FX Shogun Episode 3:“Tomorrow is Tomorrow” takes place in a span of a day.  The present or today is the theme of the episode and today is about survival. 

Death is all around Osaka and Yabushige is called upon by Toranaga after the assassination attempt on Blackthorne.  Yabushige’s obsession with the moment of death is about to become a reality and he prepares to meet with Toranaga by writing his last will and testament.  At the castle, death seems a certainty when Yabushige’s sword is confiscated by Toranaga’s men.  

Yabushige is questioned by Toranaga.  The line of questioning is direct and to the point.  Toranaga asks Yabushige what he was offered to betray Toranaga.  Yabushige answers directly.  He does not hide that he had a meeting with Toranaga’s enemies and Toranaga asks Yabushige what he wants.  Toranaga agrees to give Yabushige all that he desires in exchange for getting Blackthorne out of Osaka.  The proposal is agreed upon and both men stare out the window at the sunrise. 

The episode is bookended by two mundane activities that are taken for granted in everyday life.  A sunset and diving into the ocean.  There is a deeper meaning to the sunset and to diving into the ocean because both events are a symbolism of war.  The sunset is the last sunset of peace.  Diving into the ocean cements the end of Japanese warfare and the introduction of western civilization war tactics.  

Toranaga’s plan is to escape Osaka with Blackthorne’s party.  The party includes Mariko and her husband Buntaro.  Toranaga swaps with Yoshii’s wife andget on her carriage during a distraction.  Blackthorne and Mariko are the only ones that see the swap.  Toranaga’s plan is not known by many, and this also represents a lesson that Toranaga tries to teach his son which is that all you have in life is you.  In a high stakes political game relaxing and allowing yourself a moment to be yourself could mean death.  Death for Toranaga also means death for his clan and his warriors.  This creates the dichotomy of being selfish to be selfless. 

The notion of being selfish to be selfless is demonstrated by Mariko’s husband Buntaro.  Assassination attempts on Blackthorne lead to the discovery of Toranaga.  Fighting breaks out on multiple fronts which lead Mariko and Blackthorne to take up arms and defend themselves and Toranaga.  Toranaga, Mariko , Blackthorne and Yabushige are able to make their way to the port where Toranaga’s ship waits because Buntaro stays behind to fight and give them the time needed to escape.  Once they are on the boats and have left the port, Buntaro is seen fighting at the port.  Buntaro holds off the assault long enough to give us a moment between Buntaro and Toranaga.  Buntaro cannot make it to the boats.  He cannot jump in the ocean with his heavy armor and survive.  Buntaro’s fate is sealed and Toranaga rises from the boat and shares a moment of honor and respect with Buntaro.  Buntaro un-shields his sword and runs up the ramp to take on a clan of enemies. 

Buntaro gives his life for his lord so that he may live, and his clan can fight.  Toranaga has to be selfish for his people so that they can live and be selfless for each other by fighting for each other.  

The episode culminates with a deal between Toranaga and the captain of the Portuguese ship that leaves John Blackthorne behind.  Toranaga strikes a deal for himself and for his people to escape on the Portuguese ship and break through the final assassination attempt-a blockade off the coast.  The Portuguese captain however wants Blackthorne to be left behind so that he will be killed.  

Blackthorne is left behind but he still has access to the Japanese ship and its crew.  Blackthorne gets the captain to communicate with the crew that they have to row as fast as they can so that they can keep up with the Portuguese ship and both ships can break through the blockade.  The Portuguese ship pushes the Japanese ship towards the shore and onto on coming rocks.  Blackthorne exchanges uncouth pleasantries with Rodrigues who mans the wheel of the Portuguese ship.  Rodrigues eases off and allows Blackthorne through saving his life and paying off his debt to Blackthorne.  

Toranaga and his party join Blackthorne on the Japanese ship and John Blackthorne is given the title of Hatamato-chief aid and advisor to the daimyo.  Toranaga ask Blackthorne to train his men to use Western weapons and Western Civilization war tactics.  Toranaga also requests that Blackthorne teach him how to dive into the sea from the boat.  The episodes ends with both men diving into the ocean and racing to shore.  

You can watch Shogun on FX every Tuesday.