Up to this episode I felt very much at ease with how this show made changes to the source material. In many cases changes in this show added to the book's world but kept the core of it intact.
Now, for the first time, it feels like this episode made changes which subtracted from rather than add to the story. Key characters have been changed significantly. Blackthorne in particular almost regressed to a less comprehending, primitive state of mind. The relation between Toronaga and Mariko is fundametally different and many other characters almost seem vulgar and crude compared to their book versions.
The meeting with his half-brother should have been a study in intricate diplomacy. A case of calculated provocation against the cool and calm of a master of nuance and subtlety. Instead, we are treated to a story of brutal betrayal.
I'll see where this is going to take us but we are in unfamiliar territory right now.
Now, for the first time, it feels like this episode made changes which subtracted from rather than add to the story. Key characters have been changed significantly. Blackthorne in particular almost regressed to a less comprehending, primitive state of mind. The relation between Toronaga and Mariko is fundametally different and many other characters almost seem vulgar and crude compared to their book versions.
The meeting with his half-brother should have been a study in intricate diplomacy. A case of calculated provocation against the cool and calm of a master of nuance and subtlety. Instead, we are treated to a story of brutal betrayal.
I'll see where this is going to take us but we are in unfamiliar territory right now.