REVIEW: ‘Shōgun’ Season 1 Is One Of The Best New Series Of 2024

Based on the 1975 novel of the same name by James Clavell, Shōgun re-adapts the novel with a larger focus on the Japanese people and culture that make up the core of the story. Created by Rachel Kondo and Justin Marks, Shōgun is a masterfully done adaptation and a lesson in storytelling for future television series.

Shōgun follows the story of Lord Toranaga (Hiroyuki Sanada), who aims to unite Japan after the death of the Shōgun. Toranaga is a member of the Council of Regents, a group of five leaders who rule the nation until the Shōgun’s heir comes of age. The Council is led by Lord Ishido (Takehiro Hira), who wants to see Toranaga eliminated.

Meanwhile, an English sailor named John Blackthorne (Cosmo Jarvis) lands on the shores of Japan intending to use military force and cunning to open up trade between Japan and England. Previously, only Portugal had any relationship with Japan, and they brought Catholicism to the country. Blackthorne, a Protestant, has his issues with the Catholics. He is captured, imprisoned, and put through the wringer before he finds himself before Toranaga.

Blackthorne’s hatred of Catholics is tested when Toranaga summons Lady Mariko (Anna Sawai) to translate. Her inclusion rounds out the core focal characters of Shōgun. Thanks to her religion, her knowledge of Portuguese (which is spoken in English in the series) allows her to speak to and for the English captive. Their relationship starts off frosty initially but is one of the most important parts of Blackthorne’s development.

With the main trio all on the same side, whether by choice or not, events start to unfold in chaotic ways. Every single episode has at least one serious twist that no one sees coming. The series sets the tone that Toranaga is a master planner, so what we see happening is really just a cover for whatever his master plan is. As Shōgun progresses, his genius becomes doubted by his allies, but he remains steadfast in his plan.

While Toranaga knows what he is doing, virtually every other character spends the series trying to find their own way. Blackthorne struggles as a fish out of water. Jarvis plays his part perfectly. He starts off hotheaded before immersing himself in the culture and respecting it enough to change his ways. Mariko is disgusted by Blackthorne at first, upset that she is forced to translate for him. But, over time, she sees his transformation and accepts her part in things.

Mariko, in particular, is the most fascinating character. She isn’t a leader, nor does she command armies or control a network of spies. Her past puts her in a less-than-enviable position. But she overcomes her circumstances and becomes the most important piece in Toranaga’s plan by the end. Sawai plays Mariko with a perfect blend of tenderness and tenacity that helps the character shine through.

Other bit players help flesh out the story as well. Lord Yabushige (Tadanobu Asano) is a vassal of Toranaga who is always looking out for himself. He is never completely disloyal, at least not at heart, and he represents the human trait of self-preservation. Even when he makes tough decisions, you can see how torn he is about what he is doing, and his reaction to events in the penultimate episode shows his true colors.

Ishido is the big villain in the series, but even he is never truly evil. He is misguided and gets himself in too deep, resulting in him doing terrible things. Despite this, it all comes from a sense of trying to do what he thinks is best for him. Everyone looks out for themselves, even if they claim they are doing it for the Heir.

Those characterizations are what make Toranaga truly stand out as a leader. In a world full of selfish men, Toranaga is the only one completely dedicated to doing what is right and bringing peace. Even if it means his death or the deaths of those he cares about. He’s not perfect, however. Even he wrestles with his decisions. Sanada does a brilliant job of portraying a man torn between his emotions and doing what needs to be done.

Emotion and character growth are the most important parts of Shōgun, but that doesn’t mean there isn’t some great action. One-on-one samurai fights, as well as larger-scale attacks, are excruciating and impossible to look away from. Even characters like Mariko get a chance to show their strength in battle. The fighting is also intentionally brutal, to further drive home why Toranaga wants to bring peace to the entire nation.

Shōgun is dripping with style, historical accuracy, and respect. The creative team worked hard to be as historically accurate as possible. The attention to detail is impressive. From the clothes they wear to the way the characters walk, Shōgun is deeply respectful of the era it represents. Gorgeous landscapes and scenery help bring the story to life as well, although the fisheye lens blur used in many scenes can become a bit distracting.

Shōgun is a series full of emotion and character growth and stands out among the best television has to offer. There is something here for everyone, and it is sure to satisfy.

Shōgun is streaming now on Hulu.