Familiar power struggles exist at the heart of both Shōgun and Succession, but it's the series' use of comedy that best unites them.
compared the 10-episode historical drama about the power struggle between warring factions in feudal Japan to HBO’s epic fantasy series. It’s easy to understand why, what with the series’ period setting and numerous parties seeking to rule.
With multiple factions fighting for control of the country, one can also easily see the connective tissue that exists betweenas the Roy siblings fought both each other and against outsiders for control of Waystar Royco, the multimedia conglomerate founded and run by their aging father. The damage inflicted years prior drives the grudges and decisions made by those today. But the similarities between the two series don’t end there.
But if the writing for Blackthorne modernizes the series and showcases his outsider status, the humor of Yabushige, the lord of Izu and a loyal ally of Toranaga, ultimately reminds viewers of the prevailing attitudes and practices of Japan at the time.
Blackthorne and Yabu are straightforward comedy engines, but there are other instances, especially in the latter half of the series, in which the show’s use of humor is darker and much more subtle, making it almost easy to overlook until the punchline is delivered well after the initial setup. This is often the case with Toranaga, the show’s version of Logan Roy , an aging leader who built his empire and knows how to maneuver friends and foes into place without them being any the wiser.
Throughout the series’ 10 episodes, the use of comedy balances the narrative’s frequent violence, which often results in rather gruesome deaths, both in battle and via seppuku, a form of ritualistic suicide performed by samurai that maintains their honor. It’s a necessary palate cleanser that ensures the series doesn’t lean too far into the grim.
United Kingdom Latest News, United Kingdom Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Is Lord Toranaga Pitting Yabushige & Omi Against Each Other In Shogun?Toranaga is aware of the two-faced Yabushige.
Read more »
'Shōgun' Episode 6 Trailer — A New Power Emerges in OsakaMakuochi Echebiri is a News Writer for Collider. He has been interested in creative writing from as far back as high school, and he would consume pretty much anything that’s film or TV. However, his truest love lies in the presence of historical epics and thrillers.
Read more »
Shōgun Episode 6: The Emergence of New Power from OsakaEpisode 6 of Shōgun reveals the emergence of new power from Osaka, proving that war-hungry samurai do not wield the most power. Ochiba-no-kata, the only consort of the late Taikō, shows her influence in Osaka.
Read more »
‘Shōgun’s Best Characters Hold More Power Than You ThinkEmmanuel is a freelance writer with a passion for storytelling and a cliché love for living life. An avid enjoyer of movies, television, and books, he&039;s worked for Paramount Pictures and other entertainment publications before becoming a writer for Collider.
Read more »
'Shōgun's Anna Sawai Explains the Biggest Threat for Lady MarikoChristina Radish is the Senior Entertainment Reporter at Collider. Having worked at Collider for over a decade (since 2009), her primary focus is on film and television interviews with talent both in front of and behind the camera.
Read more »
'Shōgun' Episode 6 Recap — This One's for the GirlsCarly Lane is an Atlanta-based writer and critic who considers herself a lifelong Star Wars fan, newbie Trekker, diehard romance/sci-fi/fantasy reader, and nascent horror lover. Her fondness of books is only eclipsed by the towering TBR that her shelves can&039;t possibly contain.
Read more »