Stunning views of the Cornish coast have made a welcome return to our TV screens as Poldark reunites us with Ross, Demelza and friends. Series three kicked off with a birth, a marriage and just to round it off, a death under the shadow of a black moon.
Ross Poldark, played by the ruggedly handsome Aidan Turner, is set for more troubles. His wife Demelza (Eleanor Tomlinson) is forever haunted by the ghost of Ross’s past, in the shape of the elegantly beautiful Elizabeth (Heida Reed). To make matters worse, Elizabeth is married to the unscrupulous George Warleggan, whose equally unprincipled uncle (Pip Torrens) is forever hovering in the background.
The fruits of Ross’s nocturnal visit to Elizabeth just before her wedding to George threaten to disturb the harmony of both houses. Demelza is acutely aware of the hold that Elizabeth has over Ross and struggles at time to contain her jealous anger.
North Cornwall’s rugged coast is the beautiful backdrop to the series. Wide beaches and sheer cliffs give the narrative an arresting canvas. These are used to full affect as the cameras sweep down on riders galloping along the coastal paths. Cornwall’s tourist agency has taken full advantage of the series, offering “Poldark Tours” in many parts of the county.
Apart from offering breath-taking scenery, Poldark takes us back to a time when class distinction was more clearly defined. Money, breeding and status were everything. Breaches of the social norm could prove disastrous and women who went outside the correct code of conduct could be ostracised forever.
In Poldark, we see the beautiful Caroline Penvenen (Gabriella Wilde) wrestling with her duty. Should she marry into aristocracy, as favoured by her uncle and guardian Ray (John Nettles), or follow her heart into the arms of the dashing but penniless Doctor Enys, played by Luke Norris?
The BBC has revisited Winston Graham’s Poldark books after an incredibly successful run of 29 episodes in the late 1970s. It was a brave decision to bring the story back. The original was one of the most popular series ever broadcast, so the re-make had a tough act to follow. The fact that we are into series three proves that the appeal of Ross and Elizabeth is still strong.
The BBC still does lavish costume drama beautifully and the added bonus of Aidan Turner’s sculpted physique makes Poldark a treat in so many ways. The ladies don’t have things all their own way as Eleanor Tomlinson brings a fragile beauty to her role as Demelza. Kitchen-maid turned lady of the manor, she has struggled to move up the social ladder but her innocent looks belie a steely resolve that has been tested on many occasions by the relationship between Ross and Elizabeth.
Poldark is perfect viewing for those Sunday nights when you are winding down after a busy weekend. Easy watching but with enough going on to keep you interested.
Poldark – BBC1 & iPlayer
by ian Hine
The post What’s On TV: Poldark is Back With a Bang on BBC appeared first on Felix Magazine.
What’s On TV: Poldark is Back With a Bang on BBC posted first on http://www.felixmagazine.com/
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