As the episode begins, we see Ross Poldark (Aidan Turner) injured in battle. He is saved by Ned Despard (Vincent Regan). We jump to London in 1800. Kitty (Kerri McLean) visits her husband who is locked in jail. He gives her a letter and implores her to ask Ross for assistance. George (Jack Farthing) grieves for Elizabeth while Ross goes fishing on his boat. George learns Trenwith behind and takes a reluctant Valentine (Woody Norman) with him. When Ross and Demelza (Eleanor Tomlinson) return home, they find Geoffrey Charles (Freddie Wise) there to greet them. Geoffrey speaks about being an orphan and having nobody to listen to him.

He explains that he wants to make his way in the world by starting at the new Military Academy at Great Marlow. To do that, Geoffrey will need money. Ross realizes that this is going to require a visit to George. Meanwhile, George and Cary (Pip Torrens) speak about Wheal Leisure and George savaging wages. George speaks with Ross and Geoffrey briefly before sending them away with nothing. He makes it clear that a Poldark will never run Wheal Leisure again. Geoffrey returns to the Trenwith house. Once there, he uncovers the painting of Elizabeth on the wall. Geoffrey and his family enjoy dinner in the house that night.

They give a toast to everyone they’ve lost over the years. Back at home, Caroline Enys (Gabriella Wilde) and Dwight (Luke Norris) speak about the dangers of childbirth. Dwight promises his wife that she will not meet the same fate as Elizabeth. The following day, Kitty races towards the Poldark house with the message her husband gave her. Ross reads the letter a short time later and learns that Ned wants him to stand up to the government against slavery. It is obvious that Ross is going to take up Ned’s fight. Meanwhile, George visits a visit from Ralph Hanson of the Mosquito Shore Mahogany Company. Ralph (Peter Sullivan) has brought his daughter Cecily (Lily Dodsworth-Evans) with him.

Before Ross leaves, he visits the mine with Demelza. They speak with Zacky (Tristan Sturrock) and learn that many of the locals are looking for work. Unfortunately, the Poldarks do not have enough money to give them work. Demelza promises Tess Tregidden (Sofia Oxenham) that she’ll try to find everyone work. Ralph tells George all about his trade. It is profitable because the labor is so cheap. Cecily reminds them that they’re using slave labor to harvest the wood. When they leave, Cary tries to convince George that it would be a good idea to enter into a relationship with Cecily. A man in his position cannot remain single for long.

Dwight asks Ross if it is a good idea to get embroiled with Ned again. Ross confesses that it has never been a good idea but the man did save his life. He has little choice. Ross and Kitty visit the jail where Ned is being held. They begin speaking about Mosquito Shore while George learns more about the island from Ralph. It is clear that Ross and George are going to be on opposite ends of the table once again. The land was to be given to freed slaves, convicts, and others. Ralph tells George that the move hurt his business and the Crown is taking a share of the profits too. Anyone who threatens profits will become an enemy of the crown just like Ned.

Sam (Tom York) and Drake (Harry Richardson) visit the angry locals and listen to Tess speak about burning down houses. Sam believes that they can save her. After all, the biggest sinner comes with the biggest reward. Valentine shows George a picture of Elizabeth he found. The boy is told to put it away and get away from him. Tess confronts Demelza. It is clear that Tess and the others are trying to frighten Demelza or get under her skin. They leave her alone when her brother arrives. She tells him a lie and pretends that everything is just fine. Ross tries to drum up support for Ned. He claims that he will use his status of MP to help his friend. Joseph Merceron (Tim Dutton) agrees to see what he can do.

Cary tries to convince George that Cecily would be a good match for him. George rambles on about Elizabeth and her portrait. He hears her voice and turns around. It is just the nanny and Valentine. Then, we see that Morwenna (Ellise Chappell) hasn’t overcome her past abuse. She still won’t get intimate with her husband. Ross speaks with Dwight and Geoffrey about London changing. He confesses that he is starting to believe her conspiracy theory. Dwight speaks with Kitty about the upcoming Slavery Abolition gathering and asks if she is going to go. Demelza wakes to a strange noise in the middle of the night. Garrick barks outside but Demelza sees nothing. She tells her brother about it the following day.

Her brother offers to stay with her but she refuses to allow it. She goes to Tess and offers to hire her as a farmhand. We see that Cecily is going to attend the event too. Geoffrey, Dwight and Ross go to the event. Geoffrey finds Cecily and strikes up a conversation with her. Kitty impresses everyone with her speech. George gets a visit from Mr. Hanson. He tries to speak with George about a business arrangement. George is distracted and refuses to make a decision without speaking with Bessie the maid first. Drake tries to touch Morwenna but she tells him to get off of her. He offers to start a fire for them instead. Dwight again tries to convince Ross that getting involved with Ned might be a bad idea.

Geoffrey convinces them to go to the play so he can spend more time with Cecily. Of course, he doesn’t stay this directly. Demelza and Caroline go to the cemetery and spot Valentine there as well. Morwenna speaks to Drake about intimacy. She admits that she isn’t ready right now but Drake isn’t worried about it. He seems happy just to be with her. Ross and the others go to the play. Ross seems like he might feel out of place. Drake and Morwenna are startled by a noise. It is George. He screams at them and wants them to get out of his house. Drake and Morwenna make their escape. Ross chases someone while the others wait for the play to start. The Poldark house is torched. Demelza tries to wake everyone up before helping the kids.

Prudie is still downstairs. Meanwhile, Ross looks around for the man. Ross stops the man from killing The King. Ross is led out with a gun at his back. Geoffrey continues flirting with Cecily. Ross is introduced to William Wickham (Anthony Calf). Wickham wants to know how Ross stopped the assassination attempt. Ross asks him which one. He says there have been two. Ross confirms that he is friends with Ned. Ross is warned that he should be selective of those he aligns himself with. Ross tries to negotiate with the man who wants him to spy on Ned because he made some unwise connections in the West Indies. He finally gets to sit down with his friends a few minutes later. Demelza managed to put out the fire. She pulls Tess aside and wants to discuss it. Tess denies being involved. Ross speaks with Dwight about going covert.

Dwight says that it will give Ross the chance to fight for causes close to his heart. Ned is released a short time later. Cary tells George that they need to prepare to meet with the King. George goes on a rant about Elizabeth being right in front of them. Kitty and Ross are there to see Ned when he is released from jail. Demelza decides to travel to London but it is clear she is worried about Tess. Ross and Ned are spied on.

 

Poldark Review

Initially, I felt that this episode of Poldark was boring. In a way, it was. However, I actually liked it during the second watch. I am still confused about some things and feel that there are too many characters right now. I find myself very intrigued with George. I would like to see the writers turn George into a sympathetic character. In return, they could flip Ross’ role as well.

I enjoyed the episode even though it was a bit long winded. Catch up with previous recaps of Poldark before you go!