Summary
In a very grounded episode, Shogun delivers brilliant storytelling blended with incredible acting from Cosmo Jarvis and Anna Sawai.
Lord Toranaga and his crew arrive in Ajiro to a warm welcome in Episode 4 of Shogun. John Blackthorne’s arrival back in Ajiro for the first time since his ship washed up on their shore at the start of Season 1 doesn’t go as he expected. Despite the rocky start, Blackthorne and Lady Mariko’s relationship blossoms despite Toranaga appointing him a consort.
A letter is passed to Kashigi Omi that states Lord Toranaga is coming to his town. He wants his village to prepare for his arrival. Upon arriving in Ajiro, the entire village poured out to show their appreciation for Toranaga’s visit. Toranaga announces that dark clouds are gathering over Japan, and they must protect against it and protect Taiko’s legacy.
Who will be John Blackthorne’s consort?
John Blackthorne arriving with Toranaga has people questioning why he is there, but Yabushige informs them he is a Hatamoto now. On the ship, Lady Mariko speaks with Lady Toda about how she will serve as Blackthorne’s consort, and regardless of being reluctant, she agrees to give him six months.
Blackthorne’s arrival in Ajiro has caused a stir as he wants to know where his men are. However, Lady Mariko continues to press Blackthorne, stating that he has agreed to help train Toranaga’s men and he must stay here until his time is up. The following morning, Blackthorne and Kashigi Omi come face to face, leading to Blackthorne pulling a gun on Omi. Reluctant to turn over his guns, Lady Toda steps up to take the weapons from him. When Omi demands Toda give them over to her, she pulls the gun on him and tells him to carry on, and he does.
What does Lord Ishido offer Kashigi Yabushige?
As promised, Blackthorne begins to help teach Toranaga’s team specific things to know about battle. He shows them how to shoot cannons, which is successful, but Lord Ishido’s team, led by Nebara Jozen, has arrived to make an offer to Yabushige. Jozen invites Yabushige to return to Osaka to renew his oath of loyalty to the Council.
Yabushige explains that it is all a misunderstanding, and Jozen takes it as him turning down the invite. Because of this, he will tell Lord Ishido that he’s declared himself his enemy. Yabushige talks him into staying for the night and shows him the artillery they are building.
What does Lady Toda give to John Blackthorne?
After protecting him earlier, Blackthorne offers to give Lady Toda one of his guns. He plans to teach her how to use them to protect herself. In return, Lady Toda gives him a pair of swords that were her father’s. She explains that she would not be a consort to a man without swords.
John Blackthorne and Lady Mariko share a touching moment about her rich history. Later that night, Lady Mariko sneaks into Blackthorne’s room, where he is sleeping. She awakens him, leading to the two having sex.
As they prepare to show Nebara Jozen how the bombs work, Lord Nagakado decides that he is going to take matters into his own hands and demand compensation from Jozen as he has disrespected his father, Lord Toranaga. He bombs Jozen and his men, knocking them off their horses. Yabushige attempts to stop him, but Nagakado walks up to Jozen, who has had pieces blown off of him, takes his sword, and finishes the job.
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