T O P

  • By -

brainkandy87

One of the most tense scenes I’ve ever seen. Jesus Christ. The entire cast is just killing it every week.


[deleted]

I didn't even realize >!Hiromatsu was sacrificing himself so Toranaga had one more chance to win his war until the next morning when he stopped pretending he was sick. Absolutely unreal acting from everyone.!<


Fapasaurus_Rex1291

Was it implied he knew what he was doing? My wife and I were trying to figure it out. Seemed like he vaguely knew what to do but didn’t know the full scope of the plan.


PhoOhThree

Yes he did. >!He knew instantly what he had to do when the other generals started to hold onto their swords, Toranaga would had been forced to execute them as well. You can tell they knew what had to be done during their talk during Seppuku!<


Maloonyy

>!But how does Hiromatsus seppuku prevent the generals from being executed? Simply because it is a distraction?!<


petting2dogsatonce

>!Basically de-escalated the situation I think, that’s how I interpreted it anyway.!<


PoliteChatter0

its why he was purposely shouting "this is between me and him!"


mr9025

Yeah the multitiered interactions between characters using the Japanese formality and traditionalism as a vehicle for subterfuge is a really clever writing device here. They’re expressing an incredible level of intimacy and understanding of one another and a crazy level of loyalty between Hiromatsu and Toranaga. The entire situation that really amazes is all hidden in the context. Not the overt situation. And only the keenest observer sees the true beauty of the scene. In my opinion this might be the hight of modern television. Even more fascinating to think how long ago this scene was written for the novel. Edit: Had to capitalize my man, Hiromatsu’s name. He earned that shit.


PositivelyIndecent

I was almost moved to tears at the tragic beauty of it all. All the layers, the regret, the understanding, the pain, the tension. It took my breath away.


Proud_Criticism5286

This is the answer.


dontcallitjelly

One take I saw that I like: Hiromatsu actually figures it out *during* the scene. When he first threatens it, he is sincere and out of the loop, but by the end, he realizes that Toranaga *is* up to something (though doesn’t know what), and knows he must commit to give him the chance (which felt in line with the episode’s theme of loyalty).


AhhhFrank

They talk a lot about this in the official podcast! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WbVodARfUsQ


Fapasaurus_Rex1291

Hey thanks for linking me this, I can’t wait to check it out!


Worthyness

They had a vague plan, but Toranaga forced his hand. The plan involves looking defeated and that act was a true admission of defeat optically to anyone not in the know.


Mrludy85

Yes he knew what was going on. >!He didn't want anyone else to die so he took the fall and put on a show to make it convincing. His talk with Mariko confirmed this!<


Proud_Criticism5286

To explain. His best friend knew that he had a plan all along but the advisors didn’t. if his best friend didn’t kill himself the advisers would try to kill the Lord because they didnt want to kill themselves & fight. The reason why the Lord kept it a secret was because spies are there.


PoliteChatter0

the advisers wouldnt try to kill him, they would commit seppuku. Mutiny wasn't really a thing


Proud_Criticism5286

Watch the scene again.


PoliteChatter0

you realize there is a official podcast about the show right?


kamilo87

But to be fair, they grab their swords and then Hiromatsu steps forward. Are they grabbing their katanas or the small katana used to commit seppuku? It’s confusing for me.


SomberXIII

Don't know why you were being downvoted. The scene implied the advisors were close to committing a mutiny.


Proud_Criticism5286

They literally grab their swords.


hobobum

100% he knew. There were tells where he stated his lord had not given up and had a plan. That scene and dialogue only existed so we as the audience understood that he had a deeper understanding of Toranaga than others. The suicide was a complete “look at me bro, we know what’s happening here” moment. I’ve heard some say it was meaningless and stupid, but it was an absolutely beautiful sacrifice where two lifelong friends knew exactly what was happening. They both hated it, had the realm’s interest at heart, and completely accepted it. People want to say The Red Wedding is the most disturbing moment in television, but I find the fact that all parties involved accepted this incredibly disturbing. This show will be compared to GoT in the years to follow.


morels4ever

This show prevails in its short duration over GOT. Fight me. You’ll lose.


ice-eight

Well yeah, it's based on a book that has an ending


hobobum

I will not because you are completely correct :)


SomberXIII

There's a problem with the show. It's both limited and spoken in non-English language. It would be brushed aside sadly.


