Sunday night is the Emmy’s, and as I am writing this I don’t know who the winners are. I find it interesting that the Best Drama series is all streaming services. Included in the nominees are: Shogun, 3 Body Problem, Mr and Mrs Smith, Fallout, Slow Horses, The Crown, Gilded Age and Morning Show. I do not get all of these series on my limited list of streaming services. I have seen The Crown, which will be difficult to beat since that series has been completed. And what a series it has been. I do think that the did an excellent job of concluding it. I have also seen 3 Body problem, which I enjoyed and I just finished watching the first season of Shogun, from FX. I think Anna Sawai as Moriko in Shogun wins the Emmy for Best Actress. Stating it for the record here.
Shogun: James Clavell published this book back in 1975. Set in the year 1600, the book is a work loosely based on history, all of which I was not familiar. I am actually was reading the book as my older brother had talked about it previously and I remember him liking it. He has since told me that he prefers other similar books. I am 420 pages into the 1200 page paperback. I also remember that my Mom was deeply entrenched in watching the Richard Chamberlain starring series back in 1980. I have recollection of it being on TV, but no real recollection of what happened and how close to the book that it remained. I then started watching the FX series, and by episode 3 it was surpassing where I had read. The story is one of power and internal civil war among competing regions of Japan after the death of the Taiko (Supreme Leader) who has relegated his powers to a Regent Council of 5 members who will hold power before the very young son of the Taiko comes of age to lead. The intrigue occurs between the regents. One of whom is Lord Toranaga. In the midst of these circumstances, a foreign, unknown ship crashes onto the shores after a perilous journey killimng most of the crew. They come under a Dutch flag but have as their new Captain a young British navigator, which the Japanese call Anjin.
The various parties interract with plenty of drama, lead by the regents but with supporting characters and family members intermingling. All of the language among the Japanes characters are in Japanese with subtitles. This keeps the authenticity high. There is the church, brought in by the previous outworlders Portugese, who have an detailed maps of travelling around South America to reach Japan and China. The Dutch are catching up, and also as enemies of the Portugese on the oceans. The outsiders realize that the Japanese are different from them, but highly focused on loyalty, honour and duty. There is an uneasy relationship between the Christians and the Japanese leaders. Anjin brings a different perspective onto it. The story is about that political battle, but also about the foreigner Anjin and how he becomes a valued member of the Toronaga house, raising in stature and titles much to the chagrin of those in the Toronaga inner circle. There are some surprising plot turns as this moves along. I was engaged, intrigued and surprised. This is well acted, with fully formed characters who have motivations of their own. In yet another series, there are strong women who have substantial contributions to be made, despite the times and and their place in Japanese society. I look forward to seeing more of this.
Mondays With Robbie 