Why Lord Toranaga Calls Blackthorne & Yabushige “Goshawks” In Shogun Episode 8

WARNING: SPOILERS ahead for Shōgun.

Summary Lord Toranaga calls Blackthorne and Yabushige "goshawks" for being pawns in his takeover plan.

Toranaga's trust in Blackthorne is uncertain, as he sees him as both a loyal ally and a "goshawk."

Yabushige is untrustworthy and only helps Toranaga for self-interest, unlike Blackthorne.

Lord Toranaga had some choice words about Blackthorne and Yabushige in Shōgun episode 8 "The Abyss of Life". After stripping Blackthorne of his Hatamoto title, Toranaga must employ all of his last-ditch efforts to avoid surrendering to Lord Ishido and Ochiba-no-kata in Osaka. With just one more episode left of the acclaimed miniseries following Shōgun episode 9 "Crimson Sky", the celebrated show will air its final episode on April 23, 2024, in what is poised to be an explosive and captivating season finale.

After the shocking sacrifice of Hiromatsu in Shōgun episode 8, Toranaga has suffered two great losses in the last two episodes. Appearing to be at his weakest moment by the end of Shōgun episode 8 is seemingly exactly part of Toranaga's long-term strategy all along. Toranaga vows to use the sacrifices of Hiramatsu and his son Nagakado to their fullest extent to honor their valorous efforts. It appears that Toranaga will be relying heavily on Lady Mariko in the final part of his plan in Shōgun since he has made it clear what he truly thinks about Blackthorne and Yabushige.

Related What Time Shogun Episode 9 Releases On Hulu & FX Shōgun episode 9 "Crimson Sky" premieres on Tuesday, April 16 on Hulu and FX. Here's exactly when it releases on each platform.

Your browser does not support the video tag.

Lord Toranaga Called Blackthorne & Yabushige “Goshawks” Based On The Bird

Toranaga referred to Blackthorne and Yabushige as goshawks because he finds them to be glorified pawns in his overarching scheme to take over feudal Japan.

Lord Toranaga referred to Blackthorne and Yabushige as "goshawks" when discussing them in private with Lady Mariko in Shōgun episode 8. A goshawk is a type of bird in Europe and Asia that seems to be predictable and capable of being controlled, as seen in previous episodes of Shōgun that displayed falconry. Toranaga referred to Blackthorne and Yabushige as goshawks because he finds them to be glorified pawns in his overarching scheme to take over feudal Japan.

Even after eight episodes of Shōgun, it's unclear just how much trust Toranaga has in Blackthorne heading into the final two episodes. He successfully tamed Blackthorne and took advantage of his knowledge of advanced cannons, which is partly how Blackthorne was given so much authority at such a rapid rate. Blackthorne also saved Toranaga's life twice in the series, once in an earthquake, hinting that he may not be as much of a "goshawk" as Toranaga claims him to be. Yabushige, on the other hand, certainly fits the description.

Related Shogun Episode 8’s Tea Scene Explained: Why Lady Mariko Refused Buntaro’s Request Shogun episode 8 is rather devastating for Buntaro, partly because of his wife Mariko's brutal response to his tragically romantic gesture.

Does Lord Toranaga Still Trust Blackthorne & Yabushige In Shogun?

Close

Yabushige has been untrustworthy since the start and is only helping Toranaga through his own self-interest, which Toranaga could see from a mile away.

When Toranaga called both Blackthorne and Yabushige goshawks, it certainly wasn't meant as a compliment although it doesn't necessarily mean he thinks of the two of them in the same way. Yabushige has been untrustworthy since the start and is only helping Toranaga through his own self-interest, which Toranaga could see from a mile away. Blackthorne, however, showed more promise of being a loyal ally to Toranaga despite his desire to flee Japan. What's most clear from the goshawk comment is that he trusts Mariko more than anyone in Shōgun.

Related Wow, Shogun Episode 8 Made The Portuguese Priest Look Like A Fool (TWICE) Shogun episode 8 saw the return of Father Martin Alvito who still tries to advance his own interests as Toranaga prepares for his next big move.