Episode 4 of FX and Hulu’s “Shogun” is here, and it is filled with philosophical ruminations, unexpected friendships, and shocking stupidity. All of these make it electrifying television. Following last week’s action-packed episode that featured an escape, a ship chase, and plenty of sword fights, the fourth episode, titled “The Eightfold Fence,” takes a breather to establish key relationships and character traits. But it ends with a bang, which is going to fast-track the path to war for our warriors.
Here is a recap of everything that went down in this episode.
Shogun Episode 4 Recap:
Toranaga Reaches Edo
Toranaga (Hiroyuki Sanada) and his entourage arrive in Edo, the fief of Lord Yabushige (Tadanobu Asano). Yabushige is greeted by his nephew, Omi (Hiroto Kanai), who is not particularly happy to see his uncle by Toranaga’s side. Omi thought his uncle was about to undermine Lord Toranaga. However, Yabushige’s tacit support for Toranaga makes Omi wonder about his own allegiance. Both Yabushige and Omi take offense at the prospect of working with John Blackthorne (Cosmo Jarvis).
Blackthorne was made “Hatamoto” by Toranaga in the last episode. As a result, Blackthorne is given better shelter and even a consort — a woman companion who would care for Blackthorne and share his bed. Initially, this is a prospect Blackthorne is opposed to. Blackthorne’s assigned consort is Fuji (Moeka Hoshi), the woman who lost her infant son and husband in the first episode. Mariko (Anna Sawai) persuades her to serve Blackthorne, aka, ‘Anjin’ for six months. This has been Toranaga’s wish, and so it is fulfilled.
Upon reaching Edo, Toranaga sees the reception Yabushige receives. He understands the sway Yabushige holds in this part of the world. With one swift movement and a simple but effective speech, Toranaga sways the same crowd’s support towards his way as well. After that, he leaves for Edo, asking Blackthorne to prepare a regiment fit for modern warfare.
Blackthorne Teaches Canon Fighting
After Toranaga departs, Blackthorne is surprised to learn that his men and ship are not there. He confronts Mariko, who is quick to remind Blackthorne that his ship, guns, and crew all belong to Lord Toranaga now. Lord Toranaga can choose to utilize them as he pleases. An affronted Blackthorne starts to get angry, but he comes around eventually.
With Mariko acting as the translator, Blackthorne starts to show his value in military warfare. Although he cannot provide any ‘tactics’ that Yabushige wants, he shows the techniques to fully utilize the British cannons. Blackthorne shows how geometry and angles can be used to accurately aim the cannons. Before that, the Japanese warriors seemed to believe cannons could never be aimed at any target. It was to be fired in a general direction. Yabushige, as well as Toranaga’s son, Nagakado (Yuki Kura), get excited to see the accurate power of the cannons.
The Unwanted Visitors
Just when Toranaga’s army seems to gain the upper hand with Blackthorne’s help, a strategic move from Lord Ishido makes things challenging, to say the least. Nebara Jozen (Nobuya Shimamoto), one of the Samurai leaders from Ishido’s army, visits Yabushige’s fiefdom during one such Cannon-firing practice session to warn Yabushige. Jozen tells Yabushige to leave Toranaga’s ranks as Toranaga is not a member of the council anymore (he resigned in the last episode). Yabushige tries to allay Jozen by saying he is still with Ishido and offers them to stay and witness the power of the cannons.
Yabushige tries to lure Jozen with the prospect of an advanced arsenal that could be used by Ishido. Mildly interested, Jozen accepts the offer, and any form of escalation is averted. Nagakado observes this, and he seems to be unimpressed by it. Omi notices the doubt and indignation on the face of the young son of Toranaga, and he decides to take advantage of it.
Shogun Episode 4 Ending Explained:
What Happened Between Blackthorne and Mariko?
This episode has plenty of tender moments between Blackthorne and Mariko. Firstly, the unique relationship between Blackthorne and Fuji is brokered by Mariko. Fuji and Blackthorne do not get along immediately, but thanks to Mariko’s persistence, a friendship is forged. Fuji helps Blackthorne retain his control over his gun when Omi comes to take it away. Blackthorne reciprocates that by gifting one of the guns to Fuji. Fuji also gifts one of her father’s katana (Samurai sword) to Blackthorne.
This newfound friendship of Blackthorne does not dampen his already blossoming friendship with Mariko. In one fine moonlight, the two share memories of idyllic city lives, full of tragic plays and night-time strolls. This leads to Blackthorne and Mariko getting involved physically. Mariko’s husband, Buntaro, sacrificed himself in the last episode, and this relationship could prove to be a problem for both Mariko and Blackthorne.
Why Did Nagakado Kill Nebara Jozen?
From the beginning of this episode, Nagakado is shown to be nervous and tentative about taking control, especially when Toranaga leaves Edo. Nagakado feels the pressure of making decisions. Nagakado has never believed that Yabushige is on their side. It is not that Toranaga has no doubts about Yabushige’s loyalty, but Toranaga is smart and shrewd enough to be wary without being hasty.
Alas, Nagakado, in his tender age, is not the same. He is more into taking decisive actions. Fueled by a drunken conversation with Omi, who has his agenda to usurp Yabushige, Nagakado feels the need to show his power to Nebara Jozen. He does not feel the need to write to Toranaga but decides not to allow Nebara Jozen to see the powers of the British cannons. Instead, he arranges the cannons to be fired at Nebara Jozen’s men and kills all of them brutally, including Jozen.
What Does It Mean for Toranaga?
This thoughtless and hasty action ensures that there is no turning back now, as a horrified Mariko proclaims, this means war. Toranaga, who has been cunningly preparing for his fight with Ishido and other Lords of the council, would be forced to act now. For sure, Ishido, along with other regents, would declare a fully-fledged war against Toranaga’s house.
Toranaga wanted to be prepared with Blackthorne’s ship and an army capable of fighting with firearms. He wanted Blackthorne to raise such a regiment within the next few months. But that would not be possible anymore. Now, Toranaga would have to dive into the battle, with or without firearm prowess. It also means chaos. Yabushige and Omi might feel Toranaga is a lost cause, and they could turn against them in order to remain in the good books of Ishido. Needless to say, nobody is safe in the next episode.
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