‘Shōgun’ Star Anna Sawai Dissects Mariko’s Devastating Move in Episode 9

Note: This story contains spoilers from “Shōgun” Episode 9.

Even in the brutal world of “Shōgun,” there is little to prepare viewers for the FX series’ penultimate episode. After nine hours spent following the quiet, noble Lady Mariko (Anna Sawai), the heart of this war epic gave her life to the ones she valued most — a glorious ending to her character.

“I think it’s the best way that she could have gone,” Sawai told TheWrap.

Going into Episode 9, there were no big...