SHOGUN Season 2 Confirmed: Everything We Know, Theories & My Thoughts

[@BrainPilot]

How do you feel about the show creating a second season and going outside the story within Clavell's novel? It's a risk, especially considering they were only going to create one season! Let me know your thoughts below!

[@MNSF99]

In the words of Jesse Lee Peterson: "Amazin"

[@wendystahlman2385]

I still like Richard chamberlain in shogun. It was a more extensive show. Don’t get me wrong I like this too but, not like the original from the early 80’s.

[@fredrickmartin-shultz3712]

This won't be good. Going off book has almost never done well. Think Game of Thrones, Wheel of Time, Rings of Power, The Witcher. Going off book doesn't work out and it will go to some weird places.

[@Meeminator603]

I don't believe it.

[@WIGDIGITY1]

As long as the story is good, historically accurate and makes sense, there is a compelling plot, good character arcs and good storytelling, it will be fine. However, it will be a tough act to follow creating a whole new story out of whole cloth. It’s risky.

[@Valente_Quintero]

In S2, the Anjin will find the infinity stones, wear the Gauntlet, and snap Mariko and Yabushige back. It’s the only way

[@Valente_Quintero]

💪

[@tomdeiber4918]

We all need Mariko back 😢

[@arthas7]

Multiverse of madness

[@Mr.Zen_73]

hopefully in S2 Mariko's long-lost identical twin sister will miraculously appear and play a big part of the story as well as Yabushige's also long-lost identical twin brother! haha

[@realvalue626]

Shogun episode 10 w/o Marko was a bit boring. S2. Mariko, the younger years?

[@lydiaquinn2892]

😂 yes that would be great!

[@KamikOzzie]

lol man I know right! Geesh she'll be missed really liked her!

[@CountMockula-x7b]

I seriously hope not.

[@mamadoudia7217]

i mean this is the only path they should follow, we need Anna Sawai in season 2. She could appear in blackthorne's thoughts constantly too

[@Oceandrrves]

I think a season two that fills in missing details would like a flashback on how John got to Japan, how the toranaga learned to read the wind. I think as long as they add to the story and not change what was done we could have some awesome episodes to come.

[@Siegward37]

Let's hope for this. But I really think they are about to ruin it all by continuing the story from where they left off

[@jko8888]

The story ended, and I'm not a prequel guy, so a big no for me.

[@tileux]

William Adam's real story involved him building european war ships for Ieyasu Tokogawa - the 'red seal ships' (because they were authorised to represent the shogun under a red seal) - and Adams engaged in a number of military and trading missions with those ships. On top of that Adams married and had children and became a hugely trusted representative of Ieyasu Tokagawa to foreign governments and officials (who all thought he had "gone native'). On top of that there is the actual battle of sekigahara AND the final siege of Osaka castle, both of which finally removed all potential military and political opponents to the Tokagawa shogunate. Im a bit dubious about a second season - BUT there is plenty of real material on which to base an ongoing story (since Clavell basically just took William Adam's story and mixed it with the story of Akechi Tama, who Adams actually never met.

[@neowuwei7851]

We already know how JB got to Japan. In the Erasmus. I thot they did a pretty good job showing that in Ep 1. What they didn't show was the horrendous smell of the ship once Omi and his samurai got on board the ship, or how filthy the crew was. Including Blackthorne.

[@JABelms]

​@@jko8888 Not really, the book just ended there...the history did not. If they take inspiration from history Toronaga would be the main villain, and he would win in the end.

[@zombie45611]

“Flowers are only beautiful because they fall.” Seems they forgot their own message…

[@kellahella5286]

That was my first thought as well.

[@BrainPilot]

Good point!

[@jool5941]

Pitch meeting producer: yeah, but…. Money.

[@AFGuidesHD]

If S2 is rubbish then that still follows the message

[@Eric-kb2xt]

Really, I’m not sure your your point

[@derekchin6242]

I can see why Hiroyuki Sanada signed on for more. From everything I've read and seen (and it's a lot, lol), he was incredibly invested in its production and proud to bring what he termed "real Japanese culture" to a wide, western audience. The amount of authenticity, from costumes to speech to manners to set direction was likely several levels above anything that's come before, certainly any drama made for television. Lots of people, even "fans" of the show, complained the show bypassed some favorite elements in the book. If they fit the story arc, I can see filmed flashbacks featuring some of the favorite characters we lost: Mariko, Hiromatsu, Yabushige, even Rodrigues. Others complained we didn't get to see The Battle of Sekigahara (which wasn't in the book or 1980 series, either). Here's a chance to spend some of that FX money on a great battle scene, and fully witness Ishido's downfall when the other regents turn on him. I also really want to see Saeki's face when he realizes his half-brother turned the tables on him and he backed the wrong horse. There's way more story to tell about Toranaga actually becoming Shogun, Blackthorne's rebuilding of his ship (and whatever else William Adams did in Japan, including marrying a Japanese woman and having kids), some more drama about the Portuguese Catholics losing their influence on Japan, etc. Finally, another reason I wouldn't mind another season: I just loved the whole thing, and it sucks not having it to look forward to each week. One thing I hate realizing: I'm not sure it would be compelling TV to see Fuji as a buddhist nun. 😭

[@jool5941]

It took 4 years to make this season perfect. Season two will be done in 1 year. The quality will drop

[@oneanamoly]

I surely hope not​@@jool5941

[@Iamawanderingangel]

Bring back Fuji!!!

