Lord Toranaga sends Mariko to Osaka on a mysterious mission as tensions rise among the soldiers in his ranks in the trailer for Shogun episode 8.

Lord Toranaga sends Mariko on a mysterious mission as tensions rise among his ranks in the trailer for Shogun episode 8. In the last episode of FX’s acclaimed period-set drama series, a betrayal left Toranaga seemingly without options, and facing the prospect of surrender. Toranaga may be prepared to accept his fate, but the same is not necessarily true of those around him, including John Blackthorne, who by the end of Shogun episode 7 seemed ready to reject the honors bestowed on him and leave Toranaga’s army behind.

FX has now released a brief trailer for Shogun episode 8 “Abyss of Life,” in which Toranaga is seen sending Mariko to Osaka on a secret mission, which John Blackthorne urges her not to accept. The trailer also teases Ishido proposing marriage to Ochiba as a means of strengthening their bond. Meanwhile, Toranaga’s men question his decision to surrender. Check out the clip below:

Will John Blackthorne And Mariko Remain Loyal To Toranaga?

The full strength of Mariko’s bond with Toranaga was revealed two episodes ago, when her backstory was finally fleshed out, and Toranaga’s role in guiding her destiny was made plain. Last episode, Mariko’s shame over not dying with her family led her to make a desperate plea to Toranaga that he allow her to finally die with honor by committing seppuku, but Toranaga has other plans for her.

The newly-released Shogun episode 8 trailer sees Mariko reaffirming her allegiance to Toranaga, even as Blackthorne asks her not to go along with his plans. Blackthorne indeed seems ready to leave his increasingly dire situation behind, having hinted to Mariko last week that the two might escape together, a move that would require Mariko to betray Toranaga.

Mariko’s deep loyalty to Toranaga may continue to guide her actions on Shogun, sending her to Osaka for a face-to-face meeting with her former best friend, Ochiba. It’s yet to be seen how Blackthorne responds to the situation, but if he believes Mariko is in danger, he could follow her to Osaka, whether Toranaga orders it or not. Toranaga’s army seems to be crumbling around him, but he may still have one play left in his long game, a play that involves using Mariko and Blackthorne.