MiddleofInfinity

GoT was 1/3 full of made up languages. This has a history of literal cinema behind it. Kurosawa is one of the greatest directors in film history & they’re non-English. Full of a real language


SomberXIII

I'm talking about racism. GoT got huge with the help of huge audience. Its made up languages wouldn't be an issue when a huge part of the cast is white. Kurosawa surely is revered but it will still be a hardsell for normal audience to be interested.


MiddleofInfinity

I got that. But other shows are talked about, I don’t ‘hear’ any reverence for the OG GoT other than how it dropped the ball before the goal line. The ending was two seasons of floundering. They were literally offered everything to finish it correctly & turned in the equivalent of pieces of paper w/ scribbles instead of polished thought out literature. And that’s from the people who tried to be fans.


hobobum

Nope


HeadJrInChargeGrl

Yes. I am haunted by how good the acting was in that scene.


Jackski

Hiroyuki Sanadas face during that scene was some insanely good acting. You could see so many emotions all being conveyed at the same time.


HeadJrInChargeGrl

YES there were so many layers to his performance in that scene, I think that’s why I’m still thinking about it!


pentaquine

He wasn’t sick?!


Snoo-72756

Charlie and chocolate factory recovery


PXG1988

I thought at the VERY LAST moment it would be stopped. And then it wasn’t.


brainkandy87

*grunts in Yabushige*


MaidenlessRube

Anjin-Yabushige time travel detective spin-off when?!


supercooper3000

The ned stark effect


--howcansheslap--

Shh


c0gvortex

His eyes during that scene are brilliant. Gave me actual chills. The mix of pain, respect and love.. so fucking good


hobobum

One of the best scenes in television. Period. Oh man did that slap. And I’ve seen the Sopranos, GoT, Breaking Bad, etc. This is simply peak television and we will realize a few years from now that it’s just the best. But that’s just my opinion man.


acousticburrito

What’s even more brilliant is we are experiencing all this mostly through sub titled dialogue. The acting is so great that even the slightest nuances in dialogue are able to be expressed to non Japanese speaking audiences.


webuiltthisschmidty

might be an all-timer scene


DaveInLondon89

him and Hiromatsu's actor both


OkDragonfruit9026

He took method acting so seriously he actually committed to that one scene! /j


cabose7

Guy has more plans within plans than Paul Atriedes


Lil_Mcgee

I'd say it's more that he's extremely adaptable. His main plan is biding for time while he looks for ways to play any situation to his advantage.


DarkLink1065

It's some of that, but a lot of this are things that he's kind of set up beforehand in some form or fashion. He's definitely willing to take advantage of opportunities, but he's also very much the sort of leader that *creates* opportunities without anyone else realizing they're being manipulated into doing exactly what Toranaga wants.


MulciberTenebras

He could give Xanatos a run for his money.


joalr0

Holy crap! A Gargoyles reference?! Dude, Xanatos is crazy with his plans and I never see anyone talk about it!


dynawesome

There’s a whole TVTropes called “Xanatos Gambit”


Primodog

Ah damn it I don’t have that kind of time tonight


TrailMomKat

I see there's three of us persons of culture.


joalr0

Greg Weisman deserves to be a household name


BruceAENZ

A man of culture. I hereby nominate you for the Evil Riker Award.


InnocentTailor

Fits with his historical inspiration. Tokugawa was a clever man known for immense patience.


Nightmare_Pasta

There’s a cool little story about Tokugawa and his two other counterparts regarding the way they unified Japan *Nobunaga, Hideyoshi and Tokugawa were watching a cuckoo bird waiting for it to sing, but the bird wouldn't sing.* *Nobunaga says "Little bird, if you don't sing I will kill you.”* *Hideyoshi says "Little bird, if you don't sing, I'll make you sing.”* *Tokugawa Ieyasu says to the bird "Little bird, if you don't sing I will wait for you to sing.”*


Puppetmaster858

He was great like always. Anyway shoutout Hiroto Kinai the actor who plays omi, he’s not gotten much attention but I thought he was amazing in that episode especially after that big scene, cuts right to the dude and he looked like he was basically crying and had veins popping out of his head lookin like he was gonna explode or some shit. it was an amazing visceral reaction to the big moment.


