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'Shōgun' Episode 4: Who actually slept with John? Shadows mask identity of 'pillowing', but a smile reveals a lot

The latest episode of 'Shōgun' showed a provocative shift in the growing bond between John Blackthorne and Toda Mariko

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA: The ongoing FX historical drama 'Shōgun' takes viewers on a fascinating voyage through medieval Japan.

Developed by Rachel Kondo and Justin Marks, the series is based on James Clavell's 1975 novel of the same name and follows the journey of Pilot-Major John Blackthorne (Cosmo Jarvis) as he gets embroiled in Japan's political turmoil following the death of the Japanese leader Taikō.

In the background, a more subdued tale of the developing bond between Blackthrone and his translator, Lady Toda Mariko (Anna Sawai), is revealed.

The relationship between them appears to be developing minute by minute in the most recent episode, which even hinted at a possible sexual relationship.

Toda Mariko's smile indicates that she was the one who slept with John Blackthorne in 'Shōgun'

After learning that he must remain in Japan for a minimum of six months, Blackthorne appeared to become agitated.

Behaving like a whiny child, he rejects his new home, the servants, and even his consort, Usami Fuji (Moeka Hoshi), but it is Mariko who makes him understand the gravity of the situation.

Throughout the episode, it was clear that their relationship was more than simply business, with Mariko stealing glances at the man.

A mysterious woman enters Blackthorne's room covertly at night while he is sleeping, and they start making love.

However, the question still persists regarding the identity of the woman. Her face was in shadow, making it tough to comprehend the genuine identity of the woman.

The assumption that it was Mariko who slept with the Englishman is strengthened when she smiles cheekily at the mention of last night in the morning.

'Shōgun' fans are showering love on John Blackthorne and Toda Mariko

Fans have long anticipated Blackthorne and Mariko's romantic relationship, but their recent sexual encounter has prompted them to talk about it on X, with many praising the pair's chemistry.

Voicing their opinion about the same, a fan said "About time John and Mariko did it. ShogunFX SHOGUN episode 4." "John Blackthorne is living my dream with Lady Mariko," wrote a second fan. An admirer of Anna Sawai reacted with a funny picture and wrote, "Mariko let John Blackthorne s***h."

Another user expressed confusion and remarked, "I don’t understand. Who did John Blackthorne have sex with? The scene was too dark. Shogun." "Soooooooo. That was Mariko that snuck in Blackthorne’s room and gave him some cutty right?? QTNA. ShogunFX," said a social media critic.

Pouring their love for the episode's concluding moments, a fan said, "The last 10 mins of SHOGUN episode 4." Another enthusiast just tweeted, "Shogun episode 4 ending."

What will the future hold for John Blackthorne and Toda Mariko in 'Shōgun'?

Mariko and Blackthorne inhabit entirely distinct universes. Blackthorne has his own family back in his homeland, and Mariko is a noble lady whose husband, Toda Buntaro (Shinnosuke Abe), died recently.

The risk-taking English sailor holds the position of an outsider, which may expose him to unknown hazards. On the other hand, Mariko's future is also uncertain due to the constraints imposed on women during that time period.

Amid the power struggle between five members of the Council of Regents, their relationship faces various challenges.

In the end, it is possible that both may withstand societal pressure and end up together. Nonetheless, the prospects of their union are minimal at the moment.

The latest episodes of the series, which premiered with its first two episodes on February 27, 2024, on Hulu and FX, drop every Tuesday.