Therapist Answers "Who Betrayed Mizu?" - Behavioral Analysis and Reaction!

[@captironsight]

It was actually the horse. He had a lot of gambling debts. Look at him. Hes always got a long face.

[@GeorgiaDow]

oh my god laughed so hard at this

[@Sailor_Jolyne]

Im sorry I thought you were serious

[@kcbondurant7959]

That is true. He does have a long face. My mind has been changed again. I think it was the horse.

[@wnose]

I say neigh, don't blame the horse, neigh!

[@Ian_mar]

They mention the horse having troubled past, he couln’t be tamed at the begginign, he couln’t trust. Clearly a result o his hard past as a devious drunken gambler.

[@KimandKamJam]

I felt so sorry for Mizu in this episode. She was willing to let go of revenge, let go of the sword, and be the woman society always told her to be and then she gets betrayed by the 2 people (one of whom she believed to be dead FOR YEARS) she loved and wanted to care for

[@jimbothegymbro7086]

and it makes her fury entirely understandable, all that pain manifested itself as righteous fury

[@IloveElsaofArendelle]

Episode 5 id the best of season 1

[@ImrightImright-y2v]

Yes ​@@IloveElsaofArendelle

[@armintor2826]

​@@IloveElsaofArendelle Episode 5 is so great because it can exist perfectly fine by itself. Like even if someone saw this episode and never even heard of Blue Eye Samurai before, they could still understand the plot of the episode and not be lost with the characters. Absolutely marvelous writing.

[@Avenus112]

Apparently wasnt her mum at all. Her mum did die, she was just an actor.

[@DragonAge87]

To be honest most people in Mizu's past are just horrible to her, with the only exception being sword father. He is definitely the best person in her life.

[@Paul-D-Hoff]

Well, Ringo is too. He sees who she is and still accepts her.

[@midnight6994]

@@Paul-D-Hoff Though to be frank OP said from Mizu's past, she met Ringo during the present

[@Layn75]

yeah I think the point on not making it absolutely clear who betrayed her is that... it doesn't matter. They all betrayed her in some way. She was let down by everyone and it just doesn't matter anymore who did what exactly. It's a tragedy either way. I do really appreciate the analysis though, since while Mizu may not care, we still really really want to know :P

[@juliánito59]

He's the only one who treated her like a normal human being, & that is already enough of a pillar to keep her alive and driven throughout her formative years. Just shows how awful her circumstances are throughout her life. Ringo is a great addition to her life but at this point it didn't matter to her anymore. Whether she'd ever find meaning in life again after her quest is complete we'll have to watch on i guess.

[@yesikanarvaez5027]

​@@juliánito59 there's that thing about revenge how you finally got it and then what?

[@DemonWings21]

I think the important thing is that it doesn't matter who called the guards: Both of the people Mizu tried to start a normal life with betrayed her. Her "Mother" was discovered to have abandoned her and immediately started manipulating her to get what she wanted. Her husband turned out to live up to his own shameful reputation and murdered her mother in cold blood. Even if he was telling the truth, he left her to die when she needed him. All of this while she was fighting for her life just for being different. It doesn't matter who called the guards, the point is that she is alone in this world and was punished for trying to live otherwise.

[@bloomins8088]

That is what is so poignant about this whole story. In Mizu's eyes, it doesn't matter. The answer doesn't matter. Beautifully done. Painfully done.

[@Xx_Gucci-Jesus_xX]

yo fr tho

[@chengetaimubaiwa2239]

That's what I've been saying y'all 😭👏🏼

[@marioksoresalhillick299]

Which contrasts with her current companions in the series, who do actually like her.

[@NickChad]

That's my favorite part, the moment you and her both come to the conclusion "oh, it doesn't matter which one it was. Neither one can be trusted anymore." And it's a freeing but tragic realization

[@derrickf8053]

Mizu killed Miko using the knife throwing skill that he taught her. What a fitting end to his betrayal.

[@GeorgiaDow]

Damn that was a point i didnt notice. And she has pretended she couldn't do it to make him feel more manly and then this is how he finds out how well she can throw a knife.... brutal

[@SafetyBriefer]

I was looking to see who else picked up on this.

[@imhere1303]

He didn't teach her tho

[@derrickf8053]

@@imhere1303 You sure about that? Check out episode 5 again. Mizu probably already did know how to throw a knife but he doesn’t know that. He tried to teach her regardless.

[@imhere1303]

@@derrickf8053 Yeah as in he didn't teach her a new skill, is what I'm saying. She already knew how to throw a knife, she's superior to him in weapons.

[@DimaRakesah]

I thought about it to try to figure out who betrayed her and then I realized it didn't matter. The fact that it wasn't clear meant they both were unworthy of her trust.

[@madmintentertainment6268]

Which is BS because Mikio totally was. He made one lapse in judgement out of fear and then came back. He doesn't deserve to die for that.

[@bummedmachinist7483]

He gave away her horse, didnt help her with the guards, and KILLED her mom. It all puts his trustworthiness in question, he's extremely self concerned, selfish.

[@gnperdue]

I think another important clue here is the episode is called “The Tale of the Ronin and the Bride” - and Mizu is the Ronin and then the Bride, and in the bunraku play, the turning point is when the Ronin kills the Bride. That death symbolizes a betrayal of love and that is what creates the Onryo.

[@GeorgiaDow]

Oh damn that is a very good point. !

[@dennysdonuts4918]

Mizu betrays her own ability and sense of love to regain her stability as a ronin.

[@CarolinePereira461]

I gess that all stories can in some way match, in some point Mizu was the Ronin but her mom was the Bride when the Ronin stopped seeking revenge and found a place"to rest. After this, they switched places again.

[@CJusticeHappen21]

Another thing is that by selling her horse without informing her, he's cutting off a mode of transportation for her. So she can't leave as quickly as she might have otherwise planned. She was trapped, and he knew it

[@_kaleido]

I didn’t even think about that, I figured he was just being petty by giving away her pet horse but he was basically making sure she couldn’t get away from him quickly….

