As we now have come to expect... this is another hour of pure absorption into Japan, and this exciting story.
The background is the Toranaga clan recovering from the earthquake, dealing with destroyed property and mass casualties. Even in this situation, the Anjin continues his ascent to power he doesn't want.
The main theme looks at the roles and sacrifices of women in this male-dominated society. And, how ambitious women can use their amazing skills of manipulation to get what they want. (If a Japanese woman kneels on the floor behind you and starts giving a monologue challenging your manhood... run!)
Notably, Lord Toranaga is never seen near a woman. Nobody holds a thread of influence over him, but he understands the effect of women on the men around him.
The standout scene of this episode is getting to experience a Japanese courtesan house. We enter that world with a first person view of some stunning night-time visuals, and then the professional manner and speech of Lady Kiku. Sadly, the actual "pillowing" is left to our imaginations... speaking of Anjin getting cool stuff he didn't really want.
A big part of this episode is dedicated to filling in the backstories of Mariko, Lady Oshiba, Toranaga, and others through narration and flashbacks. We now understand the dynamic of the marriage of Mariko and Buntaro, and can empathize with them, or at least understand each of their frustrations. Buntaro wants a warm and grateful wife who is actually into him. Mariko wants a better man or death.
There is some important forwarding of the main plot, especially in the last minutes that must be seen to understand what will happen next...
I hope SHOGUN doesn't end at 10 episodes... this needs to be a multi-season show!!
The background is the Toranaga clan recovering from the earthquake, dealing with destroyed property and mass casualties. Even in this situation, the Anjin continues his ascent to power he doesn't want.
The main theme looks at the roles and sacrifices of women in this male-dominated society. And, how ambitious women can use their amazing skills of manipulation to get what they want. (If a Japanese woman kneels on the floor behind you and starts giving a monologue challenging your manhood... run!)
Notably, Lord Toranaga is never seen near a woman. Nobody holds a thread of influence over him, but he understands the effect of women on the men around him.
The standout scene of this episode is getting to experience a Japanese courtesan house. We enter that world with a first person view of some stunning night-time visuals, and then the professional manner and speech of Lady Kiku. Sadly, the actual "pillowing" is left to our imaginations... speaking of Anjin getting cool stuff he didn't really want.
A big part of this episode is dedicated to filling in the backstories of Mariko, Lady Oshiba, Toranaga, and others through narration and flashbacks. We now understand the dynamic of the marriage of Mariko and Buntaro, and can empathize with them, or at least understand each of their frustrations. Buntaro wants a warm and grateful wife who is actually into him. Mariko wants a better man or death.
There is some important forwarding of the main plot, especially in the last minutes that must be seen to understand what will happen next...
I hope SHOGUN doesn't end at 10 episodes... this needs to be a multi-season show!!