(Season 1 Episode 9 "An Army Of One") - Mariko arrives in Osaka for the fight of her life; Blackthorne and Yabushige scramble to save their ownheads as their options dwindle. In Shōgun Episode 9, Mariko's mission leads to a dangerous …
(Season 1 Episode 9 "An Army Of One") - Mariko arrives in Osaka for the fight of her life; Blackthorne and Yabushige scramble to save their ownheads as their options dwindle. In Shōgun Episode 9, Mariko's mission leads to a dangerous confrontation, forcing her to make a drastic sacrifice for her loyalty. The episode showcases Mariko's strength and resolve, culminating in a tense standoff that tests her composure and commitment to duty. - With the final episode of Shōgun on the horizon, perhaps it should come as no real surprise that the story still isn't done doling out those heartbreaking narrative blows. After the loss of Toranaga's (Hiroyuki Sanada) most trusted general, Toda Hiromatsu (Tokuma Nishioka), in last week's episode, not to mention the death of his son Nagakado (Yuki Kura) the week prior, it seems the lord of Edo may not have very many cards up his sleeve left to play — but what he has been granted is the advantage of more time on his side. As is customary, Toranaga has 49 days to mourn Nagakado properly, and while his movements are being heavily monitored by his half-brother and new Regent Saeki Nobutatsu (Eita Okuno), it doesn't mean that he can't enact the next stage of his overall plan. This week's episode, "Chapter Nine: Crimson Sky," isn't about finally launching that directive of war we've been hearing so much about already, and it doesn't follow a major, bloody battle taking place on an open field between two opposing factions. Instead, Toranaga sends what turns out to be his best and most acute weapon yet to Osaka: the Lady Toda Mariko (Anna Sawai).
Those familiar with James Clavell's novel are already familiar with the outcome of Mariko's mission, but even basic plot beats pale in comparison to the gripping, emotional journey that plays out over the course of Episode 9. This penultimate installment of Shōgun is more than a swan song for a fan-favorite character; it's an ode to someone who's become as essential to the narrative, perhaps eve..
