Cosmo Jarvis' performance as John Blackthorne in the 1980 miniseries is commendable for its rawness and commitment. This performance contrasts the elegance of the upper classes with the grime and muck of being not among the elite, de-romanticizing our understanding of the past. Jarvis' reaction to the idea of more than one bath a week is commendable, but the rawness and intensity of the role are not enough for this kind of role. The show's attempts to contrast the elegance of the upper classes with the grime and muck of being not quite among the elite work well to de-romanticize our understanding of the past. The first two episodes of Shogun were visually stunning and intricately plotted, meeting the story's high dramatic stakes while maintaining a measure of grounded relatability. The show may have been too complex and byzantine in its depiction of the political machinery of feudal Japan for some viewers. However, the rewards have been well worth the effort. Blackthorne has survived an attempt on his life, and Toranaga wants Yabushige to help him get to the bottom of the matter. Yabushige, Toranaga's vassal, is looking out for number one and reveals that his loyalties are for sale. He won't betray Toranaga for his seat on the Council of Regents, but he will betray Ishido if Toranaga gives him the Suruga province. Toranaga agrees to the arrangement in exchange for Blackthorne and Lady Kiri's safe transport to Ajiro, setting the stage for one of the most famous scenes in the James Clavell novel on which the series is based. This iteration of Shogun is a demanding watch, but anything less would be a betrayal of the source material. Showrunners Rachel Kondo and Justin Marks have an intuition for pacing, knowing when to step on the gas and when to pump the brake, making a character's motives crystal clear, and withholding information. The intricate plot strands are being meticulously woven into a rich tapestry, making it a must-watch for fans of the series. Shogun is a series that explores cultural similarities and differences, highlighting the interplay between religion and commerce. The conversation between Blackthorne and Mariko highlights the universality of sex and medicine, while Buntaro's interruption of his wife's sexually charged conversation with a barbarian highlights Kondo and Marks' ability to convey a lot with minimal words. The show continually increases tension, as Blackthorne, Mariko, Kiri, and their party prepare to decamp from Osaka. The scheme becomes clear when a diversion is created, and the old switcheroo takes place under Ishido's nose. Blackthorne offers a distraction, allowing Toranaga to carry out his ruse. This is the first time Blackthorne demonstrates loyalty to any daimyos, a departure from his previous stance as hostile captors. Shogun balances intricate plotting with old-fashioned sex and violence, proving that no show has balanced intricate plotting with old-fashioned sex and violence since Game of Thrones. The show's most pulse-pounding action scene results from Kiyama's attack, exposing Toranaga's scheme and resulting in a multi-lateral conflict.
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