A Dream of a Dream

If it's a season finale we just watched this episode was a masterpiece.

If it was a series finale then I have some issues with it.

I know that this series was a character study and it was not about battles etc but the promise of a war or at least a battle was implied from episode 1 If the series ends just with Toranaga describing his imaginary (and most likely) outcome of all the events then I am sorry but it's not the way a series of this caliber should have ended.

It's like Tyrion Lannister describing the Red Wedding to us.

For all I found it was a series finale and I am a bit upset although I loved all the episodes I didn't like the landing.

It is pretty clear the feeling that I am left with having watched the last episode. I am so going to miss this show, never been a miniseries like this. It is imprinted on my heart even. I held my breath more than once, many shows would have big epic endings, but this was a teaching, humbling moment just as some episodes have been this season. I did look at the runtime of episode 10 and I had qualms about there not being a big epic ending but I went with it nonetheless. (And I get that some people would feel that something is missing, to be completely frank.) Moreover, it was personally three episodes of emotional gut punches and it outweighed everything else. But every little detail of show has just been incredible, the weight of any action is very much felt with time and in 10 episodes, one can break down every character to their core motivation, fear etc. And at a time when television shows are about meeting quotas, over rushed projects, this was just steady and a breathe of life we all needed. I dreaded when the credits scene was coming, never wanted it to end, could have more in it, but I thought, my word, am I glad to have been a part of this journey.

Each episode of Shogun is a masterclass in storytelling, with a heartfelt core that resonates deeply. The series captivates, offering an enthralling journey through its richly crafted narrative. It's a symphony of emotional depth and exquisite detail. The only problem I have is that it ended. Anna Sawai, Cosmo Jarvis, and Hiroyuki Sanada deliver performances of unparalleled finesse. Sawai's portrayal is a delicate balance of strength and vulnerability, while Jarvis's nuanced interpretation captures the complexity of his character. Sanada, with his venerable presence, brings a gravitas that anchors the series. Together, they create a mosaic of human emotion that is as exquisite as it is captivating.

The finale of Shogun is, like the whole buildup was, a masterstroke of storytelling brilliance that left me utterly fulfilled. As the curtains close on this monumental series, it's abundantly clear that it has cemented its place in television history as one of the greatest of all time.

Every frame of the final episode is a testament to the meticulous craftsmanship and unwavering dedication of its creators. From the stunning cinematography to the hauntingly beautiful score, every aspect of this series reaches new heights of excellence unseen in nowadays TV.

And as we bid farewell to this extraordinary journey, I can't help but feel grateful for the opportunity to have been a part of it. Bravo, Shogun. You will be sorely missed.

I'm sitting here dwelling in such bittersweet sadness, processing what I just witnessed. The content of the episode was bittersweet sadness, as well as seeing this series I have loved and waited for every week come to an end.

From the events of the past 9 episodes, basically every character is left dwelling in loss.

And yet, there is a grand purpose laid out that gives meaning to it all: The prospect of a united Japan living in peace. Can they recover from their catastrophic losses and continue on?

Like a newborn baby in Toranaga's arms, subtle signs of hope, faith, and new life emerge.

Mariko taught us that life is delicate like a flower, and only meaningful because it eventually falls.

The character arcs I cared about most were wrapped up in a way that left me satisfied and hopeful for them.

And through a couple of ingenious narrative methods that fit seamlessly into the story, we get a glimpse of the future coming after the curtain falls.

Although it's sad to see this series end, having shared the journey of Shogun, we are "Zutto Issho." Always together.