MIDNIGHT REVIEWS Shōgun Episode Six
Midnight Reviews features reviews and thought pieces written and edited by a parent, at night, after bedtime.
Shōgun Episode Six: ‘Ladies of the Willow World’
Series created by: Rachel Kondo, Justin Marks
Featuring: Hiroyuki Sanada, Cosmo Jarvis, Anna Sawai, Tadanobu Asano
Synopsis: Following the earthquake that decimated his people and his army, Lord Toranaga (Sanada) is on the brink of defeat. However, with Ochiba No Kata (Fumi Nikaidô) returning to the council his enemies are also surprisingly put on the back foot. What’s a (former) regent to do?
Review: For most of episode six of Shōgun, we actually sidestep the war mongering and murder of men and are presented with a surprising, touching look at Lady Mariko’s (Sawai) childhood and formative years. Is this a filler episode? Far from it. Whilst past reviews of the show have not been complimentary of the pairing of Mariko and Blackthorne (Jarvis), this time away from the main plot is not just worth the time. It feels like what the show has been leading up.
The previous episode ended with an earthquake and this was an immense show of nature, killing and destroying emotionlessly. Episode six deals with the much more keenly felt trembles inside our two key characters. No, not Sanada and Blackthorne. While regents and former regents and Englishmen are prone to the odd proclamation and beheading, as is their want, Mariko must make do with what little she is allowed. If only, as her father said, she was born a boy.
Anna Sawai has been immensely affecting as with each episode we’re let in on a little bit more, a slightest twitch, a smile here, the tiniest frown there, giving away complexities and emotion all those who trade in melodrama should learn from. So far, this has been her episode to shine and she takes the spotlight with little fanfare but uses it brilliantly.
Another character, one we’re properly introduced to in the final moments of episode five, is Ochiba No Kata. We are told she was held hostage by Sanada, but here the full force of her power is felt. And that power is not giving a fuck. The tension ratchets up, making the face off between Blackthorne and Buntaro look like a friendly exchange of words, but here it’s all subtlety. Instead of drunkenly showing off her killing skills, her power is in her eyes. Every moment she is on screen is terrifying.
As heartbreaking as Ochiba is intimidating, we’re also privy to what Mariko gets up to behind the scenes. Barely keeping composure we see her organise a simple trip to a tea house that is demonstrably close to being the moment everyone tips their cards, but our Lady must keep everything close to the chest. Starting off low-key but ending on an emotional explosion best sums it up.
This doesn’t leave much time for Sanada and his people to mourn or repair their village, but this doesn’t matter. We’re privy to moments of the power hustling and back stabbing the show has made its stock in trade, and the writing just about manages to stop it from confusing as events ramp up to inevitable war. But whilst the poster character is left to mostly scowl and give orders from his tent, the time spent with Mariko feels well-earned and truthful. The reason behind the iciness is revealed. It is surprising, emotional and manages to perfectly fit with the character all at the same time. Before, I was enthralled with learning who would rule Japan. I still want that, with all the political intrigue and so forth, but if the next four episodes were simply taking a walk with Lady Mariko I’d be satisfied as watching the cherry blossoms in March.
Shōgun is available to watch on Disney+, with episodes due once a week every Tuesday.
Matthew D. Smith likes to overshare his views on movies whenever and wherever he can. Indulge him, and follow him on Twitter: https://twitter.com/Smith_M_D
