Is there a romantic relationship between Blackthorne and Mariko?

James Clavell’s Shogun vividly depicts clashing cultures and forbidden longings. The core of this novel lies in the complex relationship between John Blackthorne, a shipwrecked English pilot, and Lady Mariko, a Japanese woman trapped in a joyless marriage.

1. What is Blackthorn and Mariko’s relationship in Shogun?

In “Shogun,” the relationship between English sailor John Blackthorn and samurai wife Mariko is a poignant story of cultural differences and forbidden love.

Despite their vastly contrasting backgrounds, they develop a deep mutual respect and emotional bond. In the end, Episode 4 of Shōgun Mariko and Blackthorn spend a romantic night together.

They both experienced intense grief and trauma from losing loved ones in various wars. Although their secret meetings are forbidden, the audience can see their love blossom. Fortunately, Fuji is there to cover for them and deny the relationship if necessary, which benefits Blackthorne.

Blackthorn’s mind is calm, which Mariko feels will help him when training the Ajiro army in weapons, cannons, and other European military tactics.

She believes he can divide 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 he has it wrapped around her finger by being with her.

This could all be a scheme she’s working on to make him obey her, and by extension, Toranaga. But there is also a high possibility that Mariko’s intentions are real after seeing Blackthorn risk his life to save her in Osaka when she was attacked by Ishido’s men.

Feeling happy for the first time in a while, Mariko shares part of her mysterious family history and lacks closure about the inevitable deaths.

Blackthorn doesn’t press the matter, hoping she’ll confess everything fully when she’s ready. This depicts a mature Blackthorn who does not want to run anymore.

He was afraid of love, but regardless of the emotion, he could tell that Mariko was perfect for him. They both quell the storms raging within each other, and it’s clear that when they build their fence, they do so with each other in mind.

2. Why can the Shogun’s Eight Sword be a double-edged sword?

The increasing contact between Blackthorn and Mariko may cause problems in the future. Toranaga might not like hearing that Mariko doesn’t treat him as just a tool. After all, she was expected to serve the Edo lord as a translator or ambassador.

There’s no room for romance, not with Ishido and the Council of Rulers targeting them.

They must either complete their mission quickly and efficiently or let someone else like Fuji handle it. Toranaga is looking forward to this option because he demands that his soldiers improve under Blackthorn’s supervision.

This bond between Blackthorn and Mariko also means that they both have something to lose. This could put them at risk when the war begins. Mariko left Blackthorn behind once to protect Team Toranaga, but if she has to do it again, her passion might push her to break the rules.

This may lead to her being viewed as a traitor and facing guilt, scorn, and ridicule.

Ishido’s men have the ability to capture and torture either party, threatening to break the other despite the distance. This bond challenges Mariko’s desire to be like a robot, as she now risks emotional attachment, turning something beautiful into something painful and cursed.

Opening their hearts and allowing love to flow between them leaves Mariko and Blackthorn vulnerable at the worst possible time. Since Buntarō’s death is not shown on screen, there is little possibility that Ishido’s men will take him away alive.

This would complicate matters if he escaped and confronted Mariko, who did not want to lose her agency and control again. If Buntaro sees Blackthorn as his wife’s dream partner, he will be angry.

Specifically, he will know that they have found freedom in each other while remaining bound by civil war and the dynasties of the past. Ultimately, the Shogun is drawn to love, but this potential romance could spell trouble for everyone involved.

3. About the Shogun

Shōgun is an upcoming American limited historical drama television series based on the 1975 novel of the same name by James Clavell. The novel was previously adapted into a television series in 1980.

The series is scheduled to premiere with its first two episodes on February 27, 2024, on Hulu and FX, with new episodes of the 10-episode series released weekly.

Shōgun follows the collision of two ambitious men from different worlds and a mysterious female samurai; John Blackthorn, a risk-taking English sailor who ends up shipwrecked in Japan, a land whose unfamiliar culture will eventually redefine him; Lord Toranaga, a powerful shrewd, at odds with his dangerous political rivals and Lady Mariko, a woman with invaluable skills but dishonest family ties, who must prove her worth and loyalty.