After the assassination attempt on Blackthrone’s life, all parties swiftly enact their respective schemes. Episode three entitled “Tomorrow is Tomorrow” follows an escape from Osaka as Lord Toranaga and Lord Ishido’s rivalry comes to a head. Wavering loyalties are firmly planted as the seeds of war sprout. And Blackthorne proves himself to be more than the barbarian his hosts view him as.
The episode opens with Yabushige being paid a visit by Toranaga and Hiromatsu. They learn the Society of the Amida was behind the assassination attempt, and there is now a bounty on Toranaga’s head. The lord questions what Ishido promised Yabushige for his betrayal; Yabushige would have received his seat with the Council. To secure Yabushige’s loyalty, Toranaga promises him the Suruga Province, expanding his fief, or territory. He also elects to spare his life. Toranga instructs Yabushige to move the Anjin and Lady Kiri to the Ajiro village for protection as Osaka is no longer safe.
After the stunning credits, a series of scenes are presented as the palace prepares for Lady Kiri and Fuji’s departure. Fuji is comforted by her grandfather, Hiromatsu, as she departs with the remains of her husband and child – unfortunate sacrifices for the war set to come. Blackthorne’s wounds are tended to by a caretaker, with Mariko translating. A funny moment is delivered when the caretaker suggests a tense Blackthorne could utilize a woman to relieve his stress. Finally, the Captain of the Black Ship, Ferriera, is told Toranaga demands a report before the vessel departs. He objects to this request, stating he doesn’t serve Japan but the Crown.
The processional has gathered to leave the palace: Fuji has been placed in one carriage as Lady Kiri arrives to settle in the other. They are accompanied by a litany of troops, including Nagakado, Toranaga’s son, and Toda Hirokatsu, Mariko’s husband. Mariko accompanies Blackthorne. Ishido arrives to pay his last respects to Lady Kiri and assigns them a special escort which includes the warrior Jozen. Suddenly, the pregnant Lady Shizu screams, doubling over from an apparent pain, as if she were going into labor. As attention is averted toward her, Lady Kiri slips out of the carriage and is replaced by Lord Toranaga. Blackthorne notices the play as Mariko tells him her lord is known for his trickery.
As Toranaga prepares to exit Osaka right from under Ishido’s nose, a guard enacts another inspection. Certain Toranaga will be found out – committing them all to death – Blackthorne begins ranting to stall before they reach the box allegedly containing Lady Kiri. Just then, Jozen puts an end to the charade, stating Ishido has requested they make their way to the harbor. Blackthorne’s crazed antics save the day.
Walking to the harbor, Mariko and Blackthrone learn more about each other. Blackthorne pinpoints Hirokatsu as her husband, and Mariko asks if Blackthorne has any family. He shares he has a son and daughter back in England, a new layer to the alleged barbarian. Suddenly, the night is startled with fire arrows as the group is under attack. The Christians seek to kill the Anjin under Kiyama’s command. Chaos abounds as Toranaga is forced out from hiding, alerting Ishido’s troops they have been tricked.
Soon, Toranaga, Mariko, John, and his allies race to the harbor, boarding an awaiting boat. Buntaro arrives at the dock with Ishido’s forces inching closer. Blackthorne pleads for them to wait, but Yabushige declines. Toranaga recognizes Hirokatsu before he bravely charges against the horde. Mariko tearfully watches as her husband perishes to ensure their lord’s escape.
As they set sail to exit the harbor, Ishido’s men await in lifeboats to block their passage. John, always quick on his feet, recognizes that they will not attack as long as they are in proximity to the Black Ship which is preparing to depart. Toranaga orders them to pull beside the ship and board to barter with Ferriera and the Catholics. For safe passage aboard the vessel, Toranaga promises 10,000 coins for the silk trade and a Christian church be erected in Edo. In exchange, he requests Father Alvito to persuade Lords Kiyama and Ohno to betray Ishido. Hesitant, the clergymen agree on safe passage, but the Anjin must remain in Osaka. John refuses to accept this development and orders the men to follow alongside the Black Ship, preventing clear and safe passage. Lord Rodrigues guiding the Black Ship allows John passage as repayment for the debt he owed John for saving his life.
The next morning, Ishido scolds Lord Kiyama with their fellow Regents for his unorthodox tactics when Hiromatsu arrives, delivering a departing message from Toranaga. He has announced his retirement from the Council of Regents effective immediately. Ishido disregards this development, stating it doesn’t change the fact they will vote for his impeachment. However, the aging warrior reminds the Council of their own rules: there must be five active Regents to enact a vote.
Out on the calm of the sea, Blackthorne comforts Mariko over the loss of Buntaro and informs her he left England before his daughter was born. He details that he couldn’t stay in England because he yearned for the horizon, freedom, which he found out to sea. And they cannot worry themselves with yesterday or tomorrow, but only today.
Toranaga thanks Blackthorne for his bravery and enlists him to teach his son and Lord Yabushige his tactics. He also rewards John with the honorable title of Hatamota, a moniker for the shōgun’s trusted general. He then instructs John to teach him how to dive. John is ordered to dive multiple times in a row before Toranaga challenges him in a race to the shore.
After the pending doom of episodes 1 and 2, chapter three delivers a slight reprieve. Writer Shannon Goss effortlessly revealed more about each character through dialogue and interactions. We learn Blackthorne carries a humane code of ethics when it comes to comrades. And the knowledge of a family softens his barbaric exterior. Lord Toranaga proves himself as more benevolent than the other Regents as he not only acknowledges the foreigner’s good qualities but is willing to learn from him. The comedic moments throughout aid in the lightness of the episode, displaying the fullness of these characters. A wholeness that is realized. An exceptional entry in the series.
Rating: 8/10