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All Episodes of Atsuhime

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All Episodes of Atsuhime

The 47th NHK Taiga Drama is a life story of Princess Atsu, who was born in Kagoshima Prefecture, then called Satsuma, and became the wife...
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Season 1

  • Child of Destiny
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    Child of Destiny

    Season 1 Episode 1 - Aired 1/6/2008

    The episode starts off in Satsuma in 1835, 20 years prior to the arrival of the Black Ships led by Matthew C. Perry. People in Satsuma are excited by the arrival of the heir to the domain, Shimazu Nariakira, from Edo. Meanwhile, a long-awaited daughter is born in one of the cadet families of Shimazu clan, the Imaizumi Shimazu family. The father of the girl, Shimazu Tadatake, and the mother, Oyuki, name her “Katsu,” wishing the child’s happiness. Okatsu grew up as a tomboy, much stronger than her brothers, yet is warm-hearted and full of curiosity.

    Director: Unknown

    Writer: Unknown

  • Vow at Sakurajima
    N/A/100 votes

    Vow at Sakurajima

    Season 1 Episode 2 - Aired 1/13/2008

    Zusho's financial reform successfully clears Satsuma clan's debt, however, many people are still badly off. Young samurai, including Saigo Kichinosuke and Okubo Shosuke, feel hatred toward Zusho. Meanwhile, Zusho invites Okatsu and Naogoro to his place, asking Okatsu a favor before he heads for Edo.

    Director: Unknown

    Writer: Unknown

  • Satsuma Divide
    N/A/100 votes

    Satsuma Divide

    Season 1 Episode 3 - Aired 1/20/2008

    Oyura, concubine of Shimazu Narioki, the clan head, plots to make her son Tadayuki an heir to the Satsuma clan which provokes a serious confrontation within a group of samurai who stand by Nariakira, Narioki's legal wife's son. Shosuke is punished for his involvement in the family quarrel. Wishing to help Shosuke's family make ends meet, Okatsu offers food and money, however, Shosuke's mother, Fuku, refuses.

    Director: Unknown

    Writer: Unknown

  • A Wise Lord Angered
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    A Wise Lord Angered

    Season 1 Episode 4 - Aired 1/27/2008

    Nariakira succeeds as the head of the Satsuma clan. Although Nariakira is active in reform, Kichinosuke and other young samurai are impatient that Shosuke is not granted clemency. Meanwhile, Nariakira officially invites members of Shimazu's branch families to his place. On the day of Okatsu's visit, she asks Nariakira why he has not pardoned Shosuke.

    Director: Unknown

    Writer: Unknown

  • Japan's Best Man
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    Japan's Best Man

    Season 1 Episode 5 - Aired 2/3/2008

    Tadatake learns from Tadayuki that his son wants to marry Okatsu. Naogoro is upset to hear the news. Meanwhile, Naogoro meets John Manjiro who had just come back from the U.S. Inspired by Manjiro's free-minded way of thinking, Naogoro tells Tadatake that he too loves Okatsu. The next day, Tadatake is called up by Nariakira where he informs his plans of Okatsu.

    Director: Unknown

    Writer: Unknown

  • A Woman's Destiny
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    A Woman's Destiny

    Season 1 Episode 6 - Aired 2/10/2008

    Tadatake is delighted with Nariakira's offer to adopt Okatsu, but Oyuki senses something is wrong with Kikumoto who brought up Okatsu. Okatsu is unable to absorb the situation and begs Tadatake to let her talk directly to Nariakira. On the morning of her visit, Kikumoto advises Okatsu that going against one's destiny is a dishonor for women.

    Director: Unknown

    Writer: Unknown

  • The Father's Tears
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    The Father's Tears

    Season 1 Episode 7 - Aired 2/17/2008

    Okatsu is deeply shocked by Kikumoto's suicide and outraged at Tadatake's insulting attitude towards her death. Meanwhile in Edo, the Tokugawa shogunate learns that an American fleet is approaching Japan, aiming to establish a trade relationship. Nariakira realizes that he needs to adopt Okatsu soon to carry out his plan. As the day of Okatsu's departure approaches, Tadatake suddenly acts cool towards Okatsu.

