Shogun (2024) Episode 3 Review 

Fire arrows are loved by film makers because: 1) it’s flashy 2) it provides light to a dark setting so the audience can better see what’s going on.

The purpose of the flaming arrows was to give us a light source to help explain away the large amount of lighting we get.

Agree again with most of it. The only slight reminder is that after Mariko failed to lead the women out of Osaka and her fight with the ishido captain, Yabu and another captain commented that she might have beaten a lesser swordsman… so her ability whilst not elite may have been competent… another point you could also make is that not every samurai was elite either… they were not all Musashi.

In the book, and the '80s series, Toranaga did switch placeswith Lady Kiri. Think about it- if he was in the litter the whole time, how would Blackthorne have known? He saw the switch while everyone else was looking at the pregnant girl who tripped on the steps (the ruse constructed by Toranaga so he could make the switch). I', a certified nerd who has read the book 3 times, and seen the '80s series several times. 🤓😆

Nitpicking is fine. Just try to remember that when nitpicking to compare this show with the book or previous show and not the real version, because this is an adaptation of the historical fiction and not trying to be the true history.

I thought the scene where Toranaga makes Blackthorne a hatamoto was glossed over. The import and social standing of the position was detailed in the book much better

The "nitpicks" are the reason I watch content from someone who is not only an expert in the subject matter, but one that is passionate about their personal field of knowledge and who can explain it to me in a way that I can comprehend. I enjoy learning about the little details that I would not pick up on because of my lack of knowledge in that area. These "nitpicks" allow me to build a better foundation of information and a wider world view on the subject matter. I already know I enjoy the show, I do not feel compelled to spend my time having my own opinion repeated back to me as a form of entertainment, echo chamber for lack of better word. I enjoy the episode recaps, but I hope there will be a longer series repap from a historical viewpoint at the end of the series.

I love & appreciate your constructively critical, honest reviews❤️📝

I have not seen the original show, or read the book. So I am going into this series only with my limited knowledge of historical events. I was left rolling my eyes a little bit at some of your complaints about the previous episodes, mostly because you were comparing things to the source material, whether or not they actually made sense. Mariko being cold to John after she had to listen to all those negative things about the catholics, makes a lot of sense. Her faith was being challenged by this stranger to her land and way of life. Telling people of faith that they are wrong and have been manipulated tends not to go well. Regardless of how she was in previous portrayals, this makes complete sense given her situation. But I agree in that I am happy that now they have had more chances to talk and understand each other. Giving her reason to warm up to him. Toranaga being in the middle of the fight makes sense when you consider he was in the carrier when they were ambushed. It was hit with several flaming arrows, so he kinda had to get out. It seems unlikely that he would flee and give orders as if it was a proper army VS army on an open field situation. The only real issue I've had is with a lot of the armour. It's basically an approximation of Samurai armour. Lacing in weird places, lames of weird shapes, and decorative bits in completely the wrong areas. But this is something that only a few people would really notice. I know some people who are letting these details ruin the entire experience for them. Overall I am loving this series. The characters are compelling and fun. I definitely feel like we are going to get more bonding moments between Blackthorn and Toranaga, given the swimming scene at the end of the episode. I can't wait to see what comes next.

i'm glad Shogun is airing cos it finally made me tackle Sekiro. Before i couldn't really get into it. Cos i really need to be in a historical period type of sphere to play these types of games that are set in a certain period and that are very difficult to get a hang off. So right now i'm also checking the videos on you Channel to learn more of Japanese history and the history of the Samurai to get me more pumped. I really like Shogun thus far and you reviews are great thnx

You’re doing a great job! My go to for this show. In a sea of RU-vid channels, yours is the best one. Thank you!

I know the flaming arrows gonna be brought up, and yes it is silly trope but it is needed cuz no way you can see the action.

