Why ‘Taboo’ Season 2 with Tom Hardy is a Must-Watch

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Initially confusing but worth persisting with, is how I might put it about ‘Peaky Blinders’. Following the success of ‘Peaky Blinders’, director Steven Knight enlisted Tom Hardy for another captivating series titled ‘Taboo’. Accompanying Hardy were talented actors like Jessie Buckley, Oona Chaplin, Mark Gatiss, and Stephen Graham. When it premiered in 2017 on the BBC, it garnered decent reviews but didn’t quite match the popularity of the Shelby family in ‘Peaky Blinders’. Regardless, ‘Taboo’ was renewed for additional seasons, gaining increased popularity over time as critics reevaluated it. However, a second season never materialized.

In simpler terms, “Taboo” is a historical drama that blends family mysteries and supernatural aspects, taking place in 19th-century London and exploring themes like colonial power, revenge, and self-discovery. With its captivating storyline and top-tier acting, the series portrays the challenges faced by a man reborn in a society filled with corruption and moral uncertainty. Eight years after its initial release, creator Tom Hardy has announced that another season of “Taboo” is coming soon. We believe it truly deserves this return, as the passage of time could actually enhance it rather than detract from it.

A Dark Tale of Ambition and Revenge

In the year 1814, James Keziah Delaney, played by Hardy, comes back to England following a ten-year stay in Africa. Upon his return, he learns that his father had died under suspicious circumstances, leaving him an obscure property – Nootka Sound, which the East India Company covets intensely. Led by the merciless Sir Stuart Strange, portrayed by Jonathan Pryce, the Company plots to seize Delaney’s inheritance through any means possible. At the same time, Delaney renews his relationship with his half-sister, Zilpha Geary, played by Oona Chaplin, whom he feels an illicit attraction towards. This situation infuriates her husband, Thorne. The series is called Taboo.

Delaney constructs his maritime dominion, confronting the East India Company’s monopoly. He seeks aid from diverse associates, such as Brace (David Hayman), a servant of his father, Atticus (Stephen Graham), an enforcer, and Thoyt (Nicholas Woodeson), a lawyer. In an unexpected turn of events, Lorna Bow (Jessie Buckley) appears, asserting herself to be Delaney’s stepmother due to marriage to his deceased father.

Why Should You Invest in ‘Taboo’?

Taboo sparked debate while holding audiences in awe. Its intricate storyline was tough to follow, filled as it was with numerous conspiracies, historical references, and supernatural aspects that often left viewers bewildered by the plot’s thick complexity. The Week posed the question, “Despite Hardy’s intimidating presence in grime-ridden, corrupt London, what is his mission? What is his goal?” The program’s speed occasionally lagged and its storyline could be confusing at times, but persistent viewers were rewarded with a meticulously crafted world.

In collaboration with his father, Chips Hardy, and Steven Knight, Hardy contributed to the creation of this series, infusing it with a deeply personal perspective on themes such as legacy and inheritance. The visual aspect is captivating, as the set design masterfully transports us back to 1814 London, complete with its mud, grime, and thick foggy atmosphere that permeates every meticulously arranged shot, enhancing the overall moody aesthetic and aligning perfectly with the storyline.

Performances Worth Writing Home About

In a powerful display of grit, determination, and raw emotion, Tom Hardy perfectly embodies the character Delaney. His imposing physique and piercing gaze, coupled with sparse dialogue, generate an atmosphere of danger that propels the series. His unwavering dedication brings authenticity to this period piece, portraying a complex figure who is both brutal and vulnerable. By subtly conveying Delaney’s pain without overt explanation, the character showcases Tom Hardy’s unique talents: his knack for exuding menace through subtle gestures and his ability to reveal hidden depths hidden behind a tough facade.

In the show Taboo , the other actors perfectly mirror the enthusiasm of the lead character, forming a universe filled with ethically complex personalities that viewers might not be familiar with Jessie Buckley’s journey towards stardom. Prior to achieving A-list status in movies like Wild Rose and The Lost Daughter, Buckley initially garnered public attention on the 2008 BBC reality competition, I’d Do Anything, which aimed to cast the role of Nancy in a West End revival of “Oliver!”. Despite her obvious talent, she placed second on the show – a disappointing outcome. However, this setback turned out to be a fortunate turn of events, pushing her to attend the esteemed Royal Academy of Dramatic Art and forge her own career. Unflappable and stylish, Buckley’s disappointment led her to her artistic journey.

Will People Tune in for the Second Series?

Originating from an ambitious artistic concept, the series Taboo warrants another opportunity to unfold its potential further. The first season ended with several plots left untouched: Delaney’s voyage to America, the repercussions of his clash with the East India Company, and a more in-depth examination of his mystical talents all call for continuation. There isn’t much else that compares to it. The painstaking attention to historical detail, along with its daring exploration of the grimmer aspects of colonial Britain, provides an alternative perspective to more polished historical dramas. According to Hardy, it’s only a matter of time before we see its return; he told MovieWeb that “It’s never been something that we didn’t want to do. It’s a question of when, and doing it properly.” We eagerly await the return of Taboo. Be patient.

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2025-04-10 00:32