Poldark Episode One Review: Action, Love and a New Mr Darcy?

On BBC One on Sunday evening, viewers were finally given the opportunity to watch the first episode of POLDARK starring Aidan Turner – and it certainly did not disappoint. 

The latest BBC adaptation is a remake of the classic 40 years after Robin Ellis first won the hearts of the nation in the BBC original. The last time the romantic saga was on the small screen was in 1975, which aired for 29 episodes, adapted from Winston Graham’s gritty novels set in late 18th century Cornwall. The new eight part-series will hope to be as successful as when it was first released to British audiences and was sold to 40 countries, including America. Poldark is the second most popular TV series on video, behind PRIDE AND PREJUDICE.

The story tells how dashing Poldark returns to his estate from war to find Britain in the grip of a chilling recession – with his father dead, his home in ruins and the love of his life, Elizabeth, engaged to his cousin. 

In the first episode we finally get to see Aidan Turner in the iconic role – and he certainly made an impression: tall, dark, brooding and handsome, he has the makings to be the new Mr Darcy.  The actor already has a sizeable list of acting credentials to his name, perhaps best known for playing a dwarf and a vampire. Turner has starred as Kili in the HOBBIT trilogy and as 117-year-old vampire John Mitchell, one of the main, ill-fated characters in BBC3’s supernatural hit BEING HUMAN.

In the story, we are taken back to 1783 in Cornwall, England where Ross Poldark (Turner) returns home as a fallen soldier defeated in war and presumed to be dead by many. Upon arrival, his hopes of a fond reunion with his family and friends fall short as he learns of his father’s death six months prior and the love of his life, Elizabeth (Heida Reed), is betrothed to another – his cousin Francis (Kyle Soller). Feeling slighted by her betrayal of planning to marry another, he raises a congratulatory glass in celebration of their wedding day, which is due to take place in two weeks and swiftly departs on his white horse to his late father’s old, derelict estate. 

There is little for Poldark to rejoice upon his return, as he bares witness to his father’s debt and faces the prospect of having no source of income, poverty and uncertainty. However, as the hero of the piece, his character traits will not see him destitute – he is a man who says what he thinks and does as he likes. This proves to be a problem for his uncle – Charles Poldark – played by the late Warren Clarke (who had the first episode dedicated to him in his memory), as he does not want Poldark’s return to affect the impending marriage of his son Francis to Elizabeth. Honouring her word and denying her love for Poldark, Elizabeth does go ahead with the marriage and the soldier can do nothing more but stand at the back of the church solemnly, watching in silent despair.

However, to pick up the action and develop more of an understanding of the character, we see Poldark embroiled in a fight of honour during his visit to the market, as he stops a dog fight and the owner of one of the dog’s being shoved around by the brutal crowd hoping for a bloody, cruel battle. As it so happens we are then introduced to the ‘child’ he saves, Demelza (Eleanor Tomlinson) who he ends up taking on as a kitchen maid, with only her food and lodgings provided for. 

Her joy of living at Poldark’s crumbling residence with her rescued dog, Garrick is short-lived when her angry father and brothers come in search of her to bring her home. Naturally, the girl hides and it is Poldark to the rescue as he takes on ‘an army against one man’ – which of course he wins, seeing off her rough family for good. 

Overall, the first episode was quite the success: it is beautifully shot in Cornwall and provides enticing, picturesque wide shots of the scenic land and cliffs; a beautiful backdrop for the story. This was effectively combined with an impressive musical score, which convincingly sweeps us back to the 18th century and brings the perfect balance of emotion.

Of course Poldark would not be the same without long, wistful looks and moments of sincere sentimentality between the main character and his love and fans of the book, original TV series and Turner will not be disappointed as he wistfully looks at Elizabeth with solid declarations of undying love: 

“From the moment I set eyes on you. no one else existed. When I was away, all I could think about was coming back to you.”

Having now been introduced to the main characters, it is very clear that the entangled love triangle will no doubt continue to grow over the next seven episodes and we will have to wait and see how much more trouble the dashing soldier lands himself in. 

Directed by William McGregor, the eight-part TV series will no doubt continue to pull an eager audience in.

The next instalment of POLDARK will air on BBC One on Sunday March 15th at 9pm. Don’t forget to share your thoughts on the episode in the comment box below!

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