A Stick of Time is the seventh episode of the FX limited series, Shōgun. The episode premiered on April 2, 2024.
Synopsis[]
Outplayed by new alliances in Osaka, Toranaga is forced to carve out a new deal with a long lost family member.
Plot Summary[]
In a flashback to Toranaga’s first battle 46 years ago, a man runs through the battlefield screaming “the war is over!” and that Lord Toranaga has won. Mizoguchi formally surrenders and complements Toranaga on his win. Mizoguchi stabs himself and Toranaga delivers the final blow.
In present, Lord Toranaga and his followers wait for the arrival of his brother. Toranaga introduces him to the Anjin. Later, he hires Kiku to be with his brother for a week. Omi later confronts Gin about her allowing the Anjin to bed with Kiku, declaring that the tea house is now ruined. She suggests he find another courtesan to keep company and also implies that John’s mind was on someone else when he was with Kiku.
John asks about his role during the Crimson Sky, specifically wondering if he’ll have maritime command. Toranaga hasn’t decided yet and Mariko tells him to let it go until he decides.
Hiromatsu visits Fuji and speaks to her about her late husband and child. She declares that she will kill herself after her service is over, and he asks her why not choose to live in honor of their memory.
Saeki eats dinner with Toranaga, Nagakado, Buntaro, the Anjin, and others- telling stories of a young Toranaga in battle and as a hostage. He remarks how great it would be to become the Lord of Izu and admits he received another offer already. All of a sudden, men come running declaring that Saeki’s men have blocked off every road out of Izu. A man delivers papers and Hiromatsu reads them aloud- the Council of Regents request Lord Tomonaga’s presence in Osaka to answer for his treachery. They ask he deliver his response to Saeki. Lord Toranaga realizes Ishido filled his seat in the Council of Regents. Saeki then tells Nagakado he has an order to commit seppuku for murdering Jozen. Lord Toranaga tells Saeki he will consider this and answer by sunset tomorrow.
Mariko explains to John what this means - certain death for Lord Toranaga and that the rest of them will be forced to grovel at Lord Ishido’s feet. John brainstorms ways to get them out of this mess while Lord Toranaga thinks about his past and contemplates the decision. Gin approaches him and asks him to consider her idea for a section of teahouses in Edo, but he tells her he can’t help as his future is short. She subtly implies there might be another way to help with his problem.
Meanwhile, Saeki delivers Yabushige the head of one of his generals. Yabushige later goes to the hot springs. Nagakado and Omi go separately and reminisce about the old peaceful life. Saeki confronts them after overhearing their conversation. Saeki tells Nagakado to think about his future.
Yabushige looks out at the water with the Anjin and tries to teach him how to use his sword. Buntaro watches from afar but approaches with his sword drawn, seemingly ready to kill John, however he refrains.
Lord Toranaga has his will written, leaving his lands to his grandchildren when they come of age. He also writes that Gin should have a section of land in Edo to use as she wishes. Buntaro approaches and asks for permission to take the barbarian’s head before he dies, claiming he doesn’t like the way he looks at Mariko. Lord Toranaga asks Buntaro if he believes Mariko is encouraging it and if so he’d need to take her head and the Anjin’s but Buntaro does not accuse his wife. Toranaga tells him therefore he cannot accuse the Anjin. Buntaro leaves and Lord Toranaga asks Mariko where her real loyalties lie.
Later, Lord Toranaga tells Saeki he will go to Osaka to answer to the Council of Regents. He admits Crimson Sky was a mistake and his men are shocked. John jumps up in disagreement and walks away. Saeki informs him that he will escort him to Osaka the next day.
Saeki sleeps with Kiku and tells her he will bring her to Edo with him to be his seventh consort. She asks Saeki if she can elevate their play and he agrees. She leaves and Nagakado arrives, first killing one of Saeki’s guards. He then lunges to kill Saeki but slips and cracks his head open. Saeki lives and Nagakado dies.
Cast & Characters[]
Starring[]
- Hiroyuki Sanada as Lord Yoshii Toranaga
- Cosmo Jarvis as John Blackthorne
- Anna Sawai as Toda Mariko
- Tadanobu Asano as Kashigi Yabushige
- Hiroto Kanai as Kashigi Omi
- Takehiro Hira as Ishido Kazunari
- Tokuma Nishioka as Toda Hiromatsu
- Moeka Hoshi as Usami Fuji
- Shinnosuke Abe as Toda "Buntaro" Hirokatsu
- Yasunari Takeshima as Muraji
- Yuki Kura as Yoshii Nagakado
- Yuka Kouri as Kiku
Supporting[]
- Kristopher Hori as Young Hiromatsu (20 years old)
- Kai Coulter as Young Toranaga (12 years old)
- Yuko Miyamoto as Gin
- Eita Okuno as Saeki Nobutatsu
Quotes[]
Please tell him I am ready for whatever fate might bring.
John Blackthorne to Lord Toranaga
Fate is like a sword. Useful only to those who can wield it.
Gin
Gallery[]
Photos[]
Videos[]