[@ProdLucio]

Pleaseee

[@MrJaycake]

A fudging nun

[@brandonquezada9523]

You know her and Blackthorne got married irl?

[@CarlyCarly1636]

It’s not fair to compare this with GOT for going by the book because Shogun was based on actual events. They can easily do a second season base on true events while GOT was pure author’s vision/fantasy.

[@Ruledragon]

Shame they already killed Yabushige when his real life counterpart actually lived longer than Toranaga one if i'm not wrong.

[@BrainPilot]

Yeah that is true!

[@ghostsdragon9222]

Who is his real life counter part? Because i am thinking about date.

[@Ruledragon]

​@@ghostsdragon9222 "(Honda Masanobu, 1538-1616): The scheming lord of Izu who serves Toranaga." - Source: Wiki

[@nont18411]

Lived longer for a few weeks

[@ryanm4013]

@@nont18411Still was longer

[@scottsolomon7579]

I think we have enough historical material to provide guardrails and prevent a GoT fiasco. I would also not just assume it is "just" about the money given the response from fans, it could just be a recognition of the crap that dominates screens and the desire to produce more good content that highlights the Japanese culture while remaining a high-quality production. Hiroyuki Sanada seems to have a lot of integrity and was committed to making sure every detail of the show was as authentic as possible so I will give him the benefit of the doubt when it comes to this news.

[@Bobby__B]

Yeah unlike GoT, there's actual historical material to work with, and a lot of other media have covered what happens after the Tokugawa Shogunate took power, so it's MORE than possible to see a season 2.

[@official_commanderhale965]

@@Bobby__B Not only that, but for the next 250 years there was some mystery to Japan due to its isolation.

[@iammiller5478]

Still GoT, HoTD, Vikings, The Last Kingdom, Spartacus and Rome are wayyyyyyy better than this overrated TV show

[@therevolvingmonk]

Historical material is not a guardrail. The Crown had plenty of historical material to go off of and it completely nosedived after a few exceptional initial seasons. The Playtone WWII shows have plenty of historical material but only the EB Sledge parts of The Pacific really came close to living up to Band of Brothers. All they're doing here is potentially cheapening one of the best historical dramas ever out of greed.

[@c-poli8150]

@@iammiller5478everything you just named is overrated

[@liwyatan]

Done well it would be really interesting. For one, in real life, the most interesting facts happened after the book ended. Becoming Shogun was a difficult road for Tokugawa Ieyasu. Being able to see how he, step by step, stripped the power of the other daimios would be really fun. And Adams played a key role in this regard (Ieyasu and Adams both used each other in this matter. And it ended with the expulsion of the Catholics from Japan and the Dutch being the only "foreigner" allowed to trade with Japan). So, yeah, in the end Adams was really important. Also, Fuji (we all love Fuji). If the nun think was also a rouse? What she and Toranaga talked before Blackthorne arrived? What if Toronaga wants to use Blackthorne and the Dutch to undermine the powerful Catholic Daimios (as happened in real life) and Fuji is his "tool". Let's remember that Hiromatsu said that she was the cleverest of his descendants...

[@neowuwei7851]

The actress playing Fuji-san certainly nailed every scene she was in and her darting eyes spoke volumes. 😂

[@Maatdrummer1]

I loved Fuji. She was clever, beautiful, and brave. It would be great to see her again. There are tons of events in Tokugawa Japan that are very interesting, and all of them lead up inevitably to WW2.

[@MrNH718]

I liked the fact that there was one season. They had a story to tell and they told it without trying to milk it. I can definitely see this becoming a Game of Thrones situation, great with source material to go off then going off the cliff. Smh

[@Diego_i]

Exactly.. we can bet, for instance, we will have the women being portrait in the 2nd season in that trope "Yamete Kudasai" instead of well build strong characters like in the 1st season. Will have at leat 2 plot lines that doesn't make sense at all and have nothing to add to the main plot, and boring AF characters just to fill some BS and milk as much of tv time as possible (like in Westworld).

[@leburger5160]

The difference between this and game of thrones, is this is based heavily off actual Japanese history. No, there is no source material, but Japanese history still exists. Tokugawa still existed and what he done after becoming Shogun is just as interesting as his scheming to become the Shogun. The difference here is that GoT had none of that...

[@leburger5160]

@@Diego_i The difference between this show and all the shows everyone keeps mentioning is, Shogun has historical context. it has another 20 years of historical context to pull from. All those other shows are complete fiction. This is fiction with historical context using creative liberty. It's based heavily off of the life of William Adams and Tokugawa Ieyasu. These people actually lived. So the lack of source material isn't as much of an issue here. They have two decades of historical records to use instead...

[@Diego_i]

@leburger5160 I hope you are right, and they don't pull anything out of their a$$es. For them to do a time skip like "500 years later" and make a nonsensical show under the "shogun" umbrella wouldn't be unheard off.

