Taboo (TV Series 2017): The Darkness and Power of Morality and Greed

Taboo is a British television series that first aired in 2017 on BBC One (UK) and FX (US), created by Steven Knight, Tom Hardy and Edward “Chips” Hardy (Tom Hardy’s father). Starring Tom Hardy as James Delaney, the series is a dark, mysterious journey of political intrigue, brutal forces and human greed.

Set in London in 1814, Taboo tells the story of James Keziah Delaney (Tom Hardy), a man presumed dead in Africa, who unexpectedly returns to England to attend his father’s funeral. James inherits a strategic piece of land called Nootka Sound, which is in the middle of a conflict between Britain and the United States.

Not only does James have to contend with the machinations of the East India Company, the British government, and hidden enemies, he is also haunted by painful memories and mysterious African spiritual rituals. His survival lies in his cunning, raw strength, and a series of connections from the London underworld.

James Delaney (Tom Hardy): The central character of the story, powerful, mysterious, and carrying shadows from the past.

Sir Stuart Strange (Jonathan Pryce): The ruthless and greedy chairman of the East India Company, always seeking to take over Nootka Sound.

Zilpha Geary (Oona Chaplin): James’s half-sister, torn between forbidden love and family honor.

Brace (David Hayman): The Delaneys’ loyal servant, witnesses to every change in the family.

Special Highlights

Dark and Dramatic Atmosphere
The film creates a gloomy picture of 19th century London, with a combination of dim lighting, rain and sleazy streets. The music and meticulous scenes create a feeling of suffocation and haunting.

Impressive Performance by Tom Hardy
Tom Hardy has excellently portrayed the brutal but attractive James Delaney. His fierce eyes and rough voice contribute to clearly portraying the complex psychology of the character.

Interweaving of Politics and Mystery
Taboo is not only a story of power and revenge but also has strong spiritual and religious elements. The African rituals that James performs create a mysterious quality, making the film different.

Greed and Morality

Taboo questions the confrontation between morality and human greed, in the context of a corrupt society, where power and property are placed above human life.

Since its release, Taboo has received much praise for its acting, script, and visuals. However, the film has also been controversial because of its complex plot and slow pace, which is not easy to access for the general audience.

However, the appeal of the film lies in its difference from other television works at the same time, especially its bold and harsh storytelling style.

The Future of the Series
After the first season, fans eagerly awaited the second season, but the production was delayed. However, Tom Hardy confirmed that the second season will continue with new mysteries and James Delaney’s journey in the new world.

However, according to sources from 2023, producer Dean Baker confirmed that they are working on the second season of Taboo and hope to bring the film back to the screen soon.

Steven Knight, co-creator of the series, also confirmed that six of the eight episodes of the second season have been written. However, Tom Hardy’s busy schedule has delayed the start of filming.

Tom Hardy has expressed his deep interest in the second season of Taboo, calling it “very important” to him. He has also shared some bold ideas for the plot, including taking the story to the US, Canada, or even a time jump to 1968 amid the Vietnam War.

While there is no official release date for the second season of Taboo, the fact that the producers and main cast are still committed to the project is a positive sign. Fans can hope that new updates will be announced soon in the near future.

Taboo is not only a drama about power and revenge, but also a portrait of a corrupt and pitfall-filled society. Led by a powerful performance by Tom Hardy, the series offers an unforgettable experience of human darkness and unsolved mysteries.