S01.E01: Episode 1

[photo fox]

Cornwall, 1783. Ross Poldark returns from the battlefield to find his father dead, the estate in ruins and his sweetheart Elizabeth engaged to his cousin. On impulse, Ross rescues young urchin Demelza and resolves to forge a new life in the face of hostile forces.

[Llywela]

I think I might be the only person on the forum watching this show live in the UK so far? I enjoyed episode one. I had my doubts going in, having seen and enjoyed the 1970s version, but an excellent cast and gorgeous cinematography quickly won me over.

 

I've always enjoyed Aidan Turner's work, through Being Human, Desperate Romantics and The Hobbit films, so it's good to see him again in this - if episode one is anything to go by, this adaptation is very much Ross's story, so Turner has to carry the entire thing, and so far is pulling it off beautifully. It's a shame the make-up for his scar isn't terribly convincing - I'd really like to see some commentary on that from the production team, if there was a reason for it looking the way it does - but that aside, he's doing a good job so far. Heida Reed perfectly captured Elizabeth's brittleness, and Ruby Bentall, who I have fond memories of from Larkrise to Candleford, makes a lovely Verity. Eleanor Tomlinson's Demelza was a slightly harder sell - I was dubious in her first few scenes, as she's a bit too tall and womanly to really convince as a juvenile street waif successfully disguised as a boy, it was jarring to hear everyone calling her a child, and she sure did transform for just the one dousing under the pump (which surely won't rid her of 'crawlers' anyway!)! But in her later scenes, as Demelza settled in at Nampara, she began to blosson, and I think she'll do well going forward, as Demelza grows and blooms. Sad to see Warren Clarke in his last ever role. I'm not sure why the Warleggans are presented as uncle and nephew here rather than father and son as in the books, but I thought they were very well cast as family - I could absolutely believe they were related. Ditto Elizabeth and her mother.

 

The episode was very fast-paced, cramming an awful lot into a single hour, and certainly wasn't perfect, but I enjoyed it. Looking forward to the rest of the series now!

Edited March 12, 2015 by Llywela

[M. Darcy]

I'm watching it also.  I really liked it (I'm watching the 70s version week by week also on PBS).   I always love watching Aidan Turner and this has also reinforced that. opinion.

 

Heh, I did mention in the 70s tread also it was funny to see how carefully they were all speaking (Jamaica Inn really scared them). 

 

And, of course, a cute doggie always adds to the enjoyment.

[Glaze Crazy]

I'm watching too.  I've never seen the 1970's version or read the books, so it's a new story for me.  I can't say enough about the scenery porn aka the Cornwall coast.  I'm assuming they filmed on location.  I'm watching it with the subtitles on, which I do for many UK shows, but I really don't have too much trouble understanding the dialogue.  I guess there are some critiques about them not trying to incorporate a more Cornish dialect but I understand why they went more generic for the main characters.

 

I have a crazy love for finding Phil Davis is random things, he's such a great character actor.  I watched a couple episodes of Being Human a while ago and went back to continue watching it since that's the only thing I immediately recognized Aidan Turner from.

 

I'm looking forward to the rest of this series.

[M. Darcy]

Oh, Phil Davis is the best.   One of the best British "Hey Its That Guy". 

[Ceindreadh]

I'm enjoying it so far, but I'm finding Aidan Turner's accent a bit disconcerting because it's so different from his usual one!

[MrsE]

It's not a remake of  the earlier series though, it's a new adaptation - and one that's more faithful to the source material - of Winston Graham's books.

 

I'm enjoying it so far although I think that the cliff top galloping would benefit from a little judicious editing.

[Ceindreadh]

 

 

I'm enjoying it so far although I think that the cliff top galloping would benefit from a little judicious editing.

 

Yeah, they could edit out Ross's shirts ;-)

(who me, shallow?  whistles innocently)

[Primetimer]

A British veteran of the American Revolutionary War has to decide whether to make a go of his late father's farm while the rest of his life is in shambles. Should you dig in?

