SHOGUN Episode 9 Ending Explained

[@BrainPilot]

Anna Sawai absolutely delivered with her role of Mariko in this episode! I was so intrigued to see how they'd handle the ending of the episode and it was better than I could have imagined it! What a fantastic piece of television. Let me know what you thought in the comments below! The final 15 minutes of Shogun break me every week....

[@nont18411]

Emmy award incoming for her

[@toranaga1969]

This was definitely her best acting of the series so far, but it still falls far short of Yoko Shimada's performance.

[@toranaga1969]

@@nont18411 Don't make me laugh, no way what so ever does she deserve an Emmy, one decent episode gets her an emmy. Her performance prior to this episode has been terrible.

[@jonfreeman9682]

Yes she played her role okay but the script is ludicrous. Granted it kinda follows the book. You see her trembling to commit seppuku and so relieved she doesn't have to go thru with it then hours later she decides to stand in front of the door to die. There's a flaw in logic here.

[@Jombozeus]

@@jonfreeman9682 Not really. Seppuku sucks, whereas getting blown up is like instant gratification for her.

[@Rvx6]

Lady Ochiba mentioned that "Mariko alwyas knew where to stand, and when to leave" I think that was later shown during the final moment when she know exactly "where to stand" in that room and "when to leave" to complete her duty.

[@Times_Ticking]

Great observation!

[@calistafalcontail]

She was standing in the shape of a cross in front of the door. She "pulled a Jesus" and sacrificed herself for others.

[@jenkins5265]

Yah so many hidden meanings! Mariko was also wearing a leafless branch on her kimono in the courtroom.

[@tagalilly]

YES!!!

[@keikei3301]

💯👏🏼

[@phrous]

The samurai that kill 2 of ishido's men need some recognition. The best action since buntaro solo fight

[@BrainPilot]

Yeah it was smooth wasn't it! So skilled

[@Excoriar]

Can't believe he was retired so quickly and effortlessly.

[@LlTAG0]

butt then all the armored samurais died in 10 sec by some unarmored guys

[@MrTMP007]

@@Excoriar me too. it just shows that even you are skilled, you can easily be killed by an arrow.

[@KK-fi6ms]

@@LlTAG0 They were greatly outnumbered.

[@gtaylor6937]

I seriously hope Anna Sawai gets an Emmy for this role - her performance in all episodes has been nothing short of genius, but especially in this one. The sounds that came out of her when she fought the guards was guttural and animalistic - the fierceness of her true self was no longer concealed. That scene made my mouth drop open.

[@clintoncollier]

in a lesser show, she would have killed 6 of the guards and kicked ass. This was mature, realistic, heartbreaking...

[@bvbxiong5791]

she's been ok for me...but ep9 totally goated her.

[@bennwaters5851]

She has played the role very well but I think there is a little too much fan glazing about this series overall and her performance . The show has played out very slowly and although an adaption it has missed out on way too much critical stuff to focus on Mariko. In the book she is the third most important character, in this show she completely dominates almost every episode. I was really disappointed with Blackthornes reunion with his crew member last episode. It’s. Turning point in the book and he was actually very happy to see them alive. He didn’t beat the shit out of one of them. It deserved 10-15 minutes of an episode instead it got five. It seems to always be about Mariko.

[@AizuddinDanian]

If there is justice in the TV world, Shogun will need a wheelbarrow to carry all its Emmys home.

[@errgo2713]

Spot on. Sawai's performance has been so restrained and subtle. Torunaga unleashed her last episode, and we heard her true voice and saw gestures of someone freed. It's been such a nuanced and forceful performance to behold.

[@clintonanwah3438]

Mariko is the definition of brilliant written female character

[@nunyabusiness3516]

She steals EVERY scene she's in.

[@bogeyb200]

@@nunyabusiness3516 nothing compares with what she does here. but it's as it should be. This final confrontation in Osaka caste is really the climax in the book, as all the pieces fall into place after her death/sacrifice. This episode is ALL about Mariko and Anna Sawai, her physical and mental strength, along with her vulnerability, just really delivers.

[@zach3955]

Yep this is real strong female character. She’s not perfect, she’s not masculine, she’s not trying to virtue signal

[@bogeyb200]

if you read the book, Ochiba is a dandy too. (and done justice in this remake),. Then we have the Mamasan ofthe Willow World. All very good

[@me-fm8nl]

@@bogeyb200 ochiba isnt even a character. I'm disappointed by this show.

[@JMichaelB2307]

Toranaga sacrificed the Knight, Bishop and Queen for the checkmate. This show is amazing, really wish it was more episodes.

[@jonfreeman9682]

Except no sacrifice was needed and he could achieve the same.

[@Sean-uo5ok]

​@@jonfreeman9682watched with your eyes closed

[@rob7216]

Never ceases to amaze me how many dumb people watch this show and have no clue what’s going on. Makes you wonder…

[@janetlettrich2705]

First rule of epic entertainment-always leave them wanting more.

[@cheappoetry2798]

​@@jonfreeman9682 my brother in Christ, you're watching a whole different show if that's what you think 😂

[@ZacharyReaper]

Those samurais that knowingly gave up their lives to prove a point were absolute legends

[@Bthdk]

@jool7793 It may look dumb to you because you never understand the responsiblity, the loyalty and self sacrificial for the collectivisim of good. This is the reason why atomic bombs were dropped on Japan because they would never surrender.

[@Aih1616]

@jool7793that’s cuz we live in this day and age

[@hoangpham3477]

@jool7793 and we are still doing it todays, with all the wars and conflicts over made-up men in the sky

[@dannicatzer305]

Worse in the book.. It wa dozens and dozens from each side getting sliced and diced..

