"The Eightfold Fence" (Japanese: 八重垣, Hepburn: Yaegaki) is the fourth episode of the American historical drama television series Shōgun, based on the novel by James Clavell.
John Blackthorne, a risk-taking English sailor who ends up shipwrecked in Japan, a land whose unfamiliar culture will ultimately redefine him; Lord Toranaga, a shrewd, powerful daimyo, at odds with his own dangerous, political rivals; and Lady Mariko, a woman with invaluable skills but dishonorable family ties, who must prove her value and allegiance.
Blackthorne finds the Erasmus and attempts to sail in a boat, only to be stopped by Mariko, who informs him that his ship has been confiscated and now belongs to Toranaga, and his men have been sent to an unspecified location.
In February 2024, Hulu confirmed that the fourth episode of the series would be titled "The Eightfold Fence", and was to be written by Nigel Williams and Emily Yoshida, and directed by Frederick E. O.
Justin Marks and Rachel Kondo explained that the change was because it was more historically accurate, as Japan had already been introduced to muskets 50 years prior to the events of the story.
[4] Marks said that Nagakado was in a "tough and not-so-tough position", citing his ambitions in living up to his father's standards, and suggesting he could've ended like Omi had he not been born in his lineage.
[5]: 4:10–5:37 In its original FX broadcast, "The Eightfold Fence" was seen by an estimated 0.517 million household viewers and gained a 0.10 ratings share among adults aged 18–49, according to Nielsen Media Research.
[6] This was a slight increase in viewership from the previous episode, which was seen by an estimated 0.492 million household viewers and gained a 0.09 ratings share among adults aged 18–49.
"[11] Josh Rosenberg of Esquire wrote, "Once you get familiar with its characters — and acquire a tepid understanding of feudal Japan's political climate — Shōgun is easily the best drama on television.
With a shocking, Red Wedding-esque act of gory provocation, balanced against the blossoming of secret love, it now seems clear that no amount of ritual, subtlety, or political gamesmanship will be able to prevent what's coming.
"[13] Tyler Johnson of TV Fanatic gave the episode a 4.5 star rating out of 5 and wrote, "It's a testament to Rachel Kondo and Justin Marks' talent for establishing tone that while Shogun takes place in a world about which the average viewer knows very little, there's seldom any doubt in the audiences' mind with regard to what's at stake and how we should feel about it.