[@falconeshield]

So typical of controlling people ​@@_kaleido

[@adambebb99]

Thats why he turned on her after she beat him. It wasn't just a bruised ego, he realised he couldn't control her because she's stronger than him

[@lyanaara970]

He knew she was going to be in the house, there was no need to trap her.

[@cynthiameyers7529]

I think you hit the nail on the head. Mikio's look of sadness at the top of the hill is one of pity for Mizu knowing that she is about to be torn apart. He turned away because he could not bear to see her be slaughtered before his eyes but was firm in his resolve. It is also important to note that Mizu's mother DID NOT love her. She protected Mizu because it served her interests and married her off for the same reason. I also think that Miz's mother kept abusing opioids behind her daughter's back without her knowing it. The wicked side eye meant, "I'm going to have my way whether you like it or not. And you're not going to stop me."

[@MrDragon7742]

I agree that the mother was probably still abusing opioids behind their back. The way I read it, cutting her off is the first moment we see Mizu and Mikio working as a team, it's "We decided", not "I decided" or "Mizu decided". She was probably going into town, selling herself and using the money to buy opium and keep it hidden, but when Mizu's relationship with Mikio fell apart and they were no longer a team, she could assert herself again by openly smoking it.

[@marenrisu9711]

and *spoiler alert* she is also not her real mother and got paid to raise her like her own kid, so yeah no real love for the "demon child" from this person

[@himesilva]

Yeah... trying to forcibly get an addict to quit never works. We know that now, but in feudal Japan I'm not surprised that they tried to do what they could in this way

[@AesirUnlimited]

I actually kinda disliked Mizu until this episode. I felt that her pursuit of vengeance was stupid because she just could’ve let it go and tried to live a normal life, but then we find out that she did and was completely betrayed. I don’t blame her for only seeking revenge now. She had an actual chance at love and living like a normal person, and it all ended in tragedy. It was so sad.

[@TheHeadNinjainComics]

I wouldn't say I disliked her up until that episode, but I was definitely far less sympathic until this episode.

[@AesirUnlimited]

@@TheHeadNinjainComics The thing that made me kinda dislike her was her reasoning behind wanting revenge. She just wants to kill all the white men in Japan because one of them is responsible for her being born. But I don’t see why she’d turn her hatred towards her father instead of the Japanese people who hate her for being a child of mixed birth. Her hatred of her father seems misplaced to me.

[@Szczurzyslawa]

@@AesirUnlimited I don't think this hate is in any way rational. She has twisted way of wanting to make things "right". Also her whole life, whole society sees white people as monsters/bad, so even if it's stupid/not rational, you do internalize it in some way. We do see she is self hating because of 1/2 her blood, so it does make sense in a way; for her as a character, not objectively.

[@Layn75]

Not only is it easier to have specific targets for her anger than the more nebulous "everyone around me", she grew up in a society that in no uncertain terms depicted white men as demons and the source of all ills. I imagine the first time she met one was when she killed him @@AesirUnlimited

[@wailingapplecore7558]

⁠@@AesirUnlimited I get where you’re coming from but I think her hatred being directed towards her father makes sense. Mizu is told from everyone around her that she’s a monster because she’s mixed, she probably hasn’t met another mixed person- everyone around her appears fully Japanese. It’s hard to have a different view of things if you’re only given one your entire life. When Akemi compliments Mizu’s eyes, Mizu is surprised. Also keep in mind the mindset of this era, Japan was closed off from the outside world. People feared the unknown, Mizu’s eyes are unusual for the time and could be alarming since the typical Japanese person had never seen blue eyes before. Nowadays people are more educated and less fearful of things they don’t understand so instead of fear it’s more curiosity.

[@inuendo6365]

Another thing about when Mizu pins Mikio in the fight; she was excited, exhilarated to be in the thick of battle again, to the point it was a turn-on (with the little kiss) It's not just Mikio was beaten, it was that he saw how much Mizu *loves* fighting to the end. Most people of that time period (heck even many people now) who saw a woman enjoying violence * that much * would consider her a freak. Regardless of his past I think Mikio was genuinely terrified of her bloodlust. Think if the tables were turned and he had been the one kissing her with a blade at her throat

[@dylanehooverlibrarian7026]

I also wonder if it was Mikio's history. We don't know how or why he was disgraced, but a Samurai who lived to his age (I'm guessing mid 30s) lived that long by being adept at inflictingharm (and seeing it inflicted on others). I could sympathize in as much as he wanted to keep his home, his wife and mother-in-law, free of violence. Trauma, filtered through a gendered lens. (men do violence and are hard, women flee violence and are soft.) Mizuho challenged his worldview, and became a source of horror- a woman who enjoyed violence, in the heart of his home and sanctuary. It doesn't excuse how he acted. Even if he didn't betray her, riding in to intercede and stand by her was the Proper Husband move (even in a patriarchal worldview). While my sympathies ultimately stayed with Mizu, I felt I understood her husband's reactions, even as I thought they were wrong. That's what I found compelling about this show: characters (even the lead) are allowed to be morally murky in ways congruent with their context. Mizu is an antihero, and sometimes a dark one. Still, I root for her and want to see how her story progresses (even as it seems to careen towards tragedy)

[@Gala-yp8nx]

Honestly I think that still would have been a turn-on for Mizu.

[@MasterAyBee]

I agree, the emasculation is compounded by Mizu disrespecting his wishes about safe sparring and the glimpse at her suppressed personality that is frankly pretty messed up

[@asmrtpop2676]

@@dylanehooverlibrarian7026Ffs he sold her horse

[@swagncries1487]

Honestly still a turn on…

[@sydneylyman8778]

One video I saw said "it doesn't matter who sold her out, they both could have, and that's why she leaves them to die" and it is SO revealing of Mizus character.

[@madmintentertainment6268]

The thing is, Mikio never gave any indication that he would. There was no reason to ever think he would other than a couple moments of justified fear and the fact that he is a man

[@georgethomas4567]

This entire episode was such a knife to the heart. I did not expect to feel any kind of sympathy for Mizu after some of the horrible things she'd done in the show up to that point. But seeing her happy and letting herself just be a person only for it to ripped away like that. Just hurt so much.