[@kenloh529]

That is culture of Japan in old times they show died for loyalty but gain respect for their entire name of the family

[@SalznPfeffer658]

Ugh. The interactions between Mariko and Ochiba were INTENSE. Like so much was said without anything being said.

[@zedzedzzzzzz3d]

Mariko showing Ishido and Ochiba that they cannot talk her down.

[@jonfreeman9682]

It wasn't that intense. Basically she's asking Mariko to rethink seppuku peppered with some silly poetry of leafless branch? Huh? 🤔

[@SalznPfeffer658]

@@jonfreeman9682 it's ok to differ. I was watching their body language and the spaces between the words. Like I was imagining how I would feel in a scenario in which my beloved childhood friend - who represents the time where I was truly happy & was the embodiment of happiness for me, as Ochiba stated - was choosing toranaga over me, confirming that I am to remain forever unhappy in this life. And that I would be grieving for her and the old us but as I too am bound and burdened by duty, I would also be happy for her that she at least gets to be free whereas I remain caged. That's how I interpreted the scene.

[@sherylmccormick]

​@jonfreeman9682 I thought the "leafless branch" line was Mariko saying the Taiko isn't really the father of Ochiba's son - the "heir."

[@SalznPfeffer658]

@@sherylmccormick yeah I thought that was proper shade and made me laugh when Ichido was like "great line". As to her 'flowers are flowers because they fall' reference: I think it connects to the idea that we love the beauty of flowers because they're impermanent/they die so we have to appreciate their beauty while they're around. Like, to everything, there is a season. So I think it's farewell to the Mariko Ochiba once knew and a goodbye to their connection. Eitherway, watching Ochiba wrestle through her emotions was fascinating.

[@Elonpocalyps420]

He sacrificed his rook, he sacrificed his most loyal knight, now he sacrificed his queen. King stands almost alone, alas a few well-placed pieces remain with the opposing king cornered by his own pieces.

[@petrushka2]

Castles and pawns for the checkmate

[@circomkt]

It connects with ep 1 when he says that the most powerful man is the loneliest one.

[@jonfreeman9682]

Except it's no sacrifice when it achieves nothing. In the final showdown Toranaga will face Ishida and chop him down. He could have done that without losing any chess piece. I was hoping for Crimson Sky storm the castle 🏰 with John Blackthorne sailing the Erasmus blasting his cannons and a thousand samurai clashing swords ⚔️ but guess we're not getting that.

[@petrushka2]

@@jonfreeman9682 that's not history.

[@BobbyOnADuke]

@@jonfreeman9682because this is a true story and that isn’t the story lol

[@zedzedzzzzzz3d]

The reason Toranaga asked Mariko if she is ready to do her part is because he already knew that Yabushige will betray them every chance he gets. Toranaga already saw all of this coming from a mile away.

[@rob7216]

Yup and he also knows that Mariko and Blackthorn have feelings for each other, and if worst came to worst he’d fight for and with her.

[@dominicijavier1575]

yup he knew mariko and blackthorne would bang. he knew mariko would die and that would start a revolution among the other noble houses. if she didn't die and was permitted to get out then toranaga just got more time and he would have had to surrender himself in osaka.

[@pamelatorrescordova8476]

Not really. In the books Toranaga never knew or comprehend that Ishido would do such a barbarian and stupid mistake like that, Toranaga never wanted to sacrifice Mariko, you have to understand that Japanese people in the era played a respectful game of chess let’s say and Ishido cheated on that game. Ishido wanted to take hostage of Mariko, never wanted to see her kill and Mariko knew that and that’s why she sacrificed herself to win the war and make Ishido look bad.

[@jonfreeman9682]

But Yabu didn't really betray them. He was just trying to save his own skin by doing that favor for Ishido letting in Shinobi which is silly because Shinobi are ninjas who can let themselves in and don't need no door openers. Then he wakes up everyone to try to save them but won't help John Blackthorne block the door probably out of fear he'll blow up himself. So he's a wishy washy guy looking after himself. Toranaga asked Mariko if she's ready because he knew there's a good chance she might die. What her objective was is unclear as she goes there then wants to leave taking the other two girls with her knowing Ishido will oppose them leaving. Guessing she's there to stir the hornet's nest to start an uprising maybe. All this shenanigans better payoff in the finale as it's looking kinda silly so far.

[@pamelatorrescordova8476]

@@jonfreeman9682 doing a favor to Ishido is to betray Toranaga, he’ll find out and kill him

[@raphaomesmin5826]

I loved John and Yabushiges interactions in this episode 😂

[@ssotkow]

The villain we hate to love

[@theOdogwu1]

Same here. Especially when Blackthorne asked Yabushige if he understood what he said 😂

[@BrainPilot]

Yeah Yabushige didn't care at all did he!

[@PATTTTTTTTTTY]

First!, I loved the false sense of security the show created, it is one of the best episodes of the series.

[@BrainPilot]

Yeah literally. Showing her on the verge of death right at the beginning, then when she tried to leave and then again with Seppuku. Incredible!

[@ssotkow]

The gruesome seppuku scene in previous episodes raised the stakes, priming viewers to utterly dread Mariko's pivotal scene. Tension was highest here because audience has grown most attached to her character, and for her second.

[@madtitan0825]

This show is the definition of characters playing the deadly game of chicken and I’m here for it, though stressful af but it’s intended

[@alwayjohnrallos7359]

And knowing someone who gonna second is noobie, hitting at the back of the neck without killing you instantly would be painful and messy, just like toranaga as a kid😂

[@tjeerdhoek2549]

Especially tricky to enable a clean cut with all that beautiful hair flowing down the back of her neck, 😢

[@jenkins5265]

Loved how it all came together and built together for this end! With one scene,.it shows the importance of Blackthorne in her life, acting as her second, volunteering for a practice he used to rail against and hated. Shows his character development as much as hers. Brings you back to that conversation about freedom they had, where Mariko called him out that his selfish path of only thinking of himself is just another prison. This is one of the first and only selfless things he's done, and it shows the depth of his love for her.

