In "Taboo," James Delaney's grand plans will be realized soon, but many of his machinations to bring the East India Company down has started to unfurl during Episode 5. Last week, James orchestrated a heist to steal a saltpeter from the East India Company, which he was planning to use for speeding up the process to make his own gunpowder. Delaney would then use the gunpowder for trade as he plotted to rebuild his family's company, and his prized possession of the Nootka Sound will be the ultimate bargaining chip.
Entertainment Weekly said that last week's final episode and now this week's episode have accelerated the story and action of the series. Episode 5 started shortly after Geary's challenge of a duel to the death with Delaney. Geary and Delaney were rowed to a small remote land for the showdown, while a crowd of onlookers, including Lorna, await the battle.
Thoyt served as the representative for the proceedings, and as both Geary and Delaney's pistols are inspected, Geary introduced his second, Mr. Hope. Delaney declined to have one, though. Lorna, who is enjoying the view from afar, walks up from the water and said, "I was bored, and I've never seen a man shot." She then named her step son's second.
The duel does not allow a second shot - meaning for the first shot, the opponent better be killed, or consider yourself killed. Delaney did not raise his pistol, giving Geary a clean shot at his heart. However, there was no bullet. Terrified and shocked, he then looks at Delaney who asked, "Satisfied?" Delaney added that he can only assume that Geary's second is a company man because he failed to load a ball in the pistol. Mr. Hope then makes a run for it, but before he gets far, Delaney shoots him.
According to Vulture, the strongest scenes from "Taboo" episode 5 came from an unexpected direction. East India Company looks for a way to get ahead in their quest for Nootka Sound. Prince Regent and his adviser decided to go after Sir Stuart directly by opening an investigation into the sinking of the Influence - the illegal EIC slave ship which Delaney worked.
Meanwhile, Delaney was able to manage to pit two of the most powerful forces in England against one another as he plots his escape to America. It is an ingenious plan - that is if he lives long enough to enjoy the spoils of war. "Taboo" returns next Tuesday at 10pm on FX.
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