[@GeorgiaDow]

im with you

[@Paul-D-Hoff]

As soon as her husband called her a monsters it was over. And when he road off and didn't help her, I hurt for her so much.

[@Sarahmint]

And the doll was cut. Genius visual storytelling with the puppets.

[@vyxxer]

To mizu at that point, it didn't matter who actually did it as since they both *could* have. There's even a possibility that they both did separately. She knew that even if she forgave one and continue to live with them she'd always think 'what if'. Alternatively she may not have been able to confront the truth of which one really didn't love her and the easiest thing to do to hide from that truth is to cut off any possibility of finding out.

[@willbunch01]

One thing I love about these flashbacks is the knife throw she purposefully fumbles in front of mikio earlier is the same knife throw she uses to kill mikio at the end.

[@ClintStone-t9m]

It's a dead give away, that it was Mikio: If her husband thought her a monster before, what was he thinking now, after seeing her slaughter a bunch of soldiers; and what exactly were his intentions while literally *sneaking up on Mizu* with a sword? He could have just dropped the sword after seeing all the soldiers were dead, but only actually did after Mizu seeing him. So he walked a dozen foot in her direction with a sword, even though he knew she wasn't in any danger.

[@slantize]

Episode 8 literally implies it was the “mom”

[@hamorahime937]

It was the “mom” that betrayed her. I believe that Miki genuinely regrets turning his back on her, and that he came back to help as a change of mind. That’s why even when Mizu walked away, he tried to win her over still.

[@averlinbc5680]

@@slantize Fowler was talking about when the mum abandoned her when she was young as far as we can tell, the mom who’s actually a nurse made of her real mother was being paid to protect Mizu And after the fire, she decided to play dead and stop taking care of Mizu until they met up again on the bridge

[@nicolesandrini1673]

Or he is scared of her so is trying to endear himself to save his own life..? @@hamorahime937

[@mittenvonscrufflears7233]

Also the fact that Mikio LIED to her, talking about all this nonsense of how much he loved her. Why was it clearly a lie? After the duel, he sold her horse, stopped even eating meals with her, ignored her, he clearly didn't love her anymore. So why, after running away from seeing soldiers attack her, start spewing all this nonsense about how he loves her? Only a guilty person would do that

[@SirToaster9330]

I just realized when Mikio said "I love you" he was begging for his life not wanting her back

[@robertolagunas6651]

But she had her back turned and with no weapon I think he was wanting her back not begging for his life

[@risa-ru]

​​@@robertolagunas6651 I think OP meant Mikio wanted the calm happy life with Mizu when things were chill, not Mizu herself. OP didn't mean begging for his life to not die.

[@tammydreamwriter2877]

The husband did it, but only because he beat the ‘mother’ to the punch. Sooner or later I think that the mother would have sold Mizu out the moment that it benefitted her more than the status quo.

[@ConsoleCombat]

Why didn’t the mother just turn her in when she was a child when the money ran out. It would have been easier for her to do it then. Although she abandoned her she had enough sentiment for her to not turn her in as a child. This sentiment might still be there even in her adulthood.

[@gpaje]

Wasn't implied by Fowler stating "kept your mouth quiet until the money ran out".

[@chandraray7798]

I think in the later episodes fowler mentioned the payments to keep mizu out of the public eye dried up, and so maybe the mother decided for a payday afterwards.

[@mittenvonscrufflears7233]

It is also worth mentioning that Mizu had Mikio stop giving her enough money for her drugs because she was worried about the negative effects on her health, and she CLEARLY didn't like that. Many addicted will do whatever it takes no matter who gets in the way of them and their addiction, wouldn't be surprised if she ratted Mizu out for more money for her drugs. It's my theory that both of them ratted her out at the same time, maybe in cahoots but probably to different people coincidentally.

[@kaleanaking5292]

The show literally said it was the mother

[@randidorrenbacher5433]

It could have been either one. Mizu's husband asked her to show him ALL of her & couldn’t handle it. Mizu's mother/maid was using her to get a better life; "what woman doesn't want a man to take care of her, of her MOTHER!?" Seeing the husband taking even Mizu's beloved horse off to his lord she may have though he was going to throw them both out, meaning her cushy ride was about to end.

[@ConsoleCombat]

That doesn’t explain his look of non-shock when the men were on his land. He had to have known before hand.

[@ИмяФамилия-я9з1к]

​@@ConsoleCombather "mother" wasn't shocked either

[@ConsoleCombat]

@@ИмяФамилия-я9з1к they never showed her mother’s reaction when the men came.

[@ИмяФамилия-я9з1к]

@@ConsoleCombat exactly. Because there was no reaction. She did not come out after hearing the sound of hooves, she was not interested in what was really happening, she seemed to disappear at that moment, although she was clearly in the house. It was as if she knew in advance and hid.

[@ConsoleCombat]

@@ИмяФамилия-я9з1к perhaps. Or she was high.

[@alicepiper7455]

I think sparring is Mizu’s love language. Mikio couldn’t handle it, Taigen couldn’t handle it. I hope Mizu finds someone who can handle defeat at her hands.

[@GoldenPhoenix101]

Taigen could definitely handle it, to the point where he was turned on by it (even though he didn't understand why). The parallels of her play fighting with Taigen versus Mikio was really well done

[@alicepiper7455]

@@GoldenPhoenix101 Really? I couldn’t tell. (Must have been too busy mocking him for acting like a child over having his ego bruised.) But yes, the parallels are masterful.

[@HarmonyOfElements]

True! I think it's admirable if a woman could best me in physical combat and I would love her even more for being strong and skilled.

[@roubinnick]

I think the moment she turned her back on their quarrel they were both dead to her. It was extremely sad to see that she gave herself a chance to be who she really is and leave violence behind only to be thrusted back into it by the people she thought were her family. I can totally relate to having your wounds reopened and stepped on by someone but this was still no reason for Mikio to betray her like this.

