Summary
It isn’t easy to imagine whatShōgunseason 2 (and 3) will look like with a lack of source material to draw from, and now, the series' future feels extra mystifying. Long before its February 2024 premiere,Shōgunwas touted as a limited series that would adapt the entirety of James Clavell’s eponymous 1975 novel. Clavell’sShōgunis part of a six-volume collection known as the Asian Saga - though the books within are only loosely connected, furthering the assumption that since theFXShōgunseriescovered much of its source novel, it would end after season 1.
That said,theShōgunseries emerged as a critical hitand captivated general audiences, becoming FX’s most-watched TV show of all time. As such,renewal forShōgunseasons 2 and 3was warranted and quick to happen, even in the wake ofFX needing original material to extend the historical epic’s story. Co-creators, executive producers, and writers Justin Marks and Rachel Kondo ofShōgunseason 1 will return as part of the creative team to aid in the series' new direction. However, amid a recentShōgunseries development, it may be more challenging than initially imagined.
The Estate of James Clavell is also helping to develop futureShōgunseasons.
Anna Sawai’s Emmy Nomination Is A Reminder Of How Great Lady Mariko Was
The prestigious nod is a testament to Sawai’s excellent performance and influence within the series asShōgun’sToda Mariko, making it even harder to imagine the historical epic’s future seasons without her.
Barely three months afterShōgun’sseason 1 finale, the series has made waves as the Emmy season’s most-nominated drama program with 25 nominations overall. Among Emmy nominations for Outstanding Drama Series, Outstanding Writing for a Drama Series, Outstanding Directing for a Drama Series, and so many more,Shōgunpulled an Outstanding Lead Actress in a Drama Series nomination for Japanese actress Anna Sawai.The prestigious nod is a testament to Sawai’s excellent performance and influence within the series asShōgun’sToda Mariko, making it even harder to imagine the historical epic’s future seasons without her.
Before meeting her shocking demise inShōgunepisode 9, Lady Mariko grew to becomeone ofShōgun’smost impactful characters.She not only served as lead character Lord Yoshii Toranaga’s trusted liaisonin his long game toward overthrowing the Council of Regents and leading Japan into a new era as shōgun,but she proved compelling in her own right. While juggling dark personal struggles of worth and purpose, Lady Mariko held strong in unwavering poise, fierce loyalty, and strong convictions throughoutShōgun’spolitical maelstrom. As a distinct highlight of the series, her absence inShōgun’sfuture cast will be palpable.
Shōgun Season 2: Confirmation, Cast & Everything We Know
The historical epic Shōgun was originally billed as a limited series on FX, but the popular show is returning for seasons 2 & 3.
What Will Shōgun Season 2 Look Like Without Sawai’s Mariko?
Toranaga’s Rise Will Continue
Not much is known aboutShōgun’sseason 2 story except thatactor Hiroyuki Sanada has signed on to reprise his role as Lord Toranaga. With this knowledge, it’s probable thatShōgunseason 2 will continue to chart Toranaga’s rise to and subsequent reign as Japan’s shōgun. FX’sShōgunmay not have a great deal of source material to extract from Clavell’s source novel, but it can pull season 2’s premise from the real-life events and the rise ofTokugawa Ieyasu’s shogunatefrom which the book, and thus the series, is inspired.
Season 2 also has the opportunity to expand on where otherbigShōguncharactersended up, like John Blackthorne (Cosmo Jarvis), the European navigator who became stranded in Japan after destruction befell his shipErasmusduringShōgun’sseason finale.Shōgunhas yet to confirm Jarvis and otherShōguncast members for its next season, butit would serve the series well to continue their stories under Lord Toranaga’s rule. Unfortunately, this will mean depicting life after Lady Mariko’s death, leaving fans of the character to hope that her legacy will live on in the future of the series.
How Lady Mariko Can Return In Shōgun Season 2
Lady Mariko Can Live On In Memory
Although she is dead,it would be hard forShōgunseason 2 to ignore Lady Mariko’s influence on its evolving story(that is, if season 2 picks up where season 1 left off). For Toranaga, Lady Mariko was a trusted confidant and an essential translator and even laid down her life for his cause. For Blackthorne, she was a cultural guide and romantic partner, helping him to navigate a foreign country and its customs. In some way, shape, or form, Lady Mariko touched the lives of every major player in theShōgunseries, including adversaries Ishido Kazunari and Ochiba-no-kata.
IfShōgunseason 2 was inclined to make it happen,Lady Mariko could live on in their memories, appearing in flashbacks or dream sequences that reiterate her influenceon the series' characters and the events that transpired. She would be a welcome site, considering that Lady Mariko’s actions led her to become a fan-favorite character. Anna Sawai’s Emmy nomination and possible win for herShōgunrole certainly ups the anticipation to see more of the actress - what better way to do so than with small but mighty season 2 appearances?
Shogun
Cast
Shōgun, released in 2024, is set in Japan during 1600 at the onset of a significant civil war. It follows Lord Yoshii Toranaga as he battles political adversaries on the Council of Regents, while a European ship mysteriously appears in a nearby fishing village, complicating the tides of power.
