some kind of fate. I look forward to watching his next project and of course all the staff involved in this show. Thank you so much!!
Really loved the show. Hiroyuki Sanada was an amazing presence in John Wick but in this show he was able to elevate it to another level. I would be looking forward to more of his productions and work A but sad that the show has ended but flowers are only flowers because they fall, right?
I loved Usami fuji actress and I also loved her in the old series they both did a great job and I loved the end of what blackthorn did for her family was beautiful. Great Show!
@@dtmyco1044got to agree in a way I'm very glad they didn't go for a mass war scene it would have the 10 mins of spectacle would have robbed from the emotional impact that we did get
After the death of Mariko-sama, I could have said, "Who cares what happens next," and I partly felt this after Episode 9. At the same time, I believe we witnessed a fitting conclusion. The duo of Fuji and John, as well as Toranaga and Yabu, worked exceptionally well in their scenes. When the fates of Fuji and John intertwined in mourning and letting go, it was emotionally a very strong and touching scene. I'm glad we got to see Fuji's character several times in the finale. It was also good to see when Buntaro showed respect to John and joined the work at the end of the episode. This short scene also indicated significant character development. Many mention that we didn't see a battle. In my opinion, there was no need for it. In this series, the true value often lay in the unsaid, implied, or non-verbally expressed aspects. For my part, I congratulate the creators and thank them for the experience!
I have been waiting for this series for years: It was worth the wait! I only wish it was a few episodes longer, just to flesh out some of the character archs. This show is a 10/10 for me...just wonderful. Loved the ending, so glad they decided to stay with the book ending rather than give us some bombastic Hollywood type endig.
As a guy I never expected to fall in love with a TV character but Mariko had me and I was quietly rooting for John and Mariko and gutted for both of them. It was a really nice touch John and Fuji helping each other let go even if John had a different way in mind at first. 😂
Yes it was a recognition that Fuji knew all along that Mariko really loved John otherwise she would not have said that just for his benefit alone, she knew that Mariko would have wanted that as well.
I think a lot of people are missing the point especially when it comes to the battle, Toranaga literally explains everything to the audience and yabushige about the end how he did everything why he did everything and why it was necessary. When it comes to the battle the build up wasn’t for sekigahara the “battle” was episode 9 . This show was never about the action but the story and characters while still having great action it was not the point even the 80s show portrayed this with having sekigahara narrated. Those who say it was an anticlimactic or boring end missed the point.
I agree even 'though i loved the last line in the book where ishido dies slow from the people sawing his head off with a bamboo stick..By ignoring that and the battle, the series remained true to the magnificence of mariko's character which was the heartbeat of the story..It is her sacrifice and spirit, not toranaga's victory, which leaves the greatest indelible mark
@@michaeldonovan4793 I felt the scene where Ishido reads the message from Lady Ochiba as he prepares for battle, was incredibly powerful. The look on his face as he realizes his fate, could be even more powerful than watching him killed in the end.
You know? It was over 40 years ago that I watched "The Burning Hero(1981)" that Hiroyuki Sanada starred in when he was 20 years old. He jumped onto a running train from the top of a cliff in that movie. After that, he appeared in many action movies and was recognized as a superstar in Japan, but he was not so famouse in the world. Now, more than 40 years have passed since then, I'm so happy that he's finally being recognized as a star in the world!
I can't believe no one mentioned the fact that Shogun is not even the first time Sanada has cut off Asano's head on film. He cut his head off at the end of 47 Ronin as well.
This last episode is so brilliantly crafted. It seems like an ultimate homage to the Japanese nature and to all the people who joined together to create Shogun. Being someone who lives in a culture different from where I was born, I appreciate the concept of surrender in ways I had not imagined. To see this so well done in this show, the inner deaths that are required to create bridges between cultures, that in the end are actually great gifts...well done.
This is the most beauitful mini tv series I ever seen than the 80's I mean the new version are so much better. The story feels so real because of the Japanese history is actual and reality. Its so bittersweet at the end. BUT I hope they should be getting nominations for awards like bafta, emmy and golden goble. Gosh, I hated to see the end...thinking about what about James Clavell's other books, they haven't made any screen yet.
Cosmo hit a home run int episodes 9 & 10. HOLY MOLY! His scenes with Toranaga - superb. His scenes with darling Fuji. Especially on the water in the little boat. The intensity was off the charts. His acting using a language he didn't even understand. Wow. Hesitating at just the right moments. I was glad to see hm attempt seppuku. Not the same set up as in the book but it worked fairly well. And finally, let's not forget the portrayal of Fuji. Moeka Hoshi wow. Somebody give her a starring roll in something!
I was very skeptical of this podcast when I first started listening. Happy to say since then I've tuned into every episode, the second I was done watching the show. Thank you Emily Yoshida for managing to keep the discussion natural and interesting regardless of who you were talking with on the team. Probably would've listened to a podcast twice as long covering this masterpiece!
Fantastic project, guys, amazing work. There's still a statue in Japan dedicated to William Adams today, what a baller, embodiment of a Protestant. Not the biggest fan of the British Empire thanks to the Boer wars, but as a Protestant, his story is incredible. Proud to have some of my own family and countrymen bleed for Japan in rugby today.
Finale was far more satisfying than what I was hoping for. Blew me out of the water...awesome series and the final episode let me say goodbye to all the characters that had me enthralled with their stories. Friggin epic!!!
