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Friday 20 January 2017

The best bits of "Taboo" (BBC/FX)

BBC's new historical drama is full of fun, if you can get past the mumbling and murky plotting. Steven ("Peaky Blinders") Knight turns his attention to Regency England.

  • Tom Hardy cutting through the streets of London in stovepipe hat and billowing greatcoat.
  • Jonathan Pryce tapping his cane ominously in the East India Company board room.
  • The Machiavellian Solomon Coop (Jason Watkins) has a great catchphrase: "Always assume I know".
  • Gout ridden Prince Regent (heavily padded Mark Gatiss) surrounded by stuffed zebra and legless giraffe.
  • Atticus's (Stephen Graham - remember Al Capone in "Boardwalk Empire"?) compass rose skull tattoo
  • The always-good-value David Hayman (in any scene).
  • Michael Kelly (Doug Stamper from "House Of Cards").
  • The intriguing relationship between Delaney and his school chum/EIC spy
  • Chemistry lessons with manure-munching Mr Cholmondeley (Tom Hollander; he played the slimy Lance in "The Night Manager").
  • Delaney's constant companion, his mini-scythe - it slices, dices, slashed - the perfect kitchen tool.
  • Amazing night photography.
  • Street scenes - looks like a movie budget
  • Lush musical score.