Read the story

[proserpina65]

I'm not a fan of Aidan Turner - I don't think he's a particularly good actor and I don't find him hot - but I am PBS' bitch when it comes to British historical stuff, so I'll probably watch at least the first episode. I actually would much rather have PBS run the original 1970s' version, though, since I've heard quite a lot of good things about it from a friend, but have never had the chance to see it for myself.

[Haleth]

I hadn't thought about watching this, but Tara, your review had me in stitches. Well done!

[Milz]

This is on my To Watch List because I'm a fan of the books and a fan of the 1970's Poldark series starring Robin Ellis (who I think is hot.) From what I've read, this series is more faithful to the books, so that's another plus.

[M. Darcy]

 

I actually would much rather have PBS run the original 1970s' version, though, since I've heard quite a lot of good things about it from a friend, but have never had the chance to see it for myself.

If you are old school like me and still use the disc system on Netflix they have the entire series available.

[radishcake]

Haha that last picture, I can just hear Tara saying "I'm not made of STONE people!" hee

I am so in for this. I love the books and I'm happy to see an adaptation that's faithful. Plus seriously I'd watch Aiden Turner strip paint. <3

[Merneith]

You can stream the original series on Acorn, too. It's good but very much a 70's Masterpiece Theater production.

[Ceindreadh]

Haha that last picture, I can just hear Tara saying "I'm not made of STONE people!" hee

I am so in for this. I love the books and I'm happy to see an adaptation that's faithful. Plus seriously I'd watch Aiden Turner strip paint. <3

You mean strip while painting?  ;-)

[SonofaBiscuit]

I decided to purchase the DVDs so I could marathon-watch rather than waiting for PBS to slowly burn off one episode per week.  I'd never even heard of Poldark, but I knew from previews that it would be just the sort of series that I love.

 

I'm familiar with Aidan Turner, but I've never really seen him in anything.  He's doing a lovely job and wow, that man is beautiful.  He sure went all PolDARK when watching Francis fall in the water at the mine.  The look on his face was a bit evil, and I thought for a second that he might actually allow Francis to drown.

 

I'm slightly confused.  Is Elizabeth living with Francis and Verity (and their father, Charles)?  She's not yet married to Francis, so that seems strange to me.  

 

Jud and Prudie (the servants) are completely lazy and useless, and I guess that they're lucky that Ross feels some sense of duty to keep them around.  Color me shocked that, believing Ross to be dead, they didn't just hock everything left in the house that was worth any money.  I imagine that they both feel pretty threatened by Demelza, considering that she manages to accomplish more in one day than the both of them combined. 

[Big Bad Wolf]

Have seen the whole first season as I live in the UK, and it is absolutely fantastic. It just gets better and better as it goes on. Tara has hit the nail on the head re. the main reason to watch: Aidan Turner in this is hotter than the sun (although I will say that if you don't find him so, and don't think he can act [REALLY weird opinion, but okay...] this probably isn't for you, as the whole thing basically rests on his shoulders). Fortunately that is a very small minority opinion, and so for the majority of women who think he's hot like the sun and CAN act, this series is a joy. The rest of the cast is good as well, particularly Eleanor Tomlinson as Demelza, who has sparkling chemistry with Turner. It does bound along at a fair old pace, though, and it can take a bit of getting used to how quickly time passes, but it is so worth it.

[magdalene]

Omg, that dog is adorable.

[LillyRoo]

The books were most definitely written by Winston GRAHAM not 'Groom'. That's really not that hard to fact check!

[Pogojoco]

Watch it. It's really good.

Also, if it wasn't totally apparent in the dog GIF, Demelza is the best. The. Best.

[whatsatool]

The original Poldark just smoldered. But I am enjoying this one.

[Greta]

Maybe it's just me, maybe it's just me and the wine, but this feels like Masterpiece Presents: A Deadly Adoption. Aiden Turner sure is pretty but the character is just a smug, emo pastiche of Masterpiece men before him. OTOH, I loved Evil George from his first scene and I'm pretty sure I'm not supposed to.

[skyways]

Never worry Greta. The character from the books is smug and I found him unlikable - not because he was an unpleasant person or anything like that, just self-righteous. But the actor who played the character in the original series was quite likeable even though he played him closer to the book. Try understanding that puzzle.