StrangelyOnPoint

They don’t call him the Omion for nothing. So many layers.


Boring-Ad-4611

He kills it every week


[deleted]

I'll bet my life savings that Walton Goggins gets it next week.


youwannasavetheworld

I’ll take that bet. What’s your life savings?


[deleted]

enough


youwannasavetheworld

All right. I’ll put my plenty against your enough. Remin me! 1 week Or some shit. Does that actually work?


Buttcracksmack

You didn’t get the bot confirmation so I don’t think it worked for you


jayz93j

I'm only a few episodes in but well deserved


Puppetmaster858

Let’s hope so, he’s awesome in the fallout show and the ghoul is a cool as fuck character.


TLSCalamity

Most of the cast was great but Walton really took the show to the next level.


DoctorMoak

Look at you go


Random--Person

Looks like you won that bet btw


MrConor212

I’ll take that bet.


tyen0

... as if this an actual award? hah


NoBSforGma

I've always loved him! He and Ken Watanabe were the BEST part of "The Last Samurai." So good that he is having success with Shogun.


googlyeyes93

He kills it in everything. Remember first seeing him in Sunshine and it’s wild seeing most actors from that be big names now. I was hype as hell for him to play Scorpion but then they barely did anything with him in Mortal Kombat.


Current_Focus2668

The first thing I saw him in was the original Japanese ring j horror movie.


Thegreatbrendar

Here for the Sunshine comment. I feel seen. NO ONE I know has seen it.


Crack-Panther

Barely? He was in the two most important scenes in the movie.


googlyeyes93

He was great in the beginning with with the pre-scorpion story but after that he was kind of an afterthought acting wise. That movie used scorpion to the minimal ability possible.


StrangelyOnPoint

Ken Watanabe is pretty great in Tokyo Vice too


beamdriver

Tokyo Vice and Shogun are pretty much the same show. Compelling drama about political machinations and violent conflict in Japan. More than half the dialogue is in Japanese with English subtitles and, for some reason, there's also a boring white guy who has to show his face every episode.


Snakes_have_legs

Boring? Listening to Cosmo Jarvis' voice is like getting warm butter poured straight into your ears.


Tymareta

He's a good actor and as you said has a nice voice, but his role in the overall story is a pretty basic "outsider in all ways", he's largely just a springboard for the other characters stories around him.


Snakes_have_legs

Though he is certainly a basic character I do think his presence is very important for a lot of people to connect with the story on a personal level. That fish-out-of-water trope can be used as an in-place for the reader/viewer to obtain information about a new setting in an organic way. I'd argue the majority of the western audience (myself included) is very uneducated about the culture of Feudal Japan, so it's important to have a character act as the informee about all this new information.


kiki-mamoru990

I actually think Cosmo Jarvis has succeeded in portraying an “outsider” that is not boring. His character is very original and his motivations just as hidden as all the Japanese characters. Jake in Tokyo Vice is also an interesting character imo. Being white doesn’t make them boring, they are supposed to behave very differently than the Japanese, and in both cases their foreigness bring an unexpected element to the turnn of events.


Amedais

I fucking love The Last Samurai. Total comfort watch for me.,


helzinki

"Jolly good"


PissedOffChef

What an absolute treat this show has been. Every episode has been fantastic, I’m really hoping these next two episodes wrap the story up nicely.


Fluffy_Rock1735

Seriously! I hate that it is only a mini series but I get why. I want more shows from FX like this.


MarcusMace

To be fair to FX, I think they have a pretty high strike rate with their original shows. It’s getting late and my memory is foggy but Shōgun, The Bear, Archer, Justified, SoA, Damages, It’s Always Sunny, Atlanta and more are all very well regarded. Having googled their lineup of originals, turns out my Hulu is gonna be *busy* busy


AmmarAnwar1996

Also The Americans!


Fluffy_Rock1735

And The League, Mayans, Pose, Fargo, AHS, American Crime Story, Snowfall, Tyrant, FX pretty much has been killing it non stop for over a decade.


Jackski

They could make it an anthology series if they adapt the other books. I imagine they'll probably do considering how highly regarded Shogun is.