    Director: Unknown

    Writer: Unknown

  • How to be a Princess
    N/A/100 votes

    How to be a Princess

    Season 1 Episode 8 - Aired 2/24/2008

    Moving into Tsurumaru Castle, Okatsu is unable to fit into its restrictive customs, while those women serving under her and related to the Shimazu family mock about Okatsu's humble lineage. The American fleet led by Perry sails into Uraga. While Nariakira is building up armaments against the fleet, he asks Konoe Tadahiro, head of the Konoe family to send a tutor for Okatsu.

    Director: Unknown

    Writer: Unknown

  • Atsuhime is Born
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    Atsuhime is Born

    Season 1 Episode 9 - Aired 3/2/2008

    Okatsu is being trained to be a full-fledged princess by Ikushima, a tutor brought in from the Konoe family in Kyoto while Nariakira renames Okatsu as "Atsuko" and officially begins her life as "Atsu-hime." Meanwhile in Edo, Ieyoshi, the 12th shogun of the Tokugawa shogunate, suddenly dies and his son Iesachi, who is known to be benighted, is to succeed. Nariakira confides his secret to Ikushima why he wishes to rush the training of Atsu-hime.

    Director: Unknown

    Writer: Unknown

  • Determined to Become the Shogun's Wife
    N/A/100 votes

    Determined to Become the Shogun's Wife

    Season 1 Episode 10 - Aired 3/9/2008

    Ikushima is finding it difficult to train Atsu-hime who shows no interest in the training. Nariakira finally tells Atsu-hime that she is a candidate to become the wife of Iesachi, the next shogun. On that night, Atsu-hime, who attempts to escape from the castle but is easily caught, asks Nariakira his real objective. Moved by Nariakira's ambition to rebuild the unstable shogunate through Atsu-hime's marriage, she too desires to marry Iesachi.

    Director: Unknown

    Writer: Unknown

  • Reunion on the Tanabata
    N/A/100 votes

    Reunion on the Tanabata

    Season 1 Episode 11 - Aired 3/16/2008

    Atsu-hime is absorbed in princess training with Ikushima. Naogoro is shocked by Nariakira's plot but is given a chance by Nariakira to see Atsu-hime again at the Star Festival. She entrusts Naogoro with her parents and the future of Satsuma. The day of Atsu-hime's departure to Edo is just around the corner.

    Director: Unknown

    Writer: Unknown

  • Farewell, Sakurajima
    N/A/100 votes

    Farewell, Sakurajima

    Season 1 Episode 12 - Aired 3/23/2008

    Before Atsu-hime's departure, heads of the families related to the Shimazu family are called up to the castle where she sees her biological parents after a long time. However, she is only allowed to say some formal greetings to them. On the day of her departure as the ship leaves Satsuma, Atsu-hime cries for the first time. She vows to Ikushima that she will never cry again longing for her hometown.

    Director: Unknown

    Writer: Unknown

  • The Mother in Edo
    N/A/100 votes

    The Mother in Edo

    Season 1 Episode 13 - Aired 3/30/2008

    Atsu-hime arrives at Satsuma clan's castle in Edo, however, she is unable to meet Nariakira's wife Fusa and adoptive mother of Atsu-hime. In Edo castle, Nariaki, former head of the Mito-Tokugawa family, opposes to Asuhime's entry in "Ooku." Meanwhile, back in Satsuma, Nariakira picks Kichinosuke to accompany him to Edo. Although Atsu-hime finally meets Fusa, she gives her a frosty look saying Atsu-hime does not deserve to become the wife of Iesachi.

    Director: Unknown

    Writer: Unknown

  • The Father's Wish
    N/A/100 votes

    The Father's Wish

    Season 1 Episode 14 - Aired 4/6/2008

    Atsu-hime is depressed by Fusa's affirmation that Atsu-hime can never be the wife of Iesachi who later becomes Iesada as the 13th shogun. A new year begins and the American fleet led by Perry again appears off the coast of Edo. Nariakira is suddenly called up to Edo but before his departure, he makes a visit to Tadatake who is ill, and makes a promise which he breaks when he encounters Atsu-hime in Edo.

