There is a debate in my house about “Shogun” on Hulu. I think it’s a fascinating look inside the power politics and culture of Japan, packed with tension and character building. Other family members complain, and rightly so, that nothing is really happening.
Where are the big battles? Where’s the “Game of Thrones”-style bloodshed? Now that I’m on episode 7, I’m getting criticism. In fact, I’d say “Shogun” is the “Seinfeld” of epic TV shows so far because of all the perceived “nothingness.” And to me that’s actually a good thing.
Now that we’ve gotten our spoiler alert out of the way, hear me out. “Shogun” is one of the best shows on Hulu and the best show overall because it doesn’t have to rely on incessant depictions of violence to succeed, although that may be coming. It shines because it winks at the horrors of war without having to wallow in them.
As Lord Toranaga says to his son Nagakado during episode 7: “Why are only those who have never fought in a battle so eager to be in one?”
Plus, there’s plenty of intrigue to keep us satisfied in “Shogun,” which takes place in Japan in the 1600s at the dawn of a civil war. This includes a secret relationship between an English pilot named Blackthorne and a translator named Mariko.
‘Shogun’ is one of Hulu’s best shows and the best show overall because it doesn’t have to rely on incessant depictions of violence to succeed. It shines because it winks at the horrors of war without having to wallow in them.
Earlier in the season, Mariko’s abusive husband Buntaro is believed dead while fighting the enemy, apparently unable to escape when a ship carrying Blackthorne and Mariko left without him. Mariko’s look, half dread and half relief, when she appears alive says a lot about her internal conflict.
Blackthorne himself is called a “barbarian” wherever he goes, even after saving Lord Toranaga’s life when a deadly earthquake hits. His ability to use cannons is considered a valuable skill in the coming conflict, but he also struggles with resentment and racism as he rises through the ranks.
There’s a lot to keep track of, including a dysfunctional council of regents ruling Japan while an heir comes of age, the growing influence of the Catholic Church, and a series of deaths via seppuku. But it’s the “Shogun” characters that keep the series strong and compelling, including Izu’s Lord Yabushige, who tries to play both sides of the conflict between the Council and Lord Toranaga to stay alive.
Ochiba, the highest ranking woman in Japan and mother of the Heir, seeks revenge against Toranaga because she believes he is responsible for her father’s death. She is one of my favorite characters because of the sheer intensity of her. Ochiba is getting tired of all the infighting on the council and wants to turn it into a weapon against her enemy.
I’ll be honest. Sometimes I could use a scorecard when I watch “Shogun.” But it’s a sprawling, satisfying epic that will keep me glued to my set until the end, even if “nothing” happens in the next episode either.
