A Stick of Time
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Episode 7
| "A Stick of Time" | |
|---|---|
| Shōgun episode | |
| Episode no. | Season 1 Episode 7 |
| Directed by | Takeshi Fukunaga |
| Written by | Matt Lambert |
| Cinematography by | Sam McCurdy |
| Editing by | Maria Gonzales |
| Original release date | April 2, 2024 |
| Running time | 55 minutes |
| Guest appearances | |
| |
"A Stick of Time" (Japanese: 線香一本の時, Hepburn: Senkō Ippon no Toki) is the seventh episode of the American historical drama television series Shōgun, based on the novel by James Clavell. The episode was written by consulting producer Matt Lambert, and directed by Takeshi Fukunaga. It was released on Hulu on April 2, 2024, and it also aired on FX on the same day.
The series is set in 1600, and follows three characters. 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. In the episode, Toranaga meets his estranged half-brother to discuss terms of merging their two armies to invade Osaka as part of Crimson Sky.
According to Nielsen Media Research, the episode was seen by an estimated 0.540 million household viewers and gained a 0.09 ratings share among adults aged 18–49. The episode received critical acclaim, who praised the performances and production values.
In 1554, a young Toranaga leads his first battle, which ends in victory against the warlord Mizoguchi. Mizoguchi surrenders, admiring Toranaga's determination and mastery of battle. Toranaga honors Mizoguchi's wishes, and the latter commits seppuku by stabbing himself in the stomach before Toranaga beheads him.
In 1600, Toranaga meets with his estranged half-brother, Saeki Nobutatsu. Toranaga wants to unite their armies to invade Osaka as part of Crimson Sky, and Saeki agrees to help his brother. Despite that, Toranaga has no plans for Blackthorne's role in the invasion, refusing to let him command his ship. During dinner, Saeki reveals he has been offered the fifth regency in place of Sugiyama, and Toranaga must either surrender to the council in Osaka or face imminent war. After blocking off all routes to Ajiro, Saeki also informs Yabushige that his general has been executed, ending his chance of successfully playing both sides.
After threatening Blackthorne, Buntaro asks Toranaga permission to kill him. He refuses, claiming he would have to kill Mariko as well, and he knows Buntaro cannot bring himself to do it. Mariko herself asks to commit seppuku, but Toranaga also refuses to let her do it. When Saeki returns, Toranaga proclaims that there will be no Crimson Sky. Against the wishes of Nagakado and Yabushige, Toranaga states he will go to Osaka and surrender. Meanwhile, at the Ajiro teahouse, Kiku leaves after sleeping with Saeki, giving Nagakado - without Toranaga's knowledge - the window to try assassinating his uncle. As his men are killed, Saeki falls into the teahouse's pond while trying to escape his nephew; however, as Nagakado tries to kill his uncle, he accidentally slips on Saeki's robe and fatally crushes his head on a rock.
Production
Development
In March 2024, Hulu confirmed that the seventh episode of the series would be titled "A Stick of Time", and was to be written by consulting producer Matt Lambert, and directed by Takeshi Fukunaga.[1] It was Lambert's second writing credit, and Fukunaga's first directing credit.[2]
Writing
Commenting on Toranaga's relationship with Nagakado, Hiroyuki Sanada explained, "Toranaga sees the possibility in his son, but not enough yet." He said that Toranaga's actions are trying to make Nagakado understand how to build a new world, albeit not one that Toranaga will live to see.[3]: 7:58–9:12