[@Hero_My_Beloved]

Japan was crazy back then too. Every man on his own. Your closest bet to safety and love was your family and your friends (if you had any). But even then I think they would still do sth bad to you.

[@enki012]

I disagree, I think violence *is* her true self. The whole episode she was trying to be something she wasn't.

[@DarkLordGanondorf190]

This whole story was so tragic. When you are a closed-off person like Mizu and are afraid of opening up, it can come as such a relief when you think you can finally do so and be yourself. He said so himself, I want to see all of you. But when she bested him the first time, he already said it was enough. Mizu didn't read the room, but I think their relationship wouldn't have been the same anyway. Had she stopped after her first win, she would have still known that he doesn't truly want to see all of herself.

[@spinjitzumasterfalcon]

This episode was such a great way to show Mizu’s backstory. She was willing to give up a life of violence, but as a warrior, the violence always comes back. I don’t think I’ve ever felt so bad for a character. She deserves better and I’m glad that she learns to open herself up and make friends.

[@Steve_Hickman]

This period in Mizu's life affirmed to her that love was vulnerability, and that vulnerability was weakness. In her heart, Mizu felt she could never trust again after the two people closest to her had motives to betray her and excuses to act on them. It's as valid a reason as any why anyone who tried getting close was pushed away, since Mizu didn't want to open herself up to possibly being betrayed again.

[@Christopher-or6pr]

It was the mother "I gave you tea with gold leafs and you spat in it" it's much more hateful opposed to someone's ego getting hurt... it's similar to what Mizu says to Akemi in the brothel about eating trash... it's probably why she let the guards take her too.

[@bittervagrant]

Cue the Tyra Banks “we were all rooting for you” clip at Mikio

[@LeVidocq]

I can see a scenario where Mikio brings his former master the horse that'd he'd promised to Mizu and it is rejected. To save face he gives up Mizu as the "something beautiful", and is filled with regret. So maybe betrayal wasn't what he'd originally intended, but what he was willing to do for his pride.

[@falconeshield]

Here's a hint about life. Don't judge people with what they say, but what they do. It saves alot of time and pain.

[@maeg.9123]

I like this interpretation! It lines up with his character really well. That’s what keeps bothering me about Mikio, why? Was it truly just his ego even after knowing her for so long and asking her to show him. Would he go that far? But these two things are about his pride and honor. It all is.

[@shymiaross-evans4248]

Honestly that’s what I thought

[@kasmith54]

I'm still betting that they were working together. Neither of them seemed surprised by the situation and were quick to thro each other under the bus.

[@ConsoleCombat]

What motivation would he have to work with the mother? The husband doesn’t need the mother’s help in any aspect and frankly she’d be a burden for him. Why would he keep her around after Mizu is gone. It doesn’t make sense to me if this is the case.

[@kasmith54]

@AGCII ooh, that's a good point.

[@sillygo0oser]

@@ConsoleCombat unless the mother made a deal with him after finding out his demeanor when he came back. She would have been back on the streets anyway, she seems to plan.

[@_.-._.-Y0K0-._.-._]

Although the biggest part of me thinks it doesn't matter who sold her off, not to Mizu, because at the end both were clearly scared of her, clearly saw her as a monster... I think they both did it. The line about spitting on the tea she made, as well as knkwing mizu's horse was being sold, makes me think the mother and husband talked. The lack of any confusion in either part, knowing right ahead wjat's happening, ignoring it, then not even having to think about what the other would gain from it, makes me think they discussed this. The mother could have sold Mizu earlier, but while the couple still was a "we", it was quite possible for the husband to retaliate. So her best opportunity would be when they had a falling out. It's easier to do someyhing mischivious if you have a partner in crime, and if it blows up on your face, and you don't really care about the partner, the easiest out is to pin all the blame on them.

[@elizabethhuber434]

This I think might actually be the case.

[@igorsoares7694]

Another interesting thing is that seeing the battlefield and only Mizu standing, Mikio still approaches with sword in hand and what to me seemed as a cautious stance (obviously by this point, if he saw the whole thing) - maybe hoping that after the battle she would've been broken... and only when he sees her face to him, he drops it... perhaps by fear, now knowing very well what she could do to him and he wouldn't stand a chance

[@velinion1]

Mostly agree with you, except the point that "If she had started the fire, she wouldn't have gotten burned: a lot of arsonists get caught up in fires they set. Flame can be unpredictable, and tradition Japanese houses were _very_ flammable. I don't actually think she set it, but I don't think getting burned by it is in any way proof she didn't.

[@DD112987]

The fire who burned the house was an accident caused by her opium pipe. She was asleep with it in her hand the last time we saw her before the house burn and after, she got that scar. So, when she pretend she abandonned her for her own good, it's a lie. She probably just never found Mizu after that or just did not look for her. At the same time, it's ot logical for her to sell her after so long as her new confort came from Mizu's husband.

[@GeorgiaDow]

ill have to look back to see that thanks for this

[@DD112987]

@@GeorgiaDow In episode 3 at 2 minutes 45.

[@LadyRuelleyn]

I had a theory it was the both of them that betrayed Mizu. They came to an agreement that they no longer cared for Mizu and would get rid of her and get what they want too. Hikio would get his title back, earn a reward which he would split with the mother and go their separate ways. I think their arguement was them turning their backs on one another to take blame off themselves. Thats why Hikio was definitely trying to sneak up on Mizu before she turned to him and why Mizu's mother stayed inside until it was over. The goal was to get rid of Mizu together.

[@jansen4282]

The fact it doesn’t quite matter is more the point, she would have just walked away had he not killed her adopted mother

[@jansen4282]

But it was the husband. The mom was dependent on them, he was not

[@strawberrysangria1474]

This betrayal reminds me of when someone cheats. They'll often blame the affair partner to save themselves any grief, but it takes two to tango.

[@DanGamingFan2406]

It's definitely either her mom or her husband, either ways it's tragic and I feel so sorry for Mizu. I like how you're going about it finding it out, and I think you're right about it being him, but it also seems too obvious for a show like this. I really don't know.

