I'm sitting here dwelling in such bittersweet sadness, processing what I just witnessed. The content of the episode was bittersweet sadness, as well as seeing this series I have loved and waited for every week come to an end.
From the events of the past 9 episodes, basically every character is left dwelling in loss.
And yet, there is a grand purpose laid out that gives meaning to it all: The prospect of a united Japan living in peace. Can they recover from their catastrophic losses and continue on?
Like a newborn baby in Toranaga's arms, subtle signs of hope, faith, and new life emerge.
Mariko taught us that life is delicate like a flower, and only meaningful because it eventually falls.
The character arcs I cared about most were wrapped up in a way that left me satisfied and hopeful for them.
And through a couple of ingenious narrative methods that fit seamlessly into the story, we get a glimpse of the future coming after the curtain falls.
Although it's sad to see this series end, having shared the journey of Shogun, we are "Zutto Issho." Always together.