Shogun - Episode 9 - Crimson Sky - REACTION - First Time Watching 

Good Lord, this show is like a brilliant game of chess.

8:00 "A leafless branch" is a dig at Lady Ochiba. Her name Ochiba means "fallen leaves". Her precious heir come from a barren branch. Is he the late taiko's son at all ? Whereas a flower symbolize Mariko, 16:00 "Flowers are only flowers because they fall". She will fall and her brief time on earth will be remember because of it.

This was one of the most beautiful, engrossing hours of television ever. And I'm at amazed the actress who plays Ochiba. She conveys so much with seemingly so little effort. But everyone is uniformly amazing.

Love these reactions so much and I'm so happy you're watching them. Been enjoying the journey. Just to let you know that the episode title is wrong in your RU-vid title. 💖💖

Yabushige has only been focused on his own survival and the elevation of his own clan. He always swung his loyalty towards whichever side would help him achieve those goals. At first, he tried to play both sides, but after the whole cannon incident he knew he was screwed. Sending his general to Osaka was his hail Mary attempt to stay on Ishido's good side. Saw how that worked out. He thought his last chance was to offer up Blackthorn. Loved his reaction when the heir was like, "Nah".

Great episode and reaction/discussion. Very good on you for realizing Mariko is Crimson Sky. I'd be shocked if Anna Sawai doesn't win a boatload of awards for this one.

Crimson Sky accomplished.

Aw, you guys are such romantics.

Mariko was really the secret weapon of Toranaga… he sacrificed the queen to checkmate his enemy. Yes, you guys are right! Mariko is Crimson Sky… her outfit at the confrontation with Ishido was crimson under her white overcoat. Also two patches of blood on her chest. Her crimson outfit was stunning when she led the entourage out of Osaka. Her time for her seppuku was scheduled at sunset. I wish the sunset was darker… it would have been more poetic! This is the best episode ever! Love the writing, the acting and the cinematography. You guys were really sharp to spot many things! Now the finale…

Ramblers, Mariko had won by getting permits to leave Osaka for herself, Toranaga's family and all the other Regents family's. But she could not allow herself be taken as a Hostage and be used as a bargaining chip between Toranaga and Ishido. She could see Toranaga would loose. Toranaga choose Mariko because as the odd's became greater she could rise to each level and challenge Ishido's hold on Osaka Castle. Toranaga can't has he has lost 1/2 his army. But now because of Mariko, Ishido's hold on the other Regents is now not so clear cut. Will they still back him? Cheers, Chris Perry.

Wrong title, boys!