[@0biwan77]

A factor overhanging any possible depiction of Mariko’s seppuku is that when the samurai is a woman, the dagger is employed to cut the throat open. Such a scene would surely have to suggest that ghastliness, to be included. But that speculation is imaginary anyway since such a scene never occurs in the story. But I can’t quite imagine how would the job of the second play out. At the least, i suppose the hair would be taken into account, and pulled aside.

[@kevz2474]

Toronaga is doing what he tried to teach his son. That lesson about men and falcons. How you can get people to be your fist even when they don't know they are.

[@Excoriar]

I'm sorry but I'm cracking up as toro means tuna and tora means tiger. 😂 I have images of a tuna leaving waste to Kyoto Godzilla style now.

[@abrahamannan5801]

Mariko deserves an Oscar for this performance

[@happytimes10191]

Oscars are for the film industry.

[@kevinbarista269]

Yes she do deserve an Emmy.

[@davidc2758]

Sadly don't think they will give one to her. Rather is given to so those call Art by the so call Art people

[@ryanwilliamske]

They'll probably award Rhaenyra or Alicent instead of Mariko, because HOTD will be a bigger show.

[@drpunchheadmd1299]

They save awards for their favorite’s. Not for women like her who deserve it.

[@subteeninhumansamuraiamphi5019]

Its been so long since I watched a tv show and had a scene make me say out loud “ Oh my God!” love this mini series so much.

[@DSiri0039]

I cannot believe there’s only one episode left feels like there is still so much story to tell

[@SagaciousEagle]

To be honest, I've never been depressed after watching a show before, and Shogun ep.9 had just made me feel like I've actually lost someone dear to me.

[@enginaliosman4491]

good

[@janzcabz31169]

I feel u sir 😢

[@kesterbrowne3105]

Deadass😂😢

[@BboyTurok1990]

I understand completely

[@westsiderio3714]

I just got done watching it bruh I was on the edge every time she was about to die 😭 then she finally did 💔

[@patfetizanan5055]

Sir, you do the best job of recapping each of the episodes. Excellent work!

[@BrainPilot]

Thanks a lot! Glad you enjoy the videos

[@milenparmakov477]

if Anna Sawai dont get at least Emmy nomination for her role in this show....Emmy rewards must be stoped for eternity!!!!!!

[@nont18411]

I mean…Rhea Seehorn never got it for Kim Wexler so…

[@BlkFreakozoid]

Jason Alexander never received one for his portrayal of George Castanza so....

[@megancreighton942]

im honestly sad knowing next week is the final episode. i know there will not be a season 2, but i just wish good things dont always have to come to an end 😢

[@Bayartsengel]

Well not much fighting or war happened after Tokugawa ushered in the Edo Period. So you can safely assume that another 250 or so years of peaceful life happened afterwards.

[@gtaylor6937]

Yes it's sad there will be no more episodes, but this series is so well acted and choreographed that I can probably watch it over and over again and still find nuances I didn't before.

[@jonfreeman9682]

It will not end but more seasons may come if they can think of more stories. The book is only one volume but they can easily write more.

[@EmmaMagini]

I am already very sad earlier my afternoon the ep 9 after Mariko sacrificed,almost I lost appetite to watch the last coming ep 10😢 💔

[@bmbmw69]

Flowers are only flowers because they fall

[@Helltrooper96]

Shoutout to the 3 stroke samurai.

[@ghostraptor2068]

Fr they were sick af

[@RyaiLawls]

The archer did him wrong frfr

[@jonfreeman9682]

Well 3 stroke samurai did not receive an honorable end.

[@a-Stalk3r]

I undestand that it had to happen for the story to progress but it felt like they all died to easy.

[@LWT4eva]

​@@a-Stalk3r ive witnessed a machete fight and yeah it literally takes seconds to subdue someone. Must be the same case back then

[@Cheesehunter47]

there was a beautiful parallel in seeing mariko taking blackthorne's hand after the near-seppuku & the scene from the beginning when the young priest offered her a necklace with the cross when "you just need something to hold on to".

[@philliesfan3414]

Believe me, Toranaga knew the Shinobai would have been sent since they were sent when he was there as well. Either way. He knew Mariko most likely wasn’t making it out of Osaka and so did she which is why last episode he asked her if she is ready to do her part and she looks in the camera with a sense of relief but also restraint and says I’m Ready! Toranaga is a a master of everything. He’s a master of strategy and deception and the art of war. He has 20 pieces on the board all moving simultaneously and he watches them all very very close

[@AhmadWajeeh-d8v]

so what will toranaga do next? will mariko death trigger other lords to rebel against ishido?

[@Mattube1983]

Well strategy but also weird using her as bait

[@jonfreeman9682]

But what was Toranaga trying to achieve by sending Mariko there only to leave with two ladies the next day knowing Ishido would oppose it. What strategic advantage does this accomplish. So now she's dead and then what?

[@Deymetrey]

the 3 comments above me are yabushiges men lmfao

[@KK-fi6ms]

@@AhmadWajeeh-d8v Yes. It is seen as a outrageous and dishonorable act, eroding support for Ishido among the other regents and daimyos. Historically it was the same with Gracia Hosokawa's death.

[@Elonpocalyps420]

I also thought the line about flowers only being flowers because they fall could be the show speaking to the audience, in reference to all this talk about it being only a one season series. I would venture to guess that this was not the intention of the writers, but it does speak to the depth of the dialogue in this wonderful show.

[@BrainPilot]

That's a really interesting way to look at it too!

