S01.E03: Episode 3

[Milz]

Not nit-picky but a personal observation, when Ross's uncle said the phrase 'bite the dust.' my first thought 'thought that was an American expression, more from cowboy and western movies.'  But looking it up I see it goes all the way back to 1750.

***************

Poor Francis. That scene where he tries to have some face time with his mine workers was just painful.

***************

Is it just cause they were the old servants of his father? Otherwise, can't see why Ross would still be employing the pretty useless Jud and Prudy.

 

I liked how Ross phrased Jim's medical state as a "chronic lung condition"...because I guess calling it tuberculosis is over the heads of 99.9% of the viewers. *roll eyes*

 

The Paynters knew Ross' father. What's not discussed is that working in the mines is more lucrative than working as a field hand or servant. So this is a case of  good help is hard to find.

 

I was just reminded of a WTF??? moment.

 

When Ross goes to Truro for Jim's trial, Dr. Choake is there in the gallery. WTF is Choake doing there (other than a plot devise for Ross to get a Doctor's note for Jim)? Also since Choake was there in court, he could have testified himself, rather than Ross spewing hearsay.  WTF Robin Ellis didn't tell Ross he won't accept hearsay?

[LiveenLetLive]

That was Robin? Oh dear, it really has been 40 years... And thank you producers for that shirtless scene of AD--"sex on legs" indeed! I'm really enjoying this adaptation.

[eleanorofaquitaine]

I also agree that so far not much clarification is needed from what we have seen so far. It fairly clear. Back I'm March I pointed out to the poster Llewleya that I did not think at this point that the 'secondary stories where detracting from the overall presentation so far and AT this point I found it so.

I did however find my self slightly agreeing with her as the series went on ( apologies as I am not trying to spoil anything). I began then to see certain discordant notes that became for me confusing.

Eleanorofaquitanr, I would really like to hear your views when the series is ended to see whether you stand by your impressions that the characters, developments and nuances are still clear. If you don't mind.

 

skyways, I don't mind. I am a big believer in seeing the entirety of a season before I declare the whole endeavor a failure or success because I usually think you have to see something in the whole before you judge it too harshly (or favorably, I suppose).  So far, these episodes have held together for me fairly cohesively, but obviously, bad writing or plotting or what have you could change that.

Edited July 6, 2015 by eleanorofaquitaine

[NumberCruncher]

I mean, sheesh, Francis is already jealous of Ross and Elizabeth certainly knows the score, and they've all spent roughly a year going around the same tree, (I'm guessing, based on standard pregnancy length... plus a few months on either end of the pregnancy)... and yet!  Elizabeth thinks it'd be a good idea to have Ross be the Godfather???  (Yes, that plan didn't happen, but still!  WTF!?).  And Francis still... still... is all "hey, sit over here, close to the wife I fear you want to take from me" and taking out, on Elizabeth, his frustration with the situation that He. Set. Up!  Really???  WTF?!

See, I don't have the same impression regarding how Ross, Francis & Elizabeth are interacting here. In the very first episode, Francis makes the comment that he and Ross were always more best friends than cousins. They grew up together. To me, that creates a lot of complication and conflicted feelings. Not only do Ross and Francis have a familial bond that is not easily broken, but also a deep friendship tying them together. I can easily see why it's very difficult for Francis to stop all interaction with Ross. Elizabeth is simply playing along with it in her home because Ross is still family, despite how their relationship ended. Her seeking Ross out at Nampara, however, isn't cool.

 

Right, plus he was frustrated about Jim and drunk. And he's attracted to Demelza but didn't want to take advantage of her, which doubled his frustration, no doubt. He was looking for a reason to unload and Demelza just happened to be there and gave him a convenient excuse to do so. None of this seemed difficult for me to understand, given the events of the episode.

