Poldark is a British period drama and a remake of an older show of the same name. The show follows the exploits of Ross Poldark (Aidan Turner), who returns to Cornwall, after fighting for the British in the American Revolutionary war. When he makes it back to the city, he discovers his cousin, Francis (Kyle Soller), is set to marry the love of his life, Elizabeth (Heida Reed).
With Elizabeth’s eye wandering back to Ross, uncle Charles attempts to fund Ross’s relocation to London, but it isn’t meant to be. Ross is intent on rebuilding his father’s home, farm and restoring glory to the family mine. During the wedding ceremony, Ross encounters George Warleggan, a scoundrel, but a very wealthy one. George and his uncle operate the most prosperous banks and use them to swindle others out of their money and businesses.
During a trip into town, Ross interrupts a dog fight and saves a scrawny girl, Demelza Carne. Once he discovers Demelza’s cruel home life, he offers her work in his home. She joins Ross’s current servants, or slackers, Jud Paynter (Philip Davis, Whitechapel) and Prudie (Beatie Edney). The arrangement sparks up quite a bit of controversy among those in the Poldark household, as well as the upscale citizens of Cornwall.
Romance blooms, while greed and admiration takes ahold many of the citizens. Verity (Ruby Bentall), who is kin to Ross, creates chaos, when she begins a relationship with Captain Andrew Blamey (Richard Harrington), who has a questionable past. Blamey and Francis eventually clash and the results are devastating.
The show’s writing is excellent, which may need to be credited to the older version. Despite the “vainness” of Aidan Turner, he is excellent as Ross Poldark (a joke). Of course, it may very well be Eleanor Tomlinson, who steals the show as the simple, but inspiring, Demelza. The dynamic pair lead an astounding cast, which is without flaw.
The show’s pacing is excellently fast and reels you in, while keeping you hooked from episode to episode. Time moves quickly and the conclusion of one story opens up an equally interesting new one. Triumph leads to betrayal and heartbreak, as the cycle churns and repeats throughout the first season. There is something truly special about Poldark, which is undoubtedly one of the best new shows of 2015. The first season deserves a 9.5 out of 10. Thankfully, a second season is on the way and expected to air in 2016.
Jay Skelton is a fan of all television shows and movies. He tries his best to keep up with the latest foreign television shows and movies. Jay loves skinny dipping in the dark too.
