Shogun Episode 5 revives a polarizing war hero, further complicating John Blackthorne’s place alongside Mariko and Lord Toranaga of Edo.
When FX’s Shogun thrust Cosmo Jarvis’ John Blackthorne into Feudal Japan, he knew he would have his work cut out for him. Blackthorne wanted to forge an alliance on behalf of the British crown, eager to help Japan with trade. He hoped to parlay this into friendship to get them to fight against Spanish and Portuguese Catholics.
Little did Blackthorne know, as he worked with Anna Sawai’s Toda Mariko, he would fall for her. To further complicate things, Mariko’s husband, Buntaro, hated and wanted Blackthorne killed, only to be killed himself. As Episode 5, “Broken to the Fist,” unfolds, this love triangle takes an even more tragic turn that leaves everyone on tenterhooks.
Shogun Resurrects Toda Buntaro
However, Episode 5 has him joining Toranaga’s army as they get back to the fishing village of Ajiro. Mariko is stunned to see Buntaro alive and well. Scarred, but ready to continue the good fight — his higher purpose and life’s calling. Blackthorne is also shocked, because after he slept with Mariko, he thought maybe they could have had a secret relationship. Fate has other plans. It’s revealed that Buntaro had help from other rogue warriors in Osaka. Most of them died as they were hunted.
But Buntaro made it out. He found Toranaga and is now ready to prep the Edo army and other fiefs after Nagakado killed Jozen and other governmental emissaries. Simply put, the beacons of war have been lit. Toranaga needs loyal men and there are few better than Buntaro around. Buntaro’s father, Hiromatsu, is Toranaga’s best friend and right-hand man. But as he is trapped in Osaka, tendering Toranaga’s resignation from the council and politics in general, his son will have to be Toranaga’s most trusted general.
It speaks to the resilience of Buntaro. The Toda clan has protected Edo for centuries. They have also helped honor the sanctity of the throne. Buntaro wants young Yaechiyo to succeed the dead Taiko as ruler of Japan when he turns 16. Like Toranaga, he does invite a war, so that usurpers who want a coup — like. Ishido’s politicians — can be removed from their positions. Buntaro, like many others, was bred for moments like this, even if it is deemed an insurrection.
Shogun’s Pits Blackthorne Against Buntaro for Mariko
Unfortunately, Toranaga forces Buntaro to stay at Blackthorne’s residence. He wants Buntaro to keep an eye on the Aijin — the sailor they see Blackthorne as. This also allows Buntaro to be near his wife, as Mariko is staying there too to act as translator and scribe down the Englishman’s notes on war strategy and commerce. It builds to a toxic dinner where fragile male egos clash. Both men get drunk off sake in a drinking contest as they discuss the idea of insurgents, dissidents and cowards.
Blackthorne shows a rare sign of arrogance by challenging Buntaro. Blackthorne is jealous and bitter that Mariko has to go back to her duty as a wife, while Buntaro accepts, hating that Blackthorne is a “dog” who doesn’t understand tradition. They even clash regarding the philosophy of weapons, as Buntaro thinks a sword is pure compared to guns and cannons — the very thing Blackthorne, as the Hatamoto, must train Toranaga’s army in.
An incensed Buntaro fires two arrows, not caring that he is intoxicated. They almost strike Mariko, which angers Blackthorne. But as he would later see, they hit the right post on the gate, assuring him that these warriors never miss their mark. No matter what, Blackthorne is adamant that while they are mentally strong, as humans, they leave a lot to be desired. Buntaro considers Mariko property and physically assaults her later that night, something which has Blackthorne pulling a pistol but unable to act.
Blackthorne has to keep the treaty going. This facade protects Toda Mariko, while allowing Buntaro to work in Toranaga’s army. As for Blackthorne, he continues to be Hatamoto — someone ambitious about brokering a deal and getting freedom for himself and his captured crew. In other words, they are all pawns in Toranaga’s game, beseeched to wait on the Lord’s every beck and call the next day.
Shogun’s Buntaro Represents a Nasty Double Standard
One would think Toranaga would tame Buntaro for his actions. However, he says Buntaro can do whatever he likes. It is Buntaro’s wife, Mariko, who is tantamount to a slave. Toranaga does say, however, that Buntaro cannot damage his translator right now. It’s cold, cruel and very merciless. Toda Mariko is an instrument and a tool that can be abused once she doesn’t serve a purpose. This is the full embodiment of subjugation and oppression. Granted, this does fit Toranaga’s character. He has many wives, often insults them, and just views them as assets that give him more land and soldiers.
It’s all about expanding his fiefdom, which is why Ishido’s crew has always been wary of Toranaga amassing kin and having the largest legion in Japan. Bit by bit, Blackthorne looks past the veneer of war and sees Toranaga for what he really is: a manipulator. The gentleman in him and the fact he is comprised by his feelings, make him more emotional over Mariko’s treatment. But his personal feelings aside, Blackthorne is questioning his respect for the boss — a man who might not be the hero Blackthorne thought he was in Shogun Season 1.
Could Toranaga backstab Blackthorne someday? Maybe. If Mariko is belittled like this, Blackthorne shouldn’t trust Toranaga. This sets a powder keg up for the future. An observant Buntaro senses something is amiss with Mariko, and Blackthorne keeps pursuing her after she warned him to stay away. Buntaro will not like hearing about infidelity, while Toranaga himself will surely grow irate over what he will perceive to be petty, childish behavior.
Ultimately, Toranaga runs on logic and rationale. He doesn’t care about love. He is all about culture, democracy and ensuring peace is wrought, even by force. As such, he will continue to pull everyone’s strings and keep them in line. The question is how long can Blackthorne keep playing as Shogun follows Game of Thrones? He has an enemy in Buntaro, a Mariko who may betray him just to stay in Toranaga’s good graces, and a Lord that seems to be working a sinister plan behind everyone’s backs. The Aijin-turned-Hatamoto is in over his head and is finally understanding that this romance, as well as his hopeful business deal, isn’t what he bargained for.
