MIDNIGHT REVIEWS Shōgun Episode Nine
Midnight Reviews features reviews and thought pieces written and edited by a parent, at night, after bedtime.
Shōgun Episode Nine: ‘Crimson Sky’
Series created by: Rachel Kondo, Justin Marks
Featuring: Hiroyuki Sanada, Cosmo Jarvis, Anna Sawai, Tadanobu Asano
Synopsis: Yabushige (Asano) brings Blackthorne (Jarvis) to where they must commit to a surrender. They have, however, a possible ace up their sleeve. Mariko (Sawai) tags along in order to test the regents’ convictions.
Review: The title alone brings with it butterflies for the stomach. However, the crimson sky, blotting out the sun and draping everything in darkness and confusion, is not the crimson sky we might expect.
The backstory that Shōgun has gotten most mileage from, and that might have the strongest set of consequences for Japan, is Lady Mariko’s. Anna Sawai has steadily shown glimpses of Mariko’s inner thoughts and taken opportunities to shine with aplomb. This week’s episode is simply another great performance to add to the collection. The promise of crimson sky was bloodshed, action and racing pulses, and it achieves this last one with the verbal smackdown Mariko lays on those who proclaim themselves in charge. Scintillating stuff.
Things take a sinister turn.
As episodes go by, it’s clear that despite the positioning of Toranaga and Blackthorne as the key characters early on, it’s Mariko’s story that engrosses most. Unlike early in the season, this time her and Blackthorne’s romantic feelings feel real and earned and these scenes only add to the tension.
Speaking of Toranaga, it’s in episode nine where Shōgun starts to reveal that the former regent might be as cold and manipulative as the rest. At this late stage, is it a wise decision to have the viewer start questioning one of the main character’s position as protagonist? If the previous episodes are anything to go by, the show will simply use these feelings to ratchet up the stakes come the finale.
There are some bits and pieces that don’t really add much. Mariko’s son turns up to tell his mum off but feels like an add-on featured only to try to bring another source of pressure to Mariko; she has enough of these already though and the short scene with him feels nothing more than superfluous.
Character moments are used brilliantly.
That being said, it’s always amusing when Yabushige starts plotting. Or when he grunts. This episode in particular focuses in on the vassal who can’t seem to choose a liege. But things take a sinister turn which leads to the aforementioned darkness and confusion. Who is Yabushige siding with at this late stage?
Other character moments are used brilliantly to unveil multiple ideas at once. Blackthorne shows every thought and whim in small gestures, but his conversion to Japanese culture seems near-complete. However, there is the smallest of gestures towards the end that reveal a bit of the old Blackthorne lurks, waiting to burst out. Ishido (Takehiro Hira) somehow shows himself to be even more conniving and spiteful, but in this behaviour reveals the character’s lack of options. Disgusting behaviour without turning a human being into a caricature.
The final scenes feature some sword and gunplay that are exciting, until things turn dark and we’re faced with losing one of these characters who has so enamoured and connected so very well. The show’s loss is our loss too as the ending fulfils the empty, bleak feeling the tone promised. The leafless branch, devoid of flowers.
Shōgun is available to watch on Disney+, with episodes due once a week every Tuesday.
Matthew D. Smith likes to overshare his views on movies whenever and wherever he can. Indulge him, and follow him on Twitter: https://twitter.com/Smith_M_D