Nor I. I didn't read the books or see the '75 version when I first watched this version (I've since read books 1 and 2), but upon first viewing, I didn't feel confused at what what happening in Ross's mind regarding Demelza. He was incredibly frustrated that he couldn't help Jim and clearly had a little too much to drink when he lashed out first at Margaret (the prostitute) and then at the next person he spoke to (Demelza). I didn't see it being about class at all but rather Ross just being a mean drunk. He realized his cruelty when Demelza started to cry--which I took more as her being upset at Ross suggesting she go back to her father than her being upset he was yelling at her. Seeing her upset, he tried to console her and things escalated from there. We saw a handful of scenes showing that he was attracted to her, or at a minimum, very fond of her. I didn't have a hard time believing Demelza was infatuated with Ross, so given the choice between staying at Nampara as his mistress or returning to her terrible father, her decision was an easy one.

I just disagree.  To me, the character beats are all there and make sense given what we've seen.  I'm having a hard time understanding why anyone finds any of these characters' actions confusing based on what we've been shown. It's all very much in character, IMO, and fairly easy to figure out.  I feel as if a lot of the dissatisfaction is coming from either book readers or previous viewers who have a set view of how they want these characters to act based on their prior reading or viewing.  And while I get why that happens, it's frustrated to keep reading that there are these obviously glaring plot holes because someone who has prior knowledge of the story is insisting that there are plot holes.

This. Even now having read the first 2 books I see very little that has changed my mind as to how this latest adaptation is presented. Sure the books have clarified a few things, but I never felt lost going into the 2015 episodes blind.

 

I liked how Ross phrased Jim's medical state as a "chronic lung condition"...because I guess calling it tuberculosis is over the heads of 99.9% of the viewers. *roll eyes*

Well, considering that the term "tuberculosis" didn't exist until 1839, it probably was appropriate not to call it that in the 1780s.

Edited July 6, 2015 by NumberCruncher

[Milz]

 

Well, considering that the term "tuberculosis" didn't exist until 1839, it probably was appropriate not to call it that in the 1780s.

 

 

You're correct. If Ross said "phthisis" 99.9% of the viewership would wonder what the heck that is.

[jjj]

You're correct. If Ross said "phthisis" 99.9% of the viewership would wonder what the heck that is.

True.  And most of his audience in the courtroom also would wonder what the heck it was.  Robin Ellis the Magistrate surely would know!  But "consumption" was the general term understood.  I had no problem with what Ross Poldark said -- he was explaining, not diagnosing. 

 

About Francis and Ross -- it is not just that they grew up together, but that Francis would have seen Ross with Elizabeth before they went off to the war.  So, Francis knows what those knowing looks mean between them.   It's hardly ever comfortable to stay in close proximity to a former lover and her/his new partner.  And Ross represents an easy escape hatch for Elizabeth -- not in terms of sexual infidelity, but affectional infidelity.  She knows Ross is pining for her, and it suits her emotional needs just fine. 

[Brattinella]

The 70's version is on acorn tv, if anyone is interested. 

[CalamityBoPeep]

See, I don't have the same impression regarding how Ross, Francis & Elizabeth are interacting here. In the very first episode, Francis makes the comment that he and Ross were always more best friends than cousins. They grew up together. To me, that creates a lot of complication and conflicted feelings. Not only do Ross and Francis have a familial bond that is not easily broken, but also a deep friendship tying them together. I can easily see why it's very difficult for Francis to stop all interaction with Ross. Elizabeth is simply playing along with it in her home because Ross is still family, despite how their relationship ended. Her seeking Ross out at Nampara, however, isn't cool.

 

I get that Francis and Ross have been best friends.  I figure if Francis wants to be close to Ross, though, the way to do that isn't "come sit alone next to the one person who I'm afraid likes you better..."  A best friend in that situation would be more likely to walk over to Elizabeth, ask for the baby, and then bring the baby over to Ross to admire.  He'd be making moves to include Ross and stay close to Ross, but to carefully mark a line around Elizabeth, knowing what he knows about their former and half-dead love for each other.  If Francis is territorial without being stupid about it, that makes good characterization, in my opinion.  (Not that "territorial" is attractive... but it's understandable.)  As it is, he's being stupid first, then territorial, which just makes him look like a total ass.

