Ep 7. Episode 7

"Taboo" (2017) Season 1 Episode 7, aptly titled Episode 7, finds us nearing the climax of this brooding, atmospheric period drama. Created by Steven Knight, Tom Hardy, and Chips Hardy, the series has thus far immersed viewers in a gritty, early 19th-century London, steeped in conspiracy, betrayal, and supernatural overtones. The show, which stars Tom Hardy as the enigmatic and savage James Delaney, continues to unravel a tapestry of complex characters and nefarious dealings, all converging on the question of inheritance and the dark, enigmatic history that ties everything together.

The storyline picks up the threads of the previous episodes, pushing them towards a critical convergence. James Delaney's quest, which began upon his mysterious return to England after years presumed dead in Africa, has seen him leverage his knowledge and familial claim to navigate the treacherous waters of international politics, confront the powerful East India Company, and seek reconciliation with his family's checkered past.

Up to this point, Delaney's actions have been both fiercely protective and startlingly ruthless; his motives, however, remain shrouded in ambiguity. As he continues to assemble a cadre of unlikely allies, whose loyalty is often as questionable as their pasts, Delaney is confronted with the reality that his opponents are closing in from all sides. This episode sees Delaney's plans facing mounting pressure, as the endgame for Nootka Sound—a piece of land pivotal to the brewing hostilities between the newly-independent United States and Great Britain—draws near.

Be it the Crown, the East India Company, or an assortment of other adversaries with their vested interests, Episode 7 sees them all tightening the noose around Delaney's neck. His strategy and strength are put to the test as he navigates treachery and manipulation. The audience should brace for intense interactions and confrontational scenes, demonstrating the dark and persuasive power Delaney wields, even as he teeters on the brink of destruction.

The episode delves further into the psychological depths of its characters—exploring themes of identity, obsession, and the human capacity for both brutality and compassion. The narrative also doesn't shy away from lifting the veil on the stark reality of London during this era—a city where the veneer of civility thinly masks a world rife with exploitation and social disparity.

Delaney's relationships—with his half-sister Zilpha, his trusted confidant Brace, the American spy Carlsbad, and the chemically-inclined Cholmondeley—are ever-evolving, revealing new layers of complexity and secret alliances that add to the suspense of every scene. Episode 7 challenges these bonds as the true nature of each alliance begins to outshine the duplicity that has so far been a hallmark of Delaney's interactions.

Pivotal to this episode is the notion of inheritance and legacy, both literal and figurative. Delaney's determination to maintain control over Nootka Sound, tied inexorably to his father's past and the legacy he aims to leave behind, comes to the fore. Through strategic plays and perilous gambits, we gain greater insight into why Nootka Sound is more than just land to Delaney—it's a symbol of autonomy and revenge, a counter against the forces that seek to claim domain over both territory and person.

In line with previous episodes, Episode 7 is a visual feast, with its bleak yet captivating portrayal of London’s docks, alleys, and aristocratic estates. Coupled with a haunting score, it amplifies the tension and foreboding of what is to come. The show’s commitment to period authenticity is evident, from the grimy streets bustling with urchins and carriages to the sumptuously decorated indoor scenes reflecting the wealth and status of the city's elite.

As a dense fog of mystery and danger continues to loom, this episode promises to pull the viewer even deeper into the world of "Taboo." Every glance, every line of dialogue, and every plot twist is laden with significance, designed to keep the audience on the edge of their seats until the very last second.

Episode 7 presents a narrative construct that is both gripping and richly textured, sure to leave an indelible mark on fans of the series. As the stakes reach their zenith, this episode serves as a crucial prelude to the season's approaching finale—setting the stage for what promises to be a reckoning of epic proportions.