Shogun
Warning ! Major spoilers ahead for Shōgun episode 9 .
Summary
Shōgunstar Anna Sawai explains Mariko ’s surprising decision during the episode 9 ending . accommodate James Clavell ’s 1975 novel of the same name , the FX diachronic drama is created by Rachel Kondo and Justin Marks . As the series nears its finale , Shōgunepisode 9 , " Crimson Sky , " sees Mariko and Blackthorne ( Cosmo Jarvis ) ensnare in Osaka Castle and under aggress by shinobi . The instalment ends with Mariko , unwilling to be captured , sacrificing herself in religious service of Lord Toranaga ( Hiroyuki Sanada ) .
In a recent consultation withScreen Rant , Sawai break down whyShōgun ’s Lady Marikochooses last in episode 9 . The thespian touches not just on Mariko ’s terminal pick , which she says was made with a " clarity " of purpose , but also how the quality felt when Ishido ( Takehiro Hira ) stopped her from send seppuku at the last moment . agree out her comment below :
“ But it ’s funny , because I had seen the whole thing , and I knew that it was locomote to be great , but then with every installment being liberate and live it with the audience , I feel like I ’m bring forth a Modern linear perspective as well . I do n’t know , maybe I ’m eventually seeing her from afar . So , it ’s been a very exciting journey .
“ Yeah , I do n’t think that she was disappointed that [ Ishido ] came back [ and stopped her seppuku ] , because he come to give her the permission [ to allow for ] . Because , if she did , then she can go back to her Lord , and her Lord will now teach what ’s go to happen . It ’s more so if she was caught , then she would n’t be able-bodied to do anything about it . The point was she ’s either leaving being free with permission and try out that he ca n’t take them surety , or self - sacrifice and making a statement about it .
“ So , yeah , I do n’t think there was any disappointment when he comes back . I retrieve if anything , it was like a jubilation that she made a change within Ishido . [ For her sacrifice , ] I think that she ’s always lived with this intent to serve her Lord . It ’s not about her and what she wants to do , it ’s about accepting her fate .
“ And at the goal of episode 8 , she find out that Hiromatsu also sacrificed his sprightliness for have Toranaga - sama keep going with his agenda . Agenda go really bad . [ Laughs ] So , once we see her find firmness of purpose in that scene , I believe she ’s just going forth with article of faith and clearness and she know exactly what she needs to do . And if that means taking her own life history , she ’s still doing it for a greater case .
Custom image by Sam MacLennan
“ It ’s a much more meaningful path to subsist than living a long life doing nothing . So , I do n’t believe she is precious about it , I consider that she ’s very happy that she ’s found kind of the answer . And the way that I approached episode 9 was the same , I felt really authorise and sound about her journey . ”
Mariko’s Shōgun Death Was A Tragic But Fitting End
Mariko’s Death Could Have Been Very Different
Throughout the series , Mariko has exist a life essentially in the service of otherShōguncharacters . If she is not dish out her husband , Buntaro ( Shinnosuke Abe ) , then she is serving Lord Toranaga . Earlier in the show , more was revealed about Mariko ’s childhood , specifically about the traitorous action of her father . Mariko has long been living with the shame of these dishonorable action , and it has only been Buntaro ’s want that have forestall her from taking her own life .
Blackthorne may struggle to grapple with Mariko ’s bluff ritual killing inShōgun , but Sawai ’s character ultimately went out with both dignity and laurels .
While tragic , Mariko conk out inShōgunepisode 9 for something more than just familial shame . She die dish out Lord Toranaga , which speak to the loyalty she has march throughout the serial publication , but she also dies in divine service of Toranaga ’s grander estimation for his nation and its swayer . As history buff will know , theevents of the show lead up to the beginning of theEdo period in Japan ’s chronicle , a time defined by policies of isolationism , but also by economical development and pacification .
Shōgun, released in 2024, is set in Japan during 1600 at the onset of a significant civil war. It follows Lord Yoshii Toranaga as he battles political adversaries on the Council of Regents, while a European ship mysteriously appears in a nearby fishing village, complicating the tides of power.
Mariko reveals glimpses of her family ’s tragical backstory in Shōgun episodes 4 & 5 , which could have major entailment for her afterward in the season .
Mariko ’s death is sure to prompt a powerful reaction from Toranaga , setting the stage for an intenseShōgunfinale . While her passing may have play a role in the larger account of Japan , it is also sure , however , to scourge Blackthorne , with the two having embraced their feeling for each other in episode 9 . Blackthorne may struggle to grapple with Mariko ’s bold sacrifice inShōgun , butSawai ’s theatrical role ultimately went out with both dignity and honor .
TheShōgunseries finish release on Tuesday , April 23 , on Hulu and Disney Plus .
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Shōgun , released in 2024 , is lay out in Japan during 1600 at the onset of a significant civil warfare . It follow Lord Yoshii Toranaga as he combat political adversaries on the Council of Regents , while a European ship enigmatically appears in a nearby sportfishing Greenwich Village , perplex the tide of power .