So who’s excited for a “new/different” show titled “Sekigahara”? But yeah, this ending tied up all the loose ends pretty neatly and threaded everything properly. 😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭
Sucha great and unique take on the classic novel..Happy that mariko, not toranaga or blackthorne, is the heartbeat of the show..Brilliant japanese cast and crew..One of the all time great tv series and much better than the 1980's one..Bravo!
It would be interesting to have a podcast to hear why the writers made the changes to the story that they did. Not a purist demanding the story be exact to Clavell's novel, this interpretation is refreshing and thought provoking. But why were the changes made. Bring us into the story/script writing process, from the novel to this version. Please. 🙏
Amazing show, one of my top 5 shows of all time, really wished that there were more episodes. I really hope that there will be a prequel that has characters such as Oda and Akechi, or a sequel after sekigahara and ends at the siege of Osaka castle and that has noboshige sanada
I am going to miss this series so much. I really loved how Hiroyuki Sanada and the entire crew took so much care to infuse authenticity to every episode although sometimes I did wonder if some viewers weren't getting lost at what was happening or why. I am Japanese and I come from a samurai family, so maybe it was easier for me to understand the mentality behind some actions which may be very unique to this culture, such as seppuku or the importance of poems. I am also very grateful to FX for following up with these videos in the FX Networks to explain some things that could had been harder to understand for people who are not familiar with our culture. (Yes, I realize our culture may seem very strange to some. :P) Thank you, FX and the entire cast and crew for a fantastic show.
You did not need to be Japanese to follow the series. I absolutely loved it the series did a great job in conveying the importance of poems, calligraphy, ritual and tradition.
@@Mrtickleberries Yes I realized that after I started reading many of the comments. So glad to know! I agree with you that they really did a great job.
I agree. I couldn’t help but notice how the writing pays homage for example, to the Japanese martial arts - which makes sense since the shogun is a essentially the head martial artist of Japan. The obvious and subtle layered nuances of _omote_ and _ura_ , for example. Toranaga gives Yabushige a peek at the _okuden_ before the final seppuku. It’s so good without understanding these things, but so much better if you do!
Kashigi Yabushige wasn't a traitor. He simply wanted to live a life as he saw fit and couldn't because he was trapped by all the regents and the endless fight between Ishido & Toranaga. He knew he could never truly live hence why death was almost a pastime to document in all the forms he saw along the way in his life.
I am half American and half Japanese. My Mother is Japanese. I lived in Japan for two years as a Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (Mormon) missionary. East and West is the core of my identity. My sister did a photography project in Japan and captured the tension of East and West through her work. I have faint memories watching the original Shogun as a kid, so I became excited when I first saw that FX produced the Shogun remake. I watched the series, listened to the novel on audiobook, and to your podcast. I am watching the series again after listening to the book and to your podcast. I am looking forward to season two!
I love how this show DOES pay homage to the books. Almost all the things ended up the same and happening the same way. Same messages. I felt the more Japanese vibes and I liked it. Great amazing finale. Ya I was by far the best character loved him. Yoshi was chefs kiss! Loved this adaptation. The shots and sets were beautiful as well. Gotta give it up to this show for real. Need more tv like this.
I think it was a decent ending for this story. I'd like to see another season of the story after these events. It would take a great writer to be able to expand the story beyond Clavell's story.
My feelings for Anjin-san is really sad😞 He lost the love of Mariko-sama... But I hoping for Fujiku-san will be there for Anjin-san and helping him... But no😒 I still feel sorry for Anjin-san.... But I forget to write and say thank you Emily Yoshida for the story and listen about the Shogun 2024 🙂👍
I struggled with this episode. I expected a big war, i expected blackthorne’s ship to play a part. Then as toronaga expressed, what’s good for japan, this political ending saved lives and was effective. It was toronaga being the fox. I struggled with john being seen as amusing for toronaga. But i think, blackthorne becames an interest for toronaga in regards to learning more about the island england. The ships, the weapons were technologically so advanced over what japan had developed. I hoped more would come for fuji than becoming a nun, but i had to respect her happiness.
Extraordinary experience! I really loved the way it all came together. There does seem to be a bit of a double standard, though, in that in the final episode Blackthorne is made to apologize for having had colonialist intentions, whereas Rachel Kondo, having grown up in Hawai'i, is herself the product of Japanese colonialism. (At one point, Japanese made up 43% of the population.)
There is for sure enough history here for a second and maybe even third season. I actually learned about Sekigahara when I was in middle school in rural USA not because of school but because of an amazing Playstation game called 'Kessen' that was way ahead of it's time as far as real-time strategy games; though of course the game's rendering of history was simplistic (and more sympathetic to the western faction than this show, for sure). So, I really really enjoyed this series and especially Mariko's arc. I think the audience can handle it all, including the tragic ending this whole thing has, both in term's of the Anjin's Japanese family and Ieysu committing that mortal sin of so many otherwise great men- handing power to his rotten kids and grandkids instead of doing what's right for the country, like Marcus Arelius and so many others before him.
All of you did such an amazing job with creating this masterpiece. Especially episode 9 hits hard as not much else I've seen (maybe "Dancer in the Dark"). Everything is so well done. Now take a short break and please start making "Tai-Pan" or "Rat-King" :)
