The Recap: Shōgun – Chapter 4: “The Eightfold Fence”
First of all, I have to apologize for falling so far behind on these recap reviews. If you’re following along with any serious interest in the show then I’ve failed you miserably. Excuse me while I go commit ritual suicide as any samurai would do….oh wait, I’M NOT A SAMURAI! Wahooooo!!!
Now that Blackthorne and Lord Toranaga are becoming besties, we jump right into them landing at Yabushige’s village. Toranaga isn’t staying long, however, and we don’t see him for the rest of the episode. There is a lingering concern about the loyalty of Yabushige as “an ally with ambition is no true ally”.
They’ve made Blackthorne a Hatamoto. He’s been given a house, a staff, a generous salary, and a consort to watch over his affairs. It would all be well and good if he wanted any of it. He just wants his men and his ship back. Too bad for him, refusing these things would make for a massive insult.
Blackthorne is in continuous learning when it comes to the Japanese customs. He’s especially learning about his new consort, Usami Fuji. She has recently lost her husband and her infant child for the sake of honor and now she’s being forced to serve him. It definitely changes the perspective for Blackthorne to understand more about her. She’ll give her life for his and in that, there is trust.
English naval warfare saves his ass. He begins to teach them about his cannons and how accurate they can be. They’ve never seen it so and are highly impressed.
The story with Yabushige and which side he’s playing on continues to play out. He’s been playing his cards to potentially get a spot on the council and just keeps finding himself more deeply entrenched on the side of Toranaga. It’s clear, though, that he only has his own life in mind.
Lady Mariko and Blackthorne are finally connecting on a level that we haven’t seen yet….and now they’re banging!
It is war. There’s no going back now and I, for one, couldn’t be more excited. Another absolutely stellar episode and one that just makes me want to stay up till 4 am watching more.