 

And totally agree... Elizabeth seeking Ross out is totally uncool.  As well as stupid.  They all theoretically know everything about all their neighbors and their social circle.  How's it going to look if Ross's ex is visiting him in private?  So, she not only can not let it go, but she's also an idiot.

 

As for Ross, it seems to me that when the interactions are so painful, and so fraught with stupidity on the other side, it'd be an act of self-preservation to cut the visits to Christmas parties and the like, while avoiding all opportunities with Elizabeth, to dance, flirt, speak privately, or in anyway offer any insight into his life.  Even with family, it's fairly easy to make excuses about being busy when the interactions are getting painful and awkward.  Verity doesn't seem to mind coming over for a visit... let her be the one to maintain the family ties.

 

Mileages vary, of course.  I'm just off-loading some of my frustration with the show here, as I really do want to like it so much.  But I don't actually want to beat a dead horse, much as it may appear so. 

Edited July 6, 2015 by CalamityBoPeep

[JudyObscure]

I disagree about Demelza. Elizabeth's comment crushes her. Since it's verboten to discuss the book in this thread, all I can say is that this Demelza is a spineless worm.

Demelza seems to have been raised in a hovel by a cruel father who treated her like an animal and apparently no mother, why would she have high-self esteem? She would have gazed at women like Elizabeth as rarified creatures the way a young girl might look at a movie star today. Of course she would be over-awed by her and easily hurt by her words.

Demelza has no reason to know she is beautiful or to realize her own worth as an honest, kind hearted person, but I would not call her modesty spinelessness. To me, she has great courage; she risked her life to save her dog, she risked the new job she loved to beg that her dog be let inside, she puts up daily with the two against one bullying of her coworkers all to stay away from her father's fists and close to Ross.

Elizabeth stopped by at just the wrong time for Demelza, when she had just slept with Ross and was feeling deeply in love, but insecure about her standing. Elizabeth reminded Demelza of how she compared with women of Ross's own class and she suddenly felt that she couldn't compete and by staying she would only be a servant-with-sex to him -- so she gathered the shreds of her dignity and left. No crying or whining, she just left. Not spineless at all.

[Milz]

True.  And most of his audience in the courtroom also would wonder what the heck it was.  Robin Ellis the Magistrate surely would know!  But "consumption" was the general term understood.  I had no problem with what Ross Poldark said -- he was explaining, not diagnosing. 

 

About Francis and Ross -- it is not just that they grew up together, but that Francis would have seen Ross with Elizabeth before they went off to the war.  So, Francis knows what those knowing looks mean between them.   It's hardly ever comfortable to stay in close proximity to a former lover and her/his new partner.  And Ross represents an easy escape hatch for Elizabeth -- not in terms of sexual infidelity, but affectional infidelity.  She knows Ross is pining for her, and it suits her emotional needs just fine. 

 

I think the people in the courtroom would have understood "putrification of the lungs" more than "consumption". But I was waiting for Robin Ellis to go Judge Judy on Ross and tell him "Hey! Poldark! I will read a doctor's letter or if the doctor is here I will hear his testimony. But you cannot tell me what some else has told you. That's hearsay! Bring me a letter or bring me the doctor. That's it! "

 

IIRC per Verity in episode 1, Francis saw Elizabeth and fell in love with her. So either Francis didn't know Elizabeth at all or was barely acquainted with her or Francis knew Elizabeth and didn't give a rat's behind about her relationship with Ross.  But as I wrote: mixed message mess. Francis inviting Ross to dance with Elizabeth in the last episode and in this episode to sit down next to Elizabeth and coo at Geoffrey Charles then getting upset/jealous is too unbelievably soap opera-ish.

 

Anyhow, this Francis is probably too dimwitted to realize that Ross isn't his rival for Elizabeth's love: that honor goes to Geoffrey Charles.

