Dry January just got a little better, people, because Tom Hardy is back on TV. We know – yaaaaaaaasssss, etc. etc. But what is this magical mystery vehicle that's propelling the star back to our small screens? Well, it's called Taboo, it's an eight-episode BBC miniseries and Tom plays the lead: James Delaney. Returning to Britain from Africa in 1814, shipping heir Delaney brings 14 stolen diamonds with him and is seeking revenge on those who wronged his dad, who was killed.
Deep, dark – and maybe a little dirty? Here's why we're pumped for Taboo:
Because we always need another period drama
Sure, we've got The Halcyon on ITV, but you can never have too many – and this one is about as far from Downton as it gets.
Because Tom wears a loincloth in it
Although, if the actor had his way, he wouldn't have been wearing anything at all. 'You're lucky there was a loin cloth because I didn't want one,' he told the BBC, who were clearly the ones who made him wear clothes. Boo, hiss, etc.
Because Peaky Blinders creator Steven Knight wrote the script
He's worked with Tom before on Blinders and 2013 film Locke, and he's bloody brilliant, so we've got high hopes for the duo's latest collaboration.
Because Ridley Scott is involved, too
The Oscar-nominated director and producer is executive producing so, as the man behind Amazon's 2o16 hit The Man In The High Castle AND* The Good Wife*, we've got big hopes.
Because, Chips Hardy
Who is Chips Hardy, you ask? Why, he's Tom Hardy's father of course. Edward 'Chips' Hardy and his son Tom actually worked together to bring us Taboo, which quite frankly makes us even more excited about it all.* *If you're really observant, you'll spot 'Created by Tom Hardy and Chips Hardy' float across your screen during the credits.
Because it's a nice warm-up for Dunkirk
You're probably aware of upcoming war film Dunkirk, because it's where One Direction's Harry Styles will make his big screen acting debut, but did you know Tom also has a part? So, once you finish Taboo, at least you've got that to look forward to this summer.
Taboo's first episode airs on January 7th at 9.15pm on BBC One.
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Follow Jennifer on Twitter @barbiewrites
This article originally appeared on The Debrief.