REVIEW: ‘Shōgun’ Episode 3 — “Tomorrow Is Tomorrow”

After barely surviving an assassination attempt, Lord Toranaga (Hiroyuki Sanada), John Blackthorne (Cosmo Jarvis), and Lady Mariko (Anna Sawai) are left with few options in Shōgun Episode 3, “Tomorrow Is Tomorrow.” From creators Rachel Kondo and Justin Marks, Shōgun Episode 3 ups the ante in an already exciting series.

Shōgun Episode 3 opens with a riveting scene between Toranaga and his vassal Lord Yabushige (Tadanobu Asano) meeting in secret. Yabushige had the chance to betray Toranaga earlier in the season and is sure that Toranaga is going to kill him. He wasn’t entirely disloyal to Toranaga, but the mere fact that he was approached would be enough to sentence him to death.

But instead, we are given a chance to see the type of leader Toranaga is. He knows that killing Yabushige only adds to the bloodshed, and he is more useful as an ally than a corpse. So Toranaga offers him a chance at redemption, leading the journey of Blackthorne, Lady Mariko, and company out of Osaka.

The journey out of Osaka is where Shōgun Episode 3 flexes its more whimsical chops. Shenanigans ensue that ultimately help Toranaga escape Ishido Kazunari (Takehiro Hira) and his plot to kill Toranaga and Blackthorne. During the escape, just when things turn sour, Blackthorne steps up and serves as an over-the-top distraction.

Jarvis, in the role of Blackthorne, has incredible acting range in Shōgun Episode 3. His subtle facial reactions to situations like seeing Mariko’s husband interacting speak volumes. He is slowly understanding the culture around him, and those revelations are often sitting beneath the surface. Then he has moments where he goes absolutely feral, but it’s clear from the more nuanced movements and expressions that his rage is only an act. He has grown since he first landed in Japan when that rage was genuine and not an act.

That growth from Blackthorne is important if he is going to help Toranaga beat Ishido. His experience in the West could make him a vital ally. Although, there is a moment towards the end where he seems to doubt his abilities to help. It will be interesting to see just how helpful he can be alongside Toranaga and his impressive forces.

Shōgun Episode 3 delivers one of the best combat sequences of the series so far while the group is heading towards the harbor. Toranaga’s samurai are ambushed in the woods by other samurai. Flaming arrows come whizzing out of nowhere, creating a deadly ambiance. The flickering flames allow the excellent fight choreography to shine in the dark without feeling unnatural. The only thing cooler than samurai fighting to the death is samurai fighting to the death surrounded by fire.

Getting to see the samurai in full armor is another impressive moment. There have been glimpses so far, but not at the same level as shown in Shōgun Episode 3. The attention to detail is immaculate. Even background characters stick out thanks to the finely detailed armor. Seeing these mightily-clad samurai slicing and dicing their way to freedom is breathtaking.

Shōgun Episode 3 also brings back the excellent Rodrigues (Nestor Carbonell). His relationship with Blackthorne plays a vital role in the escape. Especially when the other Catholics will stop at nothing to see Blackthorne killed. The power dynamics between the Catholics and the Japanese they are trying to extort are incredibly important here.  Toranaga specifically exploits the Catholic desire to convert the Japanese in a way that drastically changes the trajectory of the series.

The beauty of Shōgun Episode 3 is that it is impossible to tell what is about to happen. The suspense builds nonstop and just when it seems like it is going in one direction, it takes a drastic u-turn. Even some of the more “normal” interactions have so much subtext that hint at many possible directions.

Even if the direction is not clear, the character development is. Toranaga has shown how cunning he can be, but also how pragmatic he is. Blackthorne is continuing to learn the Japanese ways all while wrestling with his ability to contribute. And Lady Mariko shows a more brutal side that was completely unexpected. The three main characters are all moving in authentic ways that increasingly intertwine their futures.

Shōgun Episode 3 is full of action and twists, rarely taking a moment for things to settle down for Toranaga, Blackthorne, and Lady Mariko. They may have escaped for now, but they have a serious challenge ahead of them. It is going to take everything they have to grow together and achieve the victory they desire.

Shōgun Episode 3 is available now on FX and Hulu. with new episodes released weekly.