Shogun is coming to an end, and viewers are excited to see how it all wraps up. However, there are concerns about how the show will conclude with so much still left to address in the final episode. There is also speculation about the character of Lord Toranaga and whether he is truly a hero or if there is more to him than meets the eye. Some critics argue that Toranaga is not the noble figure he is portrayed as in the show, but rather a cunning and ruthless warlord in a fight for power.
Freddie DeBoer offers two critiques of Toranaga in Shogun. The first is that the show presents him as a beacon of freedom and democracy, which is not true to the character in the original book. Toranaga is portrayed as a warlord in a struggle for power, not a champion of noble ideals. The second critique compares Toranaga to Dumbledore in the Harry Potter series, noting that both characters are always right and seem to have predicted everything. This undermines the sense of danger and stakes in the story, as Toranaga always comes out on top.
While Toranaga may have some similarities to Dumbledore, he differs in key ways, particularly in his motivations and methods. Toranaga is in it for himself and is willing to sacrifice anyone, even his loved ones, to achieve his goals. He is a master manipulator and strategist, constantly deceiving those around him and using people as pawns in his game of power. This is illustrated in his orchestration of the assassination of the previous ruler, which set off a chain of events that allowed him to consolidate his power in Edo.
Despite the comparisons to Dumbledore, Toranaga does not explain his actions to anyone and operates in a much different manner. He is more of a Chessmaster, using his intelligence, adaptability, and patience to outmaneuver his opponents. Toranaga’s character is based on the real historical figure Tokugawa Ieyasu, who founded the Tokugawa Shogunate and ruled for two centuries. The show and the book both emphasize Toranaga’s tactical brilliance and strategic thinking, highlighting his ability to outsmart his enemies and secure his position of power.
In the final episodes of Shogun, viewers will see how Toranaga’s character evolves and if he is indeed a hero or a villain. His ruthless tactics and cunning strategies have positioned him as a formidable force in the power struggle in feudal Japan. As the series finale approaches, audiences will be eager to see how Toranaga’s story concludes and if he will come out on top or face defeat. Despite the comparisons to Dumbledore, Toranaga’s character stands out in his own right as a complex and intriguing figure in the world of Shogun.
