This brilliant docuseries is an exploration of the feudal Japan from 1551 to 1616 , during the final phase of the Sengoku period (The Age of Warring States), when several powerful daimyo (warlords) fought to become absolute ruler. It features reenactments of historical events and commentary by voice-over artist Hiro Kanagawa and outstanding historians. In the first episode, Oda Nobunaga becomes head of the Oda clan upon the death of his father, but this causes problems with family members who compete for control.
After unifying much of Japan, fearsome samurai Oda Nobunaga is dead. His loyal supporter Toyotomi Hideyoshi has launched a coup and seized power for himself. Enraged, powerful General Katsuie has launched his own bid to control the nation. After defeating Katsuie, Hideyoshi finally ascends to power as the de facto ruler of Japan. Still, Date Masamune, a young daimyo in the north, ignores his missives.
After ending 120 years of civil war and reunifying Japan under his banner, Toyotomi Hideyoshi, the supreme ruler of Japan, lays dead. In a desperate attempt to protect his dynasty, just before his death, Hideyoshi created a council of five powerful warlords. They are to govern Japan until his young son comes of age. But the power hungry Tokugawa Ieasyu declares war on those who oppose him.
The Pirate Republic of Nassau gets fat attacking trade between Britain and the Americas. But its foundations are rocked by the death of the most successful pirate who ever lived, Black Sam Bellamy, washed up on a New England beach. But Edward Thatch reinvents himself and becomes the most devilish pirate of all, Blackbeard. Woodes Rogers' campaign begins with the offer of a pardon, which Hornigold and Jennings accept; but not all Nassau pirates agree.
The Caribbean is home to a notorious band of British pirates called the Flying Gang. They plunder merchant ships, sailing from the Americas to Europe and Africa. England's King George I has had enough, so he comes up with a shock tactic to end piracy. It's an offer from the King, a pardon, clemency for those who turn their backs on piracy. Those who refuse will be hunted down and hanged. Two pirates, Blackbeard and Charles Vane stand the King's man, Woodes Rogers. Who will win the final battle?
(Click CC for subtitles) After Kiki's murder, Hector gets reassigned to Mexico where he ends up leading DEA agents and Mexican soldiers into the longest and deadliest shootout in DEA history. While this puts a million dollar bounty on his head, it also impresses the DEA brass, who then decide to put Hector, one of their most aggressive narcs, in charge of the investigation into Kiki's murder.
In the first episode, Oda Nobunaga becomes head of the Oda clan upon the death of his father, but this causes problems with family members who compete for control.