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.
According to Nielsen Media Research, the episode was seen by an estimated 0.492 million household viewers and gained a 0.09 ratings share among adults aged 18–49.
Worried about their safety, Toranaga decides to leave Osaka with Blackthorne and his wife Kiri, planning to move to the more secure Ajiro.
After passing Ishido's suspicions, Toranaga secretly switches places with Kiri's litter, which is witnessed by Blackthorne and Mariko.
They are forced to race towards a ship to take them to Ajiro, but Mariko's husband, Toda "Buntaro" Hirokatsu, chooses to stay behind to distract their pursuers and give them time to reach the harbor.
Realizing that Kiyama has sent additional men to intercept his vessel, Toranaga makes a deal with the Portuguese to let his entourage board the Black Ship.
Back in Osaka, Iron Fist Hiromatsu informs the Council of Regents on Toranaga's behalf that he has officially resigned from his position.
At sea, Toranaga confronts Blackthorne over the Portuguese allegations that he is a pirate, but states that he will not be charged as it will take a great deal of time to "translate" any evidence of such crimes.
[4] This was a 36% decrease in viewership from the previous episode, which was seen by an estimated 0.764 million household viewers and gained a 0.14 ratings share among adults aged 18–49.
We also get a daring escape, a frantic ambush, and a tense chase sequence, all things viewers have likely been waiting to check off their historical-epic Bingo cards.
"[8] Sean T. Collins of The New York Times wrote, "The strength of Shogun is in these personal moments, not in indifferently filmed sword fights.