“Shōgun” began its life as a limited series, a new 10-part adaptation of James Clavell‘s novel. But audiences loved it (critics too), and FX decided to bring it back by popular demand, renewing the series for what looks to be two additional seasons. Some naysayers think this is a bad idea, saying “Shōgun” told Clavell’s story from beginning to end and stuck the landing.
Moving ahead would mean messing with perfection. Me? I don’t hold these things sacred. I’m fine, for instance, that Francis Ford Coppola made “The Godfather Part III.
” I wish that Winona Ryder hadn’t dropped out of the movie, and I’ve only watched it once since its 1990 premiere. But its imperfections in no way sully the two masterpieces that came before. To put it another way: I’m still waiting for that second season of “Mare of Easttown.
” If I love something, I want more. So bring back Lord Toranaga and John Blackthorne. A flashback episode with Lady Mariko? Risky.
But it could work. And if it all crashes and burns, it’ll be years from now — perfect timing to rewatch Season 1. But the renewal of “Shōgun” did throw a wrench into the 2024 Emmys.
Instead of competing as a limited series, “Shōgun” now will annihilate any and all comers in the drama categories. That’s bad news for “The Crown” but an encouraging development for all the limited-series contenders in what looks, for the moment, to be a wide-open race. LIMITED SERIES Let’s start with the franch.