Co-creators Justin Marks and Rachel Kondo break down the death in the intense “Shogun” penultimate episode.
WARNING: This article contains spoilers forShogunepisode 9, Crimson Sky.
For eight episodes, viewers have watched Hiroyuki Sanada pullpolitical puppet stringsas Lord Toranaga in FXs expansive miniseriesShogun.
Anna Sawai as Mariko on ‘Shōgun’.Katie Yu/FX
But in the penultimate episode, its Anna Sawais Lady Mariko who takes center stage.
In the beginning, Sawai tellsEntertainment Weekly, Mariko sought freedom in death.
But in carrying out Toranagas mysterious Crimson Sky scheme, she fulfills her purpose.
Anna Sawai as Mariko on ‘Shōgun’.Katie Yu/FX
“But once she does find that purpose, I think she’s less about wanting to achieve freedom.
It’s more about having a purposeful death.
The standoff features an impressive bit of fight choreography on Sawai’s part.
But Mariko’s display is more figurative than literal, co-creator Justin Marks tells EW.
“She’s not there to take anyone down,” he says.
Mariko is forced to threaten seppuku after the injustice of being kept at the castle.
But destiny had other plans.
There’s no other way out, though.
“Let it come” are her final words to Blackthorne.
Finally, Mariko can greet her end, knowing that her death is serving a larger cause.
Co-creator Rachel Kondo adds that there is a “serenity” to the heart-wrenching moment.
–With reporting from Nick Romano
Shogun’sfinale airs Tuesday, April 23, on Hulu and FX.