[@leburger5160]

@@Diego_i I don't think these guys are as stupid as Netflix. I don't think Sanada would stand for that either... The reason this show is as popular as it is, is because of its grounding in reality and its believability. I don't think they would sacrifice that to jump 500 years in the future. especially since Toranaga is based off of Tokugawa Ieyasu. who died in 1616. His descendants went on to rule Japan for another 263 years... Honestly, I think the most likely scenario is showing height of Tokugawa and how he showed his fangs at the slightest provocation by the Toyotomi clan and completely destroyed them. Ending their bloodline in a single afternoon. That was the last major thing he done before stepping down and putting his son in his place as shogun and making his rule inheritable by blood...

[@vladnovac]

I would like to see another season!

[@BrainPilot]

It has the potential to be good that's for sure!

[@Moue666]

Feels more like they're keeping Sanada on retainer but they still have to impress him with a well-written season 2. I don't see this happening unless the season 2 story and writing are on par with the book.

[@mr89firebird]

I think it could be a great way for more people to learn the history of Japan.

[@ChevySS1968]

Shogun may be the best TV I have ever watched. I was mesmerized, watching most of the episodes repeatedly. Absolutely brilliant! They need great writers for a successful S2, hopefully they have them. I would like to see Anjin end up marrying Fuji somehow, with a giant wedding, showcasing how an high-ranking marriage was done in those days. This was a fascinating time period in history.

[@BobbyOnADuke]

There’s so much in the book that it left out I don’t see it being ruined, there’s plenty to explore. Johns ship being built, Yoshi going on a killing spree, John settling in Japan, plenty to explore still

[@BrainPilot]

That's fair enough! It's good to be optimistic about it

[@BobbyOnADuke]

@@BrainPilot I think aslong as whatever they do somewhat fits the book and they don’t start messing up the timeline I’m here for it

[@spendymcspendy]

I was really hoping for a Fargo like anthology of Clavell's other books being adapted with new cast, new stories connecting together. I really feel Shogun ended really well.

[@BrainPilot]

Yeah that would have been a really good approach!

[@jmgonzales7701]

yeah i was looking forward to saipan

[@althesmith]

I think Blackthorne will end up managing the Eastern army artillery or at least assist in doing so at Sekigahara, and after the battle finish building a ship for Toronaga but somewhere in the process, meeting a nice Japanese lady and getting married and starting a second household in Japan- which is what happened in the real history.

[@jmgonzales7701]

i dont think we are getting sekigahara

[@liwyatan]

I understand the people that doesn't want a Season 2 (GOT Sindrome). But, here we are talking about characters based in real life people. We know what happened to them. And, arguably, it was more interesting what happened to them after the book ended. So, the showrunners have a lot of quality material to follow.

[@jmgonzales7701]

then maybe they should make a new series.

[@miekgg]

how do ones spell syndrome wrong… jesus ppl are slow

[@MrGlenbw]

I believe that if done carefully, not only the show creators will be able to complete all surviving characters' (especially Torunaga's) arcs in a truly satisfying way but also introducing elements from later books within the Asian Saga (e.g. the Struan Family), serving as appetizers for fans who can't wait for a possible television adaptation of Tai-Pan.

[@hunt6872]

Would be impressive if they pull it off. Why not? They may as well give it a go if they’re confident

[@Ocalif3]

Noooo the book clearly depicts the ending as it was shown!! Hiroyuki Sanada deserves an Emmy Award for his portrayal and as Executive Producer-

[@scribe3]

Nagakado, wasn’t Toranaga heir.. Sudara was… maybe we will get to see him in season 2 , Also, in the book John use to daydream about talking too Mariko, after she passed… so maybe they could bring her back as a spirit

[@datglobetrotterlife]

Without Mariko-sama, the sequel would not be the same!

[@alinvoica937]

yes, we will see Toranaga hunting, fishing, writing poems, watching plays and many other relaxing activities! I can't wait to see all this! I say do about 5-6 seasons!

[@EmaAgafitei]

God, I never been happier for a season 2 announcement. I want More toronaga. And maybe if things go well they would make a show about the og unifier, Oda Nobunaga

[@Hermit_Ronin]

Season 2 can begin with the Battle of Sekigahara and then portray the Siege of Osaka in the final episodes. With the Rambo series, even though John Rambo died in the original First Blood novel, he survived in First Blood part 1 and went on to star in the sequels. So a season 2 for Shogun would be a great idea even with the book and season 1 already concluded.

[@neowuwei7851]

Sanada and the rest of the Japanese crew made certain that the most authentic details of their culture were shown in this series. Unlike the 1980s version that was made by Westerners and their limited knowledge of Japanese culture. I'm sure that same attention to detail will be put into Season 2 and this will show more people the depths and subtleties of that culture. There is plenty of historical data to work from, like how Toranaga went on to become Shogun after his win at Shegikawa. And how he dealt with the losing regents after that. Maybe not enough for 10 episodes, but plenty to work with, imho. Looking forward to the writers and producers creating another masterpiece in Season 2.

[@Don_Kedich]

Hollywood greed, this is a shame.

[@liwyatan]

Yeah, why they did a Season 1 in the first place! Greedddddd!!!!

[@iejiuuug68k]

No they adapted the book in season 1, the story is finished. Everything after that is unnecessary.​@@liwyatan

[@Latin-J]

It took 6 years to make season one. Season 2 will be done in a year. The quality is going to drop off.

[@zoonzoon123]

@@liwyatan You missed the entire point didn't you

[@johnsullivan2090]

There are historical events that happened after the conclusion of the Clavel novel. Sanada will follow historical events.

