Shogun’s Best Episode Is A Worrying Reminder Of How Difficult It Will Be For Season 2 To Be As Good

Shōgun’s best episode is strangely worrying for the show’s future, as it highlights how difficult season 2 will be without Mariko. Shōgun was based on James Clavell’s novel of the same name and was originally conceived as a one-season miniseries. Shōgun is the first Japanese-language series to win the Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Drama Series and set a record for being the most awarded single season in Emmy history. Given how successful and well-received the first season of what was supposed to be a limited series was, Shōgun seasons 2 and 3 have a difficult job ahead of them.

The FX historical drama series was highly praised for its writing, visuals, and faithfulness to the source material. Furthermore, with a predominantly Japanese cast, the performances in Shōgun earned equal praise, particularly with Anna Sawai’s Mariko, who stole the show from the beginning. Shōgun’s surprisingly emotional storyline and stunning cinematics made the miniseries a brilliant watch, and this could not be more true for one of the best episodes in season 1, “Crimson Sky,” although its brilliance causes concern for Shōgun season 2.

Anna Sawai’s Mariko Was The Heart Of Shogun’s “Crimson Sky”

Mariko Stole The Show In Shogun Season 1

Shōgun season 1, episode 9, “Crimson Sky,” centered around Mariko (played by Anna Sawai) as she engages in a mental battle with Ishido after arriving in Osaka to surrender on Toranaga’s behalf. When Ishido’s guards block the way out of the city, Mariko demonstrates her skill with a blade in, arguably, the best scene in Shōgun. Mariko’s desperation in battling her way out of the city and her declaration to commit seppuku for failing in her duty resonated with viewers. However, it was Mariko’s love confession to Blackthorne and subsequent sacrifice in defiance of Ishido that captured audiences’ hearts.

While the writing and all the technical aspects were incredible, Anna Sawai’s performance as the unmoveable character is what made the episode so good. Her commitment to her duty earns her the utmost respect, as Mariko is willing to die to honor her master and complete her father’s mission. “Crimson Sky” was the culmination of everything Shōgun had been building up to, particularly Mariko and Blackthorn’s relationship.

It’s Difficult To Imagine What Shogun Will Be Like Without Mariko

Mariko’s Death Will Affect Future Seasons

Mariko has been a big part of Shōgun from the beginning due to her role in translating for the Englishman Blackthorne, so it is difficult to imagine what the series will look like with her. Lady Mariko was first introduced in Shōgun at the end of episode 1 as a quiet personality, committed to her duty as an interpreter. Her shameful past kept Mariko resigned to her duty, but as the series developed, and as Blackthorne learned more about her, her personality shone through. Mariko’s journey reflected themes of loyalty and personal agency, as well as love and sacrifice.

As a result of her providing interpretation services and posing as a cultural intermediary between Blackthorne and the Japanese people around him, Mariko grew close to the English sailor. She also became friends with Fuji, who became Blackthorne’s consort. Mariko’s loyalty to Toranaga also positioned her quite close to the daimyo, making her a respected presence. With Mariko positioning herself close to every main character in Shōgun season 1, her absence will be felt rather predominantly in future seasons, especially given how close she and Blackthorne had become.

Shogun’s Perfect First Season Has Earned Our Trust For Season 2

Shōgun Received Widespread Acclaim

Shōgun has a Certified Fresh status on Rotten Tomatoes, with an impressive 99% Tomatometer, as well as a 90% Popcornmeter, which illustrates how well it was received. Following the reveal of Toranaga’s real plan at the end of Shōgun episode 10, Shōgun should be a very different show in season 2. Shōgun was renewed for seasons 2 and 3 in mid-2024, but details about the story are still scarce. However, Shōgun has covered most key events of the source material, Clavell’s novel, leaving many to wonder how future seasons will work.

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Although Shōgun seasons 2 and 3 will surpass the events of the original book, season 1 proves that the future of the show looks pretty good. For example, the boat scene with Fuji and Blackthorne in Shōgun was not part of the original story and was made up for the FX series. It must also be noted that, while Clavell’s Shōgun is a fictional novel, it is based on real events and figures. Therefore, it can be argued that Japan’s history is all the source material that Shōgun‘s future seasons need.

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Shogun is an FX original mini-series set in 17th Century Japan. Shogun follows John Blackthorne, who becomes a samurai warrior but is unknowingly a pawn in Yoshii Toranaga’s plan to become Shogun. The series stars Cosmo Jarvis as John Blackthorne and Hiroyuki Sanada as Yoshii Toranaga, along with Anna Sawai, Tadanobu Asano, and Yûki Kedôin.

Cast

Cosmo Jarvis
, Hiroyuki Sanada
, Anna Sawai
, Tadanobu Asano
, Yûki Kedôin
, Takehiro Hira
, Tommy Bastow

Release Date

February 27, 2024

Seasons

1

Streaming Service(s)

Hulu

Creator(s)

Rachel Kondo
, Justin Marks

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