The next ‘Game of Thrones’?

THE TERM “Shōgun” refers to the military rulers of Japan from the 12th to the late 19th century, a time that spanned the lifetimes of figures like Richard the Lionheart and Marie Curie. It represents an era when Japan was distinctly separate from the rest of the world, not just geographically but also culturally, religiously, and economically. This period comes alive in the new series “Shōgun,” created by Rachel Kondo and Justin Marks.

The story is set in 1600, a time when Britain was nearing the end of the Elizabethan era. A Protestant sailor named John Blackthorne (played by Cosmo Jarvis) finds himself stranded on Japan’s unfriendly shores. Known to the Japanese as “Anjin,” meaning pilot, Blackthorne’s tale is not just about survival but a journey into the heart of Japan’s imperial court, which is in turmoil following the death of its ruler, the Taiko. With the Taiko’s heir still a child, powerful lords like Ishido (played by Takehiro Hira) and Toranaga (played by Hiroyuki Sanada) vie for control. Toranaga sees an opportunity in the bedraggled Englishman to disrupt the influence of the Portuguese, the only European power in the region, over Japan’s Christian lords.

Blackthorne’s experiences in Japan reveal a world that is both foreign and familiar. The title of shōgun reflects the political challenges of Tudor England. While Blackthorne views the locals as “savages,” they see him as a “barbarian.” European settlers, like navigator Rodrigues (played by Néstor Carbonell) and monk Father Martin (played by Tommy Bastow), struggle to understand Japan’s unique attitudes towards death and destiny.

Debuting quietly on Disney+, “Shōgun” is anything but underfunded. Adapted from James Clavell’s 1975 novel (previously made into a TV series in 1980), the show may lack the built-in fanbase of other works but is treated with the same level of luxury. Featuring renowned Japanese actors like Sanada and Anna Sawai (who plays translator Mariko), the series meticulously recreates feudal Osaka.

Some may see “Shōgun” as Disney’s attempt to tap into the

Asian market after the mixed reception of the 2020 remake of “Mulan.” However, the series goes beyond mere strategy, presenting a bold narrative that blends Japanese history with Clavell’s deep interest in the country. Much of the dialogue is in Japanese (with English substituting for Portuguese), a rarity in blockbuster TV. Amidst intense scenes, philosophical conversations with Toranaga explore the title of shōgun as a relic of transition from feudalism to modernity.

Jarvis portrays Blackthorne with a mix of ruggedness and charm, standing out against his Japanese hosts. As Blackthorne’s relationships with Toranaga and Mariko develop, he navigates Japan’s changing isolation from the world. The central trio—balanced in both storytelling and performance— promises a captivating saga.

In the race to find “the next Game of Thrones,” Disney+ may have a winner in “Shōgun.” With more mature themes than usual, this ambitious series offers a well-paced, thoughtful historical epic amidst the fantasy-filled landscape of modern television.