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After the massive success of Game of Thrones, many TV shows are aiming to create their own epic series. Prime Video has embraced fantasy with The Wheel of Time and The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power, while AppleTV+ has taken a sci-fi approach with Foundation. Netflix continues to develop franchises with shows like Shadow & Bone and Avatar: The Last Airbender. HBO also returned to the epic genre with House of the Dragon.
What is Shōgun about?
Set in the year 1600, Shōgun tells the story of Japan on the verge of crisis. Warlord Yoshii Toranaga (Hiroyuki Sanada) finds himself in a precarious position as his fellow council members turn against him, leading to a potential all-out war in Japan. The arrival of an English ship further complicates the situation, setting off alarm bells for the Portuguese residents in Japan.
Shōgun: Epic and Intimate
Shōgun is a series that skillfully balances the epic scale of its story with intimate character moments. The show’s attention to detail in portraying Japanese culture and its focus on authenticity create a rich and immersive viewing experience. The complex political and religious alliances, along with the deep character work, make Shōgun a compelling and engaging series.
The performances of Hiroyuki Sanada, Cosmo Jarvis, and Anna Sawai shine in Shōgun, adding depth and emotion to the already captivating narrative.
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As Blackthorne, Jarvis particularly excels in moments of bumbling confusion, gamely playing up translation issues even as his character faces mortal peril. And Sawai cements herself as a major star to watch in her role as Mariko, a part which requires her to balance years’ worth of inner turmoil with the need to remain poised for the outside world. She delivers on every count.
Each combination of these three creates a delightful new dynamic, whether we’re watching Mariko balancing her service to Toranaga with her Catholic faith, Toranaga and Blackthorne gaining a deeper respect for one another, or Blackthorne and Mariko developing a tentative romance. Together, they form a strong core for Shōgun, made even stronger by a sprawling ensemble cast.
Juggling that ensemble and Shōgun‘s myriad political moves is no small feat, but Marks and Kondo pull it off with style and substance to spare. The result is not just one of the best TV epics to grace our screens in ages: It’s also already one of the best new TV shows of the year.
The first two episodes of Shōgun premiere Feb. 27 on Hulu, with new episodes weekly.
