Shogun: Crafting a New Era of Television Beyond Fantasy
Shogun: Several TV shows have aimed to be the next “Game of Thrones,” with HBO even making a prequel about the fall of House Targaryen. Many of these shows try to copy Thrones by having fantasy elements like dragons and ice zombies, thinking that’s what people want. However, what made Thrones really good was not just the fantasy stuff but the intense political drama. Even though HBO spent a lot of money on the show’s visuals, the best moments were often just characters having important conversations in nice rooms. Some of these talks were more gripping than the big battle scenes. Plus, Thrones had a detailed history for its world, making it one of the most immersive shows ever.
The TV scene has changed a lot since the peak of Thrones’ popularity. With the rise of streaming services, people’s watching habits have become more scattered, and the era of extravagant spending on TV shows, known as Peak TV, seems to be leveling off. Essentially, the current conditions don’t seem favorable for any show to reach the same level as the phenomenon that was “Game of Thrones,” regardless of its quality. However, if any series has the potential to stand out, it’s the new FX limited series “Shogun”: a grand historical epic brimming with political intrigue.
Adapted from James Clavell’s bestselling novel of the same title, which was previously turned into a miniseries for NBC in 1980, “Shogun” unfolds in 17th-century Japan during a pivotal moment of imminent civil war. A year has passed since the taiko, the supreme leader of a unified Japan, passed away. Since the heir to the taiko is too young to assume the throne, a Council of Regents, comprised of five individuals, has been established to govern in his absence. Each council member harbors their own motives, with two having converted to Catholicism following the establishment of trade with the Portuguese.
Among these figures, Lord Yoshii Toranaga (played by Hiroyuki Sanada) stands out as the most mysterious. Renowned as a skilled warrior from a dynastic family, Toranaga becomes the focal point of intrigue. The other council members have formed a coalition against him, fearing that he may seek to declare himself shogun, effectively establishing a military dictatorship and ruling Japan with unquestionable authority.
Under the manipulation of the cunning Lord Ishido Kazunari (played by Takehiro Hira), the council is gearing up for a decisive vote to impeach Toranaga, a move that could also serve as a death sentence for him. However, an unexpected twist occurs with the arrival of a battered Dutch vessel on the shores of Japan, steered by the English sailor John Blackthorne (portrayed by Cosmo Jarvis). Toranaga seizes this opportunity. Given that Blackthorne is a Protestant, he is viewed as an adversary by the council members aligned with the Portuguese. Toranaga sees him as a valuable bargaining chip to counteract the influence of his adversaries.
Beyond the strategic advantage, Blackthorne possesses crucial knowledge of Western warfare, and his “barbarian” ship is equipped with cannons and muskets—potent weapons that could potentially tip the scales in Toranaga’s favor if conflict were to erupt. This unexpected alliance opens up a realm of possibilities for Toranaga in his quest to navigate the treacherous political landscape and preserve his position in the face of impending threats.
The narrative intricacies in “Shogun” add to its richness, with one of the captivating aspects being the dynamic and ever-shifting allegiances among the key political figures. The complexity is heightened due to the rigid set of rituals and customs unique to Japanese culture. This intricacy becomes especially tense given the strict adherence to these cultural norms. An example of this tension is vividly portrayed in the premiere when one of Toranaga’s samurai speaks out of turn in response to an insult from Ishido. The consequence is severe—ordered to commit seppuku, the samurai must take his own life, ending his bloodline.
In such moments, Blackthorne serves as an effective proxy for the audience, reacting with disbelief as the characters around him seem to treat matters of life and death so casually. These cultural clashes also provide moments of levity, as seen in Blackthorne’s cultural shock. For instance, he can’t fathom why people in Japan choose to bathe more than once a week, offering a humorous perspective amidst the more serious and somber aspects of the unfolding political drama. (“Blackthorne, I know it smells crazy in your Kim
Certainly, since Blackthorne doesn’t speak Japanese, Toranaga recruits Toda Mariko (played by Anna Sawai), a noblewoman from a dishonored family, to act as Blackthorne’s translator. Despite being a converted Catholic, Mariko is proficient in Portuguese, facilitating communication between her and Blackthorne, even though all their dialogues in the series are presented in English.
Over time, Mariko and Blackthorne form a connection as they navigate the peculiar circumstances thrust upon them. Both are essentially pawns in a high-stakes political chess game, where a single misstep could trigger a full-blown war capable of tearing Japan apart. Their shared experiences and the pressure of the political turmoil forge a bond between them, highlighting the human aspects and personal relationships amid the larger backdrop of tense political maneuvering.
What sets “Shogun” apart from other historical epics is its adept use of restraint. While the series does not shy away from scenes of shocking violence, including swift decapitations, disembowelments, and gory aftermaths caused by cannon fire, it predominantly emphasizes the deliberate measures characters take to steer clear of the path of destruction. This is particularly evident in the character of Toranaga.
During his prime as a warrior, Toranaga’s key strength lay in allowing his opponent to make the first move, treating fighting as a last resort rather than a strategy to be embraced. This mindset, deeply ingrained in Toranaga, transcends the battlefield and becomes a defining feature in the political arena. Toranaga patiently bides his time, strategically waiting for his rivals to make their moves before unveiling his own hand. The series thus delves into the intricacies of calculated decision-making, highlighting the importance of prudence and strategic patience in the face of political challenges and potential conflict
Shogun” distinguishes itself by adopting a subtler tone than one might anticipate from a grand production. This approach aligns with a recurring Japanese proverb highlighted throughout the series: “A man has a false heart for the world to see, another in his breast to show friends and family, and a secret heart only known to themselves.” Consequently, Toranaga embodies this proverb by keeping his intentions so closely guarded that even his most trusted advisers remain uncertain about his true ambitions, particularly in his pursuit of becoming a shogun.
The characters in “Shogun” internalize much of their motivations, initially making it challenging for viewers to connect with them on an emotional level. However, once one tunes into “Shogun’s” unique wavelength, the series becomes a rich tapestry of subtleties, inviting viewers to savor the unspoken and read between the lines in pivotal moments. Characters, such as Mariko, excel in throwing shade within the constraints of polite society, adding layers of complexity to the narrative and showcasing the power of unsaid sentiments in key situations.
Inevitably, there’s an exception to the rule, and in “Shogun,” that exception is Blackthorne. He begins the series as a foulmouthed brute unafraid to express his thoughts openly. In a lesser series, a character like Blackthorne might be portrayed as a savior—a white outsider with a fresh perspective who comes in to rescue the day, akin to narratives seen in “Dances With Wolves” or “The Last Samurai.” However, what sets “Shogun” apart is that Blackthorne isn’t there to save anyone; if anything, it’s Japan that saves him.
As the series progresses, especially when Blackthorne encounters a former shipmate intoxicated on sake, he realizes how much he has changed. The man he once knew is hardly recognizable, with the absence of honor and civility glaringly evident. This moment becomes a humbling experience for Blackthorne, marking a significant shift in his character. Instead of being the savior, he grows to appreciate and learn from the culture and values of Japan, showcasing a narrative depth that elevates “Shogun” above the typical tropes seen in similar stories.
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