Does Lady Mariko die in Shogun episode 9?
Her role in “Crimson Sky” explained.
This article contains spoilers forShogunepisode 9.
Buntaro (Shinnosuke Abe).
InShogunepisode 9 Crimson Sky, she finally gets that opportunity.
Lets talk about it … but first: a disclaimer.
As you may have noticed by now, suicidal ideation is a recurring theme onShogun.
c’mon keep in mind that this is a fictional story about an era a long time ago.
Consider not reading on if you find discussions of self harm triggering.
And remember that the world is better with you in it.
Did Lady Mariko Die?
A pretty consistent rule on episodic television is no body = no death.
Unfortunately, she did not.
I really do feel saddened that their relationship at least in a physical world ends in that moment.
I think that Blackthorne begins to understand the gravity of her role in this change of hands that happens.
The Edo Period begins after this.
And her role in that was massive.
She believed so much in Toranagas plan that she was willing to sacrifice for it.
Yes, Mariko didnt set that fuse herself.
Yes, it was Yabushiges meddling that put Marikos ultimate demise in motion.
But this is still a self-sacrifice.
To honor her lord.
To honor her father.
For the entire show, Blackthorne has always disagreed with Marikos approach to death.
Maybe this is something that Blackthorne comes to understand that he loves about her.
Did Lord Toranaga Just Win?
Yes, he probably did!
Lord Toranaga (Hiroyuki Sanada) may just be the smartest, most cunning individual in television history.
He understood thatone woman could achieve what an entire army couldnt.
Toranagas Crimson Sky plan always sounded pretty far fetched.
Rules and rituals matter in Osaka.
One in his mouth for the world to know.
Another in his chest just for his friends.
And a secret heart buried deep where no one can find it.
That is a hear that a man must keep hidden if he wants to survive.
While every man may have three hearts, Mariko has but one and it beats strong as hell.
Nothing about her is hidden.
Pretty much everyone in Ajiro knows how Mariko feels about Blackthorne as well.
Even the poem she shares with Lady Ochiba and the court is so devastatingly clear.
What Happened to the Real Life Hosokawa Gracia?
Like many characters onShogun, Mariko is based on a real life figure.
Lady Gracias method of suicide is debated, however.
Which is what happened to the real Lady Gracia.
Marikos story deviates from Lady Gracias a bit after that.
Its Yabushiges ever-changing heart that ends Marikos life.
But its Marikos own heart that effectively wins the war before that.
Nine episodes of Shogun are available to stream on Hulu now.
The finale premieres Tuesday, April 23 on Hulu and airs that Tuesday night at 10 p.m.