[jjj]

Yes, it kind of broke my heart to see broken-hearted Demelza on the road back to hell.  There have been enough little lectures about "know your place" in these episodes to make it clear to us that Demelza understands that Elizabeth in indeed rarified in ways Demelza cannot emulate just by putting on a dress:  manners and language and a social code that Elizabeth was born into and cultivates.  It was just very bad timing the Elizabeth came over on that particular day when Demelza had upset her own social order the previous night. 

[dubbel zout]

Also since Choake was there in court, he could have testified himself, rather than Ross spewing hearsay.

 

I thought the doctor refused to testify because Jim is poor and will deserve what he gets.

[jjj]

IIRC per Verity in episode 1, Francis saw Elizabeth and fell in love with her. So either Francis didn't know Elizabeth at all or was barely acquainted with her or Francis knew Elizabeth and didn't give a rat's behind about her relationship with Ross. 

Oh, interesting -- what I picked up on in the first episode was incredible tension when Ross arrived on the dinner scene, with everyone afraid to tell him Elizabeth was promised to Francis now.  I got the impression that everyone, including Francis, knew this was a Very Big Deal, because of Ross's history with Elizabeth. 

[Rhetorica]

I don't mind watching a show that doesn't spoon feed me. I love a mystery. Not in the Agatha Cristie definition but in the sense that the storyline will evolve naturally. I, of course, can speculate and am pleased whether my speculation is correct or not. I think the actors are emoting well and sometimes dialogue is just not needed.

[Milz]

I thought the doctor refused to testify because Jim is poor and will deserve what he gets.

 

The book's version makes more sense

Ross gets Choake to write a letter (hence, not hearsay), which Ross brings to Truro. Choake writes the letter about Jim's health but still thinks a poacher is scum of the earth.

because Choake isn't conveniently sitting in the gallery in a courtroom in Truro.  Robin Ellis could have forced Choake to testify because Choake was there for some unknown reason.

Oh, interesting -- what I picked up on in the first episode was incredible tension when Ross arrived on the dinner scene, with everyone afraid to tell him Elizabeth was promised to Francis now.  I got the impression that everyone, including Francis, knew this was a Very Big Deal, because of Ross's history with Elizabeth. 

 

That would put Francis (and Charles, and Aunt Agatha, and Verity) into the "I know she's Ross' girl  but I don't give a damn!" category.  Part of the tension I saw in the dinner scene was that with Ross dead, Charles would inherit Ross' father's property. So with Ross back again, that's less assets and, presumably, capital for the Trenwith Poldarks.

[Tara Ariano]

ICYMI, here's the Previously.TV post on the episode!

 

Poldark May Not Be A Literal Bodice-Ripper, But A Certain Dress Isn't Mad About It / I'm here to tell you that, among his other assets, Ross Poldark's got some nice hands.

[HalcyonDays]

Stumbled onto this show by accident, when I happened to scroll past the PBS channel and saw it was going to be air. Yes! Love this show and loved this episode.

 

Comments here are true about how some things are not too clear. I agree. It took me a bit to realize that in this episode, a lot of time passes but you really don't know. Usually shows so changing season or something but not here. Instead, it was the pregnancies. The entire episode was probably about 9 months. Elizabeth is seen right at the beginning of the episode flat stomach. Next thing you know, she's huge, then pops out the kid. Same with the wife of the poaching kid (Carter?). When she first asked Demelza to talk to her hubby to get him to stop poaching, she had no belly. Then he's caught, sentenced and she's in labour at the same time.

 

I liked the comparision scenes of Elizabeth and Verity doing needlepoint as befits a lady (and seemingly bored), and the "lower classes" partying it up with the dancing, and you see Roos having fun, laughing, etc. Later, you see him at the little family gathering for the latest Poldark, and he's morose and everyone him, all they can do is make some comment to slight him. I liked the contrast.

 

I totally love the characters of Ross and Demelza and their scenes together - whilst not soft porn ala Outlander - were romantic with a nice heat. I think both actors do a fantastic job and are really good actors. Ross can be an ass and has flaws, but I still like him as a person.

