There are many excellent reviews already posted so I'll keep my comments brief.
I enjoyed the adventure, physical, psychological & political dangers that Blackthorne, Toranaga & Mariko faced with courage, cunning & understated humor. The build up was excellent. However, the final episode was anti-climatic & disappointing. "Crimson sky" was primarily a battle plan mixed with political maneuvering (according to the novel). The story was building up to a battle for power between Toranaga & Ishido. So I had all this pent up energy & excitement waiting for a release upon witnessing the battle & seeing the outcome. But instead, the outcome is described in a brief conversation between Yabushige & Toranaga. Truly disappointing. I was almost ready to give a "10" rating, but the awful finale I had to reduce the rating to an "8".
I had no problem with Toranaga's maneuvering seen in the light of the historical context & mindset.
I enjoyed the comedic aspects adapted into Yabushige's character.
One thing that remains unclear to me, besides the Portuguese rutter, was there a rutter maintained by Blackthorne? If so, I would think Blackthorne would have used English. As far as I know, Mariko's was not able to read/write or speak English so how was she able to read his Rutter? I am unconvinced that she read his rutter. Oh well ....
Overall good show, but like GoT a disappointing finish.
I enjoyed the adventure, physical, psychological & political dangers that Blackthorne, Toranaga & Mariko faced with courage, cunning & understated humor. The build up was excellent. However, the final episode was anti-climatic & disappointing. "Crimson sky" was primarily a battle plan mixed with political maneuvering (according to the novel). The story was building up to a battle for power between Toranaga & Ishido. So I had all this pent up energy & excitement waiting for a release upon witnessing the battle & seeing the outcome. But instead, the outcome is described in a brief conversation between Yabushige & Toranaga. Truly disappointing. I was almost ready to give a "10" rating, but the awful finale I had to reduce the rating to an "8".
I had no problem with Toranaga's maneuvering seen in the light of the historical context & mindset.
I enjoyed the comedic aspects adapted into Yabushige's character.
One thing that remains unclear to me, besides the Portuguese rutter, was there a rutter maintained by Blackthorne? If so, I would think Blackthorne would have used English. As far as I know, Mariko's was not able to read/write or speak English so how was she able to read his Rutter? I am unconvinced that she read his rutter. Oh well ....
Overall good show, but like GoT a disappointing finish.