Taboo

Premise: Set in 1814, “Taboo” centers on James Delaney, a man believed to be dead, who returns to London after a decade in Africa to reclaim his father’s shipping empire. However, his inheritance is a poisoned chalice, as the legacy comes with numerous enemies, dark family secrets, and a valuable piece of land, Nootka Sound, that everyone from the British Crown to the American government covets. As Delaney navigates the treacherous waters of London’s society, he’s determined to avenge his father’s death and claim what is rightfully his.

Main Central Characters:

  1. James Keziah Delaney (Played by Tom Hardy): The enigmatic and seemingly indestructible protagonist, whose return sends ripples through the established order.
  2. Zilpha Geary (Played by Oona Chaplin): James’ half-sister, with whom he shares a complicated and forbidden bond.
  3. Sir Stuart Strange (Played by Jonathan Pryce): The chairman of the East India Company, who becomes Delaney’s primary adversary.
  4. Lorna Bow (Played by Jessie Buckley): An actress who claims to be Delaney’s stepmother and lays claim to part of his inheritance.

Themes: “Taboo” delves into the dark underbelly of Regency-era London, exposing the corruption, greed, and ambition of empire-building. It examines themes of revenge, familial loyalty, and the consequences of unchecked power. Supernatural elements intertwine with historical accuracy, offering viewers a unique blend of gritty realism and dark fantasy.

Critical Consensus Rating: 4.2/5 Critics praised “Taboo” for its dark and atmospheric narrative, driven powerfully by Tom Hardy’s mesmerizing performance. The production values and attention to historical detail were often highlighted. However, some critics felt the story occasionally veered into convoluted territory, with a pace that might not appeal to all.

TV Parental Guidelines Rating: TV-MA The series is rated TV-MA due to its intense scenes, explicit content, violence, and mature themes.

Broadcast Information: “Taboo” originally aired on BBC One in the UK and FX in the US, starting from 2017.

TV Series Recommendations:

  1. Peaky Blinders
  2. The Alienist
  3. Penny Dreadful
  4. Ripper Street
  5. Frontier

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