Taboo Season 2: James Delaney’s Dark Odyssey Ventures West

The brooding, enigmatic James Keziah Delaney is set to return in Taboo Season 2, the highly anticipated continuation of the gritty 19th-century thriller that captivated audiences in 2017. Co-created by Tom Hardy, Steven Knight, and Chips Hardy, this BBC and FX series plunges viewers into the shadowy heart of 1814 London, where betrayal, ambition, and supernatural whispers collide. With six of eight episodes already scripted, Season 2 promises to unravel deeper mysteries, deliver explosive action, and take Delaney’s saga to uncharted territories in America. Here’s a closer look at the gripping storyline that awaits fans in this dark, intoxicating odyssey.

A Legacy Forged in Blood and Secrets

Set against the turbulent backdrop of 1814, Taboo follows James Delaney, a haunted adventurer who returns to London after 12 years in Africa, presumed dead. Season 1 introduced Delaney as a man forged by trauma, wielding a dangerous intellect and a penchant for the mystical. Tasked with reclaiming his late father’s shipping empire, he faced off against the formidable East India Company, a corrupt monarchy, and his own fractured family. The season’s climax saw Delaney outwit his enemies, burn bridges (literally and figuratively), and set sail for America with a ragtag crew of loyal misfits, leaving London’s ashes behind.

Season 2 picks up where this fiery escape left off, with Delaney’s ship charting a course westward. According to co-creator Steven Knight, the story will “go west” and embrace a “more opiate, mystical tone.” This shift promises to deepen the series’ signature blend of historical drama and supernatural intrigue, as Delaney’s journey takes him into a new world of danger and opportunity. Will America offer redemption, or will it unleash the demons that have long haunted him?

A Voyage into the Unknown

The move to America signals a bold evolution for Taboo. The year is 1814, and the War of 1812 between Britain and the United States is nearing its end, setting the stage for a volatile New World. Knight has hinted that Season 2 will explore themes of corruption and history repeating itself, with Delaney navigating a land of opportunity rife with treachery. The Americas of this era—brimming with political intrigue, indigenous cultures, and untamed frontiers—offer a rich canvas for the series’ gritty visuals and morally complex characters.

At the heart of the story is Delaney’s quest to secure Nootka Sound, a strategically vital trading post bequeathed by his father. This small patch of land, caught in the crosshairs of British, American, and indigenous interests, was the spark for Season 1’s conflicts. In Season 2, Nootka Sound is likely to remain a focal point, drawing Delaney into a web of alliances and betrayals. Will he build a new empire, or will his ambitions crumble under the weight of his past?

The Shadows of the Past

Delaney’s enigmatic history remains a cornerstone of Taboo’s allure. Season 1 dropped tantalizing hints about his time in Africa—rumors of cannibalism, enslavement, and mystical rituals that left him with visions and an uncanny connection to the dead. These supernatural elements, subtle yet haunting, set Taboo apart from traditional period dramas. Knight has promised that Season 2 will lean further into this “ma mị” atmosphere, suggesting that Delaney’s visions and possible shamanic abilities will play a larger role.

The narrative may also delve into Delaney’s past through flashbacks, exploring his African ordeal or his earlier life during the Napoleonic Wars. Tom Hardy, who stars as Delaney and co-created the series, has teased that the story could take non-linear paths, weaving between past and present to unravel the man behind the myth. This approach would deepen the mystery of Delaney’s psyche, revealing how his traumas and choices continue to shape his destiny.

A Crew of Outcasts and New Foes

Delaney’s journey west is not a solitary one. Season 1 ended with him surrounded by a loyal, eclectic band—Lorna Delaney (Jessie Buckley), his father’s widow; Atticus (Stephen Graham), a rough-edged informant; and Robert (Louis Ashbourne Serkis), his young son. These characters, each bearing their own scars and secrets, will likely face new trials in America. Their relationships with Delaney—marked by trust, tension, and unspoken bonds—promise to add emotional depth to the action-packed plot.

New adversaries are certain to emerge, from American traders and politicians to indigenous leaders guarding their lands. The East India Company, though weakened, may not be done with Delaney, potentially sending agents to thwart his plans. Hardy has hinted at the possibility of an entirely new cast, suggesting fresh faces could bring unexpected allies or enemies into the fold. The clash of cultures and ambitions in this untamed land will test Delaney’s cunning and resolve like never before.

A Story That Defies Convention

What makes Taboo’s storyline so compelling is its refusal to play by the rules. The series blends historical accuracy with gothic horror, political intrigue with personal vendettas, and realism with hints of the otherworldly. Season 2 is poised to amplify these contrasts, delivering a narrative that is both visceral and cerebral. Knight’s vision of a “more opiate” tone suggests a dreamlike quality, where Delaney’s reality and visions blur, pulling viewers deeper into his tormented mind.

As the scripts near completion, fans can expect a story that builds on Season 1’s slow-burn intensity while embracing bold new directions. The move to America, the deepening supernatural threads, and Delaney’s unrelenting drive for power promise a season that is as ambitious as it is unsettling.

Get Ready for the Return

Taboo Season 2 is shaping up to be a thrilling continuation of James Delaney’s saga, with a storyline that ventures into uncharted territory while staying true to the series’ dark, defiant spirit. As the war-torn hero sets sail for America, viewers can brace for a tale of vengeance, redemption, and forbidden truths. With Tom Hardy’s magnetic performance at its core, this journey into the New World is one you won’t want to miss. Stay tuned for updates as Taboo prepares to reclaim its place in the pantheon of unforgettable television. Watch Trailer Movie Here :