[@Elonpocalyps420]

@@BrainPilot or now upon rewatch, with the framing of the shot, what does seem intentional is almost as if she’s saying it to John, with him faded in the background and her turning towards his silhouette

[@ricoco369]

@@Elonpocalyps420 This dialogue, I assume, refers to Hosokawa Garasha's, who Mariko is based on, death poem, a dying person's final words. "Only by knowing when to fall, do flowers become flowers, people become people" which roughly means, "Flowers are beautiful as flowers because they know when to fall. Humans must be the same way. Now is the time to fall."

[@victorpradha9946]

There's a hue of cynicism in that line. Flowers having fallen, means separated from the life-giving source. Also, fallen flowers, are those that have become possessions, plucked and taken. Mariko for most of her life has been this flower, plucked and rendered a possession. In choosing her death, Mariko has severed the ability to become a possession, a token for use by others. Her death while a "guest" of a supposedly noble House, becomes a disgrace upon all who failed to act to prevent it.

[@natediesel165]

At the gate, the guards with spears could have easily killed Mariko, they were preventing her from leaving. Ishido knows can't kill her and risk turning the nobility against him. Ishido prevented her seppuku because that would have same effect. Similarly in the castle, the shinobi entered to capture Mariko, not kill her. They could have easily slit her throat, but they were pulling at her waist to drag her away. Ishido's goal was not to kill her, but to continue to confine Mariko so she could not leave the castle and could not commit seppuku, thus preventing the lose-lose decision Toranaga was forcing upon Ishido. No it wasn't like Mariko was escaping death while trying to leave the castle, or when the shinobi stormed the castle as Ishido could not afford to kill her. But Mariko sacrificing herself against the door explosion is the way she could die honorably, without committing the Christian sin of suicide, saving the hostages, and turning the nobility against Ishido, the ultimate sacrifice and checkmate.

[@patrickbalagas8348]

Everything you said actually made sense

[@thomaslacornette1282]

I'm quite seriously asking myself if it's not Toranaga who sent the shinobis, Ishido had no interest into killing Mariko (it's true that it seems shinobis wanted take her alive to but it is higly dangerous if she dies thaere's a revolt). Yabushige would not be a traitor but loyal to everyone and just doing what Toranaga asked him. We see in the trailer that Blackthorne seems to be mad at Toranaga. The only thing about killing Mariko for Ishido would be to scare other hostages to flee the castles, but wouldn't that start a nobles revolt and is like the worst outcome for Ishido??? Toranaga let his best general and longest friend died in front of him just for his check game. He gone to his son tomb and said " thank you, you've win me some time"... Lady Ochiba she hates Toranaga like he did some atrocities to her family in the past.

[@patriceesela5000]

​@thomaslacornette1282 Interesting theory, but that would make Toranaga more machiavelian than Machiaveli himself.

[@thomaslacornette1282]

@@patriceesela5000 Yes i realize i was wrong after reading summary of the book on wikipedia.

[@johnysnowy35]

Such an intense episode and the actors, especially Mariko, really made it come to life. Amazing performance and producers, really a great job to them. RIP Mariko

[@dkl01-e5l]

Have really enjoyed, having both subtitles, Japanese and English has not been a distraction, but added to the overall brilliance of this show. Not sure how much of any battle scene we will get in the final episode. Hope it wins awards for the cast and crew, it deserves it.

[@BrainPilot]

Yeah the use of language has been great in this show! I don't feel like we will get much battle time to be honest. But I find the art in how these character converse far more thrilling than any of the battle scenes. Each conversation is so tense and always has an unpredictable outcome!

[@mirikaku5811]

I’m so impressed that non Japanese speaking people were so aligned and seem to completely transcend the subtitles and never missed a beat!! I suppose, when the drama and the lines are so skillfully written, handled well by great actors, it is an art that overcomes language barriers.

[@patriceesela5000]

Japanese is beautiful language

[@cheappoetry2798]

Yabushige finally turning completely on Torunaga was painful to see. I thought he wouldve had a change of heart after seeing Mariko face off against all odds. But hes being portrayed realistically, hes always been about self-preservation, not honor. Now i can't wait for the finale 🔥

[@aryabaditz3967]

he need saved his live, n he did try to save jhon and mariko, his mission only to kill guard n let shinobi end,, its still betray thou.

[@snuffcarl]

I mean he doesn't seem sinister in his betrayal, he just don't want to die, always trying to avoid war and dying since episode 1

[@cheappoetry2798]

@@snuffcarl I agree. I'm not calling him sinister. He's doing what 90% of us would do. I just thought he wouldve changed after seeing Mariko lay her life on the line for Torunaga

[@Possu81]

He has some sadistic traits also.

[@steak5599]

He is being realistic though. He was going to fight for Toranaga, but

[@michaelfrost4584]

I read the book some 40yrs ago. This series and your brilliant explanation of the scenes has made me buy the book again 😊😊

[@BrainPilot]

That's awesome! Glad you've enjoyed the videos along with the show!

[@anthonyturner1808]

I've read this book 5 times it's my favorite love story. I've also restarted reading it again.

[@azizamazizan288]

The biggest mistake I made was watching this series before it finished. Now, I have to wait every week.😅

[@aliceDarts]

Same...

[@erickanguiano8142]

X2

[@kenloh529]

lol I watch it when it launch at Feb,painful and excited to wait for every week

[@jake7808]

yeah and now all the damn streaming services are doing this too. Disney+, Netflix etc all are starting to release one episode a week.. some have been doing this for a while now. Can't stand this tactic, just release all the freaking episodes so we can binge!

[@Ocalif3]

I have rewatched the previous episodes and it helps in understanding the names and ultimate goals- after all it’s named Shogun

[@rigsbyrigged1831]

As someone old enough to remember the first series, I knew what was coming for Mariko, but hoped against hope she would live. This series is wonderful, beautiful and the best TV I have seen for a long, long time.