 

I did too hear and thought that the father was coming back the next night to take Demelza away, but looking back and thinking about the time jumps, I wonder if he actually said a fortnight, which is two weeks.

 

Shallow comment of the day #1: First, Demelza looked stunning when lying in the field with Garrick, basking in the afterglow. Elizabeth is beautiful, yes, but conventially and in a traditional and common way. Demelza (especially with the red hair) and pale skin, etc looked ethereal in that scene. And yes, she should have been burned to a crisp working all day in the sun.

 

Shallow comment of the day #2: Dear god, Aidan Turner is gorgeous. That scene with him in the field scything away...*drops dead on floor*. Wow, that is a hot beautiful man, and it helps that I love his hair to death. Can we clone him please and deliver him to my house. Permanently.

 

I

[jjj]

That would put Francis (and Charles, and Aunt Agatha, and Verity) into the "I know she's Ross' girl  but I don't give a damn!" category.  Part of the tension I saw in the dinner scene was that with Ross dead, Charles would inherit Ross' father's property. So with Ross back again, that's less assets and, presumably, capital for the Trenwith Poldarks.

I only saw tension about Elizabeth, not property.  I do agree that the property inheritance created disappointment among the heirs (Charles, then Francis, and anyone in the family keeping track of who owns what).  Agree they might not give a damn about Ross's past with Elizabeth, but they knew it was a volatile situation.  Elizabeth was not sent from the room because of concerns about Ross's father's property! 

 

I guess Ross's property falls into the category of "more would be better" for the other Poldarks, but it seems like the land has gone to seed and the mine long since abandoned, so property that would cost a lot to keep up.  Ross contributes the brains and some muscle to make all that happen, of course, but I would not see Francis turning that piece of property around. 

Edited July 6, 2015 by jjj

[Milz]

I only saw tension about Elizabeth, not property.  I do agree that the property inheritance created disappointment among the heirs (Charles, then Francis, and anyone in the family keeping track of who owns what).  Agree they might not give a damn, but they knew it was a volatile situation.  Elizabeth was not sent from the room because of concerns about Ross's father's property! 

 

I guess Ross's property falls into the category of "more would be better" for the other Poldarks, but it seems like the land has gone to seed and the mine long since abandoned, so property that would cost a lot to keep up.  Ross contributes the brains and some muscle to make all that happen, of course, but I would not see Francis turning that piece of property around. 

 

i thought Elizabeth's mom send her out of the room so that Elizabeth can compose herself after the shock of Ross returning from the dead.

 

This Francis wouldn't turn that property around because they make this Francis out to be a milksop and a buffoon.

[jjj]

I thought Elizabeth's mom send her out of the room so that Elizabeth can compose herself after the shock of Ross returning from the dead.

No, watch the scene -- they send Elizabeth out of the room, then pounce on Ross with the news, and let Elizabeth know they have done this as soon as she re-enters.

 

Not interested in the books!  Will go read that thread when this series is finished -- meanwhile, I'm enjoying the story I am seeing on the screen.

 

Shallow comment of the day #2: Dear god, Aidan Turner is gorgeous. That scene with him in the field scything away...*drops dead on floor*. I

Indeed!  I had heard about the scything scene in advance articles/reviews, but was still pretty stunned and amused when it burst onto the screen!  Glad I waited for the HD format!  

[Llywela]

(I'm assuming, that in the books, there is a lot more character development going on, and these beats are just a smidgen of the actual story.  If I'm wrong about that, then... yeah, I really don't want to read the books, I guess.)

No, you're correct - the books are character-rich, full of nuanced POV, and the beats we're seeing on screen are just  smidgen of the full story.

 

It's a while since I watched this episode, but re-reading my opening post to this thread reminds me that I really enjoyed it, overall.

Edited July 6, 2015 by Llywela

[howiveaddict]

Is it shallow of me to want to trace my finger along Ross's scar while looking into his eyes. That man sure is purdy!

