Shogun's third episode ends with Buntaro dying off-screen. But does Mariko know Buntaro is dead and what are the implications for her and her son?
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Mariko and Buntaro's Loveless Marriage
In the FX Shogun TV series, Lady Mariko is married to Toda Hirokatsu, who is best known by his nickname, Buntaro.
Theirs was a political marriage, though Buntaro fell for Mariko early on. She did not initially like him, but she resolved to be a dutiful wife.
A tragedy in their past further strained their relationship and, by episode 2 of Shogun we see Mariko trying to shield her son from Buntaro's rage.
Mariko's husband resents her political power and the fact that she is useful to Toranaga due to her knowledge of Portuguese.
Does Mariko Know About Buntaro's Death in Shogun?
Spoiler Warning: Below we discuss spoilers about James Clavell's Shogun novel and the 80s mini-series inspired by it.
Shogun episode 3 doesn't include a scene of Mariko finding out about Buntaro's death, but she will probably find out soon enough if she hasn't already.
Due to the political nature of her marriage, her and her son's position will likely be even more precarious as a result of Buntaro's death.
That being said, many viewers doubt that Butnaro is actually dead, since we only see him getting dragged away.
Fans believe that Buntaro is very likely to have survived, not necessarily because his position didn't seem precarious enough, but more because of the complications his presence could cause.
It is already clear that Blackthorne is interested in Mariko, and that she does not love her husband.
Buntaro's death wouldn't mean that they would be free to be together, but his presence would make things even more complicated for them.
In James Clavell's novel, there is a clash between Blackthorne and Buntaro, as the former develops feelings for Mariko and is repulsed by her husband's violent behavior.
The 2024 FX series could change this and take a different course of action, but, if it is faithful to the novel, Buntaro's return seems likely.
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