I must admit that previewing such a well-known set of stories isn’t going to be an incredibly easy task. Any readers who are well versed in the plot will have to forgive me going over what appears to be old ground for them. I haven’t read the books, though I do dimly recall the original series back in the mid-1970s, which was a runaway hit for the BBC. It is still one of the most successful British adaptations of all time. The only other costume drama to out sell it on video was their version Pride and Prejudice, which aired twenty years later and contains that memorable Colin Firth scene.
It also did much to boost the Cornish tourist trade by advertising the natural beauty of its rugged coastline. A feat that I’m sure this new series will quite possibly achieve again with its sweeping panoramic vista’s - even though it does occasionally quietly nip over a few borders into Wiltshire, where they filmed any scenes set in Truro. Not that we start the series in the UK at all though. Instead, we open in an enclosed wooded clearing to briefly, and efficiently, set up Ross Poldark’s (Aidan Turner) character during his time in the American War of Independence. The young scallywag has enlisted to avoid the noose back home, and thinks he can gamble and joke his way through it until he can return home and marry his childhood sweetheart, Elizabeth (Heida Reed).
The heavily scarred man who returns to Cornwall two years later however, is barely recognisable. The ravages of war having taken their toll, as has a near death experience, so he is looking forward to some home comforts. Yet things are scarcely better there either, his father has passed away leaving the estate in ruins, and Elizabeth is all but married to his cousin Francis (Kyle Soller).
Determined to stay and make a go of it, despite his uncle urging him to move on and try his fortunes away from Cornwall, Poldark begins to rebuild the family home, Nampara. He keeps on his father’s idle servants, Jud and Prudie (Phil Davies and Beatie Edney) and takes on the flame haired Demelza (Eleanor Tomlinson) after rescuing her and her dog from a beating while at the market. Between them, and his tenants, they start work on turning their joint fortunes around.
Turner has admitted to never having watched any of the original series as he didn’t want to emulate Robin Ellis’ version of the character. He got the part without having auditioned, which says a lot about the producer’s faith in the actor, especially as they are planning for the series to take off after this initial eight episode run. Having seen the first few instalments, I think it’s a pretty safe bet to say that they could have hit upon winning formula. Anyone who knows my usual taste in shows will possibly be surprised to hear me say that I like the triangle that has been set up so far in the first episode. We’ll see how long that holds for, but at present the relationships Ross has with between both Elizabeth and Demelza are compelling and I want to see where they go.
Episode 1 airs on Sunday 8th March on BBC One at 9pm, below are a few dialogue teasers to see you through until then. Please don’t forget to come back to vote in our poll after the episode and let us know what you thought.
“Since your father died we’ve had no repairs”
“You heard him, he don’t want you here. ‘More trouble than she’s worth’, his words not mine”
“She’ll get the strap if he catches her away from home, and in her brother’s clothes”
“His view is, if two young people wish to be together, what is there to wait for?”
“As your friend I would back you to the hilt. As your banker, I’m obliged to disappoint”
“You’ll get friendly if I can’t see my face reflected in this floor by the time you’re done”
“Why the hell don’t you learn to swim!”
“Wastrels and thieves, the lot of you. But you’ll soon have the honour of redeeming yourselves in the service of King and country”
“The dark Poldark or the fair. The stronger rises as the weaker falls. For all is fair in love and war”
“There is nothing to do, you are engaged to Francis”
About the Author - Sandi
Sandi is part of the Senior Staff at SpoilerTV having been a contributor from back in the Lost days of DarkUFO, and who now writes previews for Banshee, The Musketeers, Poldark, and other BBC shows. She also enjoys watching and commenting on other shows such as Sons of Anarchy, Hannibal, Game of Thrones and Elementary.
