FX’s gripping historical drama ‘Shōgun’ concludes with a promise of Toranaga’s (Hiroyuki Sanada) inevitable rise to power as Shōgun. Mariko’s (Anna Sawai) decisive actions in ‘Crimson Sky’ solidify support for her beleaguered lord, convincing Lady Ochiba (Fumi Nikaido) to abandon Ishido (Takehiro Hira) in favor of an alliance with Toranaga.
While we are denied a climactic battle or a grand ceremony to herald Toranaga’s triumph, the audience is privy to a pivotal conversation between Toranaga and Yabushige (Tadanobu Asano) moments before the latter’s ordered seppuku. In this intimate exchange, Toranaga reveals his innermost thoughts and plans to the doomed traitor, akin to a confession to a priest, as showrunner Justin Marks aptly describes.
The scene unfolds as a departure from the novel by James Clavell, where Toranaga’s revelations remain solely with the reader. Marks explains their decision to avoid a corny voiceover or a direct address to the camera, opting instead for a more nuanced approach. Notably, the combination of Omi’s (Hiroto Kanai) role in seconding his uncle’s seppuku with Yabushige’s allows for a deeper exploration of both characters’ motivations.
Yabushige’s contempt for the ‘Great Men’ philosophy and the power structure it perpetuates becomes evident as he confronts Toranaga. Marks highlights the significance of Yabushige’s perspective, representing the weariness and rejection of the prevailing order. Yabushige’s final smile, an idea conceived by Asano himself, adds a layer of complexity to the scene. Marks interprets it as a haunting gesture, a rebellious act that will linger in Toranaga’s memory.
Asano’s influence extends beyond the smile, as he takes control of the scene by stabbing himself prematurely. Marks acknowledges this as a deliberate choice by Asano, a desire for agency and control even in his final moments. The hasty nature of Yabushige’s seppuku adds to the raw emotion and impact of the scene, ensuring that Tadanobu Asano’s portrayal of Yabushige will resonate long after the credits roll on FX’s acclaimed series ‘Shōgun’.