    Director: Unknown

    Writer: Unknown

  • The Princess Goes to Battle
    N/A/100 votes

    The Princess Goes to Battle

    Season 1 Episode 15 - Aired 4/13/2008

    Kichinosuke is put in charge of preparing the traditional bride's gear for Atsu-hime. Meanwhile, Nariakira is struck down by serious illness and rumor has it that Nriakira's illness is caused by a curse of Oyura, who is plotting to make her son the head of the clan. Atsu-hime visits Oyura for the first time to confirm the rumor herself.

    Director: Unknown

    Writer: Unknown

  • Cherry Blossoms Amidst Tumult
    N/A/100 votes

    Cherry Blossoms Amidst Tumult

    Season 1 Episode 16 - Aired 4/20/2008

    Nariakira recovers from his illness. Although Atsu-hime's marriage is in the final stage, Iesada shows no interest in getting married. To persuade Nariaki and to receive his approval to Atsu-hime's marriage, Nariakira invites him to Satsuma clan's castle, however, Atsu-hime argues with Nariaki about his policy on foreigners.

    Director: Unknown

    Writer: Unknown

  • An Unexpected Marriage
    N/A/100 votes

    An Unexpected Marriage

    Season 1 Episode 17 - Aired 4/27/2008

    The marriage of Atsu-hime and Iesada is finalized and the Satsuma clan's castle is in a celebratory mood. Meanwhile in Satsuma, Naogoro is to serve under Nariakira in Edo. Only a few months later, Nariakira orders Naogoro back to Satsuma to marry Ochika, who is from a distinguished family of Satsuma clan and a younger sister of Komatsu Kiyomichi, who died of illness, to succeed the Komatsu family. After Naogoro leaves Edo, a big earthquake hits Edo.

    Director: Unknown

    Writer: Unknown

  • Nariakira's Secret Orders
    N/A/100 votes

    Nariakira's Secret Orders

    Season 1 Episode 18 - Aired 5/4/2008

    After returning to Satsuma, Naogoro decides to marry Ochika. In Edo, the day of Atsu-hime's wedding, which was canceled after the big earthquake, is finally rescheduled. On the eve of Atsu-hime's departure to Edo castle, Nariakira confesses to Atsu-hime his true intention for arranging her marriage; if she is unable to bear an heir to the Tokunaga family, she was to persuade Iesada to make Yoshinobu, the head of the Hitotsubashi family and Nariaki's son, the next shogun.

    Director: Unknown

    Writer: Unknown

  • Ascend to the Ooku
    N/A/100 votes

    Ascend to the Ooku

    Season 1 Episode 19 - Aired 5/11/2008

    Atsuhime moves to Edo castle where she meets Honjuin, Iesada's mother, and Takiyama who is in control of the servants at "Ooku." However, the meeting with Atsu-hime's to-be husband, Iesada, was unscheduled. She learns that he has a concubine. One day, Atsu-hime sees a man playing hide-and-seek in the garden and hears him being addressed as "shogun.

    Director: Unknown

    Writer: Unknown

  • The Wedding Night
    N/A/100 votes

    The Wedding Night

    Season 1 Episode 20 - Aired 5/18/2008

    Having seen Iesada playing in the garden, Atsu-hime begins to have doubts over his sanity. On the night of the wedding, Iesada goes to sleep, showing no interest in Atsu-hime, which raised her distrust in Iesada. Ikushima finally confesses to Atsu-hime of knowing that Iesada may be benighted, but she also says that Nariakira has doubts over the rumor. Seeing Iesada playing in the garden again, Atsu-hime decides to find out the truth herself.

    Director: Unknown

    Writer: Unknown

  • Battle of the Wives
    N/A/100 votes

    Battle of the Wives

    Season 1 Episode 21 - Aired 5/25/2008

    Atsu-hime senses Iesada must be pretending to be benighted and asks Iesada the reason. He begins to ignore and avoid her. Atsu-hime asks him to see her but he tells her that he had no intention of having a child. The information was quickly sent to Nariakira through Ikushima. Atsu-hime invites Iesada's concubine, Oshiga, to learn more about her husband. Atsu-hime feels jealous and could not resist caring about Iesada, which proved the subconscious growing affection inside her.

