This week’s episode of Shōgun titled “A Stick of Time” continued the political machinations of a man trying to hold onto his clan despite overwhelming odds. Lord Toranaga now faces two big losses.

Family is a tricky thing for Toranaga in Shōgun. He’s long-estranged from his brother and his son is… A disappointment, I guess is the correct terminology.

The decision to open the episode showing a child (did they say he was only 11?) Toranaga executing his first (?) conquered event warlord was brutal. The close-up on the seppuku was disturbing. However, finding out later in the episode that it was not a clean, one-slice head removal but a traumatic nine-whack cleave was the worst.

When his brother Saeki showed up and revealed his betrayal, even I was stung. Then, later in the episode when Toranaga’s son tries to kill him and slips and dies in a rock, it’s tragically hilarious.

The quote of the episode obviously goes to Toranaga who delivered this when his son was excitedly talking about war:

“Why is it that only those who have never fought in a battle are so eager to be in one?”

The episode was great. They’re nailing it all.

My favorite running gag on the show is without a doubt John Blackthorne trying to convince Toranaga to let him and his men back on their ship. Every single conversation goes like this:

Blackthorne: Toranaga-sama, it would be quite good if you gave me my ship back.

Mariko: (translates)

Toranaga: No. Stop asking.

Mariko: (translates)

Blackthorne: Oh well. Next time.

Week after week, this is the best show on TV. The acting is great, the action is top notch, and the political intrigue is on another level.