Shōgun

Available on Disney+

If the demise of Game of Thrones still stings you and, like me, you are yet to be convinced of the merits of its prequel, House of the Dragon, then you will find comfort in FX’s mightily impressive Shōgun. Created by Rachel Kondo and Justin Marks, and adapted from James Clavell’s 1975 novel of the same name, it is the tale of an epic power struggle set in advance of Japan’s Edo period and featuring the sort of political chess moves that George R. R. Martin fans will be familiar with.

However, unlike Game of Thrones’ later seasons, Shōgun takes time with its storytelling, demanding the steadfast attention of its viewers (the majority of its dialogue is spoken in Japanese) but rewarding them with an intelligent and often surprising story of love, loss, and betrayal. On account of Kondo and Marks’ fateful reworking of Clavell’s source material, it is also an enlightening show that provides layman watchers such as I with a fascinating insight into the political, religious, and social tapestry of 1600s Japan.       

Shōgun is also anchored by three phenomenal performances from Hiroyuki Sanada, Cosmo Jarvis, and Anna Sawai. Sanada is ever compelling as Lord Yoshii Toranaga, a seasoned warlord whose clan is threatened by conspirators, and the perfect foil for Jarvis’ John Blackthorne, a maritime pilot who must quickly get to grips with the Japanese way of life. Meanwhile, Sawai’s turn as the tragic Toda Mariko is perhaps the most impressive of all, one that is impossible not to emotionally invest in on account of its raw authenticity.        

With a strong supporting cast and impressive visual effects to boot, it’s no surprise to see that Shōgun has already been renewed for a second and third season.