    Director: Unknown

    Writer: Unknown

  • The Shogun's Secret
    N/A/100 votes

    The Shogun's Secret

    Season 1 Episode 22 - Aired 6/1/2008

    Atsu-hime remains unsure whether Iesada is really benighted. The U.S. begins preparing for a trade treaty between the shogunate after signing the Treaty of Shimoda, a treaty of peace and amity. Although the shogunate is pressured to decide the next shogun to face the international pressure, Abe, the chief retainer of the shogunate who stands by Atsu-hime, suddenly passes away. Overwhelmed by the situation, Atsu-hime decides to confess to Iesada that the true intention of her marriage was to make Yoshinobu the next shogun. Iesada in return confesses his secret.

    Director: Unknown

    Writer: Unknown

  • The Better Man
    N/A/100 votes

    The Better Man

    Season 1 Episode 23 - Aired 6/8/2008

    Despite Atsu-hime's persuasion to name Yoshinobu successor, Iesada disagreed saying it was nonsense to recommend someone she had never met. Atsu-hime invites Yoshinobu and Tokugawa Yoshitomi, another candidate from the Kishu-Tokugawa family, to the castle to see them face to face. While Yoshinobu disappoints her, Atsu-hime was fascinated by Yoshitomi to whom laced snack was served.

    Director: Unknown

    Writer: Unknown

  • It's Unforgivable, Atsu-hime
    N/A/100 votes

    It's Unforgivable, Atsu-hime

    Season 1 Episode 24 - Aired 6/15/2008

    As the day to meet U.S. consul general neared, Iesada tells his worries to Atsu-hime. She comes up with an idea for Iesada to maintain his dignity at the meeting and also suggests Yoshinobu's presence. Although the meeting turns out to be successful, Honjuin, who wants to make Yoshitomi the next shogun, bursts in anger, learning Atsu-hime persuaded Iesada to have Yoshinobu at the meeting.

    Director: Unknown

    Writer: Unknown

  • A Mother's Love and Hate
    N/A/100 votes

    A Mother's Love and Hate

    Season 1 Episode 25 - Aired 6/22/2008

    Iesada falls ill which gave cause for Honjuin to keep Atsu-hime away from Iesada, saying his illness was caused by Atsu-hime. Although Iesada wished to spend time with Atsu-hime, the mother ordered Oshiga to be at his side. Atsu-hime sees Honjuin to clear the misunderstanding; however, Honjuin blames her for having no intention to bearing an heir to the family.

    Director: Unknown

    Writer: Unknown

  • A Hell-Raising Petition
    N/A/100 votes

    A Hell-Raising Petition

    Season 1 Episode 26 - Aired 6/29/2008

    While the dispute over shogun's successor heats up, Ii Naosuke, siding with the Kishu-Tokugawa family that pushes Yoshitomi to become shogun, visits Honjuin to ally with her. Atsu-hime, under Nariakira's order to make Yoshinobu the next shogun, is driven into a corner. Nariakira submits an official statement declaring his position on the next shogun to the Tokugawa shogunate, which stirs the shogunate including "Ooku.

    Director: Unknown

    Writer: Unknown

  • Wife of the Tokugawa
    N/A/100 votes

    Wife of the Tokugawa

    Season 1 Episode 27 - Aired 7/6/2008

    Atsu-hime decides not to side with neither Yoshinobu nor Yoshitomi until she is convinced who better suits as the next shogun despite Nariakira's order to push Yoshinobu. Meanwhile, Takiyama asks Atsu-hime for her support in recommending Ii as shogun's chief adviser. Although Ikushima urges Atsuhime to turn down the request, Atsuhime doesn't give an immediate answer which widens distrust between the two.