[@GeorgiaDow]

thank you so much for the support = ))

[@dylanehooverlibrarian7026]

And I think it's not really important who did it. Mizu was betrayed by two people who could have given emotional support but recoiled because of what she is: a foreigner (her mother) and an enjoyer-of-violence (her husband). I love how Mizu is not a conventionally heroic figure, and she does awful things for entirely believable reasons. I'm rooting for her every step of the way, regardless! It's nice to see proper antiheroes as leads again (especially when their reasons for anti heroism are so compelling)

[@JinxFan2003]

This is probably my favorite episode of the season, and I'm so glad you covered it in detail! I loved how we were given greater insight into Mizu's motivation and attitude by delving into her past more. We see that she could have possibly been diverted from quest for revenge if given the chance to live a peaceful life with loved ones, but the fact that she was betrayed--and even more, didn't know who betrayed her--cemented her beliefs that she is a monster and that the one who made her that way must be destroyed.

[@Bhoddisatva]

I always figured it was the mom. But your argument is very persuasive and convinced me otherwise. Good job!

[@GeorgiaDow]

thanks = )

[@chuckb8514]

I like the character analysis mixed with theory crafting videos. Excellent video as always. Mizu husband was the one who betrayed her

[@GeorgiaDow]

so happy you liked it i think there will be more like this one I enjoyed it as well

[@mappes1]

I love how this episode intersects with the onryu-story. And how it switches from mizu being the ronin to being the bride. Really good storytelling.

[@WarlordBailthur]

I think the "mom" turned her in for opium money. The husband had bad timing mixed with bad decisions. He saw her surrounded and abandoned Mizu thinking her for dead. But after riding away his actions weighed heavily on him. He admits his cowardice and his fault. But with their prior arguments and his decision to take her horse to his lord she wasn't ready or able to hear his words. Him killing her "mom" in that struggle simply broke the last straw she was holding onto

[@TheHeadNinjainComics]

Maybe but I think at that point she was done with both of them. I wouldn't be surprised if she killed the maid too had she not died already.

[@qwertyuiopasiii2822]

As you mentioned his hierarchy of motivations was to gain back his lord’s favor and he said “I held onto this fantasy that if I bring him back the perfect creature he will welcome me back..” and what is more perfect than a “monster” with a huge bounty? Plus everything else you mentioned about his guilt/accusation etc. He def did it! Well done!

[@DawnRego]

Let's gooo! Been waiting for this. Thanks for the awesome video, Georgia. Follow-up theory: Why did Mikio return after the horsemen failed to kill Mizu? Could it be that he wanted to "finish the job"? Perhaps so that HE could say that he killed Mizu and regain his honour? His last ditch effort? Hmmm!

[@GeorgiaDow]

thank you for the support and i think it was to claim his gold and ensure everything happened as needed to save face.

[@CMDrDarty]

Lovely and insightful analysis, Georgia! There is brief flashback in episode 3 where "mum" passed out with still smoking opium pipe so fire could happen then or she set it off herself but it got out of control too fast hence the burns. As for who truly betrayed Mizu? It does not really matter, I think creators left it vague on purpose. From Mizu's POV they both betrayed her trust, that is why she dropped the weapon, left no one alive and walked away (that broken emptiness in her eyes was so painful to watch) P. S. Do you plan to do some analysis for Akemi, Taigen or perhaps even Seki?

[@GeorgiaDow]

very interesting i will look over that so that could have been it but fowler also mentioned a fire to kill her so food for thought

[@darthsasquach-f9w]

When I first watched this episode, I thought both had betrayed Mizu accidentally. Both saying little things that added up and gave her away. I read her husband’s face as “I was afraid this would happen. Did I do this? There are too many.”

[@Ironoxe]

This was already my favorite episode of the series, but your breakdown only made it even better!

[@GeorgiaDow]

makes me very happy you say that

[@efhurtado]

This was the episode I enjoyed and watched the most. From my POV, Mikio betrayed Mizu as he had more motivation at all. Also, Mikio saw Mizu was highly skilled, thus, how valuable she could be for his purpose. Mizu’s mother could’ve come back “to work” to restart her addiction. In the narrative of this episode this betrayal made a catharsis on Mizu; the clear example was killing the younger member of the army at the end of the battle.

[@ttubebaby]

The emotion showing on Mikio's face was certainly shame. He definitely did it.

[@JerichosFishStand]

Amazing! It never crossed my mind that it would be possible to work out the truth. I was too rocked by the drama of this episode. Great video (as always)!

[@GeorgiaDow]

thanks so much

[@joseloco]

Excellent breakdown and analysis. Thank you! Adding to your position, it was quite telling that Mikio came back with a sword, after likely thinking Mizu dead. I also find it interesting that there was a larger group of soldiers that arrived, which to me denotes that they knew the strength of force required. Finally, Mikio, upon seeing Mizu alive, he places the sword on the ground... he knows that he cannot win and the witnesses to his previous betrayal all laid dead upon the ground before her.

[@agenttwenty-six6133]

So happy you are covering this. Episode 5 is by far my favorite episode. Everything that we see in Mizu culminated from her finding her mother and marrying Mikeo. The love poisoned by betrayal. She was willing to give up on her revenge for Mikeo just as Mikeo was willing to give up on regaining his title for Mizu by letting her keep Kai, all until the moment where Mizu went to far and Mikeo called her a monster. I think it is a strong argument that Mikeo is the one who betrayed Mizu, however I think it was the mother, she was spiteful of Mizu, she was getting paid for her opium again out of the blue and and clearly did not get over Mizu cutting her off from her opium in the first place. When she says how Mizu spat in her tea of golden leaves she is insinuating that Mikeo is going to leave Mizu after getting back his title, thus cutting her off from her money again and leaving Mizu useless for her. Mikeo was potentially going to get his title through selling the horses and may not have ever needed to betray Mizu to regain his honor. The look he may have exhibited may have also been concern not sadness at seeing the men surrounding Mizu. My last belief as to why it is not Mikeo is that he came back with a sword, where he did not have a sword when he was first on the hill riding his horse. So I think he did in fact come back to help, but because of the tension with everything that was happening, he lost control of the situation and very quickly it became too late.

