Taboo Episode 2 Recap
Warning: There are very adult themes and language in Taboo. It is not named Taboo for nothing; this show is not for the squeamish or faint of heart. I forgot this disclaimer in my first recap! That said, welcome to my Taboo episode 2 recap.
James Keziah Delaney (Tom Hardy) had his first ally, faithful butler Brace (David Hayman), from the beginning. Now we see him carefully spinning a web of compatriots and contacts, to what end we do not yet know. The chemistry between Hardy and Hayman is perfect, you believe they have been close for decades.
The hatred the East India Company has for James becomes more evident. They want him dead. Sir Stewart Strange (played by Game of Thrones and Pirates of the Caribbean actor Jonathan Pryce) has made an ultimatum: kill Delaney, or lose your standing in the Company. Delaney makes nothing easier on himself, buying a ship in the name of the Delaney Nootka Trading Company.
He then meets up with Atticus (Stephen Graham, another Pirates alumni), and begins his quest to gain more eyes and ears.
Stephen Graham as Atticus, Tom Hardy as James Keziah Delaney.
CR: FX
While he is seeking allies, one seeks him out. A young girl. Thirteen year old Winter (played by a newcomer to watch, Ruby May Martinwood), a still pure resident of the brothel run by Helga. She tells him of a plot to kill him. For all his claims to not be around children, he has great rapport with Winter. Together they go to the man’s boat. A cruel man who does bad things to one prostitute in particular, according to Winter, and James sends the man a rather costly warning.
Back at home, he is still looking for the Nootka treaty, and Brace is his dry humored self, to keep Delaney balanced, I believe. Delaney finds an old playbill, but little else. There are more pressing matters at hand. He interrupts Helga in the middle of her “business” to let her know he knows who Winter is, and that he sees goodness in her, but needs her as an ally. Indeed, her business is one full of useful secrets.
Tom Hardy as James Keziah Delaney, Franke Potente as Helga.
CR: FX
Delaney goes on board his new ship, and finds it has a secret as well. We see again flashes of James’s time in Africa that this vessel’s secret brings to the surface.
He seeks out an American doctor, but it does not go as he hopes. James seems to care little for loyalty to country in a time of war during this meeting, but gives his reasons.
Michael Kelly as Dumbarton
CR: FX
Meanwhile, his sister receives an anonymous gift of incredible value, so much so that she locks it away immediately. He meets with and confronts Thoyt about what he has learned in his newly acquired vessel, and his treachery. We find that James Delaney has honor. Even as his sister is stripped of any inheritance, he pays off his father’s debts, something he is not obligated to do. (I just want to say that I have a strong dislike for Zilpha’s husband. He is the type of character that you can’t wait to see get their comeuppance. A comeuppance of Dolores Umbrage in the Harry Potter series levels.)
But then something occurs to shock one and all. He meets up with his half sister again, however, and begs her to go with him. Again there is an incestuous relationship implied. She calls him mad, and leaves him. If indeed their relationship was incestuous, I’m inclined to agree with his frigid sister.
There are more twists and turns at the end of this episode, ones that would spoil too much to reveal here. There’s a chance Taboo could be one of the best shows this year, if it keeps up the quality and momentum? There is darkness in the story, but there is humor and heart as well. And although it may have supernatural undertones, there is no rosy tint or modern apologist’s lens. Indeed there are no apologies for what is happening, no matter how much we may cringe at the morals or words used. It happens as it most likely did, right or wrong. If you haven’t seen it yet, I would urge you to check it out.
I cannot wait for the next episode. If you can’t either, here is the trailer:
Taboo airs on FX Tuesday nights at 10.
