Good evening! I’m planning to review some streaming shows this year. A crowded gaming schedule isn’t giving me much time for movies or streaming, but I’ll squeeze viewings in the equation periodically. Shōgan is my first streaming show of 2024 and it was a very different experience than I expected. I will give you my thoughts briefly about each episode. Keep reading to find out more.
Anjin- Episode 1 The story takes place in Japan, circa 1600. After Taikō’s death, his young heir is not old enough to rule the land. Several regents control the government, led by Yoshii Toranga, the lord of Kantō. However, the other lords are planning to overthrow him. Tensions also rise between Japan and Catholic Europeans, such as the Portuguese. Toranga sees a political opportunity when an English captain, named John Blackthorne, sails to Japan and becomes stranded. The Japanese capture Blackthorne and consider executing him until they realize he might be useful as a bartering tool. Shōgan’s opening episode sets a very dark, gritty, and politically driven tone for the entire show. Much of the marketing touts a blockbuster epic with grand battle scenes, but it seems like a more realistic tone with a heavy emphasis on political intrigue is the primary focus. The first episode didn’t impress me, although it left me curious enough to continue watching. Servants of Two Masters- Episode 2 This episode covers a number of rivalries, both on a political and religious front. Think of Game of Thrones and similar shows where everyone is vying for power. Toranga assigns Mariko, a lady of the court and a Japanese Christian, to be Blackthorne’s interpreter. The pacing still felt slow in this episode, but part of the backstory and some character motivations became more clear. At this point, the show is proving to be surprisingly bloody, violent, and almost barbaric in some instances. It has plenty of shock value. Shōgan also has several lengthy, quiet, reflective scenes that fill in the dramatic tension and character relationships. The show felt somewhat dull for a while until a sudden cliffhanger occurred at the end of the second episode. Tomorrow is Tomorrow- Episode 3 Blackthorne survives an assassination attempt, which prompts Toranga to assess potential enemies, including members of the Japanese regency. It seems like the story and pacing is moving along much better at this point. A major catalyst from the previous episode sets the story in motion with various outcomes. Despite a strong viewing overall, the later part of the episode grinds to a halt and focuses more on the political angle. Truthfully, political drama isn’t a favorite subject of mine, but I realize many audiences enjoy it. The Eightfold Fence- Episode 4 Taranga’s army trains for war while they learn how to use cannons under Blackthorne’s guidance. The English pilot doesn’t trust the Japanese, although they share the same Catholic enemy. With that said, Blackthorne builds a closer bond with Mariko. The fourth episode has more spectacle with armies, cannons, and more violence on a grander scale. Keep in mind, it’s the period before the war begins. That means you’re not going to see huge battle scenes yet. I feel like the characters open up and become more interesting in this episode. Also, it’s more entertaining overall with a few action scenes, including a shocking end that escalates the drama. Broken to the Fist- Episode 5 This episode scales back the action in favor of spy craft and more political intrigue. It becomes clear to multiple members of the regency that enemies, assassins, and spies have infiltrated their inner circles. Unlike the first couple of episodes, this one is pretty interesting. It has less violence and action, which doesn’t hurt the quality of the show. I would say the audience is finally learning more about the characters as they show more emotion, personality, and motivations in this episode. Ladies of the Willow World- Episode 6 Some of the characters come together to conspire against Toranga. As Blackthorne and Mariko become closer, Toranga begins to question her loyalty. The sixth episode has a bigger emphasis on political intrigue and seems like a step backwards. It also feels like this episode is mostly filler content to stretch out of the season. I suppose the audience learns more plot points in this episode, but it’s not particularly interesting. In fact, parts of the story are a bit confusing. It’s worth noting the environment is very gloomy and grimy throughout the season. I actually don’t mind this part because it’s realistic instead of an idealistic fantasy. A Stick of Time- Episode 7 Toranga has a many enemies and very few allies. He searches for help in unlikely places. The show includes a forbidden attraction or romance between Blackthorne and Mariko. Also, a subplot about Mariko’s quest for vengeance becomes more clear. She’s the sole survivor of an entire family who was assassinated years ago and she wants retribution. Major parts of the story are heating up in terms of drama and romance. Usually, political intrigue bores me, but some of the story points kept my attention in this episode. I found it hard to predict where the remainder of the story was heading, but the journey became mostly satisfactory. The Abyss of Life- Episode 8 Toranga relocates his clan to Edo where they prepare for the impending war. The romance between Blackthorne and Mariko continues, even though the story won’t likely end well for them. Most of the characters are reaching a point of no return. Quite a few shows fall apart within the last few episodes, but Shōgun keeps getting better. I believe the show has too many flashbacks, subplots, and unexplained elements. However, it definitely feels like excellent prime time television in the vein of HBO and Showtime with strong characterization, harsh realities, and complex moral dilemmas. The Abyss of Life is probably the best episode up to this point. Crimson Sky- Episode 9 I will try to avoid spoilers. Basically, we’re approaching the end of the season and many of the characters are in great danger. That’s all I’m going to say. You could probably guess some of the themes in this episode. It’s rife with tragedy, hopelessness, violence, and tense drama. In a way, this form of storytelling is predictable, but it’s also quite entertaining. This show plays out like a Greek tragedy to a certain extent with woeful ideas and bleak scenes. I found this episode quite satisfying and it also sets up the finale successfully. A Dream of a Dream- Episode 10 After losing many friends and foes along the way, it’s becoming clear that Taranga wants to take control of Japan and ultimately become Shōgan after waging a war. Blackthorne comes to terms with his situation and helps Taranga’s army. Once again, it boils down to a fight against mutual enemies. The finale is more than hour long, so it feels a bit drawn out. Regardless, this episode wraps up many plot points and closes the story for a few more characters. It also opens the possibility for another season. Shōgan is excellent as a gritty drama and political thriller. I wish the show had more action scenes. Granted, that level of spectacle might be prohibitively expensive. Sometimes the story was a bit confusing and it doesn’t answer every question, but I can live with it. Overall, the finale was satisfying and it has enough potential to become a major Hulu franchise. That’s the end of my review. I was surprised with this show, although it was a really good streaming experience anyway. Due to some pacing issues, you might want to watch a few episodes at a time. Have you watched Shōgan yet? What did you think? Feel free to leave a comment. If time permits, I might review Fallout and the live action version of Avatar: The Last Airbender. Until then, I’m heading back to the gaming space. Make sure to find plenty of TLC for yourself. 2024 is a volatile year and I don’t expect it to get any better. So, take care of yourselves, treat each other with respect, and have a great week.