Still feeling a bit rushed, especially as all of a sudden he is granted Hatamoto status, which the significance of was hugely glossed over. I missed the crazy hornpipe from Blackthorn, I think he would have gotten away with that crazy act (as in the book) more than berating an enemy and making him lose face. I did enjoy it though, there was a good level of tension

There was something nagging at me about Mariko in this version and after watching the 3rd episode I think I figured out what it is. It’s nothing major but what it is, is her English…it is without any Japanese accent. In the 1980 version the actress Yoko Shimada (RIP) in my opinion sounded exactly as I recall speaking English to the many Japanese I encountered in my career and trips to Japan, good English but with a distinctive Japanese accent. I think the difference is that this Mariko (Anna Sawai) was born and spent her first years in New Zealand.

Blackthorn serve no master before coming to Japan? Wasn't William Adam a sailor under Sir Francis Drake before he sail his own ship? I mean.... He was there when Spanish armada was on their way to invade England. He fighting alongside Francis against the Spanish. Probably why he knows a lot of stuff.

I am having a blast with this show. Love the reviews, keep being you.. it's ok to have "nitpicks" and differents opinion y'know.

I'm an amateur historian but I know little about Japan in this era apart from reading Clavell's book 30 years ago. I have to say I'm really enjoying it, despite Mariko's unrealistic fighting skills (does anyone believe that high born ladies were trained in this?). I love your nitpicking, keep it up. I'm a new sub.

Honestly I like this version of Shogun more then the '80s version it's more realistic

6:06 to be fair samurai wives even if they werent onna bugeisha were expected to be competent with a naginata

This drama is not 100% faithful to Japanese culture. However, I can see that the creator is trying his best to make it 100%. This is something that hasn't been seen in past dramas or movies. There were great movies like The Last Samurai, but unfortunately they were different from Japanese culture and history. I respect the creator of this drama, SHOGUN. 　　　from japan😊

I'm in that weird situation of wanting to comment, but really not being able to. You are basically my eyes on this series at present. I will say your generally positive review to date is making me look even more forward toward my eventual viewing of this series. Your description of the interactions between Blackthorn and Ishido's forces sounds like a far more realistic distraction than that performed by Richard Chamberlain in the original mini series. I'm glad your picking nits in this series review because bluntly thats what I hoped you would do. I'm just experiencing sever FOMO at the moment, which your reviews are somewhat alleviating. ありがとう ございます

The writing and direction of this episode felt like a lower standard then the first two..but still great and we have different writers and directors for each episode so it's not the end of the world

I never understood samurai loyalty until the scene were Torinaga bows to Buntaro

I threw in a like simple for you not backing down for giving your opinion. If someone only wants to hear positive things that only things that match their views, they will live a boring stagnant life. Going for all shows/movies, we MUST be sure to point out the issues we see. As the creators will not be able to improve if they think everything is perfect.

Sanada lends elegance, restraint, and fortitude to the character. A wise take at keeping his ‘heart hidden if he wants to survive’.

Nit picking can be annoying if someone blasts what they are nitpicking just because of them without saying anything else. But that's not what we have here. You are praising what you enjoyed, and then getting to the little details that could have used improvement. That's constructive criticism, in the effect that nits lead to lice and need to be picked. Didn't bother me at all and was glad to see it here in detail. I enjoyed the two episodes I have seen and your take on it.

The one issue I have had so far, and especially with this episode, is how Blackthorn is portrayed as being more passive. This is not a negative for me, and I hope he will become more proactive in the series. But so far he has just been just reacting to events. While in the book he lept in and took charge where he could. It was a battle of wits between him and Toranaga. In the chase, he used guns, but loosing them is fine. What I think hurt his character a bit was how he just reacted to being driving towards the rocks. In the book he deliberately changes course to run towards the Black Ship, forcing the issue. And Rodrigues is the one who relents. This has been happening all along,. Like when the assassin attacks, he overpowers him in the book instead of staring in disbelief. Or how it was his idea to draw the map. Again, not a major issue. But I will be a little disappointed if he never steps-up by the end of the series.

Yoshisugu othani looked pretty sick with his leprocy (obviously not him but the guy based off of him)

Mariko’s (Hosokawa Gracia) husband, Toda Hirokatsu (Hosokawa Tadaoki) should be alive according to original history. I havent read the novel so no idea if they changed it. He fights with the eastern army and dies quite late due to old age. Rare for someone to live for 82 years in that era

I love this show.. I’m about to start the book!!! I’m really interested in samurai culture!!!

