ofmd

I mean, look at what they did to the Inca and the Aztecs. That was their MO and they were fairly restrained in Japan because that civilization was not as technologically disadvantaged as expected. >>So why has Mariko been anguished all her life about the death of her family Imho, it had as much to do with pride and loss of status as with grief, perceived injustice etc. I mean, the whole previous episode was about accepting or hating fate... As for the traditional Japanese religion, I hope we'll hear someone with more knowledge explain, but I think it was more like Shintoism, not big on the after life, more a pantheistic thing. (I'm sure my grasp is lacking.) I do think there must be more cognitive dissonance than for the average Catholic or Christian, trying to reconcile the two cultures.

Mariko has, from the start, been shown as someone who wanted to die, who would have committed seppuku in a heartbeat, had not her husband, and later Toranaga, forbidden her to do so. She was focused on two things: on dying and on helping the cause/ her liege lord/ taking revenge (hard to tell those things apart), preferably both at the same time. I do wish they had found a way for her to live on, but the show had built no foundation whatsoever for that, so I'm surprised anyone would doubt she would go through with it. (I totally effed up tenses, sorry.) I appreciate the show never tricked the viewer into believing that could change. I do hope Fuji will find a cause to live though. ETA: Apparently, Mariko is based on a real person: https://www.japanesewiki.com/person/Garasha (Gracia) HOSOKAWA.html https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hosokawa_Gracia I was going to ask if we would get to hear Mariko's death poem; here is the real one: 'A flower is most beautiful when it knows the time to fall. People are like flowers, I will die without hesitation.'

(Why does everyone pronounce it "show-gun"?!)

Idk, the way I remember it - which may be wrong - was far more trite than this. Essentially, she sacrificed herself to save Blackthorne's life because lurvvve. I certainly would have wished for a different ending, but throughout the series, Mariko has been portrayed as a very dark character longing for death. You know, if they had shown Mariko falling in love with the Anjin in this episode (instead of a long time ago, for no particular reason), I wouldn't have complained. It was the first time he showed true understanding for her and her culture and he was willing to act against everything he believed in, while the lord who had promised to second her failed to show up and her son refused her. This was a riveting episode. Plus, poetry.

I mean, he really might have read it... The Ilias, that is.

I agree. And I assume we won't see any or most of the arconia residents, as the season takes place elsewhere. :-( I need my Uma fix, and Howard, and the Detective! (Not an Arconian but unlikely to turn up in LA.)

My favorite moment: "'Those are your neighbors..." Mwahaha. I'm very confused. I figured this was all a great ruse, but am I really to believe he sacrificed his son and heir? Or was that just an unscripted bonus? I'm guessing Blackthorne's job is to keep Yobu busy and to bring the navy to the battle. The actor who plays Buntaro gave great performances, making a despicable character nuanced and almost sympathetic. Second favorite moment: "You will know what it means to be denied." I'm really thrilled to see so many unknown (to me) great actors. I even like Yobu's hamminess. Heck, I'd like him if it wasn't for his boiling kink.

She told Omi that the anjin's "thoughts were elsewhere" (i.e. not with Kiku) that night.

So much for "whatever happens in the willow world, stays in the willow world"! I knew that was BS. Although I don't quite get why dissent around the Anjin would be advantageous to her. Also, poor kiddo. I kept thinking Toranaga's brother was in on the great 3-dimensional chess plan, but after his nephew's death, probably not. Is the great plan to enter Osaka under the ruse of surrender, then take Osaka from within? I agree that the actor who plays Toranaga owns the show. Most others (sans the Blackthorne actor) are pretty good. Kiddo actor acted his little heart out, too.

Mothers of heirs have held power (until said heir came of age) in many cultures, I don't have a problem accepting Lady Ochiba does.

I'm 10 minutes in and he's still disrespecting her by calling her Mariko. Gah, I just can't with this Blackthorne.

I wonder what Toranaga's reasoning is wrt to the traiterous/ manoevering vassal. Is it really a wise idea to have this ambitious dude learn new military tactics? And have his son and heir, who is still inexperienced and hot-headed, iow vulnerable, with him? There must be a long-term strategy that I don't get.

I love the Toranaga actor, he's very good and charismatic. I wish I could say the same about Blackthorne. I dont gel with the actor. This, and the writing, makes me not like him very much. Not to mention the fact that he loves the freedom of the seas while his wife is left at home. (Not unrealistic, I know. Still.) And I find it hard to believe Mariko is already breathing heavily for him, bravery or not. He must still have a very obnoxious body odor, too... I doubt he's already taken to daily hygiene. Speaking of Mariko, I wonder if she is secretly a female samurai... I forget what they were called. And what exactly happened 14 years ago. This episode was weaker than the first two. And yes, the dialog of the dudebros at their respective rudders was cringey... ETA: Regarding Mariko's fighting skills, I seem to remember from documentaries that noble ladies did learn to defend themselves, including weapon skills, so it might just be that. Still leaning towards samurai though.

I believe second priest dude (I'm still learning the names) only translated correctly because he knew Mariko could have corrected him, which is exactly why she was present. And Blackthorne didn't know that yet, she had not spoken. As for her letting the priest call her Lady Maria, I assumed it was because she respected him and the church? ETA: Apologies if this got already cleared up in later episode threads, I'm playing catch-up with the show.

I thought he learned about the Portugese ports, and specifically about Macao, from a friend. From the priest he learned that the Regents had no clue about it, so he now was aware he had valuable intel. As for Blackthorne not bringing it up right away, I think ge'd gotten wiser and didn't speak out of turn. Or maybe that's what I'd like to think, I'm not all that impressed with him so far...