Shōgun Episode 2 "Servants of Two Masters" | REACTION 

You need to understand the titles a bit more. Shogun at this time period can only be attained by those with the most rare, most powerful, most noble of bloodlines. This is why the nun in Ep 1 talked about him being a "Minowara", one of the few bloodlines among the Samurai noble houses that has the hereditary ability to claim the title (which has been out of use for about a century at this time.) Shogun means "Supreme Commander" or "Warlord" or Military Dictator. The guy who died at the beginning of Episode 2 was not highborn enough to claim the title. He was Taiko, so he was a Warlord as well, and a Military Dictator, but he could not claim the full title of Shogun. Instead, he was given the title of "Taiko", with a leaning more toward "The Great Unifier" (but still a warlord. He unified but everyone understood he actually conquered by the sword to achieve this 'unification'. Japan in the century prior had been in a state of constant war between the Daimyos. The Taiko was the first man in a century who stopped all the warring factions by conqering them all with strategic and powerful alliances.)

The title of this episode is "Servants of two masters". Plural! It's not only Yabushige who serves two masters (Toranaga and Ishido). It's also Mariko and John. Mariko serves Toranga and her christian god/catholic religion. John serves Toranaga and his Queen (Elizabeth I.). You can also argue that Father Martin serves his order (the society of Jesus aka the Jesuits) and the kingdom of Portugal.

Toranaga waited and watched. He suspected so thats why he switched rooms. If they went after Toranaga in his room and got Anjin, that told him who is against him. If they went after Anjin (as they did) he would know who wanted him dead. So either way, he would know what needs to be done

SUCH a great show - love everything about it! The writing, acting, direction, music, plot twists, it's compelling and the tension is off the charts! Hope you enjoy the remaining chapters!

Just found yall cant wait to see all of your reactions of this

John mentions in the first interrogation he has "letters of marque" from the Dutch. That's why he says he is not a pirate. Technically this is true. With letters of marque he is not a pirate but a privateer. Pirates attacked random ships and bases to plunder and enrich themselves. They were criminal outlaws and hanged when captured. Privateers used many of the same tactics but where basicially mercenaries at sea for a (foreign) government which hired them. As combatans they were not considered outlaws and had to be treated as prisoners of war when in custody of the enemy. That's why the Portuguese falsly brand John as "pirate". As such he could be executed immidiately and his unmasking of the Portuguese secret schemings behind the japanese backs would not matter anymore.

Such an amazing show! It gets better from here!