Great review, although I did not like this episode at all! They've made several changes that could decrement the story in a worry some way. The Buntaro story line got messed up, the importance on how he give anjin the hatamoto status, the discussion with Fujiko, how Rodriguez saves Anjin from getting captive in the Portuguese vessel (it was not the Black Ship in the book), how Rodriguez gives Anjin a weapon, the importance of swimming for Toranaga, the blockade boats from Ishido, not from the christian damyo, etc. I was also annoyed that they let a great moment of tension slip through their fingers by making a guard to be the last check point instead of Ishido. I was super excited with the first two episodes, but the third one, oh my, this could be the start of a catastrophic u turn.

Thing with flaming arrows is that they look good and TV is after all a visual medium.

I was a bit dismayed that you have to start a review video explaining that your review will contain your opinion. Moving on from that, I found this to be a solid review and I agree this episode really fleshed out several characters more.

Is it so inconceivable that Toranaga would have needed to fight during an ambush??? The very nature of ambushes are to take a force by surprise so him needing to fight sort of makes sense really

Buntaro didn't receive a glorious final stand death scene and because of that I'm assuming he'll be back. Even though he is a jerk towards Mariko, I do like how he stood by his lord until the very end.

Nit picking is only bad when it is used to disregard all the positives in the episode. Pointing out historical facts like the use of fire arrows in combat is fine. But since this is historical fiction that must be taken into account. So long as you approach a review with objective analysis and judge the work fairly and without bias. You've done a good job with that and I've enjoyed your critiques of this show.

5:40 i disagree w this gripe. not only do they look cool which is probably the main reason, but just basing it off of what I know about history, the arrows were probably used to set things on fire like you said but also so they could see their enemies. In a night setting nobody truly has the advantage during an ambush when the target is that large, and a lit up battlefield helps show where everyone is.

The good outweigh the bad in this episode.

They discuss the women fighting skills in the show‘s official podcast. Trusting that they got their historic research right, I think it’s a great source of getting some background information for each episode.

I'm feeling the rush too. Lots of cut stuff but still pretty good for an adaptation.

I did have a big expectation after seeing all the 10/10 review's... Till now, I give it a 7/10 max! They're still doing the dark rainy moody atmosphere, I understand it from cinematic point of view, but they stretch it too much for my taste, in the rising sun country it's kind of a miss. About missing opportunity, I was disappointed that they didn't use "classic" music or instruments for the score, it sounds too much modern for my taste too. There is so much richness in that cultural period, that was a miss. I agree too, they rush too much the story forwards, I noticed that since ep 1, what's bad about that is that we didn't have time to care or be attached to the characters.. There's a big lack of intimacy with the main characters. In the 80's tv show, Mariko sama and Fujiko sama were two loved characters, we care about them and all, but now I still don't have any strong feeling towards those characters after 3 episodes. Like the fact that Toranaga named Anjin ( his not even Anjin san!) Hatamoto on the fly! And was not even a samurai yet, his now Hatamoto. The lack of explanation or to make us viewer's to very well understand the manner's or the way things work in Japan from Blackthorn point of view, didn't help us to understand or care for his behaviours or the choices he makes, him as most of the main characters also. The fact that he's quickly very close with Toranaga is kind of annoying, because we didn't have to see Blackthorn ascension to him, as it was showed in the 80's adap which was more elaborated, I find it disappointing. Which also didn't help to see or understand the big deal concerning the main plot... At this point, Shogun 2024, it's more the missing in his story telling the issue than the costumes, that are beautiful as the sets they build that are very good. I still have the intention to watch all the episodes, let's hope things will be "corrected" as the character's "issues" and the plot getting some reinforcement! :)

My only issue with some reviews is the nitpick on what actually happened in history when the entire thing is a work of fiction. There are not too many historical fiction works that are not based on real events, but they are not biopics. Yes I'm aware biopics contain fictitious events and dialogue, but they deserve more nitpicks and corrections based on how they are originated. However I do like this review as it sticks to what the show presents.