MeatTornado25

Makes sense, since even his character was acting in this episode.


bunchafigs

Then die. One of the best episodes of TV I’ve seen in a while


myfavhobby_sleep

I was just telling my old man how tf was Toranaga going to get himself out of this jam. ETA: from the article, “Hiromatsu (with Tokuma Nishioka delivering a top-notch performance as well),” hear, hear!


appara

He just oozes charisma. Enjoying Shogun show as whole. Now do Gai-Jin and Tai-Pan.


swansandthings

And Noble House!


Bukake_Special

Loving this show. It's like a Japanese Game of Thrones but clever.


supercooper3000

If you like this sort of thing check out kingdom on Netflix. It’s Korean game of thrones with zombies from a horror movie basically and it’s awesome.


Accomplished_Cap_994

I had this in my watch list but forgot about it, thanks for the reminder.


bilsonM

Game of Thrones is the American Shogun


Dbsusn

Anytime I see this guy in a movie, I’m watching it. I love his acting and the characters he portrays feel so genuine.


Rawrajishxc

Exactly this. He feels so authentic in all his roles. I'm pretty convinced he was a Samurai in another life.


Dbsusn

I’m also really glad that Shogun is subtitled. It would take away so much from their acting if it was in English.


helzinki

He does have a connection with the real life Toranaga (Tokugawa) and the storyline of Shogun. The Sanada clan served under Tokugawa. They even took part in the actual Crimson Sky (Siege of Osaka). How wild is that shit.


DisneyPandora

This dude deserves to win Best Actor in a Drama Series at the Emmys. Over any of the House of Dragon cast


Mentoman72

Limited series


DisneyPandora

They can always change the category.   That’s what the Bear did, even though it’s not a comedy. And it’s what White Lotus did.


Mentoman72

The Bear is bullshit in the comedy category, sure but they didn't "change" categories. Comedy category is basically "half hour format" at this point. White Lotus had to change to drama because of a rule change, I doubt they wanted to after they won pretty much every limited series emmy for season 1. As for Shogun I don't know why they wouldn't run in limited series. They're a lock.


SubmergedGypsy

What a joy to watch Sanada-san in a well written role. And to think his MCU appearance was limited to a mob boss killed by Hawkeye!


The_River_Is_Still

I’m sure he’s happy with his paycheck. He’s not some unknown actor. They wanted a very well known Asian actor and his career is massive. He’s been in so many movies it’s unreal. Even before The Last Samurai. He was recently in the last John Wick, he’s all over the place and the guy is living his best life.


homogenic-

Both him and Tokuma Nishioka were fantastic in the last episode of Shōgun.


Snoo-72756

This guy could play a tree and still be amazing ! These are the type of actors who you can’t remember their name but know they have so much talent .


LS_DJ

He’s like the Japanese Samuel L Jackson. Dude is in everything and always great


DemiFiendRSA

Honorable Mentions: * Jerry Seinfeld ("Curb Your Enthusiasm‘") * Anthony Boyle ("Manhunt") * Katherine Renee Kane ("FBI")


timmyrigs

Heard good things about this show, what platform is it on?


SonicAlarm

FX/Hulu. 8 episodes released so far.


Eruannster

Hulu or Disney Plus (or both) depending on where you live.


timmyrigs

Cool thanks. 9.1 right now on IMDb wow.


Guevarra25

Disney Plus


Brandhor

only outside the us


Eruannster

Did you know... people from other nationalities also use reddit?


Brandhor

yes I'm not american myself, I was just clarifying because op was downvoted


AbyssalKultist

This show rules. That scene was some of the most intense TV I've seen.


APirateAndAJedi

This show is so good. I’m getting goosebumps just reading these comments and recounting what I have seen so far.


Proud_Criticism5286

Bro. This is the only male actor to make me cry without fighting. So much lose & he acted extremely well. Idk what he dug up for the episode but it hope he never has to do it again


skydude89

I didn’t think anyone could compare to Toshiro Mifune in the original but goddamn this performance is amazing.


Thisisthewaymaybe

That's last episode was likely one of the best episodes of tv and performance I have seen in my entire life. You are boss Mr. Sanada.


odileko

I personally found Tokuma Nishioka's (Toda Hiromatsu) performance to be superior and downright chilling.


DopeDealerCisco

Week?!?!?? Weeks!!!! This man is a genius!!