[BusyOctober]

Sorry if this was covered, but I did read both pages & didn't see it...where'd the turquoise dress come from?  I know it was in the trunk in his room, but who did it belong to? Was it Ross' mother's?  Was it something he intended to give Elizabeth (although that doesn't seem a proper gift from a man to a girlfriend)?

[Pogojoco]

I think there are a few things going on in Ross' issue about seeing Demelza in the dress.

 

One is she's wearing something that was hidden away, meaning she's been snooping around. Two is that she looks more like a "lady" to him- perhaps he started to see her more sexually, and it freaked him out a little. He hears the gossip about them, even mentions that he "didn't take her from her father for this."

 

Three, he spent most of the episode being completely disgusted with his own class and has sort of found a partner/ ally in Demelza (she can anticipate his moods/desires before he expresses them.) She's an idealized version, in his mind, of a more pure, less corrupted nature child. Seeing her all dressed up in high class finery might've disturbed him for that reason, too. 

 

ETA- it's never established whose dress it is. When I saw this ep earlier, I never thought it was his mother's. 

Edited July 6, 2015 by Pogojoco

[magdalene]

The end of this episode startled me when Ross married Demelza. If I remember correctly in the old show he marries her only because 

she gets pregnant.

 

Original recipe Demelza was my favorite character in that series, so it means a lot that I am quite charmed by the new version.

[BonnieD]

I assumed he bought the dress for Elizabeth. Maybe he hoped she'd wear it on their wedding day. Wearing white for the wedding day wasn't a thing yet. That was how I saw it. So of course it would be shocking to see his Elizabeth dress on Demelza. I thought it was cute how she held it up and tiptoed around in her bare feet, but in reality if the dress had been designed with E in mind, then Demelza who's so much bigger probably couldn't have stuffed herself into it.

[Ceindreadh]

Is it shallow of me to want to trace my finger along Ross's scar while looking into his eyes. That man sure is purdy!

I wouldn't be stopping at the scar  (shallower)  :-)

 

 

The end of this episode startled me when Ross married Demelza. If I remember correctly in the old show he marries her only because 

she gets pregnant.

 

Original recipe Demelza was my favorite character in that series, so it means a lot that I am quite charmed by the new version.

 

AFAIK, you're correct about the 70's version, but that differs from the books. 

[DHDancer]

The contents of that trunk belonged to Ross's mother, Grace.  There's a whole backstory about Joshua and Grace, with Grace being the great love of Joshua's life and when she died young, he reverted to being a womanizer etc etc.

 

It would have helped if TPTB had taken some time to show us Demelza exploring Nampara, and especially the library, when she first arrived. 

 

I was actually bored with this episode.  It was prettily filmed but I would much rather have had more exposition and dialog than staring at meadow flowers and seascapes.   I also found Ross scything bare chested totally anachronistic, and actually not very attractive: his body is also anachronistic for the time.

Edited July 6, 2015 by DHDancer

[NumberCruncher]

It would have helped if TPTB had taken some time to show us Demelza exploring Nampara, and especially the library, when she first arrived.

They did, actually, in two different episodes. The sad part, however, is that yet again PBS edited it down to near nothingness.

[DHDancer]

They did, actually, in two different episodes. The sad part, however, is that yet again PBS edited it down to near nothingness.

 

Yep, and the key was "taken some time"  :)   I'm going to be interested in seeing the uncut UK version of this program.  So far all I'm finding is a pretty program lacking in substance (fortunately I've read the books very recently)

 

Oh, and for the person up-thread who said that Cornwall is on her bucket list:  Whatever you do, read the books first so you know what the weather is REALLY like there:  Trust me it's rarely sunshiny like you're seeing on Poldark and Doc Martin -- Especially the North coast.  It is truly an incredible place to visit but you have to go prepared with serious wet weather gear.

