Exploring the Intimate Connection Between John Blackthorne, Mariko, and Anna Sawai in Shōgun

Anna Sawai, who plays Lady Mariko in the new FX historical epic Shōgun, recently shared her thoughts on the potential romance between her character and Pilot-Major John Blackthorne. The show, set in 1600s Japan, follows the story of Lord Yoshii Toranaga and a shipwrecked English sailor, Blackthorne, whose meeting changes the balance of power. Sawai's character, Lady Mariko, is a skilled samurai and translator who becomes entangled in Blackthorne's life.

In a conversation with TVLine, Sawai discussed the aftermath of Mariko's husband Buntaro's presumed death in episode 3 of Shōgun. She mentioned that while Mariko may not be ready to move on from her loss, being freed from her unhappy marriage could pave the way for a closer connection with Blackthorne. This shift in their relationship could lead to further growth and development for both characters.

After the scene where she bids farewell to her husband, Mariko's feelings towards Buntaro and Blackthorne have shifted. She acknowledges that despite feeling sad for Buntaro, their marriage was unhappy due to his mistreatment towards her. Rather than experiencing intense grief, Mariko seems to be accepting the reality of their relationship. There is a sense of relief as she no longer has to live under the weight of Buntaro's expectations. This newfound freedom allows her to connect more with Blackthorne, who treats her with respect and values her opinions. As their bond deepens, Mariko begins to feel more comfortable and appreciated by Blackthorne, paving the way for a closer relationship between them.

Anna Sawai as Toda Mariko in Shogun in front of a custom background with a map - How Mariko Feels About Buntaro & Blackthorne After Shōgun Episode 3

Custom Image by Yailin Chacon

In Shōgun episode 3, Buntaro (Shinnosuke Abe) heroically sacrifices himself, leaving everyone, including Mariko, in awe of his strength and bravery. Mariko's expression shows her admiration for his sacrifice, even though she has yet to fully process the grief of becoming a widow. Despite their troubled marriage, Mariko finds some relief in Buntaro's passing.

Mariko's feelings of mistreatment and unhappiness pave the way for a deeper connection with Blackthorne after Buntaro's death. Unlike her late husband, Blackthorne values Mariko's skills and opinions, making her feel appreciated and comfortable. While their bond has grown stronger over the first three episodes of Shōgun, it remains to be seen if a romance will blossom between them.

Shōgun airs new episodes on Tuesday nights on FX and Hulu.

Source: TVLine

Editor's P/S:

Anna Sawai's portrayal of Lady Mariko in "Shōgun" presents a compelling and nuanced character. Her journey of grief and liberation opens up the possibility for a romantic connection with Blackthorne. The contrast between her unhappy marriage and Blackthorne's respectful treatment highlights the potential for a mutually fulfilling relationship. As their bond deepens, it will be fascinating to see how their differing backgrounds and perspectives shape their evolving connection.

The show's exploration of power dynamics and cultural clashes adds depth to the potential romance between Mariko and Blackthorne. Set in 1600s Japan, "Shōgun" offers a unique backdrop for a love story that transcends societal norms. As Mariko navigates her newfound freedom and Blackthorne grapples with his outsider status, their connection has the potential to bridge cultural divides and create a truly memorable and impactful narrative.