'Shōgun' Episode 9 Takeaway: Toda Mariko's tragic fate to trigger Ishido Kazunari's downfall
OSAKA, JAPAN: In the ninth episode of FX's historical drama, 'Shōgun', viewers witness Lord Yoshii Toranaga's (Hiroyuki Sanada) premeditated maneuvers for Toda Mariko (Anna Sawai).
Mariko's character has been cloaked in sorrow from the outset of the series, as seen by her intention to commit seppuku.
Mariko's marriage to her husband, Toda Buntaro (Shinnosuke Abe), is marked by turmoil, and she grapples with profound guilt over being the only survivor of her clan.
This burden intensifies after her father, Akechi Jinsai (Yutaka Takeuchi), exacts vengeance by slaying Lord Kuroda Nobuhisa (Eijiro Ozaki).
On the other hand, Toranaga has always hinted at a deeper purpose behind Mariko's existence, a revelation that was finally disclosed in the most recent episode, alongside Mariko's startling and tragic fate.
Toda Mariko asks for the release of hostages in 'Shōgun' Episode 9
In the ninth episode, the true intentions of Toranaga for Toda Mariko come to light when, upon arriving at the Osaka palace, she requests the release of Toranaga's wife, Kiri no kata (Yoriko Dōguchi), and his consort Shizu no kata (Mako Fujimoto).
So, the motive for this was simple and straightforward: Ishido Kazunari (Takehiro Hira ) had confided the regent's families to force them to comply with his every decision.
The problem now is that if he holds onto the women, it will imply that he is truly holding them captive; nevertheless, if he lets them go, other families will certainly request permission to depart as well.
Following Toranaga's commands, Mariko attempted to depart, but when she was unable to fulfill her lord's request, she chose to commit seppuku instead.
Just a single stab away from death, Mariko was informed that Ishido had given up, granting permission to depart the palace with the women.
However, one of the series' most tragic deaths unfolded in a lethal ambush by masked assassins. Mariko made the ultimate sacrifice, using herself as bait to defend others, ultimately achieving the ending she had always desired.
How Toda Mariko's death will impact Ishido Kazunari?
Mariko undeniably emerges as the hero of the episode, showcasing her intelligence and endurance in executing Toranaga's plan, demonstrating her dedication to him.
From the outset, Toranaga recognized Mariko's talent and placed complete trust in her abilities, making her more than capable of challenging Ishido's authority.
On the surface, Mariko's request to leave with the women may seem simple, but on a deeper level, it serves as a test that ultimately shakes Ishido's dominance.
Granting it would showcase weakness while refusing it underscores his authoritarian power over the Council and the captives.
Following Mariko's tragic death, Ishido's true objectives become transparent. His actions will inevitably lead other regent families to perceive him as a regressor, ultimately benefiting Toranaga more than anything else.
Toranaga now has the upper hand as Ishido got Mariko assassinated under the guise of granting her wishes.
With Mariko gone, Toranaga needs a new plan. But knowing how sneaky Ishido can be, Toranaga might have already expected this. He might have a new plan ready to go, not only to secure victory in the war but also to exact vengeance for Mariko's death.
Overall, it's reasonable to expect that the series finale will feature the satisfying end of Ishido.
Toranaga, being aware of Ishido's cunning nature, may have already anticipated the tragic event and devised a new plan in advance, ready to deploy, which, along with winning the war, will also serve as vengeance for Mariko's death.
Whatever happens, one thing is certain: Ishido's demise is unstoppable and is approaching him at lightspeed.
'Shōgun' trailer