FX’s Shōgun shatters expectations with the penultimate episode, “Crimson Sky.” Titled after the violent siege proposed to Lord Toranaga, the episode plays with viewers’ emotions, leading to the loss of a major character. The previous episode finished with Mariko accompanying John Blackthrone and Yabushige on their voyage to Osaka. Just as Toranaga predicted, the Anjin and Yabushige allied together, dissenting from Toranga’s choice to surrender. However, they know little of the plans Toranaga has issued to Mariko.
The episode opens 14 years in the past, with a distraught Mariko walking aimlessly during a winter storm. Hoping to succumb to the elements, she is found and rescued by Alvito. It is here she cements her relationship with the Catholic faith, as Alvito gifts her a crucifix as a beacon of hope.
We return to the present, as the trio arrives at Osaka Castle greeted by Ishido’s men. Mariko explains she has come as Anjin’s translator, who is instructed to remain close to Yabushige. John – unbeknownst to him – is being used by Yabushige as a bargaining tool to remain in Lord Ishido’s good graces. They will meet with the bureaucrat in the morning. Tension hangs in the air as it’s apparent the lords and their families are not mere guests.
The next morning, Yabushige presents Ishido the Anjin, promising his weaponry against Toranaga. However, Ishido changes his mind about their alliance, dismissing Yabushige’s request. Suddenly, Mariko enters the Council chambers. In an amazing scene, she invokes her lineage to outrank Ishdio, requesting she, Lady Kiri, and Lady Shizu return to Edo, as directed by her lord. The room watches in shock as Mariko does what many others have failed to do: oppose Lord Ishido’s reign. John attempts to talk Mariko out of this defiance, but she reminds him, “You cannot involve yourself.” She even receives critique from her son, who has been betrothed to Lord Kiyama’s granddaughter. He claims if she insists on shaming their family, he is no longer her son.
The time has come for Mariko’s departure, but her small envoy is blocked at the gates. Ishido’s guards insist she cannot leave without a permit. The two parties come to a stalemate as the Anjin, Yabushige, and the rest of the court watch. Mariko requests Lords Kiyama and Ohno command the guards to stand down, but they say they have no power. This confirms that they all are hostages. On Mariko’s orders, the two castle guards are killed by her fleet of samurai. Soon, a battle ensues. Mariko stands alone and requests her naginata to boldly stand her ground against the guards. As Kiyama declares Mariko must not be harmed, she attempts to fight the blockade. Unfortunately, she surrenders. As she has failed to accomplish her lord’s mission, she promises to take her life at sunset. She requests Kiyama to be her second as dying by suicide is against the Christian faith.
Thinking they have won the battle, Ochiba reminds the Council how Mariko’s decision places Ishido between a rock and a hard place. If they allow Markio to commit seppuku, the noblest families of Osaka will revolt. But if he allows her to leave, others will follow suit. Either way, he will experience political scrutiny – all planned by Toranaga.
Later, the Heir requests the Anjin as an audience. With Mariko as his translator, the two have a conversation with Lady Ochiba. The Hier’s mother reminisces about her and Mariko’s childhood. Growing up like sisters, Ochiba details how everything came so naturally to Mariko. And despite their fathers being enemies, the girls found solace in each other. Ochiba lost that happiness when her sister was sent away. Lady Ochiba pleads for Mariko not to proceed with her plan, citing how she is full of destruction. Mariko sadly reassures her that “Flowers are only flowers because they fall.” It is a touching scene where Ochiba’s fence reveals her feelings for her former friend.
As sunset approaches, Mariko prepares for her final moments. She requests confession with Alvito, weeping that she is not worthy of a proper confession. Because of their friendship, he comforts her in prayer. John – in a final plea – begs Mariko if not for herself or her family, would she consider living for him. The gesture is the boldest admission of his love for her. She grabs his hand before walking away in silence.
The time has come. Mariko has a small audience of her devoted chosen family. Kiyama has denied being her second, leaving John volunteering in his absence. Mariko readies her knife as the chamber doors close, leaving her and John alone. Just as she pulls the blade to her abdomen, there is shouting from the other room. Ishido appears and tosses Mariko a permit at her feet. Her request to leave is granted. And just as he expected, Lady Kiru, Shizu, and other captives ask for permits as well. With the weight lifted, Mariko and John celebrate in an embrace, kissing each other as night falls.
Later that evening, as Osaka sleeps, Yabushige keeps watch above the castle grounds when a guard comes to relieve him. Before his departure, Yabushige offers the guard some sake, as many had been celebrating earlier. The guard turns his back to drink when Yabushige slits his throat. The lord descends to ground level as grapple hooks are seen grabbing ahold of the castle walls. Yabushige opens a gate, letting masked shinobi enter the premises. They begin silently slaughtering guards.
Soon Yabushige returns to his chamber, calling an alert of intruders. He has once again betrayed Lord Toranaga, a wage he paid for Ishido to spare his life. Screams awaken John and Mariko as the armed assassins enter their chamber. Fighting off their attackers, they realize they have come to kill Mariko. Soon, the pair along with their entourage run for their lives, finding refuge in a storage barn. Thinking they are safe, they hear the lighting of fuses. Blackthorne attempts to block the door as Mariko calmly says “Let it come.”
Azuchi Mariko, announcing her allegiance to Lord Toragana, braces herself against the door. All John can do is watch in horror as the explosion rips the locked door off its hinges.
The ninth episode of Shōgun delivers the most shocking moment of the season, with the death of the beloved Mariko-sama. While it’s difficult to see this pivotal character go, there is peace in knowing she finally avenged her family’s name, freeing herself of that guilt. The acting is superb as Anna Sawai, who has been strong all season, excels in conveying Mariko’s painful conviction in her final moments. Viewers also get great writing in the crucial scene between Sawai’s Mariko and Fumi Nikaido’s Lady Ochiba. For most of the season, Lady Ochiba is presented as a villain. But Ochiba is only a woman surviving her circumstances; the same young woman who sought refuge in her friendship with Mariko.
An amazingly written and directed setup for the series finale next week.
Rating: 10/10