I'll review the series after the next episode, and tbh I've been enjoying 'Shogun' too much to review individual episodes, but THIS ONE, however, deserves pause.
In particular I couldn't help but notice the transformation of our main character from the beginning of the series until now. He's matured and became more calculating, and discovered the value of keeping his cards close. On the other hand the translator has developed through the gradual telling of her backstory to the point where we understand where she's coming from when she makes radically consequential decisions. The writers have brought us on a journey with these characters, and a result when those consequential decisions come to a head in this episode they are a 1-2 gut punch.
Without spoilers, there was a part (YOU KNOW WHICH PART) where on paper what was taking place on screen was absolutely INSANE, but everyone involved was doing exactly what was in character, and the main character was forced into a dilemma that would make Jigsaw from 'Saw' look up from his workbench. ...yet somehow he was also making almost the greatest statement of love possible. This show messes with your emotions.
On top of everything else, the acting was phenomenal.
I know 'Shogun' isn't for everyone because of either the subtitles or the violence(my sister in-law likes 'The Boys', but apparently can't watch 'Shogun' or 'Breaking Bad' because the violence is "too real" or something), but in my mind 'Crimson Sky' is as good as an episode of television can get. I try not to rate things 1/10 or 10/10, but the people who worked on this episode absolutely deserve every bit of recognition they get.
...now I'm thinking about Jigsaw in feudal Japan, where he gives up on building violent traps because it's simply more efficient to leverage dishonor against people...