Taboo is a dark, gripping, and brooding tale of revenge, intrigue, and corruption set in early 19th-century London. Tom Hardy stars as James Keziah Delaney, a mysterious and enigmatic figure who returns to England in 1814 after spending a decade in Africa, presumed dead. Delaney’s return is prompted by the death of his father, leaving him a contested inheritance that includes a valuable piece of land in North America called Nootka Sound, a critical geopolitical location during the War of 1812.
As Delaney reclaims his father’s shipping empire, he finds himself pitted against the powerful East India Company, the British Crown, and other sinister forces. The series explores themes of colonialism, industrialization, family betrayal, and the dark underbelly of Victorian-era society. With its atmospheric cinematography, gritty performances, and visceral storytelling, Taboo delves into the complexities of power and vengeance. The show is noted for its unflinching portrayal of violence and moral ambiguity, anchored by Hardy’s magnetic performance. A second season has been confirmed, promising to delve deeper into Delaney’s shadowy past and his fight against oppression.