The contemporary landscape of streamed television feels saturated with forgotten shows akin to dusty VHS tapes gathering dust on a shelf. Given this, many lament the seeming void of all-consuming TV series akin to past classics such as “Breaking Bad.” Despite this, there are creatives still aspiring to generate television masterpieces with an epic touch, with varying degrees of success.
One such success story is that of the FX series, “Shōgun.” From the very beginning, it is apparent that this show, with its expansive narratives and meticulously constructed sets, is an exception in the current preference for quantity over quality. A particular highlight is the grand narrative that unfurls gradually, setting the series apart from its contemporaries and establishing it as a powerhouse in a dense pool of forgettable TV dramas.
Strikingly different from a mere adaptation, the show, based upon the James Clavell novel of the same name, is more of a reincarnation of the original text. The show's creators, Rachel Kondo and Justin Marks, have taken the narrative off the page and created something truly distinctive and awe-inspiring.
The protagonist John Blackthorne, an English sailor played by Cosmo Jarvis, ends up stranded on feudal Japanese shores. There begins an improbable alliance with Lord Toranaga (Hiroyuki Sanada), who is competing to become the next ruler of Japan. These characters entwine in a political struggle, accompanied by Mariko (Anna Sawai), an outcast hired by Toranaga to serve as Blackthorne's translator. These individual stories converge, forming a complex tale of complicated relationships and ambitions. It is this intricate intertwining of narrative threads that gives this adaptation an edge over the original novel and its previous 1980 television version.
The narrative emphasizes character arcs rather than solely focusing on Western perspectives. Apart from the three leads, viewers recognize other characters like Kashigi Yabushige (Tadanobu Asano) and Usami Fuji (Moeka Hoshi). The show's creators have brilliantly highlighted these characters, showcasing the talents of Asano and Hoshi.
However, the rich narrative could certainly benefit from more episodes. Although the format of a miniseries may appear safer in the current TV environment, it would be beneficial to allot more airtime to “Shōgun” given its vast contents. Despite its brevity, the series delivers a tightly woven tale that surpasses any TV show seen in recent years.
Comparisons to other epic shows like "Game of Thrones" are rife. However, apart from political maneuvering, the similarities between the two are minimal. The latest from FX stands proud in its complexity and engaging dialogue - no dragons required. The show offers profound insights into survival and societal conflict, casting it as a unique masterpiece among its contemporaries.
For a TV show among a myriad of alternatives, "Shōgun" stands out, each dialogue as riveting as the subsequent battle scenes. Every scene is rich in context, belying the dedication of all involved, from creators to the cast. "Shōgun" brilliantly reinterprets Clavell's work, proving once again that it is possible to create and achieve greatness on the small screen.
Watch for yourself when "Shōgun" hits the FX network on February 27th. Reviewers were supplied with eight episodes for this review.
