‘Shogun’ Episode 6 Review - Stormy Hearts, Cold Revenge, and the Finest Courtesan

If there is one word that aptly describes Shogun Episode 6, it's sensual. Sex, here, is used for both power and pleasure. Ochiba no Kata (Fumi Nikaido) gained prominence after giving the late Taikō a son. Toranaga orders Mariko to arrange a prostitute for Blackthorne when this Anjin asks for his ship or permission to leave Japan. For men, women are nothing more than lubricious flesh. Characters like Buntaro exert oppressive influence on their spouses to feel superior to them. They treat them as toys, which was evident in the fifth episode when Buntaro showed off his archery skills by using Mariko as a marker.

The joke, of course, is on all the male characters. They are unaware of the deceptive nature of the women. The female characters in Shogun quietly scheme in the background and then, suddenly, come forward with so much authority that all others can do is simply bow down in front of them. Case in point: Ochiba no Kata. Notice how weak, and unconfident Ishido becomes in her presence. He is unable to properly look into her eyes as if fearing her gaze would swallow him whole. As Ochiba, Nikaido puts on a deceptively soft, innocent face that hides bitter thoughts, and age-old resentments. Her calm demeanor, polite tone, and gentle whispers conspire to exacerbate the situation. There is mischief in Ochiba's eyes because she knows she can manipulate powerful men like Ishido without breaking a sweat. She dominates over him, as well as everyone around her, with assurance.

The best scene in Episode 6 occurs at a brothel between Mariko, Blackthorne, and Kiku, a courtesan. Shogun, till now, has been a show where words have proven to be incredibly important. They have killed, honored, or deceived various characters. When Blackthorne compliments Kiku about her presentation and inquisition, Mariko translates his remarks as "He seems to prefer his homeland." This tells you everything you need to know about her feelings for Anjin. Still, more proof is provided through a stunning moment where Mariko's translation of Kiku's words changes from third to first person. The camera lovingly, intimately looks at Mariko's body, suggesting that Blackthorne prefers her company over that of any skilled courtesan.

Elsewhere, the plot to impeach Toranaga continues to be in motion. A theater actor is recruited, and a character is murdered to execute this mission. Toranaga spends most of the episode running from the "Crimson Sky" plan. In the end, he gives his support to this violent procedure. It's kind of like what happens in Dune: Part Two, where Paul constantly says he won't go to the South and then goes to the South. No one in Episode 6 even tries to devise an alternate plan. This only means there will be blood. There is no stopping that.

Final Score - [8/10]