'Shōgun' Episode 5: Toda Buntaro's unease at discussing 'escape' casts shadow over alliance
LAS ANGELS, CALIFORNIA: FX's latest historical drama, 'Shōgun,' is garnering popularity for its captivating plot and stunning cinematography.
The series, which was initially announced in August 2018, debuted on February 27, 2024, with the first two episodes.
In the most recent episode, the series delves into the slow-burning relationship between John Blackthorne (Cosmo Jarvis) and Toda Mariko (Anna Sawai).
However, they must pull back when Toda Buntaro (Shinnosuke Abe), Mariko's husband, who was thought to be dead, returns.
What exactly happened to Toda Buntaro?
It's apparent from the very start of the series that Buntaro's loyalties are aligned with Lord Yoshii Toranaga (Hiroyuki Sanada), and in the third episode, 'Tomorrow Is Tomorrow,' he makes a sacrifice in support of Toranaga.
Knowing that he would soon be impeached, Toranaga disguised himself as his wife to escape Osaka.
However, his scheme was foiled when Kiyama Ukon Sadanaga (Hiromoto Ida) launched an attack on his fleet, using it as a pretext to assassinate John Blackthorne.
Realizing the urgency of the situation, Buntaro stalls Kiyama's men, providing Toranaga and his crew with the opportunity to make a swift escape aboard the galley.
Throughout the series, it was speculated that Buntaro had met his end, although no visual evidence was provided to support this theory.
How did Toda Buntaro escape?
In the most recent episode of the historical drama, Mariko was taken aback when she witnessed her husband, who was thought to be dead, returning with Toranaga after twenty days, although with minor wounds and bruises to his face.
Toranaga later disclosed to Mariko that the contingent of a ronin had assisted him in fighting his way out.
Additionally, he stated that only two men were remaining when he arrived in Edo, implying that he had to endure significant struggles to survive.
Why was Toda Buntaro uncomfortable discussing his escape?
Buntaro was envious of Mariko's alliance with Blackthorne, whom he addressed as a barbarian multiple times throughout the episode's duration.
However, the dynamic swiftly shifted when both engaged in playful competitions to outdo each other, taking turns recounting their heroic tales in the process.
Blackthorne encouraged Buntaro to share his daring escape from the clutches of the enemy. However, Buntaro seemed to take offense, choosing not to disclose his escape. Instead, he showcased his talents by using his bows and arrows on Mariko as bait.
His unease raises doubt about the reality of his escape, given the improbability of prevailing against such a large number of soldiers. Moreover, the absence of the other man who made it to Edo Hamlet with him adds further skepticism to his account.
Furthermore, his unease fuels rumors that he may be serving as a mole for Ishido Kazunari (Takehiro Hira) in exchange for his life, implying that he may betray Torangana in the future.
Nonetheless, it would be interesting to see Buntaro's character development in future episodes of the series.
The series premiered with its first two episodes on February 27, 2024, on Hulu and FX. The subsequent episodes are scheduled to be released weekly.