In its most exciting and rounded episode to date, the women of Shogun take the stage and we understand the game differently, with so much surprise that it is – so far – the best episode of the series so far. And the next one promises!

In the past, the veiled rivalry of two women

Mariko explained to Blackthorne that Japanese women are as Vinícius de Morais once defined in the Testament about women and men who judge their owners: “Most of the time she is lost in a lyrical and confusing world, full of songs, adventure, and magic and you don’t even touch your soul.” In this case, as she explained, they appreciate the distance so they never show their emotions and can protect themselves in silence. And plan.

In an important flashback, every game gains a new perspective. 20 years ago, Lady Ochiba and Mariko were best friends, oblivious to the problems that surround them. This is because Ochiba was the daughter of the warlord Kuroda, and Mariko was the daughter of one of his most trusted generals, Akechi Jinsai. Already aware of what Akechi did in the past (Mariko told Blackthorne), everything takes on another light before it even happens.

Buntaro, clearly in love with Mariko, is chosen to be her husband, but she is indifferent to him. When her father betrays and murders Kuroda, everyone’s lives change direction in unexpected ways. It was not Taikō’s death that caused the crisis in Xógun, but the “betrayal” of Mariko’s father. I don’t believe Toranaga hasn’t read Ochiba, but if she has, he’s the only one. A great actress, she is a viper with a thirst for revenge. Let’s agree that she seems to deserve it!

First, Kuroda’s death leads to the Taikō’s rise to power, even as the general – also Toranaga’s best friend – pays the price. Kuroda was cruel and corrupt and his death leaves Ochiba vulnerable, being forced, even at a young age, to marry the old Taikō, to give him the heir he couldn’t get with his wife. He’s disgusting, he’s revolting. But Ochiba doesn’t betray his emotions.

It is her thirst for revenge that made her team up with Ishido to ensure that her son – the rightful heir – comes to power. They set Toranaga’s properties on fire, arrest his wives, and replace him on the council. All were conducted by Ochiba via Ishido. War is inevitable.

Only Mariko and Blackthorne think no one got what’s on

Like all passionate lovers, only Mariko and Blackthorne didn’t realize that EVERYONE knows there is something between them, even if it was a single night in secret. The British navigator is rewarded for saving Toranaga once again, this time in the earthquake. He doesn’t want and doesn’t like the gifts, others envy them and get irritated. Nobody is happy.

As chief admiral of the Kanto region, Blackthorne is the man of the moment. Among the most jealous is Buntaro, who after beating his wife now apologizes to Toranaga for his behavior. He Opens His Heart: Mariko has always been indifferent to him but clearly has a connection to the foreigner. The alternative: Toronaga demands him to stay away from his wife because she is working for him. I don’t know if couples therapists would agree with the alternative…

And as Blackthorne is tense – Mariko is ostensibly distant so it becomes even clearer that there was something between them – Toronaga decides that the Englishman needs a geisha and that Mariko needs to accompany him. I swear, Toronaga couples therapy is really weird.

The person hired to “relieve” Blackthorne is precisely Kiku, which generates even more jealousy and envy from Omi, Toranaga’s son. Astutely, Kiku makes it clear to Mariko that she will do her best to alleviate the obvious awkwardness of the situation, and with a sensual speech that needs to be translated, she does so, but instead of joining the two, she leaves the couple to spend the night alone. And it’s more suffering for her.

Pre-planned revenge

There is something in the conversation with Toronaga, earlier, that also interferes with the narrative. The shogun explains to her that her father chose to marry her to Buntaro so that she could live and avenge him. This revelation may not save the union, but it warms up their marriage even though they are forced to witness Blackthorne spend the night with someone else.

We then see how Ochiba uses Ishido as a pawn: he massacres advisor Sugiyama and his entire family, and he is convinced by her that it was Toranaga who ordered Mariko’s father to murder her father. The hatred is directed at both of them with fervor.

Sugiyama’s massacre forces the hand of Toranaga, who is reluctant but admits that it is finally time to strike. It will be Crimson Sky! Even without knowing what it is, there is no doubt, we will have a battle next week. Who can wait?

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