The Mysterious Journey of Mizu in Blue Eye Samurai: Unraveling the Ending

Article Overview

Fowler's plot to overthrow the Shogunate was unsuccessful due to Mizu's intervention, in which he managed to spare his own life despite assassinating the Shogun.

Seeking retribution against the remaining possible fathers who had brought misery into her life, Mizu departs Japan and makes her way to London for Season 2.

The show, "Blue Eye Samurai," takes place in a fictional story that is set in a historically accurate context. It incorporates elements of real events and includes notable figures such as the navigator William Adams.

In its thrilling conclusion, the Netflix original "Blue Eye Samurai" leaves viewers eagerly anticipating future seasons with its intriguing possibilities set in medieval Japan. Much like cult classics like Samurai Champloo and feudal reimaginings like Samurai 7, the tales of these Japanese warrior clans have captivated anime fans for years. As the season finale unfolds, viewers find themselves on the edge of their seats, cheering for Mizu as she draws nearer to achieving her revenge and saving the princess. However, a larger conspiracy is unveiled, creating even more potential for upcoming seasons. Mizu's targets for revenge include figures like the Irish smuggler and inventor Abijah Fowler, adding to the complexity and depth of the story.

It is no surprise that Netflix has made significant contributions to the world of samurai anime with original series such as Yasuke and Ominusha. One of their latest additions to these Netflix anime offerings is Blue Eye Samurai. This captivating show follows the story of Mizu, a biracial warrior seeking revenge for her tragic past in medieval Japan during the Edo Period. Alongside Mizu, viewers are introduced to the amiable cook Ringo and the conceited swordsman Taigen, as they all confront numerous trials during a tumultuous era in rural Japan. Furthermore, the headstrong Princess Akemi also becomes entangled in this intricate narrative. With a total of eight episodes, the first season of this animated series, available for streaming on Netflix, concludes with an exhilarating finale entitled "The Great Fire of 1657".

Fowler's Plan To Overthrow The Shogunate Failed

Abijah Fowler, an unpredictable Irishman, represents the arrival of imperialism and the adoption of Christianity in 17th-century Japan. From the very beginning, Fowler's intentions revolved around toppling the shogunate, the hereditary military dictatorship in Japan, and opening Japan to foreign trade. Mizu discovered Fowler's plan while hiding in his secret hideout. Moreover, in order to accomplish his goal, Fowler not only aligned himself with Heiji Shindo, his supposed captor, but also with other Japanese officials within the royal court. With a vast number of Japanese soldiers under his command, Fowler's forces also possessed advanced weaponry that could easily overpower the Shogun's feudal army.

Sir Kenneth Branagh, an Oscar-winning screenwriter, director, and actor, provides the voice for Fowler.

Mizu Leaves Japan & Heads To London For Blue Eye Samurai Season 2

Fowler displayed remarkable success as he effortlessly overcame countless soldiers at the Edo Castle. The advantageous presence of cannons and guns on his side countered the Shogun’s army, which relied solely on swords and arrows. He even confronted the Shogun in the town center and fatally shot him. Despite the Shogun's demise, Fowler's plan to seize power was thwarted by Mizu's unexpected involvement. This vengeful warrior could have easily ended Fowler's life, but the resourceful Irish mercenary made her an offer she couldn't resist. Although he couldn't topple the reigning Shogunate, Fowler managed to ensure his own survival.

Similar to the semi-historical anime Yasuke on Netflix, Blue Eye Samurai delves into the issue of racism in medieval Japan. Mizu, who has a mixed heritage of white and Japanese, faced numerous challenges in her upbringing, made even more difficult by the absence of her unknown white father. After witnessing the tragic demise of her mother, killed by local villagers who also burned down their house, Mizu found herself orphaned and determined to seek out the four remaining white men living in Japan. She believed that one of them could potentially be her father, and her sole purpose was to exact revenge by eliminating them. Fowler, being one of the four candidates, became the target of her anger. However, in an unexpected turn of events, Mizu was unable to fulfill her vengeful plans in the end due to an unprecedented offer.