[Nidratime]

I enjoyed the 1970's version better -- The former Demelza was smaller in stature and looked like she could play a young girl. This Demelza looks like a grown woman right off. Prudie and Judd were real characters. These people are flat and uninteresting. It's better than no remake, but the 70's version definitely had more nuance and layers.

[statsgirl]

I have to say that I liked the 1970s version better, although I'll keep watching this some more.

 

The one thing this has done better is Elizabeth, who came out here as a nice person caught in a bad situation, unlike the old one who seemed to be a stone cold bitch.

[magdalene]

The plot seems to move a lot faster than in the old version. I agree that this Elizabeth isn't a cold fish. I could never understand what Ross saw in her in the old show.

 

I am in.  There is enough there for me to watch. Ross glowers nicely, I am liking the the new Demelza, I love the dog and hate George the almost dog killer. And the show is worth watching for the gorgeous scenery alone.

[LiveenLetLive]

I happen to find Turner incredibly hot, but I also watched the original series in the '70's, so I was totally interested in seeing this, and so far, so good. Can't wait for next week.

[jjj]

I am surprised that I liked this -- I am fond of the 1970s version, and put it on as background noise, but thought this very episode was quite vivid.  Completely agree that this Elizabeth is vulnerable and sweet in a way the old Elizabeth was not (she was fragile to the point of appearing to be on the verge of shattering), and the dog, I agree, is a great addition!  There is a great GIF of the dog in the recap. 

[BooBear]

Maybe it's just me, maybe it's just me and the wine, but this feels like Masterpiece Presents: A Deadly Adoption. Aiden Turner sure is pretty but the character is just a smug, emo pastiche of Masterpiece men before him. OTOH, I loved Evil George from his first scene and I'm pretty sure I'm not supposed to.

It isn't just you. If we had one more close up of Poldark and his super sexy scar... well. It was ok but I felt like it was choppy and rushed and I don't particularly understand his decision to stay. Though I suspect it is all about Elizabeth.  I did enjoy the way he just walked in the door when they all thought he was dead.

[JudyObscure]

I loved the seventies version so I expected to be disappointed but I'm not really. I liked this Poldark and this Demelza, as someone who has been known to go outside and sleep with my big flea ridden dogs, I'm one hundred percent on her side. I also liked seeing "Minni" form "Lark Rise," and "Smallweed" from "Bleak House," great British character actors, both.

The only casting choice I didn't like was Elizabeth. She was such a prim, blonde, ice queen in the old version that I really enjoyed hating her. This one, with her full lips and wild hair is not enough contrast with Demelza for me.

[Nidratime]

I just read that this episode was trimmed of some scenes. Is PBS really not airing whole episodes? Why show it at all, if so.

[Rhetorica]

I did not see the 70s version, nor read the book. I stumbled upon this last night. I enjoyed it. Lovely cinematography and music. Some of the characters are shallow and stereotypical but others seem to have depth. I'm in for another viewing.

[MrsE]

I can't agree that all he did was smoulder.  Is that what he was doing at the dinner?  What I saw was someone trying very hard (and actually succeeding) in keeping his feelings in check out of deference to others.  He wasn't smouldering when he got back to Nampara;  he wasn't smouldering in the sequence in America;  he wasn't smouldering much at all as far as I can see.

 

Perhaps you have a different idea of what constitutes smouldering.  

[Big Bad Wolf]

I agree with MrsE that Turner does more than smoulder. I've seen other people say this (all he does is smoulder) when I've clearly seen a whole range of emotions presented, and wondered if I'm watching the same show. Maybe it's the intensity of his smoulder that causes people to block out anything else. Also, this was episode one: he's got a lot to feel miserable about - when he has cause to laugh and smile, he does (and it's wonderful). FWIW, I've read 7 of the books, and I think Aidan brings Ross to life very well.

