The BEST episodes of Shōgun season 1
Every episode of Shōgun season 1, ranked from best to worst by thousands of votes from fans of the show. The best episodes of Shōgun season 1!
Set in Japan in the year 1600, at the dawn of a century-defining civil war, Lord Yoshii Toranaga is fighting for his life as his enemies on the Council of Regents unite against him, when a mysterious European ship is found marooned in a nearby fishing village. Its English pilot, John Blackthorne, comes bearing secrets that could help Toranaga tip the scales of power and devastate the formidable influence of Blackthorne’s own enemies — the Jesuit priests and Portuguese merchants. Toranaga’s and Blackthorne’s fates become inextricably tied to their translator, Toda Mariko, a mysterious Christian noblewoman and the last of a disgraced line. While serving her lord amidst this fraught political landscape, Mariko must reconcile her newfound companionship with Blackthorne, her commitment to the faith that saved her and her duty to her late father.
#1 - Crimson Sky
Season 1 - Episode 9 - Aired 4/16/2024
Mariko arrives in Osaka for the fight of her life. Blackthorne and Yabushige scramble to save their own heads as their options dwindle.
#2 - The Eightfold Fence
Season 1 - Episode 4 - Aired 3/12/2024
Blackthorne and Mariko test their new alliance as they train Toranaga's gun regiment for war. Yabushige must navigate his past promises to Ishido when an old friend comes to the village.
#3 - The Abyss of Life
Season 1 - Episode 8 - Aired 4/9/2024
Toranaga's defeated clan moves to Edo and awaits their fate. Blackthorne must decide who he fights for - the lord who has turned his back on him, or the ambition that brought him to Japan in the first place.
#4 - Servants of Two Masters
Season 1 - Episode 2 - Aired 2/27/2024
Blackthorne’s arrival in Osaka stirs up a hornet’s nest of rivalries. Mariko is trapped between her cause and her faith when she must translate for the barbarian in Lord Toranaga’s custody.
#5 - A Dream of a Dream
Season 1 - Episode 10 - Aired 4/23/2024
In the wake of a tragic death, Blackthorne finally considers the true nature of Toranaga's plan.
#6 - Broken to the Fist
Season 1 - Episode 5 - Aired 3/19/2024
Blackthorne and Mariko struggle to contain the secret that could get them both killed. Yabushige searches for the spy who has betrayed his intentions to Lord Toranaga.
#7 - Tomorrow is Tomorrow
Season 1 - Episode 3 - Aired 3/5/2024
After Blackthorne survives a brazen assassination attempt, Toranaga realizes he must ferry his allies out of Osaka or risk certain defeat.
#8 - A Stick of Time
Season 1 - Episode 7 - Aired 4/2/2024
Outplayed by new alliances in Osaka, Toranaga is forced to carve out a new deal with a long lost family member.
#9 - Anjin
Season 1 - Episode 1 - Aired 2/27/2024
Destinies converge in Japan after a barbarian ship washes ashore in a poor fishing village. Meanwhile, in Osaka, Lord Toranaga finds himself outplayed by his enemies.
#10 - Ladies of the Willow World
Season 1 - Episode 6 - Aired 3/26/2024
Lady Ochiba returns to Osaka in order to accelerate the Regents' campaign against Toranaga. In Ajiro, Toranaga tests Mariko's loyalty to his cause.