Shōgun Review: 11 Ups & 2 Downs

Shōgun is a show of startling complexity. Not only are the characters so elusive, their intentions and pasts obscured and ambiguous, but the challenging themes surrounding them are even more so. 

Throughout the show, writers such as Kondo, Marks and Emily Yoshida traverse difficult subject matter - from the Seppuku of a samurai and his baby son in the very first episode, to the identity struggles of the haunted Lady Mariko - with great care and, despite some dark moments, affecting compassion. 

One of the show's biggest recurring themes is that of religious identity. John Blackthorne, the sailor who lands in Japan and finds himself a pawn in a battle for power, is a Protestant untrusting of the local Catholic population, an ambivalence that helps amplify his sudden cultural shake-up.  

Within these compelling assessments of faith, Shōgun also tackles greed, honour and shifting political allegiances, often with heartbreaking or violent results. There are few villains here, and fewer heroes, but Shōgun treats everyone with the empathy and understanding required to make them so enthralling to watch.