I find it kind of frustrating when I see people comparing this version to the 70s version, as if that is the template, or even the gold standard. This version has nothing to do with that version. That was one adaptation of the books (which went way OFF-book in a number of ways), and this version is a pretty close (often closer than the 70s version) new adaptation of the books. A lot of people who seem to like the 70s version better essentially seem to like that version better than the books. Well, okay, but this adaptation was never going to mimick the 70s version - that was never the intention. However, Elizabeth has been changed from the books in this version; she's much 'nicer', which I don't necessarily agree with as a choice (although it makes Ross look less idiotic for being obssessed with her, which I suspect was part of the reason for the change).

With regard to the pacing, that is problematic for the first few episodes, where they try to stuff a lot in that happened over a number of years, and it can be difficult to understand how time is passing, but that sorts itself out in the second half of the season.

[MostlyC]

Why didn't Ross go visit Elizabeth?  I mean, really Dude, you are in love with her, and sitting back and letting the wedding happen.  Sheesh.  It seems that Elizabeth would happily have married him.

 

Also, Elizabeth should be blonde.  I'm  not going to forgive that.  I never liked the character that much and I still don't.  This Elizabeth, it seems, is more bearable thus far.

 

I loved the books until they became focused on the children.  As for the 70s version:  AGATHA POLDARK MAY YOU ROT IN HELL!  :)

[Milz]

I saw very little acting from Turner beyond smolders, glowers, grimaces, and a look of extreme constipation.  Of course this could be the fault of the director.  Ross Poldark has plenty to be miserable about when he returns from America. But unlike the Warleggans, Jud, and Zackie, Ross is a gentleman. Walking about with a face like thunder isn't what a gentleman did back in the day: they grinned and bore it.

 

This is the first episode, and I'm not going to bail out on it yet. But if it keeps ups this way, I'll stick to the books and toss this series into the heap.

 

I'd rather have Ross be a moron for obsessing over  self-centered Elizabeth than this kinder gentler version. It made the reader root for Demelza, feel sorry for Francis, and

laugh at  George for wanting to marry her, marrying her,  and getting the wool pulled over his eyes about Valentine.

.

 

 

Also, Elizabeth should be blonde.  I'm  not going to forgive that.  I never liked the character that much and I still don't.  This Elizabeth, it seems, is more bearable thus far.

 

And Demelza should have dark hair, not Lucille Ball Red. If she doesn't come across like a fish wife like Angharad Rees' Demelza did at times, I'll be happy.

 

This kinder gentler version of Elizabeth might have been happy with Ross, but not book Elizabeth, imo, nor Jill Townsend's Elizabeth. Elizabeth was a cold "B".

[NumberCruncher]

I just read that this episode was trimmed of some scenes. Is PBS really not airing whole episodes? Why show it at all, if so.

It was trimmed and it made me mad. It's one of the things that irritates me about Masterpiece because they do the same thing with other shows. One sequence that they cut was when Demelza is playing with Garrick (i.e. the GIF scene that's in Tara's review) which is unfortunate because while seemingly insignificant to the plot, it shows the audience how utterly charming Eleanor Tomlinson is as Demelza, which I think would have helped reassure those worried about whether she would measure up to the 70s version of Demelza.

Edited June 22, 2015 by NumberCruncher

[CalamityBoPeep]

I found it enjoyable, though filled with over-long scenery porn in lieu of story-progression.  Also, Elizabeth kind of ticked me off when she was wanting to verify that Ross isn't going to stay mad at her, and should give her a chance to explain.  She pushes him to the point of exasperation, and he finally tells her what he thinks about the whole deal, asking if what they had before had any meaning to her, and then she decides to make a firm break and remind him that she's getting married and that they can never be more.  Well, duh, woman!  What do you think he's been telling himself this whole damn time?  He's been doing his best to do the honorable thing and not swoop in to take another man's fiance, and yet she wants this big confession of his feelings?  And she wants to be "just friends" before he's had any time to recover at all??? Way to be an ass, Elizabeth.  Kick a man while he's already down, why don't you.

 

The kinder thing to do would have been to say: "We thought you were dead, and I am so sorry.  I understand what you must be feeling, and I will try to keep from throwing this in your face."  Meanwhile, she could have requested that hubby-to-be not insist, like a baby, on having Ross come to the wedding.

