Taboo Season 2 Review: Tom Hardy’s Dark Return to the Underworld

Taboo Season 2 Review: Tom Hardy’s Dark Return to the Underworld

Introduction

After years of anticipation, Taboo Season 2 finally returns to the small screen, continuing the dark, atmospheric tale of James Keziah Delaney. With Tom Hardy once again at the helm, co-creating alongside Steven Knight and Chips Hardy, the show reclaims its position as one of television’s most enigmatic and ambitious period dramas. The new season promises not only a continuation of the saga but an expansion of its mythos, diving deeper into the treacherous world of 1814 London and beyond.

Taboo Season 2 Review: Tom Hardy’s Dark Return to the Underworld

The Legacy of Season 1

The first season of Taboo made a lasting impression on audiences. Set against a grimy London backdrop, the series blended historical drama with supernatural undertones. Hardy’s brooding performance as Delaney, a man at war with both external enemies and inner demons, captivated viewers. The East India Company, corruption, and whispers of mysticism provided fertile ground for a narrative that was as unsettling as it was addictive.

Taboo Season 2 Review: Tom Hardy’s Dark Return to the Underworld

What to Expect in Season 2

Expanding the Narrative

Season 2 picks up with Delaney charting a dangerous course westward toward America. While London’s dark alleys and corrupt aristocracy were central in the first season, the shift in geography opens the door to new conflicts and opportunities. Expect the stakes to rise as Delaney seeks to expand his father’s shipping empire while navigating international power struggles.

Taboo Season 2 Review: Tom Hardy’s Dark Return to the Underworld

Characters and Performances

  • Tom Hardy once again commands the screen with his signature intensity, ensuring that James Delaney remains both a mystery and a force of nature.
  • Speculation suggests the possible inclusion of Jessie Buckley and Stephen Graham, two performers whose talent could inject fresh energy and unpredictability into the series.

Thematic Depth

What makes Taboo stand apart is not simply its historical accuracy or lavish production, but its ability to weave themes of power, betrayal, and redemption into a tapestry laced with the supernatural. Season 2 promises to further explore these tensions, highlighting the brutal realities of empire-building while keeping one foot firmly planted in the realm of mysticism.

Cinematic Qualities

The visuals of Taboo remain some of the most striking on television. The grimy textures, candlelit interiors, and mist-laden streets create a haunting atmosphere that feels almost tactile. Combined with an evocative score, the series immerses viewers in a world that is as beautiful as it is oppressive. Expect Season 2 to push these elements further, especially with its promise of explosive action and expanded settings.

Final Thoughts

Taboo Season 2 is not simply a return; it is a reinvention. By broadening its scope while staying true to its darkly poetic roots, the show offers long-time fans the reward of patience and newcomers an invitation into a shadowy, intoxicating narrative. Tom Hardy’s James Delaney remains one of the most compelling figures on television, a man whose every gesture hints at both menace and vulnerability.

If Season 1 was about survival in the heart of London’s corruption, Season 2 promises a journey into uncharted waters—both literally and metaphorically. And for those willing to embrace its brooding pace and intricate storytelling, this season could well be Hardy and Knight’s most daring work yet.