[@evansonhakeem]

The intensity of the episode came in waves one after the other. The necessary content to keep audience hooked to their seats after every crest of an episodic high point. And there were many in this one. I might not know the history of events that well, but by storytelling POV this episode worked really well. A level of taste with uncertainty and anticipation, the likes of which are rarely expressed in fiction (though here, derived from factual history), kept my heart in my mouth for the most part of the episode, peaking towards the end. The penultimate episode of the season have brought high expectations for the final one. Looking forward ahead.

[@TheConor777]

Anna Sawai deserve an Emmy for this acting.

[@BrainPilot]

Definitely!

[@negakirine]

Something I absolutely loved and gave me goosebumps was the scene where Mariko sama first arrives and insists on being allowed to leave the next morning. The inflexions in her voice paired with her discourse made me think: „Now HERE‘s a woman who REALLY knows what she wants, what her value is and where here loyalties are.

[@nont18411]

Mariko - Has Jaime Lannister as a father. - Was a friend with Ochiba like Rhaenyra and Alicent. - Died like Hodor.

[@guneytopal7076]

who tf is Rhaenyra and Alicent?

[@pr0x1madigital]

@@guneytopal7076 House of the Dragon reference, princesses in the show.

[@jmfalabrica8577]

😂

[@Andrew34234]

Hodoru!

[@solomontaylor3984]

this made me laugh so hard

[@calistafalcontail]

Mariko was standing in front of the door like a cross. She pulled a Jesus move. Sacrificed herself for others.

[@stevebubbie1126]

nope, she intended on suicide she knew standing there wouldn't make a world of difference, it was her final opportunity to commit what she always wanted to commit- suicide.

[@Ireeduix]

I see.. thats heartbreaking .

[@LaLiLuLeLoX]

I must've rewatched that scene a few times. She looked so angelic and at peace.

[@e.h.4933]

The leafless branch poem told me what I needed. She was talking about being the last of her line. It was powerful foreshadowing.

[@jctseng]

Wow, I like your intrepretation as well. I also read that Ochiba meant fallen leaves in Japanese, so it's a subtle jab at Ochiba and Ishido's power dynamic as well (veiled in the haze of a cold evening / a leafless branch), which Ochiba understood, but Ishido didn't.

[@enginaliosman4491]

good no more hoeing around

[@whitedjango4238]

​@@enginaliosman4491Shut up incel

[@213kilacali]

Her son is still alive tho

[@AndrewTheViet]

@@213kilacaliher son did declare that he wouldn’t be her son bc of the disgrace

[@villekuronen6242]

great episode............. also interactions between lady Ochiba and Mariko were fricking tense and great

[@chrisfox961]

Thank you for another great episode breakdown. I was truly awed by the emotions that we see through Mariko. I also really liked the fact that we have seen the lost love her husband had for her and his attempts to reconcile with her at the end by joining her in death showed that all he ever wanted was for her to love him. This in no way excuses the torture and brutality that he took against her but it gave a tragic dimension to his character that surprised me as I had written him off earlier as a stereotypical villain. Not to take away from the Mariko portrayal but this episode also gave some of the biggest character development that we have seen in Blackthorne. He has thrashed around trying to understand his role and options while being tied to a "suicidal" warlord and showed all of the ways he had not embraced the Japanese code of honor and loyalty. Yet despite this difference, he also realized that he no longer was like his fellow sailors and was now trapped between two worlds. His love for Mariko has been a constant but seeing him step up to be her second was so powerful. He did not believe in suicide for honor but he did love Mariko and found deep down that his faith still mattered to him. He could not risk her soul being lost and he also realized that the second provides a release from the pain in the end. The fact that a barbarian showed more respect for the Japanese tradition and embraced that honor while the regent backed out of his obligation was truly stunning to the women who were sitting as witnesses. I love the way this series has shown the basis of honor in society as a double-edged sword. Mariko used all of their traditions and respect for honor to shame and ultimately tear down the power of Ishido. She was more effective than a thousand samurai soldiers would have been in this upcoming war.

[@xnightx8467]

Wow my emotions are all over the place for this beautiful episode. I started tearing up as soon as Blackthorne said “he’d do it” and then she gets saved only for her to die for such a meaningful cause…. I’m gunna have trouble processing this one 😢. Sawai definitely will be missed well done! So sad to see her leave that way 😭

[@coacoashenell5]

I loved how she stood up to Ishido

[@BrainPilot]

Yeah it was such a good moment!

[@JathinGM]

This is the greatest episode till now

[@natsomething0]

I think the line John drew in the garden was to symbolize how one action will have a ripple effect on its surroundings, somewhat like what happens in the opening credits.

[@Maatdrummer1]

The number "1", "ichi" is represented by one horizontal line. John drew it vertically, from himself to blank space--his fate? His relationship ending with Mariko's suicide? Being alone in a strange land? This show catches 100s of Japanese idioms and metaphors. The poetry among other things was beautiful.

[@os8856]

Just finished watching it. Stunning, beautiful, deeply sad, full of deep characters and profound moments. One of the best series ever. As a book reader this lives up and Honors the literature. Just wow!

[@kbermond]

Wow. Great breakdown. When you repeated her line about a flower, that hit me hard. I’m not crying you’re crying!!! 5:51

[@freedom_born]

Damnn. Wonder how Yabu will handle this. Wait till Buntaro finds out

[@BrainPilot]

I feel Yabu is going to face the wrath!

[@ghostsdragon9222]

@@BrainPilot can't wait for that to happen feeling the wrath of 2 man that deeply love Mariko. And dont forget Buntaro lost his dad to.

[@andreademarchi7495]

​@@BrainPilot a duel between the two would go insanely hard.