 

Of course, if they'd done that, there would probably have been less story to tell... less drama, eh?  Ross would have gone off to nurse his wounds, avoiding contact with both Elizabeth and his cousin.  Might as well avoid the uncle too.   He doesn't seem like someone very supportive either.  But yeah...no books that way, and no show, I guess.  I am glad to read here that Elizabeth is supposed to come off as rather selfish, as that was totally what I got.

 

I'll be watching and waiting for Ross to rise while the others fall, based on that Tarot reading.  It'll serve them right.

[Shades of Red]

It was trimmed and it made me mad. It's one of the things that irritates me about Masterpiece because they do the same thing with other shows. One sequence that they cut was when Demelza is playing with Garrick (i.e. the GIF scene that's in Tara's review) which is unfortunate because while seemingly insignificant to the plot, it shows the audience how utterly charming Eleanor Tomlinson is as Demelza, which I think would have helped reassure those worried about whether she would measure up to the 70s version of Demelza.

I watched the first episode because of the review on here - Aidan Turner - oh ya, hot stuff, but will stay because I liked it.  Having said that and reading that PBS has cut out scenes I may venture down to my local video/DVD place to get the discs which hopefully won't be butchered.  Pisses me off to no end when stations/whatever you want to call the people who air series, cut out important scenes!

[DHDancer]

And Demelza should have dark hair, not Lucille Ball Red. If she doesn't come across like a fish wife like Angharad Rees' Demelza did at times, I'll be happy.

 

This kinder gentler version of Elizabeth might have been happy with Ross, but not book Elizabeth, imo, nor Jill Townsend's Elizabeth. Elizabeth was a cold "B".

 

Yes Yes Yes Yes.  How in the heck did they decide on Red Hair????  It annoyed me no end in the original and now, when they had the oppty to get it right, they did it again!    Argh.   And yes, the gal this time is too tall by far and too boyish in body.    I could have lived with the light brown Elizabeth if Demelza had been correctly Cornish small and dark -- there would be the right sort of contrast.  However the new characterization of Elizabeth is completely off and that I'm going to have a really hard time with.

 

And yeah, not sure Francis is right either.  I almost thought they needed to swap George and Francis: George is supposed to be more bull-necked and coarse-featured (grandson of blacksmith after all).

 

And finally someone said up-thread about all the cliff-top galloping and I have to agree: it was just too much time-filler.  And noone loves enjoying footage of good horses more than me.  Ah well, I'll watch it because it's Sunday nights....

[Miss Chevious]

Having watched the original Poldark, I was eagerly looking forward to this version. I'm trying to keep an open mind and try to treat this as a separate body of work but it's hard not to make comparisons between the two.

 

I agree with the posters above about Elizabeth's hair color and Demelza's body type. Elizabeth should have been blonde and this Demelza seems so tall and gawky. Doesn't make a nice couple with Aidan Turner at all, IMO. I'm liking the new Francis and George though. Francis looks appropriately mealy mouthed and George just looks like a baddie. Jud and Prudie, not so much. They seem like mere shadows of the original actor's portrayals. Hopefully, they will improve as the series unfolds. 

 

The cinematography is stunning and I'm enjoying Aidan Turner a lot more than I thought I would. I'll be interested to see the new Dr. Ennis. And of course I can't wait to see the incomparable Robin Ellis as the judge. Looking forward to Sunday nights!

[Pyralis]

The actor playing George kept throwing me out of the action - I agree that he's the wrong physical type for my mental picture of George.  He's entirely too polished.  One of the points of conflict between him and Ross is the whole "new money" /"old county" class difference. 

 

And having read the books up to "The Loving Cup" when I essentially baled-I had forgotten what specifically happened to Francis later, but was reminded at one point.

[jjj]

IMDB lists Robin Ellis as a "Reverend Halse" -- above post said he will be a judge.  Just noting this in case he turns up as a reverend.  This Elizabeth has modern makeup that is completely distracting (so much lipstick in colours not seen on genteel women for a few more centuries!). 