I'm just waiting for Blackthorne to start dressing in samurai armor and hooking up with Mariko so this can officially become Dances With Weebs and then fake Tokagawa Ieyasu will fist bump him and say the English are cool dudes.

Love how the Portuguese accents are so on point in this show, you can tell the actors are really Portuguese, except for Martin who's British but he does a good enough job. You can clearly tell apart the Spanish pilot character from the other Portuguese by their accents.

I have not read the James Clavel novel. Nor have I ever seen the 1980s version of this. The whole idea that Blackthorne would save the main character with simple buffoonery; then help save the main character again in a heated battle; then be saved, himself, by the lead characters; then escape the clutches of the main ship characters; then save himself again... is incredibly unrealistic!!! I was really in love with the show until it became so completely and utterly unplausible. I still believe that this is the best thing to happen to television (since TABOO), though. The CGI; the sets; the costuming, and the production values are all EXTREMELY excellent!!!

I’m loving this show so far. I’ve never read the books or anything. I’m hoping the show keeps going the way it is! The banter between the two pilots was great hope Rodriguez ends up becoming an ally

So far so good my only nit pick is that I wish mariko English wasn’t so good like she sounds American I want to hear more of a Japanese accent

They are rushing the story for sure as far as I'm concerned. It needs more character driven scenes. Maybe they were using fire arrows as a kind of primitive tracer fire to see where the arrows were hitting in the dark to aid aiming but that's a stretch.

Great review. Glad to see someone knows the difference between critiquing a series and just crapping on it.

I was actually wondering if your opinion of Sanada's portrayal of Toranaga has changed since your review of the first two episodes.

Unreal show just watched the history about tokugawa shogunate absolute legend he made Nihon what it is today plus the meji restoration 🙏🏾💯

I think you should just do full spoiler reviews. As if anyone watches the review to then decide whether they want to continue. (At least after episode 3). Also maybe I'm acoustic but pls, I can with the background music. Great content otherwise. Looking forward to next week

I will disagree on the Mariko fight scene. Female samurai did fight, and many were skilled with the naginata (or it was at least preferred), so I was glad to see that aspect of the character. I have a feeling it helps establish that she can also be a marshal character and it will set her up as someone able to handle themselves in a fight later on.

There is a reason modern day soldiers use tracer fire at night.

Somehow a taiga drama show 13 Lords of Shogun handled a battle scene, the CGI and court intriques better than Shogun (at least in this episode). As good and authentic this show they claimed to be, I can’t deny that the Shogun was simplified a lot to make it easier to digest for Western audience. The vibe is so different from taiga drama.

I enjoyed this episode as well. Thought it was hilarious when he called the doctor a “Warlock” 😂

The original Mariko in the 1980 mini-series and book was more feminine and reserved, as was probably women back in 1600. The 2024 version inserts too much strong-woman-feminism and takes a little away from the authenticity. Mariko should not be the equal of any man in 1600.

The point of flaming arrows in film is usually to give a diegetic excuse for the lighting of a nighttime fight scene, as far as I've seen.

What your take about Buntaro at the pier? Why Toranaga's pursuer waiting him, rather than trying overwhelm him outright? Is that some kind sense of honour?

Blackthorne in the book (and the 1980's version) is a intelligent, clever man, something that Toranaga notices and comes to admire considering all the sheep surrounding him. Someone similar to himself. That was the character that Toranaga wanted as a hatamoto. The Blackthorne in this series seems more along for the ride than a mover/shaker of the current situation. The 'rescue' of Rodrigues seems poor. His skill as a pilot (in the storm) doesn't come across (and impress Yabu and others). The comments from Mariko that if Toranaga is found out that they will all die (which isn't in the book or 1980 version) seems to actually diminish Blackthorne's "madness escaped" to save Toranaga in the escape from Osaka castle. The 'boat race' didn't seem very good to me - just a simple race with no clever attempt to maneuver up wind of the black ship to force the race. The interaction with the Priest in Prison is also critical to the knowledge gained by Blackthorne to aid his struggle in the strange land and it is woefully under-represented. It's like they've castrated the Blackthorne character. I guess they made Blackthorne a little too woke. I did like the extra development of the Regents but that was about it. Overall the storyline is very disappointing, although I do like the performances of the actors.

