'Shōgun' Season 2: 5 interesting plotlines that make FX show's return a thriller
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA: The historical drama on FX 'Shōgun' has finally reached its destination, with many fans and critics showering love on the politics-infused drama.
The first half of the series focused on John Blackthorne (Cosmo Jarvis), who finds himself amidst feudal Japan's power struggle, while the latter half of the series turned dramatically to Lord Yoshii Toranaga (Hiroyuki Sanada), who plans to attain the ultimate title of Shōgun and dreams of unifying Japan.
The series, which is a masterful cinematic adaptation of James Clavell's widely read book of the same name, is the creative brainchild of Rachel Kondo and Justin Marks.
Although there is an official announcement regarding the second season of the historical drama, if it does happen, there are a tonne of potential storylines to explore.
So, here are five possible plotlines that may make Shogun Season 2 a real thrill ride:
Lord Yoshii Toranaga's quest for power intensifies in 'Shogun' Season 2
While season 1 of the series depicted Toranaga as a crafty and ruthless manipulator vying for supreme power and seeking to unify Japan, season 2 may go further into his aims.
As season one has just laid the groundwork for his future triumph, it is unclear whether he will win the battle or not. It would be interesting to see him on the battlefield, brandishing his sword at Ishido Kazunari (Takehiro Hira).
Furthermore, unifying Japan is a tough endeavour in and of itself, requiring a heavy power struggle that will put Toranaga's wits to the test. Overall, seeing Toranaga grace our screens with his strategic genius and ruthlessness will be nothing short of a feast.
John Blackthorne to fully embrace Japanese culture
Blackthorne was left at a crossroads in the first season of the historical drama. He looks less eager to go home after losing Toda Mariko (Anna Sawai) and learning about the harshness and complexities of Japanese politics, but in the final moments of the episode, he is seen working with his Japanese counterparts, a sign that he is slowly embracing the culture.
Given that Blackthorne struggles to reconcile his English heritage with the life he has created in Japan, the second season may provide some insight into his experiences with it.
The second season will focus on his assimilation into Japanese society. It is plausible that he gains the admiration of his fellow samurai and serves as a mediator between the two cultures, offering guidance to Toranaga.
Additionally, as the finale episode suggests, Toranaga asking Blackthorne to create a fleet for him, his knowledge of Western warfare may potentially aid Toranaga in accomplishing greater exploits.
Ochiba-no-kata to face consequences for her pact with Lord Yoshii Toranaga
The first season was filled with the heir Nakamura Yaechiyo's (Sen Mars) mother Ochiba-no-kata's (Fumi Nikaido) animosity against Toranaga, which took a sharp turn when she chose to assist him after Mariko's passing.
However, considering how much she despised him for planning to assassinate her father, Lord Kuroda Nobuhisa (Eijiro Ozaki), it does seem a little strange. The repercussions of Ochiba's covert agreement with Toranaga can be explored in the second season.
Furthermore, even with her partnership with Toranaga, Ochiba's first priority is still her son's protection.
This may be further investigated in season 2, when she may be shown manipulating circumstances to guarantee her son's safety and perhaps confronting Toranaga if she believes he poses a danger to her kid.
Kashigi Omi to assist Lord Yoshii Toranaga in unifying Japan
Kashigi Yabushige's (Tadanobu Asano) bright nephew, Kashigi Omi (Hiroto Kanai), may appear to be an ordinary character in season one, but it should be noted that he was the one who instigated Yoshii Nagakado (Yuki Kura) to kill Ishido's man, and given his ambitious nature, he is certain to wreak havoc in season two.
The next season may shed light on the aspirational guy's quest as he supports Toranaga's efforts to unite Japan.
Furthermore, considering that they are battling for Toranaga's objective, it is obvious that he will now be friendlier towards Blackthorne as well.
Ishido Kazunari to discover about Lord Yoshii Toranaga and Ochiba-no-kata's secret pact
In the first season, Ishido's animosity for Toranaga is evident, as he consistently devises strategies to overcome him.
However, nothing much is revealed about his deeply ingrained animosity towards Toranaga. The second season may clarify the reason behind Ishido's deep-rooted animosity towards Toranaga.
He may also learn about Ochiba and Toranaga covert arrangements in the second season, which will put his patience to the test.
Given that Ochiba is the heir's mother, the ambitious guy even makes a marriage proposal to her as part of his plan to gain more authority. However, Ochiba ignored his proposal, which will be further investigated in season two when.
Furthermore, it was clear that the Council of Regents was against Ishido's attempt to assassinate Mariko and had enough of his schemes. The remaining Regents members may band together in the second season to overthrow the cunning warlord.
'Shōgun' trailer