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Welcome back! It seems like the horror genre is becoming really popular in film, literature, streaming shows, video games, and other mediums. Many subgenres of horror are hitting mainstream media and it’s a great opportunity for my writing. Here’s an overview of several popular horror subgenres.
Backwoods Horror All manner of horror happens when people get lost in the woods. Serial killers are common villains in this setting, but some characters encounter monsters, cults, angry spirits, witches, and other malevolent forces. The woods can be a disorienting place and the characters may feel like they can’t escape. Backwoods settings are prime locations for murderers to hide nearby and stalk their prey. It’s also hard to tell who’s on your side in backwoods horror. After all, the friendly forest ranger might be the main antagonist. Examples: The Texas Chainsaw Massacre, Apostle, YellowBrickRoad, The Ritual, Wrong Turn, Cabin Fever, Animal Body Horror This genre might be a little more obscure, but it made a huge impact in horror cinema. Body horror features grotesque mutations and unnatural manipulations of the body. This subgenre is remarkably gruesome and often memorable for bizarre creature effects or bodily transformations. It tends to cross over with the science fiction genre regarding aliens, parasites, and unethical experiments. Examples: The Fly, The Thing, Leviathan, Malignant, Possessor, Videodrome, Splinter Comedic Horror Some horror movies are also very funny. It doesn’t have to be hardcore scares all the time. This subgenre is often a parody and a breath of fresh air among more serious, dower, and depressing projects. Comedic horror often includes the same elements from other subgenres, such as monsters, the supernatural, and elaborate death scenes. Granted, everything is much sillier. Examples: Zombieland, Gremlins, Warm Bodies, Tremors, Abigail, Lisa Frankenstein, Dark Shadows, Slotherhouse, The Cabin in the Woods, Army of Darkness, Werewolves Within, Happy Death Day Cosmic Horror The work of H.P. Lovecraft created an entire subgenre of horror with ancient Gods, alternate dimensions, and strange monsters from the abyss. Cthulhu and other eldritch abominations are usually present in these horror stories. These monsters hibernate for long periods of time, but something wakes them up, such as occult rituals, inter-dimensional traveling, or underwater exploration. Such encounters don’t usually bode well for the characters or mankind in general. Examples: The Void, The Mist, Color Out of Space, Annihilation, In the Mouth of Madness, Glorious Creature Features This category is very broad with a lot of variety. It might feature werewolves, creatures hiding in the shadows, or monsters stalking through the woods. Regardless, the monster is going to be frightening and nearly indestructible. Most likely, it will also be quite hungry for human flesh. In a worst case scenario, the creature might even turn you into a member of its species. Examples: The Wolf Man, Don’t Be Afraid of the Dark, The Boogeyman, The Descent, Imaginary, The Hallow, Late Phases, An American Werewolf in London, They, Come Play Deep Space Horror Nobody is going to save you if something horrific occurs in outer space. Explorers, scientists, or prisoners wind up stranded with a hostile extraterrestrial on a space station or mysterious planet. This subgenre leaves the characters alone, helpless, and the perfect bait for alien creatures. It takes a lot of clever improvisation and skills to survive deep space horror. Examples: Alien(s), Pitch Black, Life, Event Horizon, Pandorum, Doom, Prometheus, Screamers Demonic Possession Most of these movies have the same theme. Someone becomes possessed by a demonic entity and an exorcism or another event of survival takes place. Despite this lack of variety, the subgenre remains prevalent today. On the plus side, recent media about demonic possessions can be less predictable with different outcomes. Examples: The Exorcist, Evil Dead, Insidious, The Exorcism of Emily Rose, Sinister, Deliver Us from Evil, The Nun, Night of the Demons, Prince of Darkness Folk Horror At first glance, folk horror may seem almost identical to its backwoods counterpart. Folk horror may take place in rural locations, but it primarily focuses on cults, ritualistic sacrifices, folk tales, and urban legends. You might want to stay away from the locals in these stories. They’ll probably lure you in a death trap. Examples: Children of the Corn, Pumpkinhead, The Legend of Sleep Hollow, Midsommar, Men, Heriditary, Candyman, Antlers, Pyewacket, Lord of Misrule, Dark Harvest Found Footage This subgenre features a unique perspective through camcorders, cell phones, and other visual mediums. It gives audiences an impression that the characters are filming the horror