Shogun: what happens at the end of the Disney+ series? Understand

Released this Tuesday (23), the chapter A Dream Within a Dream marked the end of the series Shogun: The Glorious Saga of Japan. In its 10 episodes, it showed the machinations of Lord Yoshii Toranaga to defeat the council members and his great rival Ishido, all with the aim of becoming the Shogun who would decree a new era of peace in Japan.

While the final chapter does not conclude the events in the life of the character inspired by Tokugawa Ieyasu, He reveals that his victory is only a matter of time. At the same time, we finally discover details of his plans and how successful he was in manipulating some of the most important figures in the series.

Shogun: what happens in the final episode?

The last episode of Shogun picks up shortly after the tragic events of its predecessor, in which Lady Mariko sacrificed herself in Osaka Castle. The character’s death ended up shaking Ishido’s position, as she revealed that the lord was keeping a series of important hostages — which caused him to lose the support of many powerful daimyos.

Who was also shaken by the death was Ochiba-no-kata, who grew up as a true sister of the character and, with the tragic event, decides to review her position on the upcoming war. The Council of Regents was also weakened, thanks to the intensification of internal conflicts among its members.

While the final episode of Shogun doesn’t show the outcome of the great battle of Sekigahara, the series makes it clear that Toronaga will emerge victorious from the conflict. While Ishido will still try to fight to emerge victorious, we see that he is aware that he will lose. In James Clavell’s book, the character is defeated and ends up being buried in the sand up to his neck, dying three days later.

Toronaga reveals details of his plan

The last chapter also reveals that Blackthorne’s ship was burned at the behest of Toranagawho wanted to prevent the foreigner from leaving Japan. He manages to manipulate the character into believing that he is his ally and that he wants to work with him to build a fleet.

The burning of the ship was also part of an agreement with the Portuguese, ensuring that Blackthorne will never bring his English and Dutch allies into the country. The foreigner is seen as a useful distraction by the new Shogun, as he kept his opponents distracted while the plan for Japanese domination was carried out.

Toranaga was the great winner of ShogunSource: Disclosure/FX

All this is revealed to Yabushige, who is sentenced to death after having collaborated in Mariko’s death in Osaka. Toranaga himself participates in his seppuku ritual, subtly demonstrating that, From the beginning, his plan was to become the country’s new commander.

The last chapter of Shogun it also shows that the moments when we see an older Blackthorne taking care of his grandchildren in England is just a “Dream Within a Dream”. Following the same story as James Clavell’s book, the adaptation shows that the character must stay in Japan until the end of his days.

Although it doesn’t follow through to the end of the original book, Shogun concluded his journey on Toranaga’s rise to the highest rank in Japan. As a result, the production available on Star+ and Disney+ should not receive a second season.

Watch all episodes of Shogun on Star Plus

Set in 1600s Japan, Lord Yoshii Toranaga is fighting for his life as his enemies on the Council of Regents unite against him when a mysterious European ship is found nearby. Watch all episodes on Star+