[Jolie]

Poldark was my first MasterPiece Theater experience when I was a teen in the 70's, and I absolutely loved it. I even read the books at the time, but I can't say I remember much about them so I have no comparisons to draw. A couple of years ago, I did rewatch about 20 episodes before Netflix pulled the series without warning (that I noticed anyway--man was I pissed about that). Just a note to people looking to watch the 70's version--you might try your library. When I was looking for some videos I noticed that they had the Poldark series, so I'm going to go back and finish where I left off two years ago.

 

As for this version, I'm always happy to be able to watch some quality TV. Good story, beautiful scenery, well-acted--I'm a happy camper. I don't mind that some of the secondary story lines are dropped. I never found some of them that interesting. I was always happiest when either Ross or Demelza, preferably both, were on the screen.

The casting of Elizabeth does seem off, but I think she grew bitchier as the series went one. I'm liking this Elizabeth right now, but I'm sure that will change soon assuming the actress can pull it off. The only casting that really bothers me is George. Of the two, I would say he not Ross, was the higher-class of the two.

 

Looking forward to Episode 2.

[marys1000]

Re the cutting of scenes etc.  Is this to accommodate commercials in the US?  I'm wondering if the 41.00 DVD's have enough extra content

(discussions, extra scenes etc.) to warrant buying the DVD's to see the complete show when you can (I'm assuming) watch the complete

episodes on Acorn TV for 5.00 a month?  that'd be 8 months of Acorn.  Unless of course you watch your DVD's over and over (I typically don't).

[jjj]

Re the cutting of scenes etc.  Is this to accommodate commercials in the US?  I'm wondering if the 41.00 DVD's have enough extra content

(discussions, extra scenes etc.) to warrant buying the DVD's to see the complete show when you can (I'm assuming) watch the complete

episodes on Acorn TV for 5.00 a month?  that'd be 8 months of Acorn.  Unless of course you watch your DVD's over and over (I typically don't).

Acorn TV has only the 1970s version of the show for now.  I watched the new version again last night actually to *watch* it at PBS.com, and while the HD quality was gorgeous, it was still the cut version.  I'd love to know if DVDs available for sale in this country are the edited/cut version, which is likely if PBS is the vendor.  Libraries usually get PBS shows on DVD for loan, also.  (Honestly, in HD I could watch a lot more galloping along the cliffs than I would have expected!) 

[NumberCruncher]

Acorn TV has only the 1970s version of the show for now.  I watched the new version again last night actually to *watch* it at PBS.com, and while the HD quality was gorgeous, it was still the cut version.  I'd love to know if DVDs available for sale in this country are the edited/cut version, which is likely if PBS is the vendor.  Libraries usually get PBS shows on DVD for loan, also.  (Honestly, in HD I could watch a lot more galloping along the cliffs than I would have expected!)

The PBS release shouldn't be the edited version. They did the the same thing with Downton Abbey--they cut out a lot of smaller scenes and then released the unedited versions on DVD. They're cutting the scenes to shorten for airtime. They have to keep each episode under an hour which usually isn't a big deal, but there are a lot of PBS-related previews and a couple of ads they have to air before and after each episode and I guess this is how they accommodate that. Personally I could do without seeing the Ralph Lauren ad twice.

Edited June 23, 2015 by NumberCruncher

[AuntiePam]

It isn't just you. If we had one more close up of Poldark and his super sexy scar... well. It was ok but I felt like it was choppy and rushed and I don't particularly understand his decision to stay. Though I suspect it is all about Elizabeth.  I did enjoy the way he just walked in the door when they all thought he was dead.

Not just Elizabeth.  From comments made by Ross's uncle and the Warleggens, we're told that the common people are in dire straits.  Ross feels some responsibility for them, as a mine owner.  There's also the impression that they were friends -- maybe closer than usual for their different classes.  Then they come to his aid in the fight with Demelza's father's gang and offer to help him in other ways --  I think that's why he's staying.  Those are his people.

 

I don't remember the aunt with the tarot cards from the 70's version, but I remember her from the first book.  Glad to see her.

 

Agree about Jud and what's her face -- they're no fun at all.

[magdalene]

Speaking of those Tarot cards - I want them.