Taboo – Season 2 (2025) marks the long-awaited return of Tom Hardy as James Keziah Delaney, the dark and unpredictable anti-hero whose journey through power, vengeance, and madness continues to captivate audiences. Picking up several years after the events of the first season, Delaney and his loyal group of outcasts have crossed the Atlantic and established themselves in America. The new season explores the rise of their secret organization—now entangled with political conspiracies, espionage, and the growing tensions between the United States and the British Empire. With its gritty atmosphere, haunting cinematography, and morally complex storytelling, Taboo once again immerses viewers in a world of violence, betrayal, and forbidden power.
Delaney’s mission this time is not only about survival but also about redefining his destiny. As he navigates the murky world of 19th-century trade and war, he becomes involved with the emerging intelligence networks in both America and Britain. His ability to manipulate and intimidate remains unmatched, yet he is haunted by visions of his past—his father’s ghost, his mother’s legacy, and his forbidden love for his half-sister Zilpha. Her death continues to torment him, pushing him to the brink of madness. Through eerie dream sequences and symbolic imagery, the series delves deeper into the psychological torment that drives James Delaney, blurring the line between man and myth.
In London, the East India Company still looms large, refusing to release its grip on Delaney’s family trade routes. New antagonists emerge in the form of ruthless merchants and power-hungry politicians determined to crush Delaney’s growing influence. Meanwhile, in America, Delaney finds himself entangled in alliances with Native American tribes and ex-slaves, whose struggles mirror his own desire for freedom from imperial control. These relationships challenge his worldview, forcing him to confront the human cost of his ambitions.
The second season also expands on the shadowy organization known as “The League of the Damned,” now functioning as both a criminal network and a revolutionary movement. Each member carries their own secrets and motivations, and trust is scarce. Betrayal becomes a recurring theme as Delaney discovers that even those closest to him might have hidden agendas. His interactions are fueled by suspicion and intensity, and Tom Hardy’s performance continues to command every scene with raw charisma and emotional depth.
Visually, the show remains stunningly crafted. The grimy docks, candlelit rooms, and misty battlefields create an atmosphere thick with tension and mystery. Every frame feels like a painting, drenched in shadow and symbolism. The music, composed by Max Richter, enhances the mood perfectly—somber, haunting, and full of foreboding energy.
By the end of Taboo – Season 2, Delaney’s quest takes a shocking turn as he uncovers truths about his family’s past and the dark forces manipulating the world’s balance of power. The finale promises both revelation and devastation, setting the stage for an even greater conflict to come. The series remains a bold and poetic exploration of obsession, corruption, and survival, proving once again that James Delaney is one of television’s most complex and unforgettable characters.
