Shogun's Anti-Climactic Ending: Why It Was Perfect

Shogun reimagines a classic novel in a stunning miniseries. It ends without showing the big battle, focusing instead on character development and storytelling.

Rachel Kondo and Justin Marks, known for Jungle Book and Top Gun: Maverick, revived "Shogun" in 2020. The show became a top streaming success.

Why did Shogun avoid the final epic battle?

John Blackthorne, a stranded English sailor, is drawn into the high-stakes political machinations of warlord Yoshii Toranaga, using his naval skills to survive.

Shogun built up to the Battle of Sekigahara

In Chapter Six, Toranaga's secret plan, the Crimson Sky, aims for a brutal attack on Osaka. Despite setbacks, he sacrifices his loved ones, including Mariko, to deceive his enemies.

Shogun closely follows the original book, but omits the grim epilogue where Toranaga's enemy is executed in a gruesome manner, choosing a different conclusion.

How did the book handle the battle?

Shogun avoids epic battle scenes, focusing instead on Toranaga's cunning strategy and subtle subterfuge, promoting a message that de-emphasizes violence in favor of intelligence.

Why did Shogun's anti-climax work?

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