Shōgun Review: 11 Ups & 2 Downs

It was announced over a decade ago. It was briefly cancelled in 2019 because showrunners Kondo and Marks were unsure of its direction. And it was adapted from a novel that used a white saviour narrative to tell its story. And yet, despite the delays and behind-the-scenes drama, Shōgun has emerged the best show of the year, and will be a tough one to beat going forward. 

Avoiding the flaws of the source material and creating around its tense, character-driven story an awe-inspiring spectacle - from those aforementioned set pieces to its astonishingly beautiful opening credit sequence - this is one miniseries to be savoured and remembered for years to come. 

Thanks to a host of assured directors and a committed cast (all of whom will surely be up for award recognition this summer), Shōgun is a studied drama that takes its time but never fails to miss a twist, land an emotional farewell, or explore its historical setting with staggering attention to detail. 

It is sad that we have to say goodbye so soon - another two or three seasons would have been bliss - but, my, what a ride.