In the penultimate episode of FX's Shogun, titled 'Crimson Sky,' Lady Mariko, portrayed by Anna Sawai, takes a bold stand against warlord Ishido Kazunari. Mariko's defiance unfolds in a series of pivotal moments that demonstrate her unwavering resolve and the political complexities of 16th-century feudal Japan.
Mariko, the daughter of disgraced Lord Akechi Jinsai and heir to a thousand years of samurai tradition, refuses to be held captive or a hostage. She declares her intention to leave Osaka with Lord Toranaga's consorts and infant son. However, Ishido comes up with procedural reasons to delay their departure.
During the confrontation between Mariko and Ishido, she takes up a naginata polearm sword to defend herself but is ultimately overpowered. Collapsing on the ground, she vows to commit ritualistic suicide as a protest against Ishido's imprisonment. Assassins are sent to kidnap Mariko, leading to her tragic death by absorbing an explosion before Blackthorne can stop her.
Mariko's actions have far-reaching consequences. She publicly speaks out against Ishido, changing the course of the war between the two men and Japan itself. Her courageous act inspires those around her and solidifies her place in history as a symbol of resistance.
Tokuma Nishioka, who portrays Hiromatsu, a loyal general to Lord Yoshi Toranaga, shares an intriguing bond with Mariko. In one scene, Hiromatsu announces he will commit seppuku if Toranaga doesn't stop 'throwing away all that they have fought for.' Toranaga calls Hiromatsu's bluff, but the scene was originally written with more samurai committing seppuku. Nishioka suggested limiting the death count to emphasize Hiromatsu and Toranaga's bond.
Mariko's story is a testament to her unwavering commitment to her lord and fulfilling her role, even in the face of adversity. Her actions demonstrate that women in Shogun can wield power in unique ways, often through their courage and determination.
