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With the end of Shōgun Episode 9, it all comes down to one thing: What the future holds for Lord Yoshi Toranaga? The gripping episode saw the arrival of Mariko, Yabushige, and Blackthorne in Osaka Castle, keeping the audience on the edge of their seats, with the gripping penultimate installment to the historical epic that set the stage for the grand finale.
For starters, the only purpose behind their arrival was Yabushige breaking yet another deal of his fealty to Ishido, using Blackthorne as a catalyst, which was quite anticipated. However, the episode soon took a sudden turn as Mariko startles Ishido’s court by demanding to leave Osaka with Toranaga’s consorts.
Mariko’s request has not only caught Ishido by surprise but also Blackthorne and Yabushige. However, it is unlikely that Ishido lets someone off the hook that easily. Owing to its reputation, Shōgun has once again delivered a devastating blow, leaving everyone shocked. Follow along with the article to learn more about Shōgun Episode 9.
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Disclaimer: This article contains major spoilers for Shōgun Episode 9. Reader’s discretion is advised.
Is Mariko dead in Shōgun Episode 9?
While running away from the shinobis/ninja, Mariko, Blackthorne, and Yabushige confined themselves in a storage room, as there was no way to escape from what was coming for them. After sensing that the shinobis were trying to blast the door, Blackthorne attempted to place a huge and heavy box in between so that it would reduce the impact.
However, given that the box was too heavy, he couldn’t move it. Watching Blackthorne’s relentless efforts, Mariko decided to use her body, accepting death. Caught up in the explosion, Mariko died after proclaiming she condemned this shameful attack. Given the episode ended immediately after this moment, it remains unknown if Yabushige, Blackthorne, and the others are safe.
Since the beginning of the series, Anna Sawai’s Akechi Mariko remained one of the most fascinating characters in the storyline, a much praiseworthy arsenal in Toranaga’s court. The only thing that weighed down Mariko in life was her father, Lord Akechi, being an assassin of the former Taikō.
With Mariko’s life becoming a literal hell for living as the daughter of a disgraceful lord, she wanted to end her life gracefully, which Toranaga rejected. However, it came to light that all she ever wanted was to separate from her husband and embrace freedom.
In Shōgun Episode 9, after Mariko was stopped by Ishido’s men from leaving the Osaka castle, taking this as a sign of disrespect, she proclaimed to commit seppuku by sunset. She also asked Lord Kiyama to be her second, but he didn’t turn up. Eventually, Blackthorne picked up the katana and requested Mariko to be her second.
Surprisingly, Ishido made it in time to stop Mariko and gave her the permit to leave Osaka Castle, given he didn’t want to flout the Heir’s invitation. After breathing a sigh of relief, Mariko spent the night with Blackthorne, free from all the restraints that were holding her back. Her death left a great void in Anjin’s life.
Who is the perpetrator behind Mariko’s death in Shōgun Episode 9?
The only person responsible for the attack is Lord Ishido, as no one in the castle would want to hurt Mariko. Even Lady Ochiba, who used to be Mariko’s best friend, was concerned by her resolve to commit seppuku, which she didn’t acknowledge upfront. Similar to Mariko, the other lords in the castle were also held against their will as hostages.
Even before she was about to die, Mariko revealed that she protested this shameful act of Ishido, as she knew that the permit was just a ruse. Although Ishido would simply decline that he has anything to do with this attack, using this as an example, he would let his hostages know that there are no negotiations to be made further.
Mariko’s request not only questioned Ishido’s morality but also his position as a Regent, which gave others significant hope that they could stand against the megalomaniac. However, with Mariko’s death, it is uncertain if any of the lords will raise a finger at Ishido. Nevertheless, Mariko’s death gives another good reason for Toranaga to initiate the Crimson Sky plan.
Where is Toranaga in Shōgun Episode 9?
Shōgun Episode 9 sees a complete absence of the Lord of the Kanto, as it completely focuses on Mariko and her plan that was seconded by Toranaga himself. Mariko arriving at the Osaka Castle and announcing to leave with Shizu and Kiri was a part of Toranaga’s grand plan. However, it remains unclear what he wanted to accomplish with this.
Nevertheless, as seen in the final moments of the eighth episode, where Toranaga was paying respects to his son for buying him time, Mariko’s efforts were also the same. As Toranaga told Mariko that it was time for her to play her part, he actually meant to buy him even more time so he could prepare for the Crimson Sky plan.
Earlier, the idea of his half-brother joining forces with him and making it easier to go with the military tactic seemed easier for Toranaga. However, after the betrayal and his army already losing numbers, given the recent earthquake, it became difficult for Toranaga to deal with the Council of Regents in Osaka.
Now, as he had enough time to gather everything in his arsenal to stand against the corrupt Regents, Toranaga would showcase why he received the title of Boy Warlord at a young age.
Stay tuned for more news and updates for FX’s Shōgun as 2024 progresses.
