: He finds himself in a deadly battle against the East India Trading Company and the British Crown over a strategic piece of land called Nootka Sound. As he navigates a world of conspiracy and murder, he must also confront dark family secrets and his own haunted past. Taboo (1980 Film) - The First Installment
As James navigates the complex world of London's high society, he must confront his troubled past and face the consequences of his actions. Along the way, he encounters a cast of intriguing characters, including his estranged father, Sir John Delaney (played by David Oyelowo), and his love interest, Josette (played by Ruth Wilson).
This is a famous "Golden Age" adult film that spawned several sequels. Taboo (TV Series 2017)
In the landscape of film history, few works occupy a space as contradictory as Taboo (1980), directed by Kirdy Stevens. Known colloquially as Taboo 1 to distinguish it from its numerous sequels, the film is a landmark of the "Golden Age of Porn" (circa 1969–1984). Yet, its existence on the Internet Movie Database (IMDb)—a platform traditionally reserved for mainstream cinema—presents a unique case study in content classification, cultural memory, and the algorithmic management of transgressive art. This paper argues that Taboo 1 serves as a fault line in digital archiving: while IMDb’s inclusion of the film reflects a commitment to comprehensive film history, the film’s explicit central theme (mother-son incest) forces the platform into a perpetual negotiation between artistic preservation and community standards. Taboo 1 Imdb
No episode is perfect, and even the page shows a bell curve with some 5/10 and 6/10 ratings. The most common criticisms include:
To get a better sense of what IMDB users think of "Taboo", let's take a look at some user reviews and ratings:
The show revolves around James Delaney, a man who returns to London after 12 years abroad, only to find himself at the center of a bitter dispute over a valuable piece of land in the City of London. The land, known as the East India Docks, is a highly sought-after property that could change the course of James' life forever. : He finds himself in a deadly battle
– Hardy reportedly ad-libbed much of his dialogue. In episode 1, he speaks fewer than 200 words, yet his grunts, stares, and hunched posture convey volumes. IMDb commenters call it “a masterclass in minimalism.”
This is where the political engine of Taboo first revs. Sir Stuart Strange (Jonathan Pryce, delivering a chilling performance) offers Delaney a pittance for the land. Delaney’s response—a quiet, venomous “I have a use for it” —becomes the episode’s most quoted line, per IMDb’s “Quote” section.
The cast of "Taboo" is impressive, with Tom Hiddleston delivering a standout performance as James Delaney. The supporting cast, including David Oyelowo, Ruth Wilson, and Eddie Marsan, add depth and complexity to the show. Along the way, he encounters a cast of
If you have typed into Google, you are likely one of three people:
(Oona Chaplin): James's half-sister with whom he shares a complex, illicit history.
While Taboo Episode 1 doesn’t crack IMDb’s Top 10 TV episodes of all time (those belong to Breaking Bad , Attack on Titan , and Mr. Robot ), it consistently ranks in the . It sits alongside Deadwood (8.9) and The Crown (8.7) in user ratings.