[@HG504X]

Its a double edged sword. There's real potential to explore more of that world, but at the same time with no more source material, making it impactful like S1 is going to be challenging.

[@allenbertaniciete1350]

How about TaiPan..the next book of the series....this time it will discuss the end of the Tokugawa shogunate

[@johnnyrivas2619]

I'm thinking they could focus on deepening friendship between Blackthorne and Father Alvito. It could be powerful because eventually Toranaga turns on the Christians, so I could see him finally setting John against the fleeing Black Ship. He captures it and takes the crew and passengers prisoner. He doesn't realize that Alvito was among them and he has to watch the Jesuit's crucifixion.

[@leburger5160]

Thats actually an interesting idea. Blackthorne coming to terms with the fact that the war between the catholics and the protestants is, and was, pointless. they're still brothers in christ and now he has to watch his friend die. Because, as the show makes clear, the Japanese didn't understand why two people who believed in the same god were killing each other over how they believed in that god. it made no sense to them at all. Season two could use that as a narrative driver to bring Toranaga and Blackthorne closer together as they discuss what it means and how it effects life in Europe. Which could lead to Toranaga doing what Tokugawa actually done after banishing the Portuguese. Banning christianity entirely from the Japanese islands...

[@janechoy2073]

FX has not actually announced a season 2 yet; the only thing that was annonced was Sanada signing a deal for potentially returning.

[@miekgg]

they are having a season 2…

[@TheShortYautja]

Hopefully we see the siege of osaka

[@BrainPilot]

I think that would most likely be in it. Even though it's set around 15 years after the finale, if they jump forward in time slightly then it would definitely be a possibility!

[@ray.b.75]

This might be just another money grab, but it all relies on the writing, as the casting was perfection. If you rewatch the show, you will notice how good the dialogues are, and the strength of a writer is always on the dialogues. Writing ‘good dialogue’ is what ‘drawing hands’ are to a painter, it is hardest part of writing. So yeah, I have faith that season 2 could be really good too.

[@okazaki111]

In fact, Ochiha's mother and Ieyasu are childhood friends and there is a complicated drama. In addition, various famous generals were involved in Ieyasu's childhood, and there are hundreds of movies and TV dramas from the Sengoku period. It is possible to write a story inspired by James Clavell's The General. It's up to Clavel's daughter, who was the executive producer. Portugal had been coming to Japan to sell guns since 1543, and since then there have been Christian daimyo in Japan. Recent historical research has revealed that they supported Hideyoshi's expansion into Korea and China behind the scenes, and were aiming for hegemony in Asia using Japan's military power.

[@Irishrover101]

Even though I can only remember Mariko and John's names this show really I loved watching. Was so well done so I really hope to see a second season.

[@shaba7685]

I love this show so much. But also I think the ending was so perfect that it doesn't need another season

[@richt63]

Interesting topic ❤ well actually they didn't explored and adapted all of the novel of James Clavell. They skipped over the interaction of Toranaga and his other son. They didn't go into details with Fuji whom is Fujiko in the Novel. And their relationship. Also Kiku the courtesan married Blackthorne in the novel. So they could do just a sequel. And some flashbacks with Mariko and Yabu.

[@blktom]

Honestly, I thought the 10 episode season 1 was to short. It just felt like they rushed and skipped over some aspects that I wish they took a littler longer time in explaining and exploring. I wish they had say 2 to 4 more episodes to really fill it out, specially some of the relationships. I do think it will be hard if they go historical because they did kill off some characters that shouldn't have died. So will see what they do, but I know I /will/ watch it. As for Game of Thrones, I really put that on George R.R. Martin on dragging his feet to finish. He was enjoying the popularity a little to much and I think it hurt the show and him in the long run... and I don't think he cares one bit. He got what he wanted, his fame and fortune... I just feel used as a fan and sad the show got wrecked because of it. Hell, I think he used them (the show) to see what folk liked and didn't like to use for his books.

[@marcusagain]

i'll never understand ppl complaining about another season. this is one of the best shows I've sever seen... i literally want 20 more season. Keep it going idc.

[@ianbuenav]

Because Shogun is 10/10 show and if S2 flops, it could ruin the series overall. I like the idea of S2 but I'm skeptical they can make it better than S1.

[@richierich1166]

Right.

[@puma12345ace]

Confirmed? Okaaaay..... To me it sounds more like they secured an asset for a possible project. I'll wait with the celebration until it's actually confirmed by FX.

[@kennyjungle]

It’s clickbait

[@CEN19]

I thought it ended well. Season 2 will really need to draw you in almost perfectly to continue the story.

[@j.arelylopez3053]

Mariko and John’s story would’ve been my favorite love story but I felt like there was something missing between them which I guess was more screen time and dialogue. So maybe in the next season when he marries a Japanese woman they can do that. But as they said before in an interview, the romance was not meant to be the focal point. I respect that.

[@atabo3641]

The model for Shogun existed. That is Ieyasu Tokugawa. He had two major wars in his later years. The one is Sekigahara and the another is Osaka Castle. So there are many episodes to make Season 2.

[@BaekBalDosa]

Great news! Thank you for your content!

[@lordsqugm9722]

i have an idea of what they should do. the season should be heavily centered on blackthorns grief over mariko and his relationship with buntaro. as well as him learning how to be a lord and how to manage a domain in general and the challenges of the early foundings of the tokugawa shogunate

[@Oxcymoron]

The way Shogun was paced i dont think it needs another season when a few more episodes in the first season would've been perfect. It just feels like they're milking it when im pretty sure they said there'd only be one season.

