AS A DRAMA This is a very well done historical drama, humanizing a larger than life historical figure. i think the acting and casting was great with tons of familiar faces playing roles that seemed to suit the roles they have either cast as their public person OR a great role they have done in the past. This show cases the hardening of a soul over time and how the "Turbulent Times" wore down the innocence of this man. How the hard decisions effect this man but his public face will never show it. I liken this drama to "Nobunaga Concerto" With Oguri Shun.

AS A TAIGA It is not close to the historical Ieyasu's life. Well Loosely. These events did happen, but his love life was completely different and it hid his ambitions or what seemed to be his ambitions to the history books. My thoughts are that if this work has every just 1 person look at Togugawa's Wiki or God Forbid a book to learn deeper about the trues history of this time period, then it has done it's job.

True History is Dirty and Nasty, Especially when in Times of War. (Yes those capital letters are on purpose), and often times would not make for a good drama or even a movie. The thought behind this Taiga was to bring in new faces and talent in order to raise viewership of the time slot. In that view I believe that the station did a good job.