REVIEW: ‘Shōgun’ Episode 5 — “Broken to the Fist”

After the shocking end of the last episode, Shōgun Episode 5, “Broken to the Fist,” picks up right where the chaos left off. Lord Toranaga’s (Hiroyuki Sanada) son has left him in a bind while John Blackthorne (Cosmo Jarvis) and Lady Mariko (Anna Sawai) have to hide a terrible secret. The suspense and drama continue to build.

Shōgun Episode 5 starts by immediately answering two major questions from the last two episodes. Toranaga left at the start of the last episode but returns with a massive army in tow. Alongside him is Mariko’s husband, Buntaro. He somehow survived his heroic stand to help Toranaga and crew escape and is back now.

This poses a huge problem for Blackthorne and Mariko. Their romantic night would not have been an issue if Buntaro was dead, but now that he is back there is an elephant in the room they can’t escape. Buntaro is ordered to live in Blackthorne’s house with his wife by Toranaga. Toranaga needs his translator, so he can’t afford to let Mariko leave Blackthorne’s side. This sets up an incredibly awkward situation for everyone in the home.

One character that hasn’t been given as much time to shine steps up big time in Shōgun Episode 5. Lady Fuji, Blackthorne’s consort and effective housekeeper, has to keep everyone in line. She has enough trouble navigating Blackthorne and his eccentric behavior, but now she has to deal with two arrogant men who don’t like each other. She has ample screen time where she helps Blackthorne acclimate to his new role and position in the country.

This all comes to a head during a welcoming dinner with Mariko, Blackthorne, and Buntaro. Blackthorne, in his typical cocky way, challenges Buntaro to a drinking contest of sorts. Subtlety is not Blackthorne’s strong suit, especially when it comes to the treatment of women. Buntaro treats Mariko poorly and it causes Blackthrone to cross a line he can’t walk back from.

The confrontation between the two forever changes Blackthorne and Mariko’s relationship. Technically, Buntaro never did anything wrong. At least not according to cultural and societal norms. Blackthorne, an esteemed defender of women, openly says Mariko is deserving of more. It is a direct challenge to Buntaro and one that will reverberate through the rest of the community. It is a fascinating dynamic that adds yet another challenge for Blackthorne as he settles into his life in Japan.

Blackthorne’s adaptation to living in Japan has not been an easy one. He does not like to sit back and often lashes out. His immediate jump to screaming about things can be abrasive, but it makes sense for his character. He is out of his depth and this is how he compensates. He also has to deal with the consequences of his words.

There is a particular scene with his gardener that is a wake-up call for Blackthorne. A comment he made in passing was taken as a serious command by the people in his house. When he learns about what happens as a result, it breaks him mentally. He realizes just how far out of his depth he really is. He is a complete outsider, but with his new role, he is seen as someone who has to be listened to. The way Jarvis flips from brash and arrogant to remorseful and questioning is nothing short of brilliant.

While all of that is going on Toranaga and Lord Yabushige (Tadanobu Asano) are facing off. Toranaga is no idiot, he knows what Yabushige is up to. He knows he might have his temporary loyalty, but Yabushige is always going to do what benefits him the most. Toranaga accuses Yabushige’s nephew of influencing his son to attack Jozen. Yabushige now realizes how formidable Toranaga is and how well his spies are operating.

The dynamic between Toranaga and Yabushige is fascinating. Toranaga is a proven leader who continues to get more impressive with each episode. He methodically plans out every action and is always one step ahead of everyone around him. Yabushige, meanwhile, is floundering. He is stuck between two masters in Toranaga and Ishido Kazunari (Takehiro Hira). Toranaga flexing his muscles a bit in Shōgun Episode 5 helps box Yabushige in. But it also should give him hope that Toranaga might be the winning play.

As if all of that wasn’t interesting enough, Shōgun Episode 5 ends with an absolute bombshell. The heir’s mother Ochiba has returned to Osaka and confronts the Council of Regents. Her step into the limelight sets up some true chaos going forward. She is not going to sit idly by and let the men ruin things for her son. It is great to see female characters like Mariko, Fuji, and now Ochiba play vital roles in what is going to happen.

There is so much to love about Shōgun Episode 5, but one thing that is getting distracting is the choice of camera effects. The utilization of a fisheye lens effect with an added blur takes away from many of the important scenes. It is baffling that the effect continues to be used more and more, and at seemingly random times too. It jarringly removes so much of the beautiful detail in the background. The effect lowers the quality of some of the series’ otherwise best scenes.

Shōgun Episode 5 is full of drama and intrigue and continues to deliver shocking bombshells in this incredible series. There is so much to love as the characters are growing into their roles as the series gets closer to its climax.

Shōgun Episode 5 is available now on FX and Hulu. with new episodes released weekly.