    Director: Unknown

    Writer: Unknown

  • Two Wills
    N/A/100 votes

    Two Wills

    Season 1 Episode 28 - Aired 7/13/2008

    Ii becomes shogun's chief adviser and Yoshitomi is chosen as the next shogun. Iesada orders Ii and Hotta, the chief retainer of the shogunate, to entrust Atsu-hime with Yoshitomi in emergency. Suddenly Iesada suffers a stroke which fact the shogunate tries to hide even to Atsu-hime and Honjuin. Ii signs a treaty with the U.S. without the shogunate's approval. In Satsuma, Nariakira passes away. Atsu-hime shortly learns the death of another important person in her life.

    Director: Unknown

    Writer: Unknown

  • Tenshoin Atsu-hime
    N/A/100 votes

    Tenshoin Atsu-hime

    Season 1 Episode 29 - Aired 7/20/2008

    Yoshitomi, the new shogun, arrives at Edo castle and is renamed as Iemochi. Tenshoin renews her hopes to become his guardian. Ikushima informs her intention to resign to take responsibility for failing to make Yoshinobu shogun. Disturbed with Tenshoin's involvement in politics, Ii begins to clamp down dissidents and asks her to reveal whereabouts of Saigo who was maneuvering to bring Ii down.

    Director: Unknown

    Writer: Unknown

  • The Shogun's Mother
    N/A/100 votes

    The Shogun's Mother

    Season 1 Episode 30 - Aired 7/27/2008

    Yoshitomi, the new shogun, arrives at Edo castle and is renamed as Iemochi. Tenshoin renews her hopes to become his guardian. Ikushima informs her intention to resign to take responsibility for failing to make Yoshinobu shogun. Disturbed with Tenshoin's involvement in politics, Ii begins to clamp down dissidents and asks her to reveal whereabouts of Saigo who was maneuvering to bring Ii down.

    Director: Unknown

    Writer: Unknown

  • Farewell, Ikushima
    N/A/100 votes

    Farewell, Ikushima

    Season 1 Episode 31 - Aired 8/3/2008

    No description available

    Director: Unknown

    Writer: Unknown

  • The Incident Outside Sakuradamon Gate
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    The Incident Outside Sakuradamon Gate

    Season 1 Episode 32 - Aired 8/10/2008

    No description available

    Director: Unknown

    Writer: Unknown

  • Princess Kazu
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    Princess Kazu

    Season 1 Episode 33 - Aired 8/17/2008

    No description available

    Director: Unknown

    Writer: Unknown

  • Imperial Court and Feudal Clan
    N/A/100 votes

    Imperial Court and Feudal Clan

    Season 1 Episode 34 - Aired 8/24/2008

    No description available

    Director: Unknown

    Writer: Unknown

  • Dagger of Doubt
    N/A/100 votes

    Dagger of Doubt

    Season 1 Episode 35 - Aired 8/31/2008

    No description available

    Director: Unknown

    Writer: Unknown

  • Satsuma or Tokugawa
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    Satsuma or Tokugawa

    Season 1 Episode 36 - Aired 9/7/2008

    While the Edo group and the Kyōto group inside the Ōoku continue to antagonize to each other, little by little Kazunomiya and Iemochi became closer. Tensho-in was finally feeling relieved. Then, commanding a force of a few thousand soldiers, Hisamitsu left for Kyōto with the intention of receiving the Emperor’s approval for reforming the Tokugawa Shōgunate. Meanwhile, suspicion that Tenshō-in might be involved in the plot mounted in Edo.

    Director: Unknown

    Writer: Unknown

  • Friendship and Parting
    N/A/100 votes

    Friendship and Parting

    Season 1 Episode 37 - Aired 9/14/2008

    The Satsuma force led by Hisamitsu entered Edo accompanying an Imperial envoy. His aim was to reform the Tokugawa Shogunate. Meanwhile, Tenshō-in was anxious if Tatewaki also came to Edo accompanying Hisamitsu. Against Hisamitsu's wish, the negotiation between the envoy and Rōjū came to a dead end. Hisamitsu became extremely impatient and ordered Ōkubo to threaten the Rōjū side by force. While Tatewaki felt awkward toward such a forceful approach taken by his comrades, Satsuma succeeded in pressing on the reform plan.

