It has been over a 12 months since Shōgun arrived on FX and Hulu and took the world by storm. With dozens of awards (together with 18 Emmys – a brand new document), a lot recognition, and a large following by TV viewers and folk with a Hulu subscription, the worldwide sensation is returning for a second season within the close to future regardless of initially being deliberate as a restricted collection. And with the extra we study Shōgun Season 2, the extra I’m getting excited, particularly with this entire time soar enterprise.
Although I’m every kind of pumped as much as see the return of Hiroyuki Sanada’s Lord Toranaga and Cosmo Jarvis’ John Blackthorne, I need to admit that I’m additionally a tad bit anxious concerning the present coming again to the airwaves and probably the greatest streaming companies round. Come together with me as I work out every thing that has me stoked and apprehensive concerning the return of one of many finest TV reveals in latest reminiscence.
I Really feel Like I am Obligated To Say I am Past Excited For Extra Shōgun
There have been a number of nice TV reveals up to now decade, and Shōgun is certainly close to the highest of that listing. Like so many different nice FX on Hulu reveals like The Bear and Reservation Canines, this expertly crafted present’s first season was on the identical scale as Recreation of Thrones (it was even in comparison with the HBO fantasy collection forward of its debut), and it by no means let me down.
That mentioned, I really feel like I’m obligated to say that I’m past excited for extra battles, extra political intrigue, extra sophisticated relationships. And perhaps, simply perhaps, please maintain off on any extra of these sudden and heartbreaking character deaths this time round. However everyone knows that’s not going to occur with a present like this.
And I am Thrilled To Expertise The Continuation Of Lord Toranaga And John Blackthorne’s Respective Tales
Shōgun Season 1 gave viewers rather a lot to like, particularly when it got here to the unbelievable and deeply impactful character arcs for the likes of Lord Toranaga, John Blackthorne, and Anna Sawai’s Toda Mariko (RIP). I can’t wait to see how the tales for the surviving characters proceed when the present returns sooner or later. After we final noticed Toranaga and Blackthorne, they had been making ready for an epic battle after the lord of Kanto revealed his massive secret, and the Anjin was beginning to rebuild his ship and an accompanying fleet.
With a lot unfinished enterprise set to be resolved, it felt like Shōgun led to a approach that concluded sufficient to be thought-about a terrific standalone restricted collection whereas additionally teasing simply sufficient for future seasons, and I’m so glad it was the latter on this state of affairs. However now I’m over right here simply making an attempt to determine the place these two immediately iconic characters will go from right here.
The Entire ‘Time Leap’ Enterprise Has Me Intrigued
After I first learn a Deadline report about Shōgun Season 2 having a time soar and choosing up 10 years after the occasions of the Season 1 finale, I used to be admittedly greater than a little bit intrigued. Not choosing up immediately after the primary season ends is a daring alternative by creators Rachel Kondo and Justin Marks, and I’ve to applaud them for not throwing viewers immediately into the long run Battle of Sekigahara, the battle closely teased when issues left off.
How a lot has Japan, and the world round it, modified within the decade between the 2 seasons? How has the connection between the 2 major characters modified? Is it stronger, strained, or non-existent? The unknown of the subsequent season (the place is the leaping off level?) has me excited for what’s to return.
However At The Similar Time, The Huge Leap Has Me Sort Of Bummed
Nevertheless, I’m additionally a little bit bummed out that we’re going to be lacking out on a lot of what occurred within the speedy fallout of of Lord Toronaga’s sensible chess recreation along with his enemies close to the top of Shōgun Season 1. I do know I simply went on about how a time soar opens a number of doorways for the story to proceed, however I hope we don’t get a number of discuss like within the Star Wars Prequel Trilogy, the place Obi-Wan Kenobi and Anakin Skywalker joked about all their loopy adventures as an alternative of displaying the viewers.
It’s a minor grievance, however a grievance nonetheless. We had a lot momentum within the last moments of the present’s first season, and I hope we don’t should spend a whole episode alluding to loopy moments, battles, and adventures we’ll most likely by no means get to see.
I am Additionally A Little Involved About The Second Season Not Being Based mostly On James Clavell’s Novel
Maybe my largest concern about Shōgun Season 2 is the truth that, in contrast to the primary installment, it gained’t be primarily based on James Clavell’s huge novel, however as an alternative might be an authentic new chapter, no matter which means. Whereas I do place confidence in collection creators Rachel Kondo and Justin Marks’ imaginative and prescient for the present transferring ahead, the previous has proven us that deviating from the supply materials doesn’t all the time find yourself being obtained all that properly.
I imply, simply have a look at the later seasons of Recreation of Thrones, which needed to fill within the gaps as George R.R. Martin had but to complete The Winds of Winter (he nonetheless hasn’t, by the best way). This resulted in a large drop in high quality for the once-beloved collection, and audiences turned on it within the last two years of its run. Hopefully, Shōgun doesn’t fall into that class with these modifications.
Shogun Began Out As A Restricted Collection, And I Hope The Present’s Spark Is not Misplaced In A Second Season
As a number of of my colleagues identified in early 2024, Shōgun began out extremely sturdy (and didn’t let off the gasoline) when it premiered final 12 months, a time through which all of us thought it was going to be one-and-done restricted collection like Chernobyl, The Queen’s Gambit, or When They See Us. Nevertheless, now that the present is being became a correct collection with a brand new season (and most probably extra to comply with if it is profitable) on the best way, I hope that the present’s spark isn’t misplaced or at the very least muddled down resulting from having extra episodes to fill.
Once more, I may very well be completely improper right here, and my nervousness about a number of seasons watering down the influence of the present may very well be nothing greater than unsubstantiated fears. Nevertheless, I’m nonetheless going to be nervous and cautiously optimistic about the way forward for the collection till I’m proven in any other case. I hope I’m improper.
Solely time will inform what’ll occur with Shōgun transferring ahead. Although I’m a tad bit anxious about it, I’ll be there the day it drops, prepared to return to Japan for at the very least yet one more journey.