Samurai

[Barney]

I recently rewatched the Highlander episode, "Samurai" (one of my favorites) and have a question, when the Shogun became aware that Hideo was hiding MacLeod, why did they not come for him and kill him? I know he allowed Hideo to kill himself to save honor for his family but why didn't the soldiers take MacLeod? How did he manage to leave Japan with his head still attached? Perhaps it was to honor the fact that Hideo was willing to give his life for a foreigner. Any thoughts?

[Littledevil]

They may not have known that he was there. They only knew that Hideo had saved Duncan in the beginning.

[Akashary]

I think that has something to do with the strange japanese kind of honor and hospitality. Hideo, by saving Duncan, took him under his and his familys protection, what was not allowed, but it happend. Once it was done , the emperor couldn`t touch Duncan anymore without losing his face by dishonor the law of hospitality and protection...but he could punish Hideo for his disobidience.....!!!

Akashary;)

[appeace]

In my humble opinion, the Shogun knew Duncan was residing with Hideo he demanded Hideo kill Duncan, as per the law. However, Hideo had, by that time, become very fond of Duncan and could not obey the Shogun's edict. Therefore, the Shogun demanded Hideo's life in place of Duncan. For the sake of honor, the Shogun "allowed" Hideo to commit suicide thereby taking Duncan's place. It would have been a dishonor and the breaking of a pact for the Shogun to then take Duncan's life as well.

[JustBecause]

Hi appeace,

I agree with your opinion. During that time in Japan, it seems that honor was valued above all.

Also, Hideo lived up to his honor so courageously. He wouldn't allow Duncan to use his immortality to fake his death - even though it would have saved Hideo's life.

[renate]

it's a great episode-great:):)
Renate