One of the finest shows of the year so faris FX’sShogun,adapted fromJames Clavell’s beloved novel.
It’s a fantastic drama and historical snapshot, inspired by real characters and events.
It may be FX’s most visually impressive undertaking yet, more like something you’d see on HBO.
Custom Image by Jefferson Chacon
This makesShoguna refreshing change of pace compared to most bloodsoaked blood-soaked historical epics.
It’s all about culture clashes, political rivalries, and the tensions between tradition and a changing world.
The cast rises to the occasion, turning in layered, compelling performances worthy of the source material.
The result is an undisputed TV triumph.
Here are all ten episodes, ranked.
This article contains spoilers for the episodes discussed.
Image via FX
But a woman is simply at war."
They recruit more allies and eliminate wavering regent Sugiyama (Toshi Toda).
As a result, Toranaga’s influence appears most unstable here.
Image via FX
He realizes his impeachment is inevitable, and invokes his secret Crimson Sky plan, though success seems unlikely.
The political maneuvering is a treat to watch, but the episode’s real highlight is the romance.
Still, they must proceed with caution, hesitating to express their true feelings.
Image via FX
Consequently, this is more of a transitional episode.
It’s more character-driven than plot-driven, setting the stage for the confessions and confrontations to come.
The ‘boy warlord’ is victorious, prompting his foe Mizoguchi (Takaaki Hirakawa) to perform seppuku.
Image via FX
Toranaga himself finishes him off.
The flashback reveals much about Toranaga’s harsh, brutal life, and his iron determination.
This pilot episode has the punny title “Anjin”, meaning pilot.
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Meanwhile, the Dutch ship Erasmus lands ashore, where English pilot John Blackthorne is captured by local samurai.
This episode is more of a mini-feature, clocking in at an hour and ten minutes.
It serves to introduce the setting and place the key figures on the chessboard.
Image via FX
The former is complex and fun; the quintessential fish out of water.
It’s yet another glimpse into an unfathomably complex character.
Like a falcon without the beauty."
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Toranaga is angry, disappointed by his son’s recklessness.
Nagakado’s actions risk sparking a war, thus placing Toranaga in a difficult position.
Similarly, Buntaro’s reappearance complicates the budding romance between Blackthorne and Mariko.
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Blackthorne creates a hilarious diversion, but the entourage is still attacked, only narrowly escaping by ship.
This is one of the most plot-heavy episodes, with the narrative steaming ahead.
It’sGame of Thrones-levelpolitical brinkmanship.
Image via FX
Their conversation throws into stark relief just how much Blackthorne has changed over the preceding weeks.
This episode features some of the series’s most emotional acting.
It’s the show’s bloodiest moment, like something out ofThe Walking Deadat its goriest.
It’s a coping mechanism and way of compartmentalizing one’s personality.
It makes for the most philosophical installment in a deeply reflective story.
Episode 2 is more insular, with the action mostly unfolding indoors rather than against gorgeous landscapes.
Nevertheless,it’s still an intriguing hour of TV, marked by various twists and reversals.
It’s a great encapsulation of the entire dynamic between these three characters.
The most compelling episode is the ninth one, which reveals the true nature of Toranaga’s battle plan.
This divides Toranaga’s enemies and greatly strengthens his hand.
All the more heartbreakingly, Mariko dies shortly after she and Blackthorne declare their love.
This is top-notch storytelling, bringing together the major narrative threads of the previous eight episodes in stunning fashion.
The collision between these storylines is incendiary, a worthy payoff for hours of building tension.
Poetry features prominently in this episode, adding to the impact of the events and emphasizing the themes.
As Mariko tells the viewer: “A flower is only a flower because it falls.”
