Poldark

Last year, I started watching Poldark, based on the novels by Winston Graham, on Masterpiece Theater.  I had it on the DVR and caught episodes here and there.  Sadly, the last two were erased before I watched them.  By happy accident, I discovered that all 8 episodes were available on Amazon.  I watched the last two this weekend.

The story opens with Captain Ross Poldark (Aiden Turner) in America during the American Revolution.  A British officer from Cornwall, he is captured in a sudden attack, taking a blow to the head that leaves him with a distinctive scar down the side of his face.  Eventually, he is released and returns to Cornwall with notions of finally marrying Elizabeth.  Sadly, during his long absence, she became engaged to his wealthy cousin, Francis.  Moreover, Ross discovers that his father has died, leaving the estate in ruins and with few financial prospects.  The Poldarks own copper mines along the Cornish coast.  The series follows the relative rise and fall of the two branches of the Poldark family.  Ross proves resourceful and rises while, Francis proves hapless after his father dies and leaves him to run the mining company.  All of this serves as background for the love story that arrives with Demelza (Eleanor Tomlinson) in Ross's life.  To my surprise, the last two episodes did not complete the series.  In fact, Ross is led away by soldiers in a cliffhanger ending.

 

It is funny to see yet another series that involves English gentry on the cusp of bankruptcy.  There are characters who, when their loans are called due, fully expect to find themselves in debtors' prison.  These are the well-to-do and their finances are that precarious.  How strange that seems but it is such a common theme to these British period dramas.  All through Downton Abbey there were great houses that were going under with the changing times.  It is a wonder that any great houses remained.

 

Ross Poldark is an admirable man who is probably too idealistic, too loyal, and too willing to risk ruination to aid those far beneath his station.  On the other hand, Francis sees slights where there are none, resents Elizabeth's previous attachment to Ross and emotionally punishes her for it, fears that he cannot measure up to his father, and is all too prepared to throw in the towel when he meets adversity.  This contrast is almost certainly intentional so that Graham could provide a morality tale.

 

It is an enjoyable series and I look forward to the next installment.