TABOO SEASON 2 (2026)
Starring: Tom Hardy, Jessie Buckley, Stephen Graham

“Every step Delaney takes, the world becomes more unforgiving.”

In Taboo Season 2, James Keziah Delaney (Tom Hardy) continues his harrowing journey through a world that seems determined to destroy him. As the gunpowder monopoly he controls becomes his only chance at survival, Delaney’s battle intensifies. His enemies—both those within the British Crown and the East India Company—are closing in, and the only allies he can trust are those within the shadowy and enigmatic Colonnade network. But trust is a commodity even more rare than safety in Delaney’s world, where every step is fraught with danger, and each decision brings him closer to madness.

The second season of Taboo plunges Delaney deeper into the unforgiving world of the 19th century, taking him across the globe into the vast, treacherous expanse of the New World. Here, the stakes are higher, the betrayals more brutal, and the line between survival and destruction is razor-thin. Delaney’s unrelenting brutality is both his greatest strength and his most dangerous flaw, as it drives him toward conflicts and alliances that threaten to unravel everything he’s fought for.

At the heart of Taboo Season 2 is the continuation of Delaney’s quest to solidify his power through the gunpowder monopoly—a weapon of both economic and military might that will determine the course of history. But securing his future is no easy feat, especially with forces far beyond his control conspiring against him. As the British Crown intensifies its efforts to bring him to heel, Delaney is drawn further into the web of deceit spun by those he thought he could trust. His journey into the heart of the New World is not just a fight for power, but a fight for survival itself.

In this brutal landscape, every dark deal Delaney strikes, every betrayal he suffers, and every bloody conflict he endures pushes him to the brink of madness. The tension is palpable as Delaney navigates this dangerous world, torn between his desire for revenge and the realization that his past may be his greatest obstacle in the fight for the future. The ghosts of his history—his family, his father’s mysterious death, and the enigmatic Colonnade network—haunt him at every turn, pulling him deeper into a psychological labyrinth that threatens to consume him.

As Delaney’s journey progresses, the audience is introduced to new characters who add complexity and intrigue to his already tumultuous world. Jessie Buckley’s character, a mysterious and strong-willed ally, becomes an essential part of Delaney’s inner circle, offering both emotional depth and moral conflict. Buckley’s nuanced performance adds a layer of vulnerability to the otherwise cold and calculating Delaney, highlighting the internal struggles he faces. Alongside her, Stephen Graham’s portrayal of a new antagonist—a cunning and merciless adversary—brings a fresh intensity to the series, with his character’s motivations shrouded in mystery and malice. Together, these characters push Delaney toward a destiny he neither wants nor fully understands, but one that he cannot avoid.

The visual storytelling of Taboo continues to be as striking as ever. The grimy, oppressive landscapes of London in the early 1800s are contrasted with the wild, unforgiving terrains of the New World, each setting adding to the sense of isolation and danger that Delaney faces. The series excels in its ability to create an atmosphere where every environment feels like a character in itself, from the dark, fog-covered streets of London to the vast, untamed wilderness that Delaney must cross to protect his interests. The production design and cinematography work in perfect harmony to build a world that feels both historical and surreal, mirroring the internal chaos that Delaney experiences.

The tension in Taboo Season 2 is not only driven by external threats but also by Delaney’s inner turmoil. As the weight of his mission bears down on him, the psychological strain becomes impossible to ignore. Tom Hardy’s portrayal of Delaney continues to be a masterclass in intensity, showcasing a character whose inner demons are as dangerous as the enemies on the outside. Delaney’s emotional isolation, his mistrust of others, and his struggle with his own identity create a character who is both terrifying and tragic. The complexity of Delaney’s psyche is explored in greater depth this season, with moments of raw emotion that provide insight into the man behind the madness.

The series masterfully blends psychological drama with intense action, creating a narrative that is both emotionally charged and physically brutal. Each episode pushes Delaney further into the depths of his own mind, testing his resolve, and forcing him to confront the consequences of his actions. As he faces off against old and new enemies alike, the battles are not just for survival, but for his soul. The moral ambiguities of Delaney’s character become even more pronounced, as he navigates a world where loyalty is fleeting, and alliances are temporary. Every choice Delaney makes seems to come at a cost, whether it be to his own humanity or to the people who remain close to him.

The stakes of Taboo Season 2 are raised exponentially as Delaney’s struggle for power becomes intertwined with his personal quest for redemption. His search for justice—both for the death of his father and the wrongs he has suffered—brings him into conflict with those who hold the power to shape the future of the empire. The British Crown, the East India Company, and other shadowy figures move like chess pieces in a game that Delaney is desperate to control. But as he pushes forward, Delaney realizes that he may not be the master of his own fate. The forces arrayed against him are far more dangerous and unpredictable than he ever imagined, and the path to victory may be paved with his own destruction.

One of the standout aspects of Taboo Season 2 is its exploration of the historical and political context that surrounds Delaney’s journey. The East India Company, with its vast reach and power, serves as a symbol of the colonial exploitation and greed that fueled the British Empire’s expansion. As Delaney tries to wrestle control of the gunpowder monopoly from those who seek to use it for their own gain, the show offers a critical look at the imperial ambitions of the time. Delaney’s personal vendetta is interwoven with larger themes of power, corruption, and the destructive nature of empire-building. His story is not just about survival—it’s about the consequences of unchecked ambition and the human cost of empire.

The conflict in Taboo Season 2 is not simply one of power and revenge—it’s a story of survival, resilience, and identity. Delaney’s journey through the New World is a metaphor for his internal struggle, as he battles against forces both external and internal that threaten to tear him apart. The series refuses to offer easy answers, instead presenting a morally complex world where the line between hero and villain is often blurred. In this unforgiving world, survival is not guaranteed, and the fight for power is always at the expense of something greater.

By the end of Taboo Season 2, Delaney’s fate remains uncertain. His fight for survival has taken him to the edge of madness, but it’s unclear whether he will emerge victorious or be consumed by the very forces he seeks to control. The season ends with a shocking twist that will leave audiences eagerly anticipating the next chapter in Delaney’s tumultuous journey. As the stakes continue to rise, the question remains: Can Delaney maintain his grip on power, or will he become yet another casualty of the brutal world he inhabits?

 Rating: 9.8/10 – A raw, emotionally charged continuation of Delaney’s fight for survival, where the battle against the past becomes just as crucial as the fight for the future. With intense performances, complex character development, and a storyline filled with twists and turns, Taboo Season 2 proves that survival is never simple, and the price of power is steep.