Although Violet, one of the potential fathers, was killed by her early on in the series, there are still two men remaining besides Fowler. Just as Mizu is about to end Fowler's life, he makes a promise to provide her with information about the whereabouts of the other two men. Fowler implies that they might be in London and manages to convince Mizu to spare his life, suggesting that she should seek her unfinished revenge overseas instead. This unexpected turn of events adds an intriguing twist to the plot, and hints at the possibility that Mizu's plan goes well beyond Folwer. Season 2 will primarily take place in London, where Mizu will come face to face with the other two potential fathers who have brought turmoil into her life.

What's Next For Every Character In Blue Eye Samurai

Mizu

Determined to locate her long-hated father, Mizu embarks on a journey to London. However, if the other two men are not found there, she may explore other territories. As a nomadic wanderer, her sole purpose is to seek retribution for the distressing experiences of her childhood.

Ringo

The devoted chef Ringo has faithfully assisted Mizu ever since their paths crossed. However, it is uncertain if he accompanied her to London. Nevertheless, should Mizu come back to Japan and require assistance, she can always rely on Ringo.

Taigen

Hot-headed yet morally upright, the courageous fighter Taigen grapples with his personal demons following his failure to protect the shogun (whom Fowler effortlessly dispatched despite Taigen's watchful eye). Additionally, the samurai warrior bears the weight of unrequited love, as his cherished Princess Akemi rejects his advances in the climactic finale. Now driven by her own ambitions, she and Taigen must face their battles alone, akin to the solitary wolf, Mizu.

Princess Akemi

Akemi undergoes a significant personal transformation throughout the Netflix adult animated series. In the beginning, she simply desires a happy life alongside Taigen. However, as the series progresses, she comes to the realization that she yearns to lead a more righteous and impactful existence as a monarch. Recognizing that marrying Prince Takayoshi, who is not the heir to the throne, can be a means to achieve her lofty ambitions, Akemi ultimately decides to abandon Taigen and pursue aristocratic glory.

Abijah Folwer

Mizu spared Fowler's life, but he now faces a significant challenge in rebuilding his plans after the failure to overthrow the shogunate. Depending on Mizu's future actions, there is a chance she may seek to kill Fowler once again. The ambiguous ending still leaves room for the possibility that Fowler is actually Mizu's father, a truth he may be concealing for his own nefarious motives.

How True Is Blue Eye Samurai?

The Blue Eye Samurai bears resemblance to the renowned tale of the 47 Ronin, as it presents a heavily fictionalized narrative within the backdrop of historical events. While characters such as Mizu and Fowler are entirely products of imagination, the setting of the 17th century remains grounded in reality. During this period, the Tokugawa Shogunate effectively transformed Japan into an isolationist nation, imposing strict regulations on foreign trade and diplomatic ties. This strategy aimed to safeguard the country's borders, but it also fostered an atmosphere of authoritarianism within certain realms of the state. Similar to how Martin Scorsese's Silence depicts, this era also witnessed the brutal persecution of Japanese individuals who adhered to foreign religions like Christianity.

It is worth noting that the actual "blue-eyed samurai" was the navigator William Adams, despite his resemblance to Fowler rather than Mizu. In Rhea Dulles Foster's book, "Eastward Ho! The First English Adventurers to the Orient" published in 1931, it is mentioned that Adams became a "Western Samurai" after surviving a doomed expedition to Japan in 1600 with his second mate Jan Joosten. Although they were forced to stay in Japan, they were granted the status of samurai. Adams became a trusted advisor to the Tokugawa shogun Ieyasu and played a vital role in foreign trade by establishing a Dutch trading factory in 1613. Therefore, Adams's resemblance was more akin to Fowler rather than the main character of "Blue Eye Samurai."

Editor's P/S

As a Gen Z netizen, I have mixed feelings about the ending of Blue Eye Samurai. On the one hand, I am satisfied with the way the story was wrapped up. Mizu's quest for vengeance was successful, and she was able to save the princess. On the other hand, I am left with a few unanswered questions. What will happen to Mizu now? Will she continue her journey of vengeance, or will she find a new purpose in life? I am also curious about the fate of the other characters, such as Ringo, Taigen, and Princess Akemi.

Overall, I enjoyed Blue Eye Samurai and would recommend it to other anime fans. It is a well-made show with an engaging story and likable characters. I am looking forward to seeing what happens in future seasons.