Quote from: Never say no to Panda! on Yesterday at 08:28:43 AMQuite happy, that the whole (no chemistry) thing between Blackthorne and Mariko is not in the center of the show...it felt much more prominent in the old show. Felt like they moved screentime from that to Mariko (such a good actress) and scenes not including Blackthorne, good decision. Excellent episode, once again.
Spoiler
Guess that's the end for a potential spinoff Blackthorne & Yabushige buddy tv series, that sneaky little bastard. Though, it's in his nature. You can't be mad at him.
Anna Sawai is a great actress. I think you agree with me her performance in Shogun as Mariko is excellent. She deserves to win an Emmy.
Also, when Mariko says a flower is only a flower when it falls off to Ochiba, not only is that poetic, but there are several layers of meaning to that phrase. One one layer, Mariko as the metaphor for the flower is only valuable when she choose to do what she needs to do for Toranaga. On another layer, its an observation of the transient nature of beauty and life, a very Buddhist philosophical worldview. Remember, Japanese culture is highly influenced by Buddhism (and Zen Budhhism at that), many in the samurai class were devoted Buddhists. Buddhism believe that nothing is truly permanent or everlasting. Including flowers and the beauty of youth, they don't last. So to try and hold onto impermanence is the wrong path. Thus Mariko accepts that since human existence isn't permanent, why not do something truly worthwhile for the future of Japan.