Shogun on FX

[dlphg9]

Holy shit, I hated that finale. God damn, the slowest most drawn out finale I've ever seen.

[Fish]

Definitely could have used a few more episodes to wrap things up.

[KC_Connection]

Loved this series and I thought the finale was very effective and fitting to its style throughout.

And while I know it was based on the book (which was also based on real history) and completed its story, I certainly wouldn’t be opposed to the creators trying to write something new with those same characters in some kind of second season.

[GloucesterChief]

William Adams, the person Blackthrone is based on, did participate in the battles of Aizu and Sekigahara but after that much of his time was spent building ships and training sailors as well as establishing trade under the Tokugawa shogunate. He was the shogun's personal translator, both Iyeasu and his successor. He did marry a Japanese woman but she was not of samurai class. He did leave Japan on trade expeditions but never returned to Europe.

[KC_Connection]

Originally Posted by GloucesterChief

William Adams, the person Blackthrone is based on, did participate in the battles of Aizu and Sekigahara but after that much of his time was spent building ships and training sailors as well as establishing trade under the Tokugawa shogunate. He was the shogun's personal translator, both Iyeasu and his successor. He did marry a Japanese woman but she was not of samurai class. He did leave Japan on trade expeditions but never returned to Europe.

I was reading about Tokugawa Ieyasu last night and it seems to me there's enough that he did after the battle of Sekigahara for more of this (that they could base on history) if they really wanted to do it.

[Easy 6]

Such an unexpected ending, but it lived up to the hype anyway

A slow burn finale that actually pays off emotionally, Anjins cannons were not a a factor as I had anticipated... but no big bang boom warzone Walking Dead finale extravaganza was needed at all

That ending was perfection, everyone knows what comes next and Blackthorne clearly lived through it... it stands alone as a 10 part masterpiece

[dlphg9]

Originally Posted by Easy 6

Such an unexpected ending, but it lived up to the hype anyway

A slow burn finale that actually pays off emotionally, Anjins cannons were not a a factor as I had anticipated... but no big bang boom warzone Walking Dead finale extravaganza was needed at all

That ending was perfection, everyone knows what comes next and Blackthorne clearly lived through it... it stands alone as a 10 part masterpiece

It just seemed extremely rushed. They could easily have added 2 more episodes and actually had some build up to a final battle where the heirs forces don't show up

[GloucesterChief]

Originally Posted by dlphg9

It just seemed extremely rushed. They could easily have added 2 more episodes and actually had some build up to a final battle where the heirs forces don't show up

The book actually ends just like that. Except that Toranaga is not talking to Yabushige but it is his internal thoughts. Then it summarizes the battle of Sekigahara.

Also, Yabushige is supposed to give his swords to Blackthorne.

[Easy 6]

Originally Posted by dlphg9

It just seemed extremely rushed. They could easily have added 2 more episodes and actually had some build up to a final battle where the heirs forces don't show up

Sure they could've drawn it out, but as a stand alone piece of art this was a 10 of 10

I wanted a big spectacle with Anijins cannons blasting away for the win, but the way they played it was sooo much better than the typical boom pow finale

[Fishpicker]

also, the battle of Sekigahara has been done many times on film. one more iteration of that battle probably would not stand out. and it would have cost a lot of money. I'm glad they budgeted the way they did, using the money to nail costumery, wardrobe, set pieces, and period accurate buildings.

if you want to see samurai armies square off with gunpowder there are plenty of options. my favorites are Ran, Kagemusha, and Ten To Chi To (Heaven and Earth)

here is a short film of the Battle at Sekigahara. the title cards will tell you who is fighting who, when and where.

[Buehler445]

Man, that was really good.

I've stayed out because I'm behind, but holy crap. I could watch more of that. Really good stuff.

Execute a good story and I'm in.

[Buehler445]

I do have a question.

Old Man Anjin had Marikos cross. How did he get it after he threw it in the water. I presume it’s a different one?

[Kiimo]

Originally Posted by Buehler445

I do have a question.

Old Man Anjin had Marikos cross. How did he get it after he threw it in the water. I presume it’s a different one?

That was a vision of a possible future.

As Toranaga (And Rogriguez) said, Blackthorne's destiny is to never leave Japan

[GloucesterChief]

I think that was Blackthorne imagining what it would be like if he left Japan to go back to England. He doesn't fully commit to staying in Japan until he tries to commit Seppaku and Toranaga stops him.