Taboo premiered in January 2017 as a historical drama about power, greed, and the British Empire at its peak. The show follows James Delaney, played by Tom Hardy, a man who returns to London after twenty years in the Americas to reclaim his father’s estate. What he finds instead is a city on the brink of revolution, a crown desperate for gold, and a secret that could sink the whole empire.
The series is based on the book “The Taboo” by Justin Chadwick, and it was adapted for television by Steven Knight. It ran for two seasons, with the first season consisting of ten episodes and the second season consisting of six. The show was produced by Carnival Films and distributed by NBCUniversal International Production.
Trailer, via FX Networks.
The Premise
James Delaney is a man of mystery. He arrives in London with a fortune, a ship, and a grudge against the East India Company. He believes his father died fighting for the company, and he wants answers. But the company is not interested in his questions. They want his ship, his gold, and his influence.
The show is set in 1812, a period of great tension in British history. Napoleon’s wars are raging, the economy is collapsing, and the working class is restless. The government, led by Lord Harrowby, is desperate for revenue. The company, led by Sir Stuart Strange, is desperate for control. And Delaney stands in the way of both.
Tom Hardy’s Performance
Tom Hardy carries the show. He plays Delaney as a man who has spent twenty years in the Americas, living off the land, trading with natives, and surviving on his wits. He is a survivor, a fighter, and a man with a code. He is also a liar, a manipulator, and a man who will do anything to get what he wants.
Hardy is physical in the role. He fights, he drinks, he seduces, and he thinks. His performance is commanding, and it anchors the show through its ten episodes. He is the reason viewers keep watching.
The Supporting Cast
The supporting cast is strong. David Strathairn plays Sir Stuart Strange, the head of the East India Company. He is a man of power, a man of wealth, and a man of fear. He sees Delaney as a threat, and he will stop at nothing to eliminate him.
Shirley Henderson plays Mrs. Charlotte Delaney, James’s mother. She is a woman of strength, a woman of dignity, and a woman who has suffered. She knows the truth about her husband’s death, and she is determined to protect her son.
The show also features Michael Smiley as Silas, Delaney’s loyal friend, and Jonathan Pryce as Lord Harrowby, the prime minister. These actors bring depth to their roles, and they make the world of the show feel lived-in.
The World of 1812
The production design is excellent. The streets of London are dirty, the houses are grand, and the ships are majestic. The show captures the era with precision, from the clothing to the architecture to the social hierarchy. The costumes are elaborate, the sets are detailed, and the lighting is moody.
The show also explores the politics of the time. The Napoleonic Wars are ongoing, and the British economy is in crisis. There is talk of revolution, and there is talk of war. The show does not shy away from the harsh realities of the period, including poverty, disease, and corruption.
The Plot
The plot is complex. It involves a conspiracy, a secret society, and a treasure. Delaney discovers that his father was involved in a plot to undermine the East India Company, and that the company is hiding something. He also learns that his father left him a map, a map that leads to a treasure.
The show moves between London, India, and the Americas. It jumps between timelines, showing flashbacks of Delaney’s past and flash-forwards of his future. This can be confusing at times, but it adds to the intrigue.
The show also deals with themes of race, religion, and imperialism. Delaney’s experiences in the Americas have made him suspicious of the company’s motives, and he is not afraid to speak out against the injustices he sees. The show does not take a simplistic view of colonialism, but it does show its darker aspects.
The Music and Sound
The music is atmospheric. The score is composed by John Debney, and it is moody and tense. The sound design is also excellent, with the sounds of the city, the sea, and the jungle all captured with clarity. The show uses silence effectively, letting the audience feel the tension.
The Pace and Ending
The pace is slow. The show is dense with dialogue, and it takes its time to explore each scene. Some viewers may find this frustrating, especially in the later episodes. The show is not a fast-paced action thriller, but a character-driven drama.
The ending of the first season is divisive. It leaves many questions unanswered, and it sets up a cliffhanger for the second season. Some viewers were disappointed by the lack of resolution, while others appreciated the open-ended nature. The second season does provide some closure, but it also leaves room for interpretation.
The Critical Reception
The show received mixed reviews. Critics praised the performances, the production values, and the writing, but they criticized the pacing and the complexity. The show was nominated for several awards, including the Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Limited Series.
The show’s score is 6.7 out of 10.
Key Facts
- Premiere: January 2017
- Network: National Geographic
- Creator: Steven Knight
- Starring: Tom Hardy, David Strathairn, Shirley Henderson
- Episodes: 10 (Season 1), 6 (Season 2)
- Score: 6.7/10
The Verdict
Taboo is a flawed but fascinating show. It is ambitious, well-acted, and beautifully shot. It raises interesting questions about power, morality, and history. But it is also slow, convoluted, and sometimes confusing.
The show rewards patience. Those who stick with it will find a rewarding experience. But it is not for everyone. It is a niche drama, and it requires a willingness to engage with its complexities.
The show is best enjoyed as a character study. James Delaney is a compelling figure, and the show explores his psyche with nuance. The supporting characters are also well-developed, and their relationships add depth to the story.
The show is also a cultural artifact. It reflects the anxieties of its own time, with its themes of inequality, corruption, and resistance. It is a show that speaks to the present, even as it is set in the past.
Taboo is a worthy watch, but it is not perfect. It is a show that demands attention, and it offers a payoff for those who give it. It is a show that rewards the curious, and it frustrates the impatient.
The show is available for streaming on various platforms, and it remains a topic of discussion among fans of historical drama. It is a show that will be remembered for its ambition, even if it falls short of its goals.
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