Sunday night is definitely pulling in the audience on BBC 1 with the return of the very popular TV drama, POLDARK. After a successful opening episode of the new series, viewers were left teetering on the edge of their seats eager to learn the fate of Ross Poldark. Now we need wait no more!
Sarah-Vita Younan was one of our lucky readers chosen to write a fan review of the series alongside Celia Fox (you can read her review of the second episode here). Sarah has been blogging about Poldark and Aidan Turner on Tumblr, Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram for over 4 years and even has a YouTube channel dedicated to the series where she reviews each episode as well. Take a look at her fan review of the second episode below.
*** Warning: This review may contain spoilers! ***
I’m sure I’m not the only one who felt that that week-long-wait for Episode 2 took way too long! Although I suppose after waiting a year and a half for Poldark’s return, I shouldn’t complain too much.
Our first new scene is a very dismal one, of Ross in prison, day-dreaming of happier times with Demelza. His heart longs for her again, and to be out of this confining jail. Interrupting his momentarily mental happiness, his lawyer enters the cell with a list of witnesses against him, and his will. Of which Ross still needs to sign.
Elsewhere, our dear Demelza – or should we say Queen! – has snuck into the assembly and is trying to gain the support and backing of Ray Penevenen to possibly influence the judge for Ross’s case. He tries to assure her that this would do little more than gain her the opposite of the desired effect, but she is determined to help her husband. She even goes so far as to resort to talking to Judge Lister herself, which end badly when George Warleggan interrupts and reveals her identity as Mrs. Poldark. Demelza then return to her room with Verity, feeling as though she’s only made things worse for Ross and fears that she may truly lose her husband tomorrow. Eleanor Tomlinson is captivating, believably conveying these emotions right through to the audience, making our hearts ache along and for Demelza.
During the night, Elizabeth too resolves to go to Bodmin, trying to convince herself that she is going to be with Francis, but it seems she has other hopes in mind. Heida Reed is so convincing and gives of a real effect of confusion and a torn heart. She is quite addicting to watch.
While Ross resides in jail, signing his Last Will and Testament, and leaving everything to Demelza in case of a bitter end, George Warleggan, played brilliantly by Jack Farthing, is supporting the campaign of Unwin Trevaunance, Caroline Penvenen’s fiancée, that is going on outside. However, the crowds take a dark shift and turn into an angry mob against Unwin, not thinking he can speak for them.
Also at the assembly is Caroline Penvenen and Dwight Enys, Gabriella Wilde and Luke Norris, who have quite a discussion about Ross’s trial the next day. Caroline is beginning to think Ross is guilty, while Dwight being Ross’s friend, wishes to defend him to her. At the end of the evening, Caroline accuses Dwight of being conceited and despising towards woman when he corrects her in her speech about the trial, and they part for the night.
Thus, Dwight arrives at his room, which he is sharing with Francis Poldark, finds Francis having just attempted suicide, but the gun would not fire. I have to be honest… I never liked Francis, but both in books 3 and 4 (“Jeremy Poldark” and “Warleggan”) I began to like his character, and Kyle Soller has made the transition from annoying, cry-baby Francis to more mature, grown-up Francis effortless and I’m so pleased!
Dwight convinces Francis, for now, not to try again though he’s not quite sure if he believes him.
The next morning, Ross prepares himself for court. He is led in by the bailiff and his lawyer, to a packed room filled with screaming villagers shouting “Murder!” His friends and family are they, but they sit quiet.
When he takes the stand to offer his plea of innocence, he makes eye-contact with Demelza, at first shocked to see her there, but then looks genuinely relieved.
The trial proceeds with the prosecution taking witnesses who are doing nothing by lying about Ross’s character, and even Jud takes the stand with testify against him. Though at the last minute, he changes his story, and speaks for Ross instead of against him.
Besides Jud, who he is grateful for, Ross’s only defense is Dwight, who is to testify that Ross Poldark is a man of kindness and principle, who was ill with grief at the time after burying his daughter, Julia. The prosecution twists his words to make it sound like Ross did commit the crimes, due to grief.
Halfway through the trial, Demelza excuses herself, not being able to take the height of emotion any longer. She meets Elizabeth outside, and tearfully surprises her with the news that she is pregnant, and has not told Ross. Jaw dropping, I know.
Finally, Ross takes the stand. He begins contritely with the statement his lawyer wrote for him, but after making eye contact with George, he crumples it and proceeds with his own words, defending himself in a way he sees fit.
He defends everyone of his actions with a simple yet strong defense of what’s right is right, pointing out all the good he did that night, and all the good the villagers did on the beach for the ship crew. He contributed to the distribution of goods to families of ordinary people who had been starving for months, thus resulting in their survival.
He refuses to believe that he did any wrong, and emphasizes greatly that there was no malice or wrong-doing in the hearts of himself or the people of Sawle that night on the beach. He closes strongly saying: “I make no apology for my actions! In truth, I would do the same again.”
Aidan Turner in this scene… I have no words. He shone like the true star that he is, and I was ecstatically happy, literally clapping and cheering for what was a perfectly executed scene! Bravo!
Judge Lister sends the jury back for deliberation, and the court is silence for what seems an eternity. Finally, they return, and Ross stands for his sentence. He and Demelza stare at each other with tears in their eyes, waiting for the fatal sentence.
Not guilty.
Aaaaaand, breathe! The court erupts with applause, and Demelza runs into Ross’s arms as he buries his face in her embrace.
George Warleggan storms out of the courtroom, still hell-bent on ruining Ross’s life.
Ross and Demelza ride home to Nampara, and on Hendrawna Beach his friends are workers have a bon-fire going to celebration Ross’s freedom.
That night, just before what seems like Demelza trying to tell Ross she is with-child again, he tells her not to wish for another child so soon. That their future is uncertain, though kinder now than they thought, he does not wish for more children to replace Julia.
For now Demelza understands him, and is satisfied to just have him home again. But she will need to tell him soon…
This episode, for me, was just as emotional as it was in the book, and I am so happy with the brilliance behind it and how perfectly it was done. Bravo again this week, Poldark! Cannot wait for the next one!
Verdict
You can follow Sarah on Twitter: @poldarkedfangrl
Poldark continues on BBC1 on Sunday nights at 9pm