[@TheModernGhost]

I really don't think she's her mom because their facial structure is absolutely different but I also don't think she would have turned her in with nothing to gain from it. He did to her the same thing he did to her horse, spent months trying to break her just to sell her to regain his title. To me the key is when he says "If I bring him the perfect creature he will welcome me". The perfect creature wasn't the horse in the end, it was Mizu all along

[@Evan-k]

It's her mom but ok

[@artisunleash]

No, she wasn't. Fowler confirmed she was the handmaid tasked with hiding Mizu away. ​@Evan-k

[@George_M_]

I think they both sold her out. I think you're undervaluing how seemingly strong and sudden a relapse can be. They definitely both sold her out in their hearts.

[@celeste_a113]

He also kind of looks like he was sneaking up on her at the end while she was recoiling from the fight with the horsemen now that I've seen it again. He didn't make a sound before/while approaching her and had his weapon raised. I'm pretty sure it was obvious everyone else was already dead too. Feels like he only put his weapon down cause she noticed him, he lost the advantage, and he already knows she could easily take him down.

[@GeorgiaDow]

very interesting assessment that could well be

[@ksidkloulechad2905]

I thought it was Mikio. His attitude towards Mizu completely changed when she showed him her strength. It went from love to disgust, and i wouldn't be surprised if he turned her in. The theme that had been with Mizu is that people didn’t think of her as a human, but as a monster, and unfortunately, Mikio eventually thought the same of her when she was in a frenzy.

[@Shiftarus]

I enjoy your videos so much that I have to go watch this series now so I can come back and watch your analysis. I am excited for both!

[@GeorgiaDow]

oh that makes me so happy = )

[@b.d6642]

You somehow managed to make this scene even more sad. Congratulations

[@RaisinBug]

I love your theory! It makes so much sense! I gave up on the detective work when I first saw that scene. They both seemed to have solid motives to sell out Mizu, but your explanation on Mikio's odd behaviour really clicked! Thanks for another fantastic analysis!

[@sheepysnowtato824]

THANK YOU, I FEEL SO SMART FOR NOTICING LITERALLY ALL OF THE SIGNS EXCEPT FOR THE OPIUM TIMESKIP THING!!

[@Riinkun]

Super cool analysis! I think it's a really good breakdown of just how Mikio's part in the story plays into Mizu's betrayal and the impact that opening up to the wrong people while trying to lead a normal life has had on her. It was incredible seeing the way they handled Mizu's journey in this episode, everything being set up to just prove her right in the worst way, especially through how ambiguous the ending felt (in terms of who could have called the samurai to come for her- I personally think both of them had equal motive to hand Mizu over either for honour or for money). The choice to use bunraku (not only an amazing craft but also the indicator on the uncanny valley scale used to represent something near-human) to illustrate the internal dynamics of Mizu in the episode and the way it plays into the imagery that's set up for her character was incredible. Overall just such a cool backstory episode and it's great seeing you talk about the absolutely tragic ending to it!

[@ArchieBC]

I agree with you 100%! This episode is the most brilliantly directed story I’ve ever seen.

[@JoshuaH225]

I feel that Micho was also scared of Mizu after the fight. It wasn’t just that he lost to her, but she brought a level of violence he didn’t want to the fight.

[@ClintStone-t9m]

exactly. And the whole time she was smiling and giggling. Dude almost pissed himself near the end. And considering this, there is no way he "came back to help" after seeing her slaughter a bunch of soldiers. He was just playing mind games trying to land a suprise hit.

[@ryancialone3045]

@@ClintStone-t9m i think people underestimate how psychotic Mizu came off as laughing and giggling especially to a Japanese man in the 1600s. its also really freaky to be a killing machine with little explanation.

[@adrianmartinez9406]

Her husband betrayed her FIRST, followed by her mother. 😢

[@hopperjohn7207]

Will you be doing an episode on Fowler? I found him a surprisingly fun villain, especially with Kenneth Branagh hamming it up. There is clearly something messed up with him.

[@Matilda-k8i]

I concur 👍🏻

[@christerprestberg3973]

For me this was by far the best episode of the show, I was really torn on who betrayed her but now that you pointed it out, his face says a 1000 words.

[@sierralovat5498]

I love all your analysis, thank you for all your awesome content!

[@HiMyNameIsKim]

On first watch, I thought it was the “mother” and that the husband who saw the swordsmen froze and was scared to fight. The mom likely turned her in while high (which could explain her confusion, but her drug use definitely incapacitated her). But her husband killing her presumed mom was also a final straw. Mizu definitely felt betrayed by both of them.

[@wl9162]

Even regardless of who called the soldiers on Mizu, both Mikio and her mom had already deeply betrayed her emotionally and psychologically

[@gaflene]

