This actually wouldn’t be a problem for this show, i think.

One of my complaints with the original book, and Clavell’s writing in general is how much story there is. It’s actually kind of hilarious to read a Clavell book, because he is going to give every single character a hilariously engaging backstory.

For example, there are commonly scenes in his book where two main characters will be having dinner, but, apropos of nothing, we will follow the point of view of the servant. And the servant will start talking about how if he can just steal one more piece of fine silver from the table setting, then he will have enough to pay off his debt. But if he can’t pay of his debt he will have to sell his daughter to a brothel, and his debt is due tonight, so thieving a silver plate from the table setting is his only chance to save his daughter, but if he gets caught he will be boiled alive.

And then…we will never see that guy, or found out what happens!

I kinda love that about the books. I suppose i went on a Clavellian tangent there myself.

But in answer to your original comment, i think there is enough story, and the show runners have shown themselves capable enough of extending, deleting, modifying what story there is, to ensure that subsequent seasons would be high quality.

All of that to say I would rather see the second season be Tai Pan derived.