James Clavell’s Shogun vividly depicts conflicting cultures and forbidden yearnings. This narrative’s core lies in the intricate relationship between John Blackthorne, a shipwrecked English pilot, and Lady Mariko, a Japanese woman trapped in a joyless marriage.
1. What is Blackthorne and Mariko’s Relationship in Shogun?
In “Shogun,” the relationship between the English sailor John Blackthorne and the samurai’s wife Mariko is a poignant story of cultural differences and forbidden love.
Despite their vastly contrasting backgrounds, they develop a profound mutual respect and emotional bond. Eventually, Episode 4 of Shōgun has Mariko and Blackthorne spending a romantic night together.
Both have endured immense grief and trauma from losing their loved ones in various wars. Although their secret trysts are forbidden, the audience can see their love blossoming. Luckily, Fuji is there to cover for them and deny the relationship if needed, which benefits Blackthorne.
Blackthorne’s mind is calm, which Mariko senses will help him when training the Ajiro army on guns, cannons, and other European military tactics.
She believes he can compartmentalize like her and build his walls. She knows he misses his family and feels he lacks honor by not visiting his men. But she can tell that he is wrapped around her finger by being with her.
This could all be a scheme she’s working to make him obey her and, by extension, Toranaga. But there’s also a high chance Mariko’s intentions are genuine after seeing Blackthorne risk his life to save her in Osaka when Ishido’s men attacked.
Mariko is happy for the first time in a while, so she shares part of her mysterious family history and lacks closure over inevitable deaths.
Blackthorne doesn’t press the matter, hoping she will admit everything entirely when ready. This paints a mature Blackthorne who doesn’t want to run anymore.
He was scared of love, but passion aside, he could tell Mariko was perfect for him. They both quell the storms raging inside each other, and it is evident that when they build their fences, they do so with each other in mind.
2. Why Shōgun’s Eightfold Fence Can Be a Double-Edged Sword?
Blackthorne and Mariko’s growing connection could cause problems down the line. Toranaga may not like hearing that Mariko isn’t treating him as just a tool. After all, she is expected to serve the Lord of Edo as a translator or an ambassador.
There is no room for romance, not with Ishido and the Council of Regents targeting them.
They must either complete their task quickly and efficiently or let someone else like Fuji handle it. Toranaga is eyeing this option as he demands his soldiers improve under Blackthorne’s supervision.
This bond between Blackthorne and Mariko also means they both have something to lose. This could compromise them when the war begins. Mariko has already left Blackthorne behind once to protect Toranaga’s team, but if she has to do this again, her affection may lead her to break the rules.
This could result in her being seen as a traitor, facing guilt, scorn, and ridicule.
Ishido’s men have the power to capture and torture either party, threatening to break the other despite the distance. This bond defies Mariko’s desire to be like a robot, as she now risks emotional attachment, transforming something beautiful into something painful and cursed.
Opening their hearts and allowing love to flow between them makes Mariko and Blackthorne vulnerable at the worst possible time. Since Buntaro’s death was not shown on-screen, there is a slim chance he was taken alive by Ishido’s men.
This would complicate matters if he were to escape and encounter Mariko, who does not want to lose her agency and control again. If Buntaro sees Blackthorne as his wife’s dream partner, he will be enraged.
Specifically, he’ll know they both found freedom in each other while he remains bound to a civil war and the dynasties of the past. Ultimately, Shōgun is leaning into love, but this potential romance could cause problems for everyone involved.
3. About Shōgun
Shōgun is an upcoming American historical drama television limited series based on the 1975 novel of the same name by James Clavell. The novel was previously adapted into a 1980 television miniseries.
The series is set to premiere with its first two episodes on February 27, 2024, on Hulu and FX, with new episodes of the 10-episode series then releasing weekly.
Shōgun follows “the collision of two ambitious men from different worlds and a mysterious female samurai; John Blackthorne, a risk-taking English sailor who ends up shipwrecked in Japan, a land whose unfamiliar culture will ultimately redefine him; Lord Toranaga, a shrewd, powerful daimyo, at odds with his own dangerous, political rivals; and Lady Mariko, a woman with invaluable skills but dishonorable family ties, who must prove her value and allegiance”.
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