Jason Gonzales

Just like the first few seasons of Game of Thrones (another epic inspired by actual historical events), Shogun's best moments are not in the elaborate depiction of Japanese society of that period or the glorious display of militarized clans fighting each other but the interaction of characters whose lives have unexpectedly been entangled and contained by their personal and political motives. Desires turn into conflict and everyone's in on the game. The script is so well written that it sometimes feel like I'm watching two people respond to each other in impromptu poetry. Anna Sawai is fantastic as Mariko who's relishing to break free of the structure and shame the patriarchy gave her but struggles because of duty and honor. I can't wait to see her be recognized for her fragile but alluring depiction of the curical role Japanese women play in the machinations and politcs-play of a feudal society.