[@aaronbonogofsky4463]

Maybe they can include Ieyasu’s consolidation of power in Japan and the hurdles he faced. I would love to see an interaction with a character based off the “One Eyed Dragon of Oshu.”

[@BrainPilot]

That would be interesting!

[@peterscott8416]

This series is based on the events leading up to the battle of Sekigahara (real hostorical war) this was mentioned at the end of episode 10. More of a lead up in to that battle would be amazing

[@thomaseyob1]

there will come a time where they'll provide Sanada with the material they've written and he'll decide to do it or not.

[@HAWKEYEWTNY]

I wouldn't worry too much about the writer being out over his skis with no more source material to go by. I read the book while the original miniseries came out, and knew it like the back of my hand. Yet watching this series, I almost felt like I was watching a different show, a much better show, because the events strayed so much from the novel--and in ways that were fantastic. As long as they keep going in that direction, with all of the experts they used on the first season, it should be another hit--knock on wood!

[@WiseSnake]

They might have to sign on writers that are experienced at adapting and dramatizing historical events if they go the historical route.

[@TheNejExperience]

Season two, if done, should encompass the build up and tension created by the results of the victory at Sekigahara and thus focus on the final battle between the Toyotomi and Tokugawa. These were the winter and summer siege of Osaka castle. If this is the case, my main concern will be how they portray Sanada Nobushige(Yukimura). If you want an adversary worthy of this serie for a second season it must be Sanada Yukimura, he gave the Tokugawas hell for several months as they built their forces and eventually laid the siege of Osaka, almost killing Ieyasu in the process. They can end the season with the obvious and close it with Ieyasu’s death in 1615.

[@susanoonomikoto9449]

Well, Shogun was originally based on the book of the same name and the book is based on William Adam's adventures with an altered reality and different names. So I would really like to see Shogun continue Blackthorn's story like Williams did. In order for Fuji-sama to have a chance at heart and come back, they marry and have two children like William did. And Blackthron acts as Toranaga-sama's Hatamoto, just like Wiliam, so Toranaga-sama unites Japan like Tokugawa Ieyasu-sama did, the character he is based on. William Adams' crew was also released and some of them left Japan. So basically there is a lot of potential to continue with a great story.

[@mrsuarez430]

There's alot of history to work with they can even go backwards to the Korean war and you can even have most of the cast comeback as younger characters

[@EldricVanguard]

I'd give the series about 3-4 seasons. All the way to the Battle of Osaka Castle, most likely. Season 2 is probably going to be the Battle of Sekigahara, then Toranaga consolidating power and his reign of 2 years before handing power to his son. Hopefully, they give more of a role to Blackthorne in the next season.

[@lairddougal3833]

There was a well crafted story with a beginning, a middle and importantly an end. There’s nothing worse than money men with creative ‘notes’.

[@williamquintana1668]

In terms of having enough material to have a second season of Shogun, there are plenty of sources on the historical records on the life of Tokugawa Ieyasu between 1600 until his death on 1616. An obvious starting point would be the battle of Sekigahara and go from there, exploring the change that Japan experienced. It could end with the destruction of Osaka Castle. If well done, could be worthwhile. Hiroyuki Sanada knows the history of his country very well, so if he is producing and given control on how the history of his country should be portrayed, it could work.

[@tenzintsenpey5274]

It was a perfect ending that doesn't necessitate a season 2. Instead, how about venturing into another novel by the same author? "Gaijin" would be perfectly suited as a series adaptation. It takes place after the end of the Edo period and the beginning of the Meiji Restoration, which aligns perfectly with the show's timeline. Of course, there wouldn't be any familiar faces, but there might be some surprises in store, perhaps cameos from the original series' characters or even their descendants. This fresh story set in a fascinating historical period could capture the same spirit of adventure and intrigue that made the first show so popular.

[@rolandlemus203]

I think everything you covered is a good path to go down for telling the story. the excerpt from real history where Tokugawa met William Adams, the Englishman has a real and cool story to tell. William eventually became a trusted advisor to Tokugawa, who was impressed by his knowledge of Western ships and navigation. The lord commissioned Adams to Japanese ships-and Adams later replaced Jesuit Padre João Rodrigues as the shōgun’s official interpreter. Adams’s counterpart on the miniseries, John Blackthorne (played by Jarvis), plays a much more significant role in Tokugawa’s rise to power than he did in real life. If they depart from the novel and use REAL History, there is plenty of drama and cool events that could make a great second season. Those who are looking for big battles though, meh, not going to happen, since this is a new era of overall peace, and more of court life sagas.

[@leburger5160]

This show succeeded because there was no massive CGI battles. People complained, sure. But those are the people who never read the book or didn't know that this was based off of Tokugawa Ieyasu and William Adams.After Sakigahara there are only one or two major conflicts Tokugawa had. One being the decimation of the Toyotomi clan in Osaka. I enjoyed this show BECAUSE they avoided massive set piece battles. Because I am fully aware that they would have been massive CGI fest's and wouldn't have been authentic...

