Catch up on Shogun: Shogun (1980) Shogun Episodes I & II I love the start of this episode. The fatalism of this society where the only punishment is death. Yabushige is writing his will and describes it as the best one yet, which is harrowingly funny. And oh so appropriate for a man who bends with the wind.
I just want to say that I'm not sure I'd qualify Blackthorne as a pirate, exactly. I don't know what he is defined as in the novel, but the references Blackthorne makes to Letters of Marque and his denouncing the claim that he is a pirate suggest that he is a privateer working for the British crown.
Historically, privateers were basically 'legalized' pirates. Many were former actual pirates given clemency by a higher authority and conscripted into service (via letters of marque) against foreign enemies. So, I think Blackthorne is an ex-pirate, who was given an official pardon and essentially a license to go to pillage the Portuguese for the British crown. Not sure why the letters would come from Holland though.
You're right! I forgot it was a Dutch ship and crew. And he's def-ly doing piracy, just 'legally.' I wonder if they'll clarify some of the details later, like who exactly is his chief authority back in Europe.
Another really good episode.
I just want to say that I'm not sure I'd qualify Blackthorne as a pirate, exactly. I don't know what he is defined as in the novel, but the references Blackthorne makes to Letters of Marque and his denouncing the claim that he is a pirate suggest that he is a privateer working for the British crown.
Historically, privateers were basically 'legalized' pirates. Many were former actual pirates given clemency by a higher authority and conscripted into service (via letters of marque) against foreign enemies. So, I think Blackthorne is an ex-pirate, who was given an official pardon and essentially a license to go to pillage the Portuguese for the British crown. Not sure why the letters would come from Holland though.
Oh, definitely. I just mean that a legalized pirate is still doing piracy! And I think Jarvis looks that part more than Chamberlain.
It's hard to imagine Chamblerlain pillaging and murdering his way to Japan. But Jarvis? I could buy that.
Which may be why they downplayed that more in the 1980 series.
Also, though he's English, he's on a Dutch ship with a Dutch crew, so he wouldn't be a privateer for the Royal Navy either.
You're right! I forgot it was a Dutch ship and crew. And he's def-ly doing piracy, just 'legally.' I wonder if they'll clarify some of the details later, like who exactly is his chief authority back in Europe.
My assumption is they won't since the story keeps pulling him farther into Japanese politics.
But who knows!