as it happens. Found footage isn’t a favorite subgenre of mine, but it’s definitely making a comeback. These movies can include any type of monster or phenomenon. Examples: The Blair Witch Project, Cloverfield, Paranormal Activity, Grave Encounters, As Above So Below, Willow Creek, The Sacrament, Devil’s Pass Haunted Houses The horror genre is oversaturated with haunted house movies, shows, and video games. However, I continue to find interesting and unique content every year. It usually begins with the same premise, such as a family who moves into a house that’s inhabited by a vengeful spirit. Sometimes this subgenre has a strange twist that might surprise the audience, but I don’t want to give anything away. Examples: Oculus, The Amityville Horror, The Others, House on Haunted Hill, The Conjuring, Night Swim, The Haunting in Connecticut, The Grudge, The Messengers, Crimson Peak, Winchester Home Invasions Your house should be a safe haven for you. Unfortunately, many characters find themselves in perilous conditions when someone breaks into their house or vacation home. This subgenre tends to be unsettling, although less bloody than the typical slasher flick. The home invasion subgenre might remind you to lock every door and install an alarm system. Examples: When a Stranger Calls, Don’t Breathe, You’re Next, The Strangers, Vacancy, Knock Knock, Black Christmas Killer Animals Nature goes wild and vengeful in this subgenre. Animals may turn against mankind for any number of reasons, such as deforestation, genetic experiments, drugs, poaching, etc. Practically anything can send an animal on a killing spree in these horror movies. This subgenre should remind you to treat the outdoors and all living creatures with respect, regardless of their size. Examples: Jaws, Lake Placid, Anaconda, Deep Blue Sea, Crawl, Cocaine Bear, Arachnophobia, Willard, Beast, The Shallows, The Birds, 47 Meters Down Post-Apocalypse Some post-apocalyptic films are definitely part of the horror equation. The end of civilization is a terrifying thought and it can include zombies, plagues, natural disasters, and all kinds of mayhem. Blockbuster action movies can turn the apocalypse into a spectacle, but horror films remind us about the dread, fear, bloodshed, and despair associated with the fall of mankind. Examples: 28 Days Later, Knock at the Cabin, Dawn of the Dead, A Quiet Place, Awake, The Colony, It Comes at Night, Bird Box, The Crazies, I Am Legend, The Purge, Vanishing on 7th Street, The Blob Slasher Films These movies might lack refinement, although the slasher subgenre can be highly entertaining with elaborate death scenes. The horror genre is filled with supernatural phenomena and monsters, but humans can be more sadistic, violent, and terrifying in many ways. I recommend being nice to people, otherwise they might take revenge. Examples: Friday the 13th, Halloween, Scream, I Know What You Did Last Summer, A Nightmare on Elm Street, Thanksgiving, Haunt, Hell Fest, Urban Legend Underwater Horror According to the horror genre, you can’t go anywhere. That includes the ocean and beaches. Monsters and specters lurk in the water. They may attack boats or lakeside communities as well. It’s awfully difficult to kill sea creatures because the ocean is their natural environment and you probably have little more than a knife or harpoon. Good luck, sailor! Examples: Fea Fever, Underwater, Sweetheart, The Creature from the Black Lagoon, Deep Star Six, Deep Rising, The Fog Vampire Fiction The undead can take various forms and vampires have been major figures in the horror genre for decades. Vampires are often susceptible to sunlight, wooden stakes, and holy water. However, they are immune to most weapons, wield superhuman strength, and can drain a person’s blood very quickly. I advise against becoming a vampire slayer because the odds are definitely against you. Examples: Dracula, Interview with the Vampire, 30 Days of Night, Let Me In, Daybreakers, The Lost Boys, The Last Voyage of the Demeter, Fright Night, Vampires Witchcraft Never cross a witch. They have the ability to drive you mad, suffer from diseases, or go on a murderous rampage. Witches are rarely forgiving and they often need victims for ritualistic sacrifices. If you’re thinking about becoming a witch, that’s a bad idea too. Witches might carry great power, but it comes from dark forces. Examples: The Witch, The Craft, The Wretched, The Skeleton Key, Don’t Knock Twice, The Pale Door, Rosemary’s Baby, Mercy, Drag Me to Hell There you go! I could list other horror subgenres, but this collection is a good start. What are your favorite horror subgenres? Tell me all about it in the comment section. Thanks for visiting, be safe, and have a good week. |
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May 2019
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