Ive read the book 5 times. It is my favorite. The opening scene with Yabu is much better in the book. So are the scenes with Buntaro. I didnt like Naga arguing with Ishido in stead of him. I liked the change you mentioned, with Blackthorne saving Toranaga's disguise. I love seeing the council interactions that the book only mentions. A lot of the acting is good, and the cinematography os great. I refuse to dislike the show, but the book is twice as good imo

I think they're going to emphasize more the women fighting in this because I believe they said in interviews that the hope was that the show would appeal to Japanese women. And showing them as back drops or clumsy fighters is going to fly for modern Japanese women who already have issues with traditional society

Just saw episode 3 and oh Lord i am so hooked with Shogun its a masterpiece ☦️💪😎🇬🇷

The defend the ladies honor was a bit over the top, they wouldn't have understood a thing he said it seemed. Why would they listen to him? Forgot about how much fighting Mariko did....

To be fair, in the Book, after Mariko’s sword fight in Osaka Castle, Yabu was impressed by her prowess, and commented to Sumiyori that she would have probably defeated a lesser swordsman.

If I were directing the forest battle sequence and if I absolutely HAD to include Mariko's engagement in the combat, I would have it happen at the very end. >Blackthorne has his back turned while fighting one of the attackers and is about to get stabbed >sound of a blade slicing through flesh or seeing it tear through the attacker's neck >attacker falls and reveals Mariko as the one who killed him >that's her first and only kill so far (that we see) It would let her save Blackthorne's life and further establish a connection between while making clear she isn't the type to just recklessly charge into the fray and go head-to-head with armed men.

The fact that the women were rampaging through samurai was definitely not as credible

The Blackthorn and Mariko combat was pretty well done in my opinion. They picked up polearms and started swinging creating distance, allows them to tie up the attention of multiple enemies so the proper warriors can focus on their jobs and subsequently reach them. >>> *Spoiler*

No show is perfect. I have no idea why people decided they are all perfect in every way. This show is really great. Perfect? Of course not. If the only 'complaints' are just nitpicks...that's a very good thing. it's also rare these days.

This version seems to elevate the women at the expense of the Japanese men, and make Blackthorn better mannered to the women. I doubt it will be as popular in Japan.

If you gotta use fire arrows, why not Chinese fire arrows? Or as the layman would know them, *bomb arrows.* Incendiary explosives strapped to an arrow. It offers the big flashyness Hollywood loves, the ability to see what happens, *and it has more historical precedence.*

It's your effort and work. Feel free to nitpick to your hearts content.

I thought arrows will fly at them at the small boats... Breaking my overall immersion.

Before this show was ever even released, I could have guaranteed you that they would have made at least one of the female characters (More than likely Mariko) into one of those badass girl bosses. First few episodes she was crass and unlikeable, this episode she's all of a sudden a warrior. Let's see how they continue with it.

I thought this episode was really slow and the fight scenes were nothing short of terrible which is strange because the assassination scene from 2 and even the beheading clip from 1 was great. The fight in the ambush looked like a practice run rather than a final cut. Still I am looking forward to 4

I've watched the original show from the 80s, so comparing all the time. I do like this series. As for female Samaria, 'it's Disney baby girl boss, obviously they are not equal to the male in fighting, they are superior. Look what Disney did to Dr who.😅

I watched episode 3 also and I actually like the nitpicking, and agree many parts are rushed, but overall I liked the episode finally got some action also, yes flaming arrows kind of gave the enemy away but how would u know what was going on without any light also they like Shogunate stated they may have been trying to destroy the carriage thing forgot the name.

Had too google "hatamoto" to see what honor that was to blackthorn. The diving swimming part confused me a little like why did have make him dive so many times? Was it to tire him out first before the race to shore? Was a little worried they kept saying they want it to be authentic and didn't want it to be too much a documentary but they did a nice job still telling a story.

