Shōgun
When I was growing up there wasn't this glut of television. Miniseries were special events. Everyone, and I mean everyone, would watch them. When Roots aired over 100 million people tuned in, accounting for 85% of all homes with a television in the United States. But there was a miniseries up there with Roots, always talked about in the same reverential tones, and that was Shōgun. Airing three years after Roots in 1980. While it didn't break the records Roots did, it came in a close second and lead to other prestige adaptations, from North and South to The Thorn Birds. Starring Richard Chamberlain, also of The Thorn Birds fame, as John Blackthorne, the show was well received in the United States, but less so in Japan. There was a lack of authenticity in their eyes, despite being filmed in Japan. And this was a valid complaint. I mean only now, over forty years later, are television shows taking the time and effort to actually be historically accurate and culturally sensitive. I'm not trying to slag off the original, I'm just saying that our understanding, our desire to do better, means that shows are now more culturally aware. And I think that is what made people connect to this new adaptation so strongly. It didn't feel like a television show, it felt like a window into the past. And, I really don't know how they did it, but they became the show everyone was talking about. This new adaptation of Shōgun recaptured the fervor of the original! It was a special event that everyone was talking about and which rightfully swept the Emmy Awards with eighteen awards, setting a record for most awards won by a show in a single season. For me though, it took me awhile to get into the show. And no, it's not because over 70% of the show is subtitled, which just adds to its authenticity, it's because the character who brings us into this world, John Blackthorne, this time played by Cosmo Jarvis, was a bit of an asshole. He's too belligerent and in your face. It's the connection with the other characters, and in particular Anna Sawai as Mariko, that finally give you the in into this world. Although my Dad would totally disagree, after five minutes he would have been willing to lay down his life for Hiroyuki Sanada as Lord Toranaga. In fact he had forgotten the original miniseries so I had to look up to make sure Lord Toranaga didn't die because he "couldn't have handled that." So, I guess all types of people connected to this show in all different ways. But for me what really got me loving this show is oddly something really stupid. Do you remember the Jennifer Love Hewitt show Ghost Whisperer? I mean, it wasn't that good of a show and the best thing about it was the opening credits... I mean, the logic of the show never quite worked but what always annoyed me was when Jennifer Love Hewitt's character, Melinda Gordon, was passing on the messages of the dead to their loved ones she edited what they said. She always paraphrased and pissed me off. I know it's because it was usually the guest actor of the week, I still can't believe Colin Firth's little brother Jonathan was one, and said guest actor would have a big speech and obviously you don't want to have Melinda repeat it verbatim, but it still pissed me off. This person came back from the dead to pass on this message and you can't bother to pass it on properly? Fuck you ghost whisperer. Which brings me to Mariko acting as John Blackthorne's interpreter. She is perfect. She repeats everything, she translates everything, and somehow it isn't repetitive, it just makes you satisfied at a job well done. Like a perfect line of poetry, it brings you peace.
This year I feel like I can't adequately describe how awesome television has been. There were so many adaptations that I know I'll just love forever. Yes, I'm looking at you and your steed Lady Jane! I hope we get to ride for another season or seven. There were shows that have been around for a few years and I just got around to them, and there were new shows that took the world by storm. Seriously, did anyone predict how big Shōgun was going to be? Because I sure didn't. Also, I am very grateful that it was renewed for a second season therefore not making me have to choose between their genius and the genius that is Ripley. Andrew Scott, just take all the Emmys. Take them all. You also have my heart you magnificent beast. Also, I can't describe my joy at seeing so many different genres of books adapted; chick lit, historical fiction, historical fantasy, horror, mysteries, middle grade, graphic novels, science fiction, and biography to name a few off the top of my head. And can we talk about the weird niche reinterpretation and continuing of classics? Because Monsieur Spade and The Artful Dodger deserve a special shout out. And second seasons! I've reached the point where I just feel like I'm listing the shows I like... And that could be a long and tedious list to read. So instead, join me in celebrating books that came to the small screen for the rest of the year. I'd be interested to hear which adaptations filled your bookish heart with glee.