[wetmoregal]

I apologize if this is in the wrong forum, but I am wondering how the dynamics of the household will change now that Ross and Demelza are married.  Will she continue her current chores of cooking, cleaning and working in the fields?  Will she have more say so over what chores Jud and Prudy are responsible for?  Will she want them to stay on, especially knowing how worthless they are?  I would imagine they will resent her even more than they already do.  I would think things will be very uncomfortable in that household for quite some time.

[DHDancer]

I apologize if this is in the wrong forum, but I am wondering how the dynamics of the household will change now that Ross and Demelza are married.  Will she continue her current chores of cooking, cleaning and working in the fields?  Will she have more say so over what chores Jud and Prudy are responsible for?  Will she want them to stay on, especially knowing how worthless they are?  I would imagine they will resent her even more than they already do.  I would think things will be very uncomfortable in that household for quite some time.

 

We'll all have to wait and see :)

[jjj]

No one has said how beautiful was the savory pastry that Demelza made for Ross!  Brushing the top with egg yolk, making little leaf pastry  cutouts as decoration, and then setting it in front of him, golden and gleaming!  What a stunning creation! 

[HalcyonDays]

No one has said how beautiful was the savory pastry that Demelza made for Ross!  Brushing the top with egg yolk, making little leaf pastry  cutouts as decoration, and then setting it in front of him, golden and gleaming!  What a stunning creation! 

 

Yeah that was great! And Ross loved it too, the taste. That's why he said something like "well, lets not rush Prudie's return."

[lucindabelle]

She hangs on his smile. And doesn't mind his mods, as he said, it was rather henry higginsish as a proposal but I'm glad she didn't demur or suggest he's too good for her.

What didn she mean when she said its not from choice?

Edited July 7, 2015 by lucindabelle

[HundFan]

 Dear god, Aidan Turner is gorgeous. Wow, that is a hot beautiful man, and it helps that I love his hair to death. Can we clone him please and deliver him to my house. Permanently.

This. Ditto re the hair. So wild. So Irish (though I know his hair is playing Cornish in this series). I want to touch and tousle and play Cat's Cradle with Aidan Turner's hair. Sigh ...

Sorry. I'm back to being adult again.

[photo fox]

Hey, all,

 

I'm going to ask that we cut out all of the book talk and 1970s series talk in these episode threads.  An incidental comment is okay, but posts in episode topics should be 90% or more about the current episode.  If you want to compare/contrast the different version of Ross Poldark, this post should help clarify where that discussion should go.

 

I've also created a thread where people can ask questions of book readers.  Let's keep that sort of thing in there - not everyone who is watching the shows wants that kind of information, because it may very well air in a future episode.

 

Also a sidenote - let's not talk about what happens in the next episode, even if it's just "that will all be explained in the next episode".  It's a slippery slope.  This episode topic = things that happened in this episode.

 

Thanks in advance!

[Milz]

photofox, could we have character threads too, so discussions about hair and makeup can be addressed therein?

[Milz]

ETA- it's never established whose dress it is. When I saw this ep earlier, I never thought it was his mother's. 

 

No, it's not. So the viewer is left to wonder WhyTF  Ross has a trunk containing a woman's dress. It could be his mother's or it could be one that Prudy stole or  it could be the one Ross dresses up in when everyone else is asleep..

 

No, watch the scene -- they send Elizabeth out of the room, then pounce on Ross with the news, and let Elizabeth know they have done this as soon as she re-enters.

 

 

Let me explain again, Elizabeth was present in the room when Ross arrives from the dead. Everyone is stunned. Verity is the only one who appears to be happy that Ross is alive in Cornwall not decaying in a grave in Virginia.Ross starts to speak to Elizabeth with great familiarity. And she's essentially speechless. That's when mama sends her to get a shawl. I looked at that scene as being more to let Elizabeth regain composure after a shock than as a conspiracy against Ross.

Edited July 7, 2015 by Milz

[Llywela]

Let me explain again, Elizabeth was present in the room when Ross arrives from the dead. Everyone is stunned. Verity is the only one who appears to be happy that Ross is alive in Cornwall not decaying in a grave in Virginia.Ross starts to speak to Elizabeth with great familiarity. And she's essentially speechless. That's when mama sends her to get a shawl. I looked at that scene as being more to let Elizabeth regain composure after a shock than as a conspiracy against Ross.