[@Ocalif3]

Yabu is self absorbed and the ultimate betrayer

[@fishypaw]

A 10hr final episode, please. 🙏

[@voncenteno1153]

Got goosebumps. I'm sad and hype at the same time. Can't understand my emotion!

[@lekeciaentrot8117]

Ambivalence refers to having mixed feelings or contradictory attitudes toward something or someone. It's the state of being uncertain or indecisive about how one feels or what course of action to take.

[@Ghetto_Bird]

Plot, character arcs, acting, costumes... All of it is just brilliantly done. I really appreciate these explainers as well, you've done an amazing job with the addition of some historical references and context!

[@BrainPilot]

Thanks a lot! Glad you've enjoyed the videos

[@tonedcp]

I didn't read the book, so I was still believing that mariko wouldn't die, and when her is stopped to kill herself I celebrated so much. And then the end happens, I'm completly destroyed 😭😭

[@merrilandd02]

She s not dead. She will die on the final of the serial.

[@saymyname2417]

Why couldn't she have killed herself before all that thime?

[@tonedcp]

@@merrilandd02 She literally explode, how is she not dead?

[@merrilandd02]

@@tonedcp we will see, i said that Mariko don't die, because i read the book.

[@Charlie-lx9mg]

What’s so fascinating is the way of the samurai even in the face of death, always about honor. Those samurai who died when Mariko first tried leaving, well knowing they were outnumbered and more than likely going to die, still showed honor and respect. Mindblowing

[@daneo617]

I was happy to see Mariko didn't die at the gates only to be crushed when she blew up. At least she went, filled with strength with pride. Something I was happy to finally see. RIP Mariko 😢

[@Zarastro54]

And her immortal soul was saved by not committing suicide.

[@daneo617]

@@Zarastro54 immortal soul. 🤔

[@Zarastro54]

@@daneo617 In terms of her Catholic religion, yes.

[@daneo617]

@@Zarastro54 yeah I'm pretty sure it was her eternal soul not immortal soul. 🤔 js

[@Zarastro54]

@@daneo617 That’s, such a needless bit of pedantry.

[@margaretsepsey5522]

Fabulous. On the edge of my chair the last 25 minutes. The best show out there .

[@juliobro1]

Oh god, another devastating blow to my heart. I felt so sad. It's so unfair, yet her will was fulfilled. Now, retribution; and it should be glorious.

[@BrainPilot]

Yeah I'm so intrigued to see where the show is going to go!

[@SoldierSpiderx]

That ending went from 0-100 quick! Damn Mariko!!!! John was racking up the kills here that John blackthorne was showing some seriously good marksmanship skills there. Was john wick of the 1600's and It's like he's been holding these swords for the whole show then just decides 'screw it, I'm pulling out the gat.'

[@BobbyOnADuke]

Whole time I was just wishing he had a chest full of guns like black beard. Bro would’ve iced every one of them…idk if its common knowledge but I feel the ‘I’m not a pirate’ is a sort of lie. Cus he was way to good with that pistol

[@SoldierSpiderx]

@@BobbyOnADuke fact I remember he a captain and we know why now, cause he was blast them so easily and he reload so fast to

[@alwayjohnrallos7359]

Lmao

[@BobbyOnADuke]

@@SoldierSpiderx well he says he’s a ‘navigator’ which in my mind would mean he’s sort of like what gibbs is to Jack sparrow? But maybe that’s all a ruse too and he actually is a pirate captain

[@SoldierSpiderx]

@@BobbyOnADuke i think he it the pirate captain cause one of his man hint he was

[@jlipari58]

Love the original miniseries. This newer version is equally as excellent. There are differences but the frenetic action sequences outstrip the original. And Anna, what an actress!!

[@djrawcut]

The only show worth watching on tv right now. excellent 💯

[@BrainPilot]

It is one of the best shows if not the best at the moment!

[@deelee1569]

Blackthorn whipped out the hand-cannon😲

[@enginaliosman4491]

It was so bad she killed herself right after 😭☠

[@Javasius]

This episode made this show go from good to great for me. A culmination of everything so far. Loved all the slow and ominous scenes and the music with them 🤌🏽

[@PR4U2NV]

We needed at least 5 seasons more of this show 😫

[@BrainPilot]

It would have been good if there was more on the way!

[@bryanmurphy3328]

I appreciate your insights, They are the icing on the cake on the meal of drama. I cannot wait for the coffee and sake to finish this tasty treat.

[@NamedUn-k1v]

I like your voice ! Thanks for your hardworking ! RIP Mariko sama 😔

[@BrainPilot]

Thanks, glad you enjoyed the video!

[@Loudliving]

Thank You, I watched the 9th episode 3 times today on HULU. and I didn't understand the full picture of events...as always thank you again for opening my eyes !

[@bonanonity]

I think Mariko sees death as equal to life because she can bring honor to her life in death (too).

[@InfamousChez2012]

As someone who’s never seen the original show or read the book, I really thought towards the end of the episode that Mariko had decided to live and value her life, after the conversation she had with Anjin and the night they shared together. I took it as them finding a middle ground between their cultures and beliefs, which made me all the more shocked in the last 5 minutes of the episode

[@waichui2988]

Mariko got what she longed for, for so many years. A beautiful, extremely intelligent, noble woman, whose father committed a foul act, resulting in the death of all her family. Left alone, trapped inside a very bad marriage. Being a Christian in a world of religious intolerance. The pressure on Mariko was impossible to bear. She got an honorable death. Her death shook Isido's alliance. She died fulfilled.