[@lakerspackers11]

You said he had the original top gun to go off of, it’s the same with shogun

[@dmesa539]

What strikes me is that no one seems to be talking about the fact the Tokugawa Ieyasu was the third Unifier. In Shogun, the Taiko is based on the second Unifier, and the lord that Mariko's father killed, was based on the first, Oda Nobunaga. So if it was up to me, there would not be a second season, but 2 PREQUELS, telling the stories of Oda Nobunaga and Toyotomi Hideyoshi, stories in which Tokugawa Ieyasu played a part. I think it would make so much sense to explain the events that led to this series.

[@leburger5160]

Or just a drama series that incapsulates the entire Sengoku warring states period. Which includes all three of the great unifiers of Japan...

[@johntauranga1233]

The thing is, there is a real history to get the story from. So it is already written, they just need to define it better.

[@dixiee3554]

I am happy to see a Season 2. And I think that Senada would only agree to a Season 2 if he though it would be as good, the same quality, as Season 1. He was a producer on Season 1 and hopefully will be on Season 2. I would love to see a continuation of the history of Toronaga and Blackthorn.

[@sospeti]

They should just make a show about the life of Tokugawa Ieyasu from childhood. The dude had an absolutely amazing life, just by reading about it. From being hostage as a child to a minor lord and later becoming Shogun.We have the historical data. Make it happen.

[@lilwoo2034]

I wish they double down on the last episode's "dream sequence" and bring Mariko and Yabu back. I bet they are in big dissappointment with themselves for killing Mariko bcuz they didn't think they'd be making a second season

[@pchdavis]

a season two is going to be difficult to recapture the quality. The particular acting and character development of Yabushige and Mariko was excellent. I felt that Blackthorne character was not as engaging and though Tornaga's a was done well, the writing is going to have be really good. Also it's got to be somewhat historically believable.

[@caseyhart4999]

There is I think at least two distinct paths they can take for the show. One is to continue the current story we have been on covering the battle of sekigahara and the aftermath for season 2 and maybe stopping at that point. The other idea I’m thinking of if they want this show to keep going for several seasons is to still do season 2 as in the first option but then continue to cover Tokugawa descendants. There is over 200 years of history there and if they somehow kept the show going that long and ended it in the Bakumatsu period that would be very rich territory

[@SamGow-w7g]

There is a second book Tai pan. 5 in the series Shogun, Tai-Pan, Gai-Jin, King Rat, Noble House & Whirlwind

[@thaaaatplace]

I feel the same way. Going beyond the book could be a disaster. Look at Handmaid's Tale. It went off the rails.... Shogun is by far one of the best series ever made.

[@BobbyOnADuke]

Idgaf if it ruins the story, more shogun? Yes please!!!

[@__-lt4hm]

As long as Hiroyuki Sanada is the producer, it should be fine. Japan has so many Taiga Drama experiences and interesting stories during this Sengoku Period to seek inspiration. Historically, a prequel is interesting as well, how Taiko got into power, Mariko's father, his lord (lady Ochiba's father) etc.

[@VOTEDODY]

If there is one thing that I can hold out hope for, it's that this production team and writers have a mastery of subtlety in storytelling and have done nothing but surprise and thrill me whenever I have started to doubt. However, they are really playing with fire from what I feel was a perfect season/series. I loved the book, and I possibly loved the show even more, but ultimately both were a rehash of history, and there sure is a lot more interesting history and characters to cover in that era. But now they are off the track of a great novel and toying with beloved characters. I really hope they don’t just AI-generate some story arcs as a cash grab and actually do something interesting to tell the story further. Just an idea, but maybe they could do a season of one-off episodes filling out the characters' pasts, presents, and futures. (Kind of like the Covid interstitial episodes of Euphoria. Those two episodes were incredible character pieces and were almost the best thing out of an already pretty great show.) Toranaga's backstory and future have a ton of potential, but you could also explore Buntaro fleeing and fighting to Izu after being left in Osaka. You could depict some good Blackthorn pre-Japan sailing adventures. I also see the potential for some Mariko-Ochiba backstory or Fuji becoming a nun. A future Omi-Kiku-Gin Willow World in Edo story could have legs, and a Yabushige backstory could almost be a "Better Call Saul" series within itself.

[@Swaguley]

Hey if we get some epic battles with Sekigahara I'm in

[@rocktorrocks]

Based on the history makes most sense for season 2 to time jump to Toranaga as Shogun but the heir is now of age to take his place as the leader and Lady Ochiba tries to take back the throne with her son but Toranaga has to maintain his leadership and make it permanent.

[@leburger5160]

Thats what happened in 1614/15. It lead to the end of the Toyotomi bloodline. Tokugawa put Osaka under siege and killed literally everyone in the castle. They could go that route or make season 2 about the banishment of the Portuguese and outlawing of christianity and season 3 about the siege of Osaka. That would avoid an almost 10 to 15 year time skip and give us an interesting twist as to why Tokugawa made the decision he did regarding the favour he showed the Dutch over the hostility he showed the Portuguese...

[@rocktorrocks]

@@leburger5160 That’s a great idea! I think I knew about the siege of Osaka but didn’t know about his banishment of the Portuguese. That would be very interesting to see and pace the story nicely over 3 seasons.

