Shogun's best episode is a sobering reminder of how difficult it will be for the second season to be as good

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Shogun's best episode is a sobering reminder of how difficult it will be for the second season to be as good

from Shogun The best episode is strangely sobering for the future of the series, as it highlights how difficult the second season will be without Mariko. Shogun was based on the novel of the same name by James Clavell and was originally conceived as a one-season miniseries. Shogun 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 season in Emmy history. Given how successful and well-received the first season of what was supposed to be a limited series was, Shogun seasons 2 and 3 have their work cut out for them.

The FX historical drama series was highly praised for its writing, visuals and fidelity to the source material. In addition, with a predominantly Japanese cast, the performances in Shogun won equal praise, especially with Anna Sawai's Marikowho stole the show from the start. from Shogun A surprisingly emotional plot and stunning cinematics made the miniseries a brilliant watch, and that couldn't be truer for one of Season 1's best episodes, "Crimson Sky," though its brilliance causes concern for Shogun 2nd season.

Anna Sawai's Mariko was the heart of Shogun's “Crimson Sky”

Mariko stole the show in the 1st season of Shogun

Shogun Season 1, Episode 9, “Crimson Sky,” centers on Mariko (played by Anna Sawai) as she engages in a mental battle with Ishido after arriving in Osaka to surrender in the name of Toranaga. When Ishido's guards block the exit from the city, Mariko demonstrates her skill with a blade, arguably the best scene ever. Shogun. Mariko's desperation to fight her way out of the city and her declaration of committing seppuku for failing in her duty resonated with viewers. However, it was Mariko's confession of love to Blackthorne and subsequent sacrifice in defiance of Ishido that won the audience's hearts.

While the writing and all the technical aspects were amazing, Anna Sawai's performance as the immobile character is what made the episode so good. His commitment to his duty earns him 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 it all Shogun had been building, especially Mariko and Blackthorn's relationship.

It's hard to imagine what Shogun will be like without Mariko

Mariko's death will affect future seasons


Mariko seen in a flashback in Shogun Season 1, Episode 10 (FINALE)
Image via Hulu/FX

Mariko has been a big part Shogun from the beginning due to her role in translating English Blackthorne, so it's hard to imagine what the series will be like with her. Lady Mariko was first introduced in Shogun at the end of episode 1 as a calm personality, committed to his duty as an interpreter. Her shameful past kept Mariko resigned to her duty, but as the series developed and Blackthorne learned more about her, her personality shined. Mariko's journey reflected themes of loyalty and personal agency, as well as love and sacrifice.

Character

Actor

Real life inspiration

Yoshii Toranaga

Hiroyuki Sanada

Tokugawa Ieyasu

John Blackthorne

Cosmo Jarvis

William Adams

All Mariko

Anna Sawai

Hosokawa Gracia

Kashigi Yabushige

Tadanobu Asano

Honda Masanobu

Kashigi Omi

Hiroto Kanai

Honda Masazumi

Ishido Kazunari

Takehiro Hira

Ishida Mitsunari

As a result of her providing interpretation services and presenting herself as a cultural intermediary between Blackthorne and the Japanese people around her, Mariko approached 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 all the main characters Shogun In the first season, her absence will be predominantly felt in future seasons, especially considering how close she and Blackthorne have become.

Shogun's perfect first season earned our trust for season two

Shōgun received widespread acclaim


Blackthorne on his knees in Shogun's first episode, "Pilot"

Shogun it has Certified Fresh status on Rotten Tomatoes, with an impressive 99% Tomatometer, as well as a 90% Popcornmeter, which illustrates how well it was received. After the revelation of Toranaga's true plan at the end of Shogun episode 10, Shogun It should be a very different show in Season 2. Shogun was renewed for seasons 2 and 3 in mid-2024, but details about the story are still scarce. However, Shogun covered most of the major events from the source material, Clavell's novel, leaving many wondering how future seasons will work.

Although Shogun seasons 2 and 3 will surpass the events of the original book, season 1 proves that the future of the series looks very good. For example, the boat scene with Fuji and Blackthorne in Shogun it was not part of the original story and was invented for the FX series. It should also be noted that although Clavell's opinion Shogun is a fiction novel, based on real facts and figures. Therefore, it can be argued that the history of Japan is all the source material that Shogunfuture seasons need it.