The Abyss of Life

"The Abyss of Life" (Japanese: 奈落の底, Hepburn: Naraku no Soko) is the eighth episode of the American historical drama television series Shōgun, based on the novel by James Clavell. The episode was written by co-executive producer Shannon Goss, and directed by Emmanuel Osei-Kuffour. It was released on Hulu on April 9, 2024, and it also aired on FX on the same day.

The series is set in 1600, and follows three characters. John Blackthorne, a risk-taking English sailor who ends up shipwrecked in Japan, a land whose unfamiliar culture will ultimately redefine him; Lord Toranaga, a shrewd, powerful daimyo, at odds with his own dangerous, political rivals; and Lady Mariko, a woman with invaluable skills but dishonorable family ties, who must prove her value and allegiance. In the episode, Toranaga grieves the death of his son, while Ishido and Ochiba plan to take advantage of this.

According to Nielsen Media Research, the episode was seen by an estimated 0.436 million household viewers and gained a 0.08 ratings share among adults aged 18–49. The episode received critical acclaim, with Hiroyuki Sanada receiving universal acclaim for his performance in the episode. Sanada submitted the episode to support his Emmy nomination for Outstanding Lead Actor in a Drama Series for which he won.^[1][2]