Historical Epics Don’t Get Better Than This

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Wow, after just one season, Shōgun is already setting a new standard for historical dramas on TV. This FX miniseries transported me straight to 17th-century Japan, and I was completely captivated by the story. It centers around John Blackthorne, an English sailor, and Lord Yoshii Toranga, a powerful Japanese lord, and how their lives become unexpectedly linked. It’s a truly immersive experience.

While Cosmo Jarvis’s character, John Blackthorne, will be a major focus in Shōgun season 2, the show isn’t just about an English sailor stranded in Japan. The series pays equal attention to the complex political struggles happening within Japan itself.

I’ve been completely captivated by Anna Sawai’s portrayal of Lady Mariko – she’s a fantastic addition to the world of Shōgun and really holds her own as one of the central characters. It’s fascinating watching her navigate everything, especially considering her background as a Catholic convert and her initial role as a translator between Toranga and Blackthorne. The show, much like Game of Thrones, really excels at keeping you guessing with its characters and their constantly shifting allegiances. It’s a wild ride full of betrayals and unexpected twists, and Mariko is right in the thick of it all.

Shōgun Is A Masterpiece From Start To Finish

While Game of Thrones sometimes took on more than it could handle, Shōgun successfully manages its intricate and morally ambiguous storyline. The second season of Shōgun promises to be even bigger in scope than the first, but that’s no reason not to watch the excellent first season of this FX historical drama.

Simply put, Shōgun is a truly exceptional historical drama. Critics from major publications like USA Today, Empire, and The Guardian have all given the first season rave reviews, calling it a new benchmark for the genre. The show’s incredible attention to historical detail is impressive, but it’s the captivating story that really makes it stand out.

Shōgun Has Raised The Bar For Historical TV Shows

Viewers will find Shōgun both captivating and thought-provoking, with a storyline that isn’t afraid to explore difficult moral questions. Neither Toranga nor Blackthorne are simple heroes; they’re complex characters with serious flaws, but like the leads in shows such as The Wire and The Sopranos, they’re ultimately human and relatable.

Sawai truly shines, often captivating viewers even with her limited appearances. Though the show closely follows the James Clavell novel it’s based on, Shōgun cleverly avoids the predictable tropes common in other historical dramas.

What To Expect From Shōgun Season 2

Katie Yu / FX / Courtesy of FX via Everett Collection

I was absolutely blown away by how good the first season of Shōgun was, and I know I’m not alone! So, naturally, I’m incredibly excited about season 2. From what the creators have been saying, it sounds like Ochiba no Kata will be a really important character, which I think is fantastic and adds a lot of potential to the story.

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2026-01-12 22:10