I may be misremembering, but I have half a memory that during that awkward dinner Elizabeth begins to try to talk to Ross, indicating that there's something she needs to tell him, and that's when Mrs Chynoweth sends her off to get the wrap, rather pointedly removing her from the table - and then makes a point of telling Ross about the engagement while Elizabeth is out of the room.

 

But perhaps this discussion would be better in the episode 1 thread...

[jjj]

I may be misremembering, but I have half a memory that during that awkward dinner Elizabeth begins to try to talk to Ross, indicating that there's something she needs to tell him, and that's when Mrs Chynoweth sends her off to get the wrap, rather pointedly removing her from the table - and then makes a point of telling Ross about the engagement while Elizabeth is out of the room.

Exactly right, thank you! 

[eleanorofaquitaine]

She hangs on his smile. And doesn't mind his mods, as he said, it was rather henry higginsish as a proposal but I'm glad she didn't demur or suggest he's too good for her.

What didn she mean when she said its not from choice?

 

Two points for you for mentioning Henry Higgins but if it were true Henry Higgins-style, it would have been accompanied by an insult or two :)

 

I am not sure what you are referencing with your question about choice. Can you clarify?

[Milz]

I'm moving the Ross-Elizabeth Trenwith dinner meeting discussion to the the episode 1 thread. It's still available for viewing on the pbs.org site until july 17

[lucindabelle]

When he sees she's leaving she replies not from choice. What did she mean? A reference to her dad or...

[NumberCruncher]

When he sees she's leaving she replies not from choice. What did she mean? A reference to her dad or...

I took it to mean that while she would rather stay she realized that now she and Ross slept together she couldn't just be his maid, however, she wasn't willing to simply be his mistress (since she clearly saw that Ross was still attached to Elizabeth) so she had to leave. Ross agrees she can't just stay the kitchen maid and that's why he marries her.

[Llywela]

When he sees she's leaving she replies not from choice. What did she mean? A reference to her dad or...

 

I took it to mean that while she would rather stay she realized that now she and Ross slept together she couldn't just be his maid, however, she wasn't willing to simply be his mistress (since she clearly saw that Ross was still attached to Elizabeth) so she had to leave. Ross agrees she can't just stay the kitchen maid and that's why he marries her.

Yeah. She's saying that she doesn't want to leave, it's already been established that she loves both Ross and Nampara, but feels she must because her position will be untenable. Ross agrees that the current situation can't continue, but offers a different solution: marriage.

[shandy]

No one has said how beautiful was the savory pastry that Demelza made for Ross!  Brushing the top with egg yolk, making little leaf pastry  cutouts as decoration, and then setting it in front of him, golden and gleaming!  What a stunning creation! 

 

And after my obsession with the British Bake Off I was thinking Demelza's hand raised some hot water crust like a boss! 

[freesia]

I thought Demelza had scars on her back from her father's beatings? But she doesn't seem to have them anymore. Perhaps the beatings weren't bad enough to cause permanent damage?

[LuciaMia]

 

WhyTF  Ross has a trunk containing a woman's dress.

Clothing wasnt the throwaway items that they are today.  Well made clothing would last for decades, was valuable and was frequently listed in someones will.

Edited July 7, 2015 by LuciaMia

[SonofaBiscuit]

I'll admit that I don't even question the things that are a bit unclear.  Sure, I wondered for a second why Ross had a green dress stashed in a trunk, but hey, it led to Ross caressing Demelza's neck with his lips, so I didn't give it a second thought.  Yes, I'm oh so shallow, and I usually watch these period dramas for the pretty people and their romantic entanglements.  Bonus points for the lovely outfits and gorgeous scenery.  Shows like this are a welcome distraction from the bajillion other things that I have cluttering my DVR right now.

Edited July 7, 2015 by SonofaBiscuit