The daughter of Akechi Mitsuhide, the most famous traitor in Japanese history, died saying she would protest Ishido's shameless attack. Toranaga used Hiromatsu and Mariko to great effect. Realists are smart and cruel.

Yabushige letting the Shinobi in was what Ishido requested of him in return for sparing his life. Their mission was likely to capture but not kill Mariko because, as Orchiba stated, either preventing or allowing her departure would cause other 'hostages' to follow suit, and Toranaga would have the upper hand. However, Mariko's sacrifice now ensures that Ishido will be blamed, handing the advantage to Toranaga. Yabushige has never been loyal to anything but his own survival, and yet I'm still so desperately disappointed. More fool me. RIP Mariko 🌸💔

"You want you dead" 25:30 😭😭😭😭 PLEASEEEEEEE

I feel you bro. Mariko is amazing. So the plan was Ishido couldn't kill Mariko, and he couldn't stop her, so the Shinobi were sent to kill her retinue and to capture and confine her. He used Yabu to make that happen. Yabu knew this, which is why he suggested they go to the gate, and he looked concerned when she said that she could not be captured. In the dojo, she saw the way out. She had to escape or die for Crimson Sky, and if she stood at the door and was killed, it was even better for Toranaga. Yabu looked panicked because that wasn't what he agreed to do. She was supposed to be captured. Such a sad ending, but it was masterfully told.

Shenobi were ultimately meant to capture and detain Mariko to prevent her from trying to leave or kill herself (Orchiba walked thru the pickle that Mariko put them). Ishido had Yabashige assist and betray them. And yeah this was Mariko’s mission. She was ready die at multiple points this episode…a real one.

Enjoying your intelligent reactions man!

The show is amazing and it got me to read the book it is based on by episode 6. They moved around the timings but apart from two VERY major moments, did in the end get it all packed in so far. I can only hope with one episode left that it ends on a high or adds them in! The only thing I dislike about this show is they stripped john right back to the bones, took away his agency and made him a bit whiney in the middle of the show. The book shows with certainty that he can fight (tho ofc with swords not as well) and his bravery is without question. Many characters men and women openly respect him, and behind closed doors appreciate the effort he makes to try and assimilate. Omi / Yabu / Kiku / Fuji.

That claim with her death to ishido, As japanese understandable ,but never want to. Japan's old rule is crazy , but pray they did is noble. Thanks to our ancestors.

Great visceral reaction. Smart reactor too. Anticipating Yabu's acceptance of Ishido's offer thus not confusing the dark sequences involving the ninjas. Also, speculating Lord Ishido may nevertheless attack the lords' families outside the castle, as they had shamelessly perpetrated before, was probably on point had the shinobe siege not occurred. Btw, she should remember the name of the actor playing Mariko, you purported to be one of your favorite actresses on TV.

こんな理不尽な世界で生きていくことは出来はしない。死ぬのがいいわ。