I loved this episode! The interwoven story is great, the way that everything is framed, and of course the actually events are portrayed so compellingly. It also reminds me, as a transmasc nonbinary person, of how it feels to be on the edge of coming out, or out to most of the world but not out to your family. Mizu gets forced into all these different gender roles by their mother (first a boy as a child when hiding is useful to her, then a woman as an adult when she sees a benefit in pawning off a bride). They accept this treatment because even if their mother treats them poorly she's all they have, she's their only sense of stability for so long even if that foundation is incredibly weak and damaging. They return to dressing as a woman because it's what their mother wants, and their mother has guilted them into it even though they offered another way to make money to support themselves. Mizu's mother has to have it her way, and she won't listen to her much wiser ward. It doesn't ultimately matter if her addiction, internalized misogyny, or bigotry causes her to act this way to Mizu, or if the addiction is just an excuse to let the last two run rampant. I also think it's important to note that Mizu dresses like a woman, but never really shifts back to moving or acting like one. Even in the post-lovemaking scene their shoulders are still so strong from all those years as a smith and then their time as a warrior and working on a farm (saddles were so much heavier than I thought they would be when I first started riding - it's a workout). Mizu learns that to love someone is to change yourself into the person they want , because who you are will never be correct, will never be good enough. They think Mikio is going to accept who they are in full, and when he doesn't that sends them back to the child they were, just looking for approval and stability from their mother. They change themselves again, trying to be more feminine because clearly that's all Mikio wants, they were too much again, they let the mask slip and it was Unacceptable. Mizu learned that this is what love is. Cutting off parts of yourself to fit in a box for scraps of approval. To be clear, I think interpreting Mizu as a cis woman is perfectly fine, however I think there's a lot of room for a trans interpretation of the story as well. For me, what hits is the only people who ever refer to Mizu as a woman or using feminine language for them are the people who hurt them most - their mother, Mikio, and Fowler. Everyone else who figures it out later (Swordfather, Ringo, Taigen) continue to refer to them with masculine language even after they find out, and not in a way that can be brushed off if the audience wasn't paying attention. Ringo has his moments early on of almost spilling the beans when he's too excited, and Taigen seems pretty comfortable making the only trans joke I found funny coming from a cis person ("he needs a weapon to kill you like you need two hands to pee"). So they know. Mizu's first time binding (even if its in a dangerous way) that moment was a real standout for me, very recognizable experience. The writers also addressed fan theories of Mizu's gender identity, and basically said Mizu's gender is Mizu, which sounds pretty dang nonbinary to me lmao. Gender in this story, particularly the social expectations of assigned gender, are so inescapable in this story and I found this exploration really refreshing? It's hard to explain, but it really aligns with my personal experience of gender. I am my gender, but it's not the most interesting or important thing about me. People and society still see me as and try to fit me into a category where I don't belong. It's a very strange place to be, not a woman but still experiencing misogyny. Not a man, but expected to uphold dangerous ideals of toxic masculinity. This story is so good.

[@_kaleido]

this is a really good analysis, I’m surprised it has no likes besides mine. I also think there’s a chance Mizu isn’t fully cis, like we all saw how berserk she/they went when Fowler said her bones break like a woman’s

[@gaflene]

@@_kaleido things tend to get lost in the comment section, I'm not really surprised it's gone mostly under the radar. I'm glad it spoke to you though!

[@maetaylor5677]

Love that you chose to make a video on this subject..It is fascinating to hear your thoughts and breakdown this episode.i was wondering and trying to figure it out myself? For starters, I always just thought that the fire when Mizu was little was a direct result of her mother. Like when a person falls aleep with a cigarette burning but this is the opium.. But maybe the "maid/ sub mother" maybe she only started smoking opium after the fire to address the pains of the burns?. Maybe someone else lit their home on fire ? I think you are right I think it was more probable that the husband turned her in. But like Mizu - we put ourselves in her shoes we the audience just in the moment of watching feel like both parties ultimately betrayed Mizu. Its crazy to imagine having to lose your mother and husband in a day and the betrayal uh it hurts.. so sad.

[@leigh-anjohnson]

I feel like it's important to note that we do not know the crime or circumstances that Mikio was banished for, what skeletons he really might be hiding...

[@GeorgiaDow]

very interesting point indeed

[@millersam07]

Your video made me realize Miku might have also been the one to supply Mizu's mom with the opium so she would be passed out when the soldiers came to murder her daughter. Either by leaving money around, paying off a guy in town when Mom went to buy stuff, or even just leaving a little bit of the stuff around the house, just enough to make it seem like this was left over stash she forgot about. For an addict the temptation would have been too great. Mom would be too preoccupied with her fix to warn Mizu of the loss of her horse before he left. Also she seems extra mean when high, I'm betting Mizu let it slip that when her mom was high she was extra mean/vindictive, but nice when not, hence Miku saying she's cut off. By giving her the drug he knew she would be extra spiteful and hurt Mizu, then when the soldiers came she would be too high to do anything.

[@junkonatsumizaka5149]

You've done it, you've made me add it to my watchlist. Thanks for another great show recommendation, Georgia!

[@GeorgiaDow]

that makes me so happy

[@АрайБакытжан]

The way Mizu wouldn’t kill Mikio if he didn’t kill her «mother». She wasn’t expecting that he would do such thing, something died in her eyes when she heard the stab. Even though I halfway understand why she didn’t help her mother. The first reason is that she was disoriented, the second is that she was upset with her and kinda blamed her. He killed one of the closest and loved person in her life. This is the true betrayal.

[@SwordTune]

While I believe it was Mikio, there is 1 more evidence against Mizu's mother. Her mother might fear that Mikio won't take care of them anymore, and chose to sell out Mizu for some extra retirement money. That helps the timing, but it's also a pretty weak evidence since we have to assume a lot about what the mother is thinking. I still say it's Mikio, but it's not impossible that it was the mother.

[@adlaipoyugao6613]

My reading of the episode is that Mikio's offense to the lord was that he is a coward and this cost him his station. He saw Mizu's capacity for combat and knew that it was only a matter of time until her actions caught up to her. His look of sadness was due to the resignation that it did catch up to her. So he rode away like a coward only to return when the danger is no longer present. His crime is his cowardice. He called her a monster because he showed he would accept her, but she would joke about his trigger. I think the mom sold Mizu out. She found that Mizu screwed up her marriage by failing to pretend to be weak and therefore saw her current lifestyle ending. Selling out Mizu to maximize her benefits by having some money over her investment before anyone beat her to it. If Mikio sold her out, why would he comeback? If he sold her out, he could have simply waited it out, then come back to his home after the ordeal. He was a coward after all, so him coming back with a sword was maybe only for show to claim he wanted to help. He already knew he couldn't beat Mizu. In the end, it didn't matter who betrayed her.

[@hamorahime937]

I agree!