    Director: Unknown

    Writer: Unknown

  • Heart of the Mother-In-Law, Heart of the Wife
    N/A/100 votes

    Heart of the Mother-In-Law, Heart of the Wife

    Season 1 Episode 38 - Aired 9/21/2008

    A letter from Tatewaki recounting what really took place in Namamugi Incident reached Tenshō-in. Having learned the truth, she maintained that the Shogunate, together with Satsuma, needed to apologize to Britain. Meanwhile, in Kyoto, the Chōshū group came to dominate the political scene, defeating the Satsuma group and its leaders Shimazu Hisamitsu and Iwakura Tomomi.

    Director: Unknown

    Writer: Unknown

  • Satsuma Burns
    N/A/100 votes

    Satsuma Burns

    Season 1 Episode 39 - Aired 9/28/2008

    The news that Shōgun Iemochi arrived at Kyoto came to Ōoku and lightened her mind. Kazunomiya, on the other hand, worried about Iemochi and became more restless. Her fear became true when radicals led by a Chōshū Domain group supporting the expulsion of foreigners dominated the Imperial Court in Kyoto. Mired in the quandary, Iemochi was forced to promise to the court the enforcement of expelling foreigners.

    Director: Unknown

    Writer: Unknown

  • Son Taking the Field
    N/A/100 votes

    Son Taking the Field

    Season 1 Episode 40 - Aired 10/5/2008

    Saigo, who had been exiled, came back. At the gathering where Saigo and his old friends reunited, Tatewaki met a geisho, Okoto. The Chōshū domain, which is bent on regaining its political leverage in the capital, suddenly attacked the Imperial Palace. This is known as the Kinmon Incident. Tatewaki, who led the Satsuma forces, joined forces with the Shōgunate, along with Yoshinobu, and defeat the enemy forces. In the meantime, in Ōoku, Takiyama advised Tenshōin to let the Shogun have a concubine who could bear his heir, for she was purely concerned with the future of the Tokugawa clan and desired to consolidate the foundations of the Shugunate’s rule. Tenshōin, however, did not want to tear up the intimate relationship between Kazunomiya and Iemochi and flatly rejected the idea.

    Director: Unknown

    Writer: Unknown

  • Satcho Alliance
    N/A/100 votes

    Satcho Alliance

    Season 1 Episode 41 - Aired 10/12/2008

    No description available

    Director: Unknown

    Writer: Unknown

  • The Death of the Son
    N/A/100 votes

    The Death of the Son

    Season 1 Episode 42 - Aired 10/19/2008

    No description available

    Director: Unknown

    Writer: Unknown

  • The Determination of the Wife
    N/A/100 votes

    The Determination of the Wife

    Season 1 Episode 43 - Aired 10/26/2008

    No description available

    Director: Unknown

    Writer: Unknown

  • Ryoma Dies
    N/A/100 votes

    Ryoma Dies

    Season 1 Episode 44 - Aired 11/2/2008

    No description available

    Director: Unknown

    Writer: Unknown

  • A Letter from Mother
    N/A/100 votes

    A Letter from Mother

    Season 1 Episode 45 - Aired 11/9/2008

    No description available

    Director: Unknown

    Writer: Unknown

  • Yoshinobu Rescued
    N/A/100 votes

    Yoshinobu Rescued

    Season 1 Episode 46 - Aired 11/16/2008

    No description available

    Director: Unknown

    Writer: Unknown

  • Ooku's Messenger
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    Ooku's Messenger

    Season 1 Episode 47 - Aired 11/23/2008

    No description available

    Director: Unknown

    Writer: Unknown

  • Bloodless Surrender
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    Bloodless Surrender

    Season 1 Episode 48 - Aired 11/30/2008

    No description available

    Director: Unknown

    Writer: Unknown

  • Reunion on the Eve of Meiji
    N/A/100 votes

    Reunion on the Eve of Meiji

    Season 1 Episode 49 - Aired 12/7/2008

    No description available

    Director: Unknown

    Writer: Unknown

  • One Path
    N/A/100 votes

    One Path

    Season 1 Episode 50 - Aired 12/14/2008

    No description available

    Director: Unknown

    Writer: Unknown