Shogun: Episode 6
This week’s episode was all about the women. The men might think they are in control, discussing battle plans and holding counsel, but it’s the women behind the scenes pulling the strings.
There is Mariko whose influence, whether good or bad forms a cloud over Toranaga, Blackthorne and Buntaro. Fumi, quietly in the background in charge of Blackthorne's home, but also ready to fight like a tiger when needed.
Kiki the courtesan, who holds the secrets of all men, planting ideas into young Ochis ears, change the course of events dramatically.
And now we have Ladi Ochi, perhaps the most formidable of them all. Ishido may be able to slay a hundred men with his sword, but when Ochi sits behind him whispering in his ear, you can see him almost trembling with fear.
Each of the above have also suffered much tragedy in their lives, making them stronger them most men in the Japans.
Mariko, her whole family slaughtered. Fumis husband and only child sacrificed, and Lady Ochis father assassinated. What suffering Kiki has had we have yet to find out.
Of course, we still have the men playing their games. It seems Toranaga is playing a dangerous one. Having been saved by Blackthorne in the previous episode, he awards him a Fife and a large salary, he also ensures that Omi's lover is presented as a gift to Blackthorne.
Toranagas son, Yoshi, Omi and Kashigi all members of his council now have some sort of grudge against Toranaga., which in principle is because of Toranaga lavishing honours on Blackthorne. When you’re going into battle, having so many disgruntled teammates on your side may not be the best idea.
Blackthorne though is the unwanted recipient of all this attention. He pleads to be freed of his task and leave the Japan’s. If not, he wishes his ship back, and be able to wage war on the Portuguese. Toranaga entertains neither.
In this episode, Toranaga plays many different roles. The leader consoling his people after the tragic earthquake took thousands of lives in the last episode. To marriage counsellor to Buntaro and Mariko. And finally, the warrior, preparing for his biggest battle yet.
What are we to feel about Buntaro? A hero who sacrificed himself to save his master, a villain who beat his wife in a drunken rage, to his present incarnation as a grovelling husband, begging Toranaga to give him a second chance. Toranaga advice, 7 days away from Mariko. And for Mariko a punishment of sorts. Aware that she and Blackthorne have a relationship outside of the business of translation. He makes Mariko find Blackthorne a courtesan and translates the evening's events for Blackthorne. Genius or cruel, Mariko follows her master's wishes.
We have two elaborate scenes showing us Japanese customs and traditions. First, a play for Lady Ochi, showing the bravery of her husband and how she became the mother of the heir to the throne. And then a tea scene so charged with tension Mariko looks like she is going to pass out. Even the simple pouring of a cup requires many months of training and needs to be appreciated.
We find out about Lady Ochi and Mariko’s backstory. They have a tangled relationship. Having been introduced to each other as children, Mariko's father served Lady Ochios. As we found out in the previous episode, Mariko's father killed his unjust master resulting in Mariko's whole family being wiped out.
Mariko was saved of course due to her marriage to Buntaro, a marriage of convenience, which Mariko has resented since.
It’s only when Toranaga informs Mariko, that her father sent her away to save her as he knew the oncoming storm was coming, that she realises she wrongly judged her father all these years.
Ladi Ochiba, however, blames one man and one man only for her father's death. The man whom she is now instrumental in waging war against. Although he didn’t wield the blade, she holds him responsible.
Lady Ochiba's portrayal by Fumi Nikaido is chilling. The smiles as deals devastating cuts to Ishido with her words, and the councils impotence in front of her are remarkable. A villain worthy of the series.
Toranaga then is set to unleash Crimson Sky. A full-on assault on Osaka. Ishido has killed one of the Christian council members and installed his puppet. Toranagas forces are weakened by the earthquake, but he is going to find assistance from his brother, someone who is yet to be revealed.
Toranagas war chant at the end is haunting, the very future of Japan depends on his becoming Shogun, something he did not ask for or desire. He is surrounded by very few people he can trust, but belives he is right and will go all out to achieve it.
