Based on James Clavell’s 1975 novel of the same name, and already adapted previously as a 1980s miniseries, the 2024 limited-series historical epic “Shōgun” has come to a close after ten episodes. It aired weekly on FX/Hulu simultaneously and is available through Hulu on the Disney+ bundle.
Inspired by real history, the story follows a squabbling council of regents in the aftermath of the Taikō’s death, leaving only a baby as heir-apparent, which may lead 1600s feudal Japan into a full-scale civil war. The story follows Lord Yoshii Toranaga (Hiroyuki Sanada), a calculating member of this council as he attempts to consolidate power away from the other council members to become shōgun, a term meaning “military protector/commander,” to maintain peace in the country.
When a British trading galley washes up on the shore of Kashigi Yabushige’s (Tadanobu Asano) — one of Toranaga’s vassals — village with a surviving pilot, outspoken Englishman John Blackthorne (Cosmo Jarvis), Toranaga enlists his counselor, Toda Mariko (Anna Sawai) to serve as a translator for Blackthorne. With Portuguese Catholic incursions already underway in Japan at the time, and with many in Japan including members of the council converting, a Christian Englishman becoming a servant to Toranaga is just the wild card Toranaga needs to sway the situation in his favor.
Interloping scheming political forces in the backdrop of a feudal hierarchy in a show with stellar production value, score, performances and cinematography, the “Game of Thrones” comparisons are apt. Not to mention, it’s an expensive production that actually looks expensive. However, director Jonathan van Tulleken has stated that comparisons to “Succession” are apropos as much of the show’s strength is in its dialogue between characters.
Much of the show is in Japanese, English as Portuguese (it’s confusing), and actual Portuguese, however fully English-dubbed versions of the episodes are available but may undercut the flowery, often poetic dialogue. Foreign language content does not often do well for a Western audience, however as “Parasite” director Bong Joon Ho put it when he accepted the 2020 Golden Globe for Best Foreign Language Film, “Once you overcome the one-inch-tall barrier of subtitles, you will be introduced to so many more amazing films.”
“Flowers Are Only Flowers Because They Fall”
Sanada serves as lead actor and producer on the show and has received long-overdue accolades for his performance. With 115 acting credits to his name, appearing in productions such as “Westworld,” “Avengers: Endgame” and “John Wick: Chapter 4” as only minor characters, it’s about time. His natural regal energy as an actor gives Toranaga a commanding presence in the show and a believable air of leadership.
Jarvis was largely panned in a different historical drama “Persuasion” for his confused performance. In “Shōgun” however, his outsideness is a strength. The other characters consistently refer to Blackthorne as “Anjin” or “outsider.” His mannerisms often lead to funny situations where he takes an over-the-top stance on navigating this dangerous new world. But to his credit, Jarvis suits the character’s quieter moments quite well.
Sawai, and the show in general, is already receiving legitimate awards buzz for her performance as Toda Mariko. A case could be made that she is the heart of the show. Without spoiling her backstory, Mariko is a beautifully tragic character who remains honor-bound to her lord, faith and duty despite yearning for an end to her suffering. As she becomes closer to Blackthorne, a legitimate romance develops between them, helped by Sawai’s strong chemistry with Jarvis.
Fumi Nikaidô as Lady Ochiba No Kata is another actor Sawai has strong chemistry with as their characters grew up together like sisters. Lady Ochiba only affects the plot in the second half of the season as a dangerous political figure. Mariko often speaks in poetic language to her saying, “Flowers are only flowers because they fall,” letting Lady Ochiba know her decisive thoughts.
Asano as Yabushige turns what could have been a very unlikable character into one the audience cannot help but enjoy. He is a wild card and often funny despite his duplicitous nature. Moeka Hoshi has a small role as Usami Fuji, the mother of the heir and servant of Toranaga. Her performance is largely in sly glances and understated moments that do wonders for the show’s brevity.
“We Live, and We Die”
“We live, and we die” is a line spoken by Mariko to Blackthorne in response to his incredulousness over how little apparent value is placed on life in the feudal system he finds himself in. Sure, this could be seen as a dismissive attitude towards the staying power of life but it also bluntly states that all good things come to an end.
The show creators Justin Marks and Rachel Kondo have remained adamant that this season was based solely on Clavell’s novel and will be one season, even though there are more books in the series. Perhaps, there’s a hidden silver lining in that the show will only be a one-and-done season.
While this show has received plenty of praise online, it’s early in the year. Will the hype last until the awards season in 2025? Other great shows are returning soon, like “The Bear,” “The Boys” and “House of the Dragon” that may overshadow it. And the premiere did make it to the Nielsen Streaming Charts.
“Shōgun” has an astounding 99% critical score and 91% audience score on Rotten Tomatoes, a 9.0 user rating on IMDB and a 4.4 star rating on Letterboxd. Now that the entire season is finished, perhaps people who prefer binge-watching over week-to-week viewing will give the hype a second wind. If nothing else, in the era of forgotten and mediocre streaming shows, peak TV is still possible.
