This article contains spoilers forShogunepisode 8.
Nobody onShoguncan accept that Lord Yoshii Toranaga (Hiroyuki Sanada) has given up.
But this is Lord Toranaga were talking about here!
Surely the soft-spoken falconer has a plan to come out on top.
Well it turns out that Toranaga does indeed have a plan to come out on top.
It just cant proceed until everyone has well and truly accepted that hes been defeated.
As expected, several vassals speak up to challenge Toranagas apparent decision.
Hiroyuki Sanadas face is a symphony of emotion as Toranaga watches his best friend kill himself on his behalf.
Hiromatsus final words to his son Buntaro, are truly devastating: Do not give up on our lord.
Even when he has given up on himself.
Its a sudden, brutal moment that immediately becomes one ofShoguns best scenes.
But what was really going on inside the characters heads during it?
Did Hiromatsu really believe that Toranaga had given up?
Believe it or not, we actually have an answer thanks toepisode 8 of the officialShoguncompanion podcast.
Many storytellers balk at discussing behind-the-scenes details of their narratives, preferring that audiences rely on their own interpretations.
ButShogunco-showrunner Justin Marks, bless him, just revealed what Toranaga and Hiromatsu were thinking in this scene.
And Tokuma-san wanted to play Hiromatus insertion of himself as a choice that he makes to spare their lives.
This explanation means that Hiromatsu didnt just die for Toranaga but for several other of his friends as well.
By committing seppuku, he essentially saved the lives of the rebel generals who wore armor to Nagakados funeral.
This is a heroic act and one that Toranaga didnt see coming.
Toranaga turns to Hiromatsu in shock because he did not intend for Hiromatsu to do this, Marks says.
In order for that narrative to be perfect his most treasured general really has to do it.
And thats something I dont think even Toranaga really wanted to do.
All of this was performance art for Toranaga.
Not only does his best friend kill himself in front of him but he really didnt have to.
The misunderstanding between the two friends makes what is already an awful event even more tragic.
Thankfully, Lord Toranaga is well aware and appreciative of the major sacrifice that Hiromatsu made for him.
Thank you, Hiromatsu, youve given me more time.
That wasnt in the script originally.
Eight episodes of Shogun are available to stream on Hulu now.
New episodes premiere Tuesdays on Hulu and Tuesday nights at 10 p.m.