I have read this book so many times, well I have gone through more than 9 copies. I love this video and agree with your assessment for the most part. I would add a few more critques, but so far am enjoying it. Though I wish Mariko was a bit more cheerful, as she was in both the book and original series

Anjin flipping out as a distraction was cringe. They couldn't think of something better? lol

Why does portuges suddenly forgot about what a big problem Blackthorn for them? They were trying to get him killed for 3 times already, and after Taranaaga's purpose they are just ok with it?

Anyway not read the book and can't remember the original series. So i'm just judging this series on it's own merits. Think it's fantastic.

Apart from what you've mentioned, with which I mostly agree, there's no way to overlook the poor directing and editing. The whole ship scene was just embarrassing from a dramatization standpoint. Instead of complex drama and an unclear outcome, what we got was flat, boring, predictable and unsatisfying.

First half of this episode was awful, ending with the most cliché fake death scene of Buntaro (that we all know he’s not gonna die because there’s no body and his arc is about his misogyny towards his wife, not being an honorable samurai). Second half, however, it gets interesting. Overall, for a show that’s regarded as a “Japanese Game of Thrones”, the battle scene is nothing compared to Game of Thrones which is quite a bummer because what actually happened in real life during that time was very epic.

On the whole I thought the episode wasn't bad, and have enjoyed some of the more nit-picky elements that they got right. However, the decision to deviate from the book and previous adaptation to turn Mariko into samurai superwoman does make me very, very cautious that they are going to start to deviate significantly from the story for hollywood reasons. I very much hope I'm wrong, but we'll have to see.

I really liked ep 1 and 2 , but i REALLY didnt like this episode !!!

I am really enjoying the series and your reviews so far. What would be really interesting and very cool would be if at the end of the series if you would make like a big review with also the historical aspect to it. Compared to the book and also reality. How much is real what did they compare it too. What would really be a nice watch if you ask me. Also with the accuracy of battletactics and the castles and such.

I like e3 and I like your reviews. Thank you.

I'll watch these when the season is over 👍🏻

I love this show. My only nitpick is Cosmo's OBVIOUS contacts. Its a small thing but it irritates me endlessly for some reason.

I would suggest to you that you not worry about spoilers. I'm willing to bet that most of us coming to hear your take have already watched it. If it would make you feel more comfortable, perhaps add a, "There will be spoilers in my review. I recommend watching the episode first," type line near the beginning of your script. Anyway, I'm going to unpause your video now...

This is a bit random, so take it as you will. I watched episode 3 when it dropped last night. This morning, I was making breakfast with my earbuds in, and just listening to the language. When Cosmo Jarvis' dialog came up, his voice was so much like the late Sir Richard Burton's that I Googled his Wiki to see whether he was a relative. Has anyone else had that experience?

I like the show overall, so far. But the pacing feels off, some sections are rushed while more pointless ones are given too much time.

Overall good episode, but at least till the middle it got me a little worried.

This seemed to be an episode that would have shown off Torunaga's cleverness. Instead, the switch-around was haphazardly shot and made him seem foolish. We get absolutely no feedback on Torunaga's face when Blackthorne created the immorality-distraction-rant, and so his 'thanks for your bravery' twenty minutes later fell really flat for me- it was the textbook definition of poor paced plot. It appears like this revision of the story is going to totally ignore the triangle dynamics with Mariko, her husband, and Blackthorne. Thank God.

Mariko sans is a babe

I did not like the night scene s they are too dark to make out any detail.

i still cannot stand the fact that the Portuguese dialogue is in English. it s weird as fuck. We already were going to read subtitles. I mean for a show that values 'authenticity' that was a GIGANTIC miss.Otherwise the show is excellent.

I really didn’t like Mariko getting a spear and doing goofy twirling moves. And I thought Torunaga should’ve had that moment where he walks proud down to the boat. This was the first episode that I liked Anjin and Rodrigues together but I thought they should’ve still had the scene where Rodriguez throws him off the ship.

Without flaming arrows I'm pretty sure you could not film the scene as it would be pitch black.... I guess you could film during the day? but that would cause more questions as to how the enemy could get that close without being noticed ETC