[@timbell6870]

This was even more tense and gut wrenching than i could have ever imagined. I had only one complaint and that was concerning Yabushige's being a complete dirt bag. I hope someone throws him in a boiling pot of water. Anna Sawai is someone i knew little about before this epic series but what a performance she delivered! Was Mariko standing in front of the door going to be enough to block the explosion? Also i didn't realize she had a kid? Where'd he come from? Outstanding series, outstanding review and insights as always BrainPilot

[@gumiho8352]

He was in the earlier episodes but he grew up a bit like a few years

[@timbell6870]

@@gumiho8352 thank you 👍

[@kalebgonzales4009]

@@gumiho8352wait, there was a huge time jump? Felt like a year hasn’t been passed.

[@VOTEDODY]

I’ll put this here too…Anna Sawais portrayal of Mariko is not only the best acting I have seen all year, it’s some of the best acting I have ever seen. Building on one of the most incredible, strong and complex characters ever put to paper, the show was able to elevate Mariko into new dimensions; The writers gave Mariko focus and stoicism, and Sawai gave her heart and raw, unbridled power. Not many people can believably play a one-man army able to topple an empire. What a lightning storm of a performance she gives in episode 9 and all throughout this series. I can’t think of anyone more deserving of an Emmy.

[@dominicijavier1575]

4:04 mariko was not welcoming death because it wasn't their intention to kill her. she knew she was just gonna get taken. they needed to kidnap her so ishido can keep her hostage in secret while the rest are dead.

[@mouhalo]

good catch, indeed they tried to take her away at first they could have killed her right there

[@WadeTaylor-e1x]

If Mariko has a second, her death as painful as it is, isn't a suicide. Ishido knows that.

[@dominicijavier1575]

@@WadeTaylor-e1x that wasn't the point. Ishido doesn't care about that. Ishido needs her alive.

[@WadeTaylor-e1x]

@@dominicijavier1575 By depriving Mariko of a second her seppuku would be a suicide. It said that clearly in the novel Shogun. Suicide is a mortal sin for her. Ishido only needs her alive long enough to lure Toranaga to his death. Then Ishido would be happy to kill her.

[@TexasWreckShop]

Feels pretty obvious she welcome death by standing in front of the door to sacrifice herself and advance Toranagas plan

[@frankjames4743]

Very well done in-depth analysis of the episode. Thank you so much for your insight

[@BrainPilot]

Thanks! Glad you enjoyed the video

[@NeilsonBuntowa]

Mariko went out with a bang

[@lennylim4959]

Bang boom...tomato or tomato

[@CiaoDella]

Too soon 😂 I'm still gutted haha

[@ssotkow]

I hope it was loud enough to garner attention from the council of regents at the Emmy's.

[@unixtreme]

​@@CiaoDellaI Iiterally gasped and I had been spoiled her death a thousand times.

[@dominicijavier1575]

damn. too early hahaha

[@JovenBalisi]

damn! its getting interesting every episode. Cant wait for next week!

[@Gman513]

This episode broke me.

[@BrainPilot]

Me too!

[@craigwythe4581]

Truly an incredible show, and deserves all the accolades. Beautifully, written, acted and executed show. I have watched each episode twice now, and it just gets better. Can’t wait for the finale

[@inbaconwetrust4519]

Never having read the book, i legitimately thought the plot would take Mariko Sama jumping onboard with Anjin Sama back to England. Like it was a scene off "around the world in 80 days". I had hoped it would broaden Marikos existential thoughts by travelling to europe to become Japans unofficial ambassador, be as it may historically inaccurate. I suppose it becomes a spin off and titled "Duchess of Japan".

[@fatalshore5068]

I was hoping for that but I knew in my heart she wasn't gunna make it. A fools hope alas.

[@victorpradha9946]

All her life, she lived with the banner of "traitor" on the name of her father's House. She lived at the mercy of those who demanded the deaths of all the rest of her family. She sought a way to inflict the same disgrace and same shame upon them. Her dying by such cowardly means being unprotected as a declared "guest" of the House of Ishido and under the watch of the rest of the regents, casts all of them with dishonor! Her death in this way, pierced deeper than any sword or dagger she could wield.

[@gky7170]

your explanation and panegyric is spot on! I agree that the screenplay, acting, settings, props worked together synergistically to make this one of the best mini-series of all time...the only way this can be bested is for FX to extend this series for another couple of seasons esp. given the fact that the actors are still around, the sets are already built, and the public demand is certainly there. as Michener (whose 3rd and last wife was Japanese btw) is no longer around to write a sequel...maybe a prequel to the series?

[@BrainPilot]

Glad you enjoyed the video! I love the idea of a prequel or a spin off in some way

[@hidingpanda7306]

This was an amazing episode.

[@BrainPilot]

Definitely the best!

[@jayjaymejia4149]

Man this episode was heartbreaking but it was truly admired and loved ❤

[@AGunz982]

This show as a whole is remarkable. The fact my favorite character dies in the 9th episode reminds me of another favorite character from Game of Thrones that also died on the 9th episode, Ned Starks.

[@xtianZ5000]

what a roller coaster of emotions! i'm so sad there's not another season.

[@nobody79110]

Marikos sacrifice broke my heart 😢 I was wishing her to live

[@BrainPilot]

Yeah it was so sad!

[@yavin99]

I sat on the edge of my seat the entire episode and was completely blown away.

[@ghostsdragon9222]

I have a feeling the last episode will have a longer-than-usual runtime because this episode was already the 2nd longest runtime with it being 1h and only the first episode being a bit longer with 1h and 10m

[@BrainPilot]

Let's hope so!

[@AstridSiry]

Great video explanation 🎉 I love the show and I wish we have more episodes. Anyway, it has been an spectacular show and production and actors ❤ should get more credit !!!!

[@BrainPilot]

Thanks a lot. Glad you enjoyed the video!

