latteholic

I agree it feels rushed, but I think that’s often the case with serialized shows on broadcast TV, especially ones with high stakes. They need to keep viewers glued as long as possible, so the big showdown usually happens midway through the final episode, with things like Kang Chul’s fate kept unclear until the last ten minutes to maintain suspense.

That said, I respectfully disagree about what you said in the second paragraph, this is one drama where it really felt like the full story was planned out from the beginning. Yeo Ri’s vision in the first episode already hinted at a HEA, and there were clues all throughout that built toward the final confrontation. It just that the director wanted to keep the tension high for as long as possible before wrapping things up.

Same! Not that I don’t like ABY, but I really think sageuk is where YKS shines the most. He was incredible as Moo Hyul in Six Flying Dragons and just as amazing as Gil Dong in Rebel. But tbh,I just really miss seeing him in dramas! I’m hoping this marks his gradual return after 3 years. He can do his thing as a scene-stealer, and I’d love for the industry to be reminded of his full potential.

Oh, and Rebel--yes! One of my fave sageuks! I still rewatch it from time to time, esp during these 3 years while YKS has been missing from the drama world.

https://thedirect.com/article/shogun-2024-fx-series-book-differences-explained

I've never watched the 1980s version, and I haven't read the novel yet. However, in an interview with James Clavell's daughter, it was mentioned that FX's intention is to present this version from the Japanese perspective rather than focusing more on Blackthorne's point of view as an Englishman coming to Japan, like in the novel. They aimed for a more ensemble cast and to depict the story from both Toranaga's and Blackthorne's viewpoints as much as possible.

That makes sense. I tried to do that, but the problem I had was that he's not in the database, so I couldn't just simply add him to the cast like in other dramas. However, I think what you meant is to submit a page for an actor, which I found a guideline for, so let me try that. My slight OCD is bothered by this, so I might as well do that. Between me and @Facundo1867, maybe one of us will be able to get the entry approved.

Whadoyo mean.... there's no barbarian in this show...


On a serious note though, it's been 6 weeks, the show is almost over, I don't understand why MDL can't just add a page for him. Most of the cast on One Piece (if not all?) haven't acted in Asian dramas before, but they have their own pages just for One Piece.

Thanks!

crimson pond it will be...

*grunts in Yabushige*

Overall it was a very entertaining political makjang level kdrama! Sure, some of the plot devices, character arcs and motivations felt forced and didn't quite make sense at times, but man, I just love the camaraderie among the female characters.

Sorry, I sort of skimmed your comment because I'm trying to dodge any book spoilers before I read the book myself once my library hold comes through. So I might misinterpret your comment. But from what you've mentioned, it sounds like Omi and Kiku are an item? So maybe what Kiku said didn't have malicious intent? If that's the case, I might've misread the direction cues. The way the camera lingered on her during the discussion between Yabushige, Omi, and the eye-patched guy had me wondering if she's got some hidden motives in play. It definitely got me questioning her angle, like maybe she's working for someone else.

that's interesting... is that something that Anjin said or is it how Fuji is described in the book? I'm hoping to read the book soon, preferably finishing it at the same time as the finale of the tv show

Good to know I'm not alone in thinking that... Fuji and Anjin just seem to click better than Mariko and Anjin, don't they? I thought part of it might have been how Anna Sawai played Mariko so far; she often looked distant, even during heartfelt chats. But with Fuji, the actress really displayed a wide range of emotions and with nuance. And I totally agree – that scene where she got the pistol from Anjin and handed over her family sword? I couldn't help but feel something special between them, unlike with Mariko and Anjin scenes so far. Well, those were just my two cents.

I'm not sure if that's just a "classical Chinese trope" or if it applies to the broader "femme fatale trope". Personally, I don't mind seeing it here in Feudal Japan, where women often had to find power within their own constraints. Especially since, based on the direction, it seems like Kiku might be aligned with someone else (Toranaga or another daimyo, I still can't quite tell). If she's using her feminine charms to get the job done, then more power to her, I say. Additionally, I don't think Kiku would have had a significant influence on Omi's decision to betray Yabushige. That betrayal seemed to be simmering within him already; Kiku's words simply validated his actions.

Ah, okay, thanks! I guess I overlooked that scene. I had the impression that Yang Kyu never left the Northeast area during the war, especially since he was appointed as the field commander after Gang Jo departed for the coup. Perhaps this happened after winning the first battle? Like before he went around the nearby fortress to recruit soldiers to retake the Kwakju fortress from the Khitans?

I guess they were aiming to depict the toll of the war on those close/acquainted to him, from the time he ascended the throne until they ultimately achieved victory, regardless of their intentions. Yang Kyu, though known to us as the audience, may have never actually met the King in person. That's just my head canon.

I believe that's simply her way of signaling to Anjin to keep it a secret. Anjin has the freedom to "pillow" a courtesan, but it would be scandalous for him to do so with Mariko, especially considering her recent widowhood and the fact that she was not his consort.

Edited to add: I wonder if Fuji was aware of this. She appeared clueless in the morning and only reacted when her name was mentioned. However, considering she was only out of the room for about 5-10 seconds before Mariko entered, it feels odd if she somehow didn't know what had occurred the night before.

Tbh, following his conversation with Omi, it appears to me that he's gearing up for an offensive stance, but but I never imagined he'd resort to using the cannons to decimate the samurais. He comes across as a rash, impulsive teenager desperately seeking his father's approval. Yet, surprisingly, his actions have coerced Yabushige into finally siding with Toranaga (after playing both sides for so long), especially now that Ishida will undoubtedly want his head. On the flip side, they've inadvertently demonstrated the precision of those cannons.

Toranaga won't be pleased that the war has been expedited, but I suppose this is the consequence of keeping your plans close to your chest.

Didn't expect ep 4 to end with red puddles of guts everywhere, but okay, I'm kinda hyped for the war.

I'm sad they didn't include Yang Kyu in the last scene where the King walked to the throne. I'm also curious if that means Jang Yeon Woo [the funny cowardly officer] died after he retired.

This brings back all the feels...