In a recent interview with Deadline following Shōgun‘s impressive sweep at the 76th Primetime Emmys, which involved a record-setting 18 wins, Landgraff is asked about the approach being taken with seasons 2 and 3. The Chairman of FX Networks explains that season 2 and season 3 will each feature their own distinct narratives rooted in real-life history, but that each season is also part of an overarching story being told. Check out his comment below:
No, they’re separate narratives. They’re all part of one continuous narrative with continuing characters, but they’re separate narratives. I don’t know that we’re certain there will three seasons, but in really looking at the characters in the history that’s being depicted here, albeit in a fictionalized manner, it still feels to us like three is the right number of seasons to really do it justice.
What Landgraf’s Update Means For Shōgun Seasons 2 & 3
Where Season 2 Could Pick Up The Story For Toranaga
Though the Shōgun reviews were glowing and the show drew record numbers of viewers, the announcement that the show was continuing was still somewhat surprising because season 1 seemed to tell a fairly complete story. Season 1 covers the entirety of Clavell’s book, charting Lord Toranaga’s (Sanada) ascension to the throne. As Sanada previously teased to THR, however, “Before the peaceful era came, there were a lot of dramatic moments.”
Toranaga’s ascension, then, and perhaps the years immediately after his ascension, will seemingly continue to serve as the overarching story for the show. The Shōgun season 1 finale doesn’t actually depict Sanada’s character defeating Ishido (Takehiro Hira) in battle but instead clearly hints that this is exactly what happens. From Landgraff’s comment, season 2 could end up picking up after Ishido’s defeat. Since the conflict with Ishido serves as the basis for much of season 1, season 2’s “separate narrative” will seemingly involve a new set of challenges for Toranaga with new enemies.
Our Take On FX’s 3-Season Plan For Shōgun
Why It Won’t Repeat Game Of Thrones’ Mistakes
As was previously seen with HBO’s Game of Thrones, moving beyond the source material can sometimes have mixed results, casting doubt that season 2 of the FX epic will be as strong as season 1. That being said, Marks and Kondo have proven themselves strong storytellers, and, unlike Game of Thrones, Shōgun is pulling from real historical events. It remains to be seen whether Shōgun season 2 will meet the high bar that season 1 set, but viewers can evidently expect three distinct and yet interconnected entries in Toranaga’s story.