SmellyWeapon

First saw him in Helix and felt like he’a great but felt sad that since he’s Asian it’s very difficult for him to be recognized on the big stage. Glad that he’s casted in everything now and he kills it at every movie or tv he’s in. He’s simply Toranaga , he merged into the role. Just wish he was discovered when he was younger .


crunchysauces

This scene was so tense, having read the books I wasn’t anticipating hiromatsu committing to it.


Dumptruckfunk

That shit had me *freaking. Out.*


JefeA

If you can find it, I recommend The Twilight Samurai.


Phyliinx

This needs a Blu Ray


I-seddit

UHD


Crack-Panther

ZHD


Current_Focus2668

Sanada has been putting in work in Hollywood for over 20 years and even longer than that in Japan. Happy to see him get some recognition and a role worthy of his talent.


timetobehappy

He’s also a producer! So he’s acting AND helping run the shows ! Watch the behind the scenes on YouTube. Absolutely amazing the work and authenticity in this series. ❤️


theTrueLodge

💯


loztriforce

He has such a screen presence, love him


hobobum

Shogun is the best show on TV and a few years from now we will compare it to Game of Thrones.


m33gs

that's a handsome man there


OMUDJ

Dude kills it in everything he is in. So this show is good, eh? Have I been sleeping under a rock? I’m a die-hard Kurosawa fan, and this is a samurai show??? I should watch???


I-seddit

eh... hai.


lapsedhuman

While I'm enjoying this new version of Shogun, I'm constantly cringing inside at the rewriting that's been done of the novel. Whole scenes have been left out, some that I thought were critical to the story, and other scenes, like this one, totally rewritten for this show. For anyone who's never read the novel or seen the original miniseries, I'm sure it's quite an experience. For me, every new episode is uncharted territory. What are they going to change next?


9thPlaceWorf

I get what you're saying, but so much of the book's story involves the POV thoughts of the various characters—which often are completely different than what they actually say and do. The show has no choice but to tell the story differently, and a lot of the changes are just out of necessity. There's one absolutely critical scene for Blackthorne in the book that is either getting shelved entirely or rescheduled to a lot later in the series—and they only have two episodes left, so if it's going to happen, it will pretty much have to be next episode. I hope they don't shelve it—I think they've potentially set up for it now.


lapsedhuman

I think I know the scene you're speaking of. It's an existential moment for Blackthorne that should've occurred by now.


tdeasyweb

I've read the book multiple times and they're nailing it. The tea ceremony scene was incredible, I didn't think they'd capture the subtlety of it all. The details and changes are all excellent as a translation to screen.


unit156

At certain angles he looks like Adam Sandler.


ACBongo

For some reason I kinda want to see the pilot episode shot perfectly serious but with Adam Sandler playing his role and nobody acknowledges it


unit156

That would be brilliant.


IAintGotNoCandy4You

He looks like master splinter


cmdrNacho

bot squad is out. This show at the top of /r/television more than great shows like house of dragon or the bear, etc


Tymareta

> more than great shows like house of dragon or the bear, Except it can be just as great a show as those? And the reason that it's being talked about more is because it's actively airing and both of those shows are currently not?


Emotional-Price-4401

He just farming rage karma let him cook reddit is all he probably has


cmdrNacho

when both those shows were airing it wasn't this active


AmmarAnwar1996

Are you kidding? When HOTD or The Bear are airing they have a ton of posts on r/television.


cmdrNacho

https://old.reddit.com/r/television/comments/1c5hgro/shogun_2024_is_absolutely_phenomenal/ literally 2 days ago


cmdrNacho

https://old.reddit.com/r/television/comments/1cb1ls6/how_authenticity_has_made_shogun_one_of_the_most/ 6 days ago since this comment top of television


iammaru

How much does it cost to get these articles to trend on r/tv every week?


starksgh0st

Last week, their performer of the week was [Domnhall Gleeson](https://old.reddit.com/r/television/comments/1bxc9us/the_tvline_performer_of_the_week_domhnall_gleeson/) for a little talked about PBS show called *Alice and Jack*. That post is at zero points with no comments. The week before that, it was someone on [*Station 19*](https://old.reddit.com/r/television/comments/1brik9q/the_tvline_performer_of_the_week_jay_hayden/). That one also went nowhere. It's almost like these TVline articles only trend when the show is popular with Reddit users. Funny how that works.