[@leburger5160]

@@rocktorrocks Yeah, in 1609 Tokugawa kicked out the jesuit catholics and banished the Portuguese. he revoked all licences of trade from everyone but the dutch east India company. he let the dutch stay because they didn't intermingle trade with religion. the problem with the Portuguese is trade always came with strings attached. for example, demanding temple locations for access to Chinese silk which the Japanese needed (or wanted rather) for their kimonos. the dutch didn't come with any of those strings. all they wanted in return was the authorisation to set up a trading factory that they could use to sure up their trade network across the region, making the shipment of goods safer because an additional safe harbour was available. And the peasants revolt that occurred a few decades earlier was direct sponsored, funded and armed by the Portuguese. In order to protect his rule, he needed to pacify the peasants. he couldn't do that with the catholics running a muck and converting everyone in sight. so he banned the Portuguese and then further banned christianity entirely because it literally destabilised the entire country once already. he wasn't letting it happen again...

[@timcsont6985]

I was disappointed that some of the story lines in the original Shogun tv series was not in the new one. The new series was good, but I felt that the Character of John Blackthorne was not developed like it was in the original series (such as having his own retainers or samurai). While great, I felt that overall, there were missed opportunities to make it much better.

[@leburger5160]

I think the best thing season 2 could do is stick with the theme of political intrigue but focus more on John's attempt at navigating Japanese life and becoming more and more Japanese as the years went by. Obviously using William Adams and his actual life as a heavy influencer on the character once again... I re-watched the 80's version recently after finishing this new series. One thing I got from the 80"s version is they focused more on John, his tale and him struggling to come to terms with the vast differences between English and Japanese cultures. It went far more in-depth with that concept and had John outright challenging Toranaga because he didn't understand. This new series was missing that. My wish for the new season is for them to stick to historical context with creative liberty. I'm not apposed to altering things, but keep it grounded in reality and keep the context of what actually happened. The last thing I want is for some historical revisionist to walk in and suddenly there is armies of black people and native Americans in feudal Japan. Yeah, I'm looking at you, Netflix...

[@brianshin3209]

A story that is firmly based on historical fiction has all the source material it needs. My proposal would be a prequel with either the invasion of Korea or the initial unification of Japan under the taiko. Perhaps they can squeeze both in. This would allow certain key characters who died in season 1 to return for at least one more season. Season 3 can be a direct continuation leading up to the siege of Osaka castle in 1615. Perhaps they replace Blacthorne with Yasuke. A black man who became a samurai during this period.

[@TheGhost-7002]

Would prefer to see it set during the sieges of Osaka, when the heir is off age and a challenger to Toranaga. I’d like it to be from the perspective of a Sanada Yukimura type character. Where Toranaga plays a more villainous character. The winter siege can be Toranaga’s First defeat (cause apparently he hasn’t lost yet, even though his real life counterpart Tokugawa Ieyasu famously lost the Battle of Mikatagahara to Takeda Shingen) This could be enough to create a hatred between the two as there was in real life, as the Sanada had managed to defy the Tokugawa many times before this. Eventually things go wrong for the fighters of the heir and Yukimura does his final charge in the second to last episode maybe. Where we see Toranaga show a bit of fear when Yukimura gets mere inches from killing him.

[@patron7906]

I have a friend on the writing team, apparently the season will kick off with Mariko's twin sister Marikama showing up and "stirring things up", as they say. There will be a love triangle between Marikama, Blackthorn and Torinaga. Freed from the shackles of the source material, I am very excited by what is going to get cooked up. Should be spicy!

[@mistyken]

i would love to see how ieyashu shows his fang 14 years later and backstab/kill the toyotomi clan...it would make some pretty sick plot twists

[@fistan5447]

I think the best one they could do is to do Shimabara Rebellion. I dont necesserily want to see the same characters on the show since their stories are felt finished. Inserting anything at this point will feel unnatural. But what i WOULD love to see would be to see another series, in similar era in japan, but with different characters, different events. Hence Shimabara Rebellion. Hell, maybe we should see earlier era, like Takeda vs Uesugi rivalry.

[@reck1224]

It’s actually sad that we can no longer be satisfied with one offs these days. We must squeeze the juice out of everything. Don’t expect this show to be as good or even good at all for something that the makers will just have to make up completely.

[@leburger5160]

They don't have to make anything up. There is another 263 years of the Tokugawa shogunate to pull from. Toranaga is based off of Tokugawa Ieyasu. There is entire libraries full of historical documents about this period in Japans history. Tokugawa is one of the greatest unifiers of Japan in Japanese history. This isn't some made up story like Game of Thrones. This is history with artistic and creative licence. As long as they continue to pull from actual historical events, I don't see why it would end up being bad...

[@shooterxd2387]

Let's just hope they take careful atettion to detail and stick to the first season plotpoints, the biggest one that sets Shogun's story from real history being how Blackthorne forsakes his conflict with the catholics while in real life he got them banned from Japan. It would be a major disrespect to Mariko's last wishes if he got them kicked out of Japan.

[@leburger5160]

He didn't get them banned. What he done was bring Dutch merchants to Japan. Tokugawa took it upon himself to get rid of the Portuguese in favour of the Dutch, because the Dutch didn't want temples and they didn't forcibly convert massive swaths of the Japanese peasantry. Tokugawa done it to protect himself. Because the peasant revolts that took places decades earlier were sponsored and armed by the Portuguese. He done it under the advisement of William, but William never forced the envelope. The fact that the Dutch stuck to their island and never caused an issue for the Tokugawa shogunate tells you all you need to know about why Tokugawa done what he done...

