Through the first four episodes, Shogun is off to a terrific start. Like The Last of Us in 2023, Shogun is starting the year so strong that it will be difficult for another series to top it.
FX’s Shogun is an adaptation of James Clavell‘s 1975 novel in which two men from different worlds and a woman with a foot in both worlds collide. Lord Yoshii Toranaga (Hiroyuki Sanada) is on the outs with the other regents. He aims to find an advantage over his political rivals, who outnumber his forces. Toranaga finds an opportunity for outside support when he hears about a confiscated ship by one of the fief lords. Unsurprisingly, Sanada excels at being a master strategist who shows great restraint.
On board the ship is John Blackthorne (Cosmo Jarvis). He’s a risk-taking Englishman who ends up in uncharted waters. After losing his ship and crew, Blackthorne becomes Toranaga’s prisoner. Furthermore, he proves to be a useful tool for Toranaga to use. For one, Blackthorne’s access to Europe allowed Toranaga to expand beyond Japan’s borders and recognize the threat the Portuguese posed. For another, Blackthorne’s naval knowledge allows Toranaga’s men to use weapons and strategies that could pay off.
Meanwhile, Blackthorne is thrust into a world of unknown language and customs. Jarvis is incredible at showing Blackthorne’s shock at the different cultures. Sometimes, it’s a subtle reaction, like the first time he sees someone attempt to kill themselves instead of dying at the hands of Mother Nature. At other points, he’s downright hostile, especially when women are offered to provide certain services.
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In what could be a thankless role, Anna Sawai follows her strong performance in Monarch: Legacy of Monsters with a star-making performance as Mariko. Mariko essentially serves as an interpreter between Toranaga and Blackthorne, but the relationship between Blackthorne and Mariko deepens over the first four episodes.
The visuals of ancient Japan are stunning, while the action sequences are brutal and accurate to the time for the most part. The 4th episode takes some liberties with the accuracy of cannons in an otherwise flawless realization of combat.
Overall, the slow build allows brilliant character work and world-building to shine.
Shogun Review Score
9.5: Outsanding
With the overview out of the way, let’s dive deeper into the political ramifications, the slow-burn love story and the best episode of Shogun so far. Shogun is currently airing on Hulu via FX.
I’m also looking to add video reviews and commentary in 2024. Please let me know if you are interested.
Council of Regents
In Shogun, control of Japan is split among five regents. Taikō was the Emperor then and had set his sights on Toranaga replacing him as Emperor. Recognizing the jealousy this will cause for the others, Toranaga declines. Taiko sets up the Council of Regents to rule over Japan until his son comes of age.
After Taikō’s death, Ishido convinces the other regents to impeach Toranaga, which is also a death sentence. Recognizing the fraught situation, Toranago turns to the marooned ship and English pilot in Blackthorne to find an alliance outside of Japan.
He also finds enemies. The Portuguese aim to turn Japan into a Catholic state. Toranaga shows incredible intelligence in the face of overwhelming odds. He knows one misstep could mean the end.
Shogun: The Eightfold Fence
Until episode four, Shogun‘s predominant focus is on the political and religious turmoil, with action sequences breaking up the slow-burn storytelling. The Eightfold Fence is the best episode because it finally focuses on the romance. The growing relationship between Blackthorne and Mariko finally becomes something more. Their romantic connection feels earned.
Blackthorne and Mariko couldn’t be more different. They’re from different countries, classes, and religious affiliations. Blackthorne is English, pretty crass and protestant. Mariko is high-class through and through, not to mention Catholic. Yet Blackthorne’s freedom to choose his destiny becomes an undeniable attraction for Mariko.
The episode centers around multiple conversations between Mariko and Blackthorne, deepening their connection to each other. The Eightfold Fence breaks up the quiet moments with impressive training sequences showing Shogun‘s scale, although the pinpoint accuracy of the cannons is preposterous.
The episode ends with a shocking twist. During a cannon demonstration for Ishido’s men, Toranaga’s son, Nagakado, launched a sudden assault on Ishido’s men. It’s an undeniable act of war, and Nagakado’s rash actions starkly contrast Toranaga’s approach.
War seems all but certain after Nagakado’s actions. How will Toranaga react to his son’s outburst? There’s plenty to look forward to in Episode Five.
Shogun Final Thoughts
Overall, the impressive performances, sense of scale and great storytelling make Shogun a must-watch in 2024.
The Review
Shogun
PROS
- Anna Sawai cements herself as rising star in her portrayal of Mariko.
- Impressive scale for an FX television series.
- Terrific action sequences.
- Well-earned romantic relationship between Blackthorne and Mariko.
- Hiroyuki Sanada delivers an unsurprisingly dignified performance as Toranaga.
CONS
- Cannons during this time period are not accurate at all.
