Shogun - why I don't like this series

Anti-Portuguese, anti-Roman Catholic, loving Ayn Rand

Greetings Gold and Silver Level Templar Knights! I must confess that I find it difficult to watch the TV drama series, Shogun. So what is my problem?

Suppose I need to confess at the outset that I’m half Portuguese on my late mother’s side. And if you’ve watched Shogun - well, you’ll know that’s a problem. Not that I have any difficulty admitting to the colonial and imperialist legacy of 16th century Portugal at the height of its power. But Shogun presents us with a protagonist - John Blackthorne - held up as a paragon of Anglo-Saxon, Protestant virtue counterposed to the devious point-bearded, tonsured Portuguese Jesuits he must defeat.

It’s such a Victorian and outdated view of history where all Roman Catholics - especially from southern Europe - are heretic hating, bloodthirsty, rapacious types who need to be put in their place by rugged, heroic, Englishmen. Oh please!

The series is based on the books of Australian author James Clavell (1924-1994) who was interned in a Japanese prisoner of war camp during World War Two. In the post-war era, he turned his hand to writing screenplays and books and also became a keen admirer of the anti-communist author, novelist, and pop philosopher, Ayn Rand. Her creed of objectivism was all about the individual who refuses to compromise against an overbearing system run by mediocrities. Shogun’s English, John Blackthorne, is a classic Ayn Rand archetype.

Above is my YouTube review - watch and enjoy. And do give me your feedback!