Excellent episode and enjoyed your discussion. My immediate thought regarding Toranaga's reaction was to believe that his son was manipulated given his prior conversations with his son. Loved Blackthorne's interactions with Mariko and Fuji in this episode. Also, really enjoying Yabushige's efforts to play both sides.

Have watched a bunch of reactors talk about this show. You guys have the best discussions. You're sharp, you take notes, and your commentary is super insightful even when it's slightly off the mark ;) Can't wait for you to see the next episode.

Natto is fermented soybeans. A slimey texture and unique smell and taste. You either love it or hate it.

41:00 English ship cannon were designed to be accurate at longer ranges and the crews trained to fire faster. Around this time, as I understand it, Spanish galleons were based on the tactic of closing with the enemy and boarding them with the superior numbers of sailors aboard (which is how naval battles were fought before cannon became viable). The English favoured smaller, faster and more manoeuvrable ships that would harry the enemy at range until critically damaged (I'm guessing Dutch ships at the time used the same tactics?). There's a Dan Snow two part documentary on KZfaq which goes into the tactics used during the Armada.

chain shot really makes a mess

Thanks and I like that you shaved, Mikey! Thanks, Joe! Thanks, Mike! 🗾