Shogun’s rich historical background should provide most of its narrative inspiration
What’s crucial for Shōgun’s longevity is for Marks and Kondo to stick to the historical blueprint and avoid derailing the series into the realm of pure fiction.
The main reason I am excited for season 2 of Shōgun is that its creators used real-world history to inform the plot. Clearly, the fantasy series Game of Thrones did not enjoy the same luxury, which is a huge plus for the potential of upcoming Shōgun seasons. What better way to kick off season 2 than with the actual Battle of Sekigahara and Lord Ishido’s death, signifying Toranaga’s ascension and the establishment of his shogunate, following the outcry from fans regarding the absence of the much-anticipated war in Shōgun season 1, episode 10?
Even enough historical data to cover Shōgun season 3 is readily available. The son of the Taikō, who was shown as a child in season 1, made the last military attempt to overthrow the Tokugawa dynasty during the Siege of Osaka in 1614. The rich and fascinating history of the Tokugawa shogunate provides the creators of Shōgun with a wealth of material to work with. But Marks and Kondo must adhere to the historical blueprint in order to keep Shōgun from veering into pure fiction if they want the series to last. The way Toranaga brings a legendary figure to life is one of the things that makes him so captivating. That aspect of the series’ identity cannot be lost.
Another Reason Not to Worry About Season 2 Is Provided by Shogun
For the main character, Marks and Kondo have discovered a new, satisfactory conclusion.
Recently, Marks and Kondo shared details about their creative process while working on Shōgun season 2. Marks observed, “We felt that the story left a lot of questions unanswered. The fact that the title character does not actually become the title character is not the least of these. And yes, that is actually the case when history is on your side; unfortunately, this fantastic book moving forward is not. Where we are going, there are no roads.” Even if Shōgun’s resolution comes years after it was first reached, it is comforting to know that Marks and Kondo are well aware of the task at hand and have envisioned a clear conclusion.
