REVIEW: ‘Shōgun’ Episodes 1-2

James Clavell’s 1975 novel Shōgun took the world by storm, even receiving a television adaptation in 1980. Over 40 years later, creators Rachel Kondo and Justin Marks are bringing a new adaptation with a more balanced approach. What we see in Shōgun Episodes 1-2 shows that this fresh take can surpass the original and bring the tale to new generations. Starring Hiroyuki Sanada, Cosmo Jarvis, and Anna Sawai, the 10-episode series airs on FX and Hulu.

Shōgun takes place in 17th-century Japan shortly after the death of the shōgun left the country in the hands of five regents known as the Council of Regents until his son turns 16. One of these regents, Lord Toranaga (Sanada), is in danger of losing his position and life at the hands of the other four. There is a significant amount of palace intrigue at play that puts Toranaga in a precarious position.

That is until he meets the British navigator John Blackthorne (Jarvis). Sailing with an armada, Blackthorne set out to discover the nation of Japan that the Portuguese had kept secret from the rest of the Western world. Blackthorne’s crew lands in Japan with only a fraction of its original force. Their fate is left in the hands of the Japanese and their Portuguese allies.

The relationship between the European Protestants and the Portuguese and Japanese Catholics is a large focal point in Shōgun. Blackthorne needs the Portuguese priests to translate for him since he speaks Portuguese but he refuses to trust them. The Portuguese is spoken in English in the series, which can be confusing because Blackthorne and his crew do speak English too.

These priests know how dangerous it would be for them if England and its allies got a foothold on Japan, so they want Blackthorne dead. This dynamic hamstrings Blackthorne’s plans and leaves him essentially powerless. The lack of trustworthy translation also enrages him, causing him to lash out. It does not paint a pretty picture to his captors as he is fighting for his life.

That lack of power is important here because it is what stops Shōgun from becoming a white savior story. Blackthorne in Shōgun Episodes 1-2 is a complete jerk. He’s brash, aggressive, and lacks any respect for the Japanese. He thinks he is going to come in as this powerful warrior but is immediately emasculated and treated like a dog while he watches his men suffer. The more cultured and sophisticated Japanese people see him as a savage.

When Toranaga and Blackthorne first meet, it is hard to see how these two men could ever see eye to eye. Toranaga is a powerful daimyo fighting for his life and his country, while Blackthorne is a monster. It is important that Shōgun Episodes 1-2 establishes the difference between the two men, even though they both have much to learn from each other. Blackthorne has knowledge and skills that can help Toranaga. But Toranaga is a more than capable leader who does not need Blackthorne to save the day.

The connection between the two is Lady Mariko (Sawai). She is the wife of one of Toranaga’s subordinates and can speak Portuguese so she is able to translate for Blackthorne. At first, it seems like she’s introduced to be nothing more than a love interest for Blackthorne. The way he starts to look at her, and her at him, makes it seem like she will be relegated to that role. Thankfully, however, Shōgun Episodes 1-2 give Mariko several chances to prove her worth and her abilities beyond simply translating. She is thoughtful and her instincts are better than several of Toranaga’s other advisors, making her invaluable to his mission.

Shōgun Episodes 1-2 introduces these three main characters and gives them all their own agency. They have their own objectives and skills. However they also have unique flaws. Instead of bringing in a person like Blackthorne to save the day, the three will all need to rely on each other.

Visually, Shōgun Episodes 1-2 takes viewers on a beautiful tour through some truly stunning settings in 17th-century Japan. It’s clear that significant time went into making this series as authentic as possible. The sweeping landscapes and imposing castles do just that. It also helps that the costumes have incredible detailing, working wonders at bringing the world of Shōgun to life. There is a slightly weird visual effect. It makes some scenes appear blurry, but it only has a mild impact when it is present.

There is also some truly excellent choreography in Shōgun Episodes 1-2. A particularly great nighttime fight sequence in the second episode hints at just how much potential the series has. The fighting is visceral, dragging viewers right into the brutality. And this is only the start, it is going to get even better as the battles get larger over time.

Shōgun Episodes 1-2 serve as an excellent introduction to the tale of Lord Toranaga, John Blackthorne, and Lady Mariko. There is so much bubbling beneath the surface just waiting to happen. This is truly going to be an epic adventure for the ages.

Shōgun Episodes 1-2 is streaming now on Hulu with new episodes weekly on Hulu and FX.