[@fatezero8662]

I'm confused, you mean to tell me that these 10 Episodes was the entirety of the book? Fuck off. The series felt like a glorified well written prologue. If they still have historical context as source materials for Season 2 and 3 then I would love more!

[@WodenTruthSpeaker]

I always wanted it to continue after the 80s series.. So as my initial thoughts were about it in the original Shogun series it still sticks today with the modern one. I want more and I don't give a shit if the novel ends there, shouldn't have anyways. Now it's on them to make it good.

[@Nightc1tyronin]

I don’t think it’s fair to say that this is just a money grab. Sanada was insanely committed to this show and put his all into this. I can see why he would want to do more. This show is bringing Japanese culture and history to mass western audiences. I’m totally here for it. Japanese history is so interesting and deserves more attention.

[@smiIingman]

s2 provides an opportunity to actually show the battle of sekigahara that im sure many feel they were kind of cheated out of. and i imagine they will go the historical route with how Toranaga rose to Shogun.

[@BrainPilot]

That's a fair point!

[@jmgonzales7701]

i was hoping we never got to see sekigahara. Because sekigahara and action was not the point of shogun. it just enforces the idea with modern cinema today which is spectacle instead of battle.

[@jibangkurbaishya221]

​@@jmgonzales7701At The End Of The Day It's Not Bad To Have Spectacles Once Or Twice In A Realistic Show Like Shogun Because After All Its A Show Which Is Made To Entertain The People

[@jmgonzales7701]

@@jibangkurbaishya221 its different. Its a political thiller not a war movie. Ypu are missiing the point tbh

[@jibangkurbaishya221]

@@jmgonzales7701 It Can Be Both, Season 2 Can Focus On The Military Tactics Used At War During That Era Of Japan, War Can Also Be Depicted In Realistic Ways Which Is True To The Historical Context. Toranga/Tokugawa Was The Best Military Tactician Of That Era, We Already Saw His Politics And Bureaucracy In Season 1 But In Season 2 We Can See His Military Prowess, Geniuses And Intelligence.

[@jko8888]

Ugh... Why can't corporations just let something good be good. Why do they have to milk it to death. Big chance this will be like GoT season 8.

[@richard1493]

My only concern with a second season is that we’ve already lost two absolutely phenomenal characters that made the first season so damn enticing - Mariko and Yabushige. The cast is still phenomenal, but damn, I wish they could have kept those actors and their characters on board somehow.

[@BrainPilot]

Yeah I know what you mean! But I trust the casting would be on point in the next season!

[@MsJackieJack]

Wow. I'm happy there's a second season. I wasn't expecting it at all, and I thought if they did they might go the anthology route and do Clavell's other books in the Asian Saga since Shōgun is the first chronologically. I'm not surprised they chose not to. I've not read them, but my understanding is that books are super long and complex.

[@MsJackieJack]

For those interested, based off my brief research, this is the gist and the material they would have been dealing with: 1. Shōgun - 1600 in Japan just before the Battle of Sekigahara, depicting the formation of the Tokugawa Shogunate. 2. Tai-Pan* - 1841 in Hong Kong, just after the First Opium War, depicting the annexation of Hong Kong by Great Britain. 3. Gai-Jin* - 1862 in Japan just before the bombardment of Kagoshima, depicting the Namamugi incident which ultimately lead to fall of the Tokugawa Shogunate, end of Japan's isolationism, and the beginning of the Meiji period. 4. King Rat - 1945 in Singapore, depicting the experience of Western POWs in a Japanese camp during WW2. 5. Noble House* - 1963 in Hong Kong before the Vietnam War, depicting A LOT, but essentially communism happening I think (?) 6. Whirlwind* - 1979 in Iran, depicting the fall of the Iranian monarchy and the Rise of the Ayatollah Khomeini. *These books follow the story of one European family's trading company operating in Asia, but all of the books are long AF and have interwoven characters and narratives. There's movies for a bunch of them but making it into a high quality show sounds like it would be too much for any show runner.

[@PhilipNiedermann]

I would hope they could make something like "The Terror" where the second season was a completely different story, not connected to the first one. So, have the second season be in the Torenaga Shogunate, but a different story ... like Miyamoto Musashi whose exploits were during the Tokugawa Shogunate. Then again, that could be it's own series.

[@steak5599]

This show was highly popular on Hulu, I wonder if FX also hashed out a deal with Disney to make Season 2 as well. I mean, they have to get money from somewhere to fund this expensive show.

[@TheMotomuras]

Now comes the real test, writing without the novel.

[@gretchen8031]

My concern is that they will try to rush it. Strike while the iron is hot and all that. Money, honey. If they actually take their time with it like the original season, it could be great. Sanada also could make all the difference.

[@toddh3323]

Blackthorne and Buntaro will be roommates in a remake of the Odd Couple.

[@chiburu_uchinanchu]

I'm looking forward to season 2. there is enough historical data to create a 2nd season. season 1 wasn't awesome bcuz of the book. it was awesome bcuz of the ppl involved! it was truly authentic and sanada San will absolutely produce the same high quality story for season 2

[@lellamas2778]

What a great show. Quite unpredictable and realistic. Had me emotional multiple times

[@BrainPilot]

Yeah definitely!