[@randyronquillo5548]

This was, indeed, one of the best episodes that I've seen so far in Shogun. The show has been excellent with their storytelling since day 1 but this one hits differently. I feel very emotional about Mariko's fate. I thought that she'd finally be happy - with John on her side, but only to cut it short by Yabushige's betrayal. But I guess, in the end, it was death who finally made her the happiest. Death has finally set her free of her conflicted self and died with a greater purpose. I am definitely looking forward to the last episode. I wish there could have been more. But as what was said in the review, all good things must come to an end. Wish it doesn't have to be. 😞

[@rob7216]

My personal favorite. Seeing Mariko turn into a damn gangster and tell it how it is, and put Ichido on blast like that in front of everyone. The acting, emotion, body language and conviction accumulating to the full growth of her character is my favorite part of the show so far.

[@gonaye1]

All good things must come to an end = Life is only precious because it ends = “Flowers are only flowers because they fall”

[@arkham1511]

"She is not the leafless branch. She [Mariko] is the flower that has fallen." Great poetry there, sir.

[@Hermit_Ronin]

Anna Sawai totally surpasses Yoko Shimada in portraying Mariko. Anna’s portrayal was that of focus, strength, determination, and true dignity. Yoko’s portrayal fails to compare.

[@bogeyb200]

I agree, but they made Yoko Shimada more fragile (physically) and this screenplay was much better, especially Mariko's public evisceration and humiliation of Ishido publicly. Only Ochiba, the 2nd smartest character after Toranaga appreciated the trap (she) and Ishido were put in.

[@Hermit_Ronin]

@@bogeyb200 How we both agree with each other’s views. Unlike Anna’s portrayal of Mariko, Yoko’s portrayal lacked courage and charisma. And outside of the Shogun series, Yoko harmed her own public image through bad, reckless choices throughout her years. Whereas Anna has just been keeping up her own talents in singing, dancing, and acting all along without any scandal and she’s still thriving. I was never impressed by Yoko Shimada and I remain dismissive of her.

[@bogeyb200]

@@Hermit_Ronin i have never followed her career (Shimada's) and honestly what they do outside of their specific portrayal of Mariko in their roles shouldn't concern us i judging their portrayal. I will say Shimada's character did NOT lack courage in the slightest.. she was simply made more physically frail.

[@lisiatew]

Good lord, this episode was amazing in so many ways.

[@bennwaters5851]

I didn’t know a musket could be loaded so quickly. And in the dark too.

[@Yeettto]

he has the slight of hand perk

[@buktomsin]

When that's all you use for your whole life you should be fairly decent at reloading. Unless you have come down with a syndrome. 😂

[@UncleTwoTimez]

It's pretty dark on a ship at night too, I guess all the pirates agreed to fight at day then huh 😅

[@buktomsin]

@@UncleTwoTimez exactly, that's in article 9 of the 15 century universal pirateer constitution "thou shall squabble in our lords light, only the heathens would desecrate the sacred nights"

[@BrainPilot]

I don't think Blackthorne would like being referred to as a Pirate here 😂

[@gigid4003]

This damn episode was literally amazing 😭 the drama & build up and intensity

[@ururain]

I am Japanese. After this, the Battle of Sekigahara, the largest civil war in Japanese history, took place. After that, Japan enjoyed 300 years of peace, but it was destroyed by Perry of the United States.

[@Ocalif3]

You seriously blame Perry from the US? I’m not Japanese but spent 5 months in Osaka in 1981 - I visited Kyoto, Hiroshima, Himeji and so much more When I returned home I learned my boss in Japan was involved in Unit 731 - I went to his home met his wife- his English was flawless!! Does Japan teach ppl about Unit 731? I suspect not But I love Japan the culture and the people Hiroshima was a very humbling experience 😢

[@christianfarley]

I am obsessed with Anna Sawai's performance throughout the series. And to think I could not stand her in Legacy of Monsters. But in Shogun, she is riveting and profound. Even with the traditional formal japanese behaviour which is uber rigid, she manages to express a great range of emotions.

[@sabcue]

Im not sure but did you notice in the opening/intro that the shogun mask/headdress on top of a mountain or something at the end appears "more complete" and gradually takes shape? Feels like it is the representation of toranaga's journey towards being the shogun. Maybe on the last episode the whole of it will be revealed??

[@circomkt]

Whaaaaat?? Damn it, now I'll have to ckeck it !

[@juancarlospetero8886]

finally, the pillowing we've been waiting for 😋😋😋😋

[@everettenjeze6276]

Blackthorne goin John wick on all the samurai that went against him. Shit made me sad seeing mariko go out like that after seeing her and blackthorne embrace each other. All the enemies gotta die after this.

[@maoatreyu]

Did anyone else have difficulties literally seeing what was going on? With my TV at full brightness and rewatching the last few minutes on my laptop, (just in case) I was able to take a picture where the screen was almost 100% pure black.

[@ColABoxS]

my favorite episode, i love lady marika acting in this series

[@marionandrews176]

I’m so upset that there is only one episode left. I hope it is a nice long one. I will definitely rewatch the entire series. This was such power end emotionally heartbreaking episode.

[@marieadesola5275]

Just finished the episode. Fk the writers fk everyone ..I am too emotional rn ..whyyyyyyyyyyyy😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭

[@brazyfilmo3121]

Istg they tricked the hell outta me man. I was so relieved when Mariko didn’t kill herself and the permit came.

[@BrainPilot]

James Clavell's story is still breaking people's hearts nearly 50 years later!

[@ghostraptor2068]

​@@BrainPilotI was sweating my butt off during the seppuku scene

[@jonfreeman9682]

Rather senseless but she got her wish to end her suffering in a rather noble manner. I was hoping for a twist ending but they stuck with the book.

[@billb.7346]

I have been so impressed with this series. The entire cast is amazing and the acting is fantastic.