[@Josmic_1]

Episode 5 is one of the best episodes of TV I have ever seen. It was soooooooo good

[@ii3lazelordz267]

Personally. Messed up though that sounds. I think it was Mikio. Her mother married her off to him so they could have enough money for them to survive. Even with her opium addiction to account for, it was CLEAR they had enough money to live proper lives and survive, which even at the time where she didn't marry Mizu off, was a concern for the mother He however, had something to gain by getting rid of Mizu, namely his title, as implied by the mother, or at least he'd get part of the money for her bounty, which was possibly a rather large sum, which could help him reach a certain station Spoiler ahead btw dont read what's below if you're not caught up on the series Even if the "Mother" wasn't actually Mizu's mother like implied at the end of the series, she still took care of Mizu, or at least, did her best to until she had no more money available. There'd be little reason for her to expose Mizu now and risk losing Mikio, who brings money to them via his business at reliable intervals. After all, like she said, Mizu being married was supposed to "Solve all of their problems"

[@freazeezy]

Mizu was already making money as a samurai. And a lot of money it seemed. She could have looked after her 'mother' by doing that. So I think it was also about Mizu looking after her the 'proper' way to an extent. And Mizu had just 'spat in the tea'.

[@Th3bald3st]

Wow this is such a good video when I first watched this episode I thought it had to be the mom but this video showed me things I didn’t think of before thanks!

[@bridgethaines7127]

I think, honestly, it was the "mother" because we later learn she wasn't actually Mizu's mother, but her maid, paid to hide her. With the money gone, why would she not sell her out for more money? I also think she accidentally lit the fire that burned her, she was asleep with her opium pipe still smoking. She likely fled thinking she killed Mizu in that fire and there would be repercussions from whomever paid her to take her away.

[@maggiiopgott8975]

I like how this contrasts to Ejis philosophie of accepting who you are and how to live with yourself. Mizu showed true self and got betrayed he on the other hand showed her what she can do and truely is and most importantly that she cant change it and that it is good that way!

[@chrisholzhauer3698]

Fascinating comment section! These interpretations and nuances everyone's bringing is great. I can't wait to see season 2!

[@g.k.5165]

This was a very interesting and emotionally overwhelming episode for me!

[@omnibz]

Saving this to my watch later because I love blue eye samurai and your videos on it are great!!

[@GeorgiaDow]

Glad you like them!

[@emilgorh5877]

I was literally planning to Google this and bam, KZbin recommended me this, thank you for your video

[@klaudiak6615]

Literally slay with this outfit. It’s why I clicked on this video - you look stunning. Also amazing video! But like yah if you don’t know already, you slayed

[@GeorgiaDow]

Aww means so much to me thanks = ))

[@seacaptainminto7169]

This is exactly the analysis i was hoping to find for this scene! You really helped break down the motivations and emotions behind everyones actions so well. I loved it! Im also very inlove with your cosplay!! I'm blind but id really love those glasses 💕

[@GeorgiaDow]

thanks so much appreciate it = )

[@BobbyDoyle-tf2jx]

A testament to how well written the story is.

[@bethlovelace7395]

I was raised by an addict. It runs rampant in my family. This makes my heart hurt for Mizu. My father gave me to his friend. My father used and left me to fend for myself. I've seen him pass blame and dodge responsibility more than I can count. I've watched him nod and drop lit cigarettes and the burns on his skin. This gives me bias against her "mother". Unless it shows in future episodes that there's more to the story (which wouldn't surprise me for this anime), I will believe it was her mother and that sh HURTS when the person that's supposed to keep you safe, doesn't.

[@grecianking4428]

I thought they were both in on it because the mother knew he left to sell the horses so I assume they communicated beforehand, they both also didn't help her when the samurai showed up to kill her, and then they both died in the end making me think the story insinuated they both betrayed her.

[@LyxiLynnn]

Also i bet mikio was watching the whole fight. And only came back to "help" when he realized she won the fight and wouldn't be captured. He already knew she could beat him, and that she was obsessed with revenge. It was all self serving

[@amandanorris8]

Not only that….After mizu killed the the soldiers….her husband came up from behind with his sword in hand…after the soldiers were already dead… he tried to sneak up to kill her

[@lesedintuli340]

I like this mystery solving format.Really entertaining watch

[@GeorgiaDow]

thanks I enjoyed it also = )

[@DrewColpurs]

A very insightful breakdown of motivations, so much so that you actually convinced me of your conclusions! However, the only extra note I'd add is that in his fight with Mizu, he was also experiencing genuine fear, not just a loss of self-identity. In fact I think fear may have been his primary emotion in that scene, and that fear may have later come up as the emotions your described, questioning who he is if he's afraid of a woman he can't beat. This note doesn't change the overall motivations though.

[@FreeBorn5683]

This episode actually counts as the most tragic thing I’d ever watched. The writers and animators should be praised. It was so filled with emotion…absolutely high highs (we all wanted her to win even though we know by this point that life didn’t work out for whatever reason) and the lowest of the very low. You can feel when the last piece of her heart blackens …seemingly forever. And no one, not a soul after watching all that could blame her. 👏 I think your analysis was spot on about the husband’s betrayal but also about the mother’s true identity. When she walked out she didn’t show an ounce of motherly concern for Mizu’s well-being. No surprise really…just yet more proof she was the maid. Mizu’s lineage is Royal. I just know it!

[@GeorgiaDow]

I felt this one also so very deeply

[@musicmakr9623]

Ohmygosh! 😳You just validated all my feelings about this episode! Wonderful 👏🙌

[@chunkystains8950]

I 100% agree. I figured it was them to begin with but you found SO MANY other reasons to back it up.

[@AllyrionWW]

Love this video, very good analysis. Especially emphasizing how his pride as a samurai was an open wound. Regardless of who informed the solidiers, I like how the episode frames it as it doesn’t matter. We are narratively following closely from Mizu’s perspective. And in that regard, the one who betrayed Mizu was Mizu herself. She betrayed her purpose (revenge). And that’s the heartbreaking part.

[@nancycaciola3135]

This is a perfect analysis! You really break it down well. I noticed many of these details, and also thought Mikio was to blame, but your observation of the three seasons passing, and the relationship to the mother's addiction, are really interesting details I hadn't put together at all. In Japanese, Mizu means, "water." A reference to her eyes, of course, but also when the "mother" tells her that, on her own, she can be fluid like water, it is simply that she can live up to the destiny of her name.