Poldark 2.01

Poldark Season 2WE’RE BACK IN CORNWALL Y’ALL

Previously: All of season 1 happened, but the important thing is that Ross has been arrested for wrecking the Warleggan ship and looting it, and also of murdering Matthew Sanson. PREDICTIONS: Ross will continue to be noble but kinda stupid, Francis gonna Francis, and George is gonna take his hurt fee-fees out on everyone. Demelza will continue to be awesome.

(Guys, right now I have oven-roasted tomato sauce in the oven, uh, roasting, and it smells SO GOOD I’m about to eat my arm.)

Sweeping view of the cliff shores of Cornwall while the music drums and tells us that shit’s serious now. Soldiers march Ross off to his fate.

His fate is to face three VERY serious magistrates in wigs, including Rev. Halse, who Ross had a couple run ins with last season (and is played by 1970s Ross Robin Ellis) who explains IN DETAIL what Ross has done to deserve all of this. He roused the neighborhood and led a blood thirsty mob down to the beach. “Incorrect,” Ross states. Well, which part? Well, they weren’t thirsty for BLOOD. They wanted FOOD. The ship had food. You do the math. “Did you encourage the riot?” “I did not consider it a riot.” The judges scoff a bit, and Ross is like these people were starving to actual death, so yeah, they were mad.

Ross is asked if he played a part in the death of Matthew Sanson. “Regrettably, none whatsoever.” Which is kind of an awesome answer. Halse rolls his eyes and tells Ross that he is to stand trial at Bodmin Assizes, and bail is 100 pounds. “And may God have mercy upon you, where I, most assuredly, would not.”

Demelza stands on the cliff, closing her eyes in agony. It’s been a rough time for her.

Credits, still beautiful. I note a lack of Richard Harrington, which means no Blamey (but we do get Verity!), which makes me sad.

At Nampara, a light burns in the window – Demelza is waiting for Ross to come home and catches sight of Julia’s cot – Demelza is still in deep mourning. Ross comes in, and Demelza flies to his arms, and asks if they dismissed the charges. “Not quite,” he says, meaning “Not at all.” He’s to be tried by Justice Lister at Bodman, so… he must present himself at the jail the night before. Demelza asks how it came to this, and Ross is like, George. This whole pile of bullshit is due to George, and Ross will be back before she notices that he’s gone.

At Trenwith, Francis is ranting to Aunt Aggie that Ross never should have been arrested in the first place, because he’s a gentleman! That’s not the actual reason Francis, but thanks for playing. “I would speak to him, but he avoids me.” I mean, you DID kind of destroy his smelting company out of spite, Francis, so… Elizabeth says that they avoid “us all” since Julia’s death, and Francis is like but someone must do something so he doesn’t end up on the noose. “Or that new contraption they have in France!” Aunt Aggie says gleefully, chopping a fig in half.

“If he’s a sensible man, he’ll see assistance of those that can help him.” I mean, sure, but Ross hasn’t show much interest in being sensible, has he? They list off a couple of names, with Elizabeth tossing out Warleggan. Francis: Okay, but it’s a Warleggan cousin who died, and George is probably behind this. Elizabeth: But he could exert influence if he wanted (I mean, he IS, Elizabeth). Francis: George’s reach extends everywhere, why would he help Ross? Elizabeth. Indeed, why would he?

More beautiful crashing waves. Ross and Demelza walk along the cliffs, and Ross mentions that storm is coming. D says that Julia is scared of thunder, and that she keeps thinking the Julia is still there, “And if I just call her name…” Ross brushes his hands over her hair and cradles her face. “I’ll be better, y and by.” Ross says that he tells himself that too, and always fails. D, with her ever practical streak, says that they must think of the trial. “Oh, must we.” Well, kinda. D: This is an ACTUAL TRIAL, you have to be prepared. “They cannot hang me, I have too much to do.” Um. That’s not… nevermind. Ross would rather focus on the shit he can control rather than the shit he cannot, SO IT IS TIME TO GO TO THE MINE.

Ross gets everyone going because he wants to get at least one or two more loads up before he’s got to go to Bodmin. Jacky and Enys are both like, “….” but Ross will not be deterred from taking off his shirt and going down into the mine. D winders at Enys who on earth can possibly speak for him, and Enys says that OF COURSE he will, and so will others, but the Crown will have already gotten its case together. D mutters that no doubt there will be many to help it.

Cut to George shaking hands with a shady looking fellow in a black great coat. “Always happy to be of service.” Uncle Warleggan (I know I called him Trump Warleggan last season but kind of lot has happened on that front since last season and…. I don’t want to do that anymore) asks George what their attorney Tankard was doing there – he’s helping the crown with the case, of course. Uncle: attacking a customs officer isn’t enough. Nope, George wants murder. Uncle points out that Sanson was dead before he hit the beach, so Ross had another to do with it. Yeah, George whines, but he left them there on the beach. Not a crime, Uncle and I say, and George snits that it was a personal affront. Sure George, you whiney shit.

In a village, Tankard finds Prudie, and asks her what she remembers the night of the shipwreck. Prudie’s like, what shipwreck then? The attorney and his assistant are like, we don’t give a fuck who participated as long as we can get who was leading. Like Ross Poldark. Prudie: Don’t know anything about that.

In the mine, Ross mines with a will.

In Truro, Elizabeth is SUPER CASUALLY hanging about, looking in windows, SUPER CASUAL, NOTHING TO SEE HERE, and George just HAPPENS to walk by. She says she was just returning to Trenwith, and he offers his arm for a “small delay.” Cut to Elizabeth says that the family would be ever so grateful if George could intervene, and George is like, I give none fucks about your family, I only care about YOU. Elizabeth is clearly thinking “this is super inappropriate,” but expresses her distress and how indebted she would be to him, and could he tell her how easy it would be to make the judge sympathetic? And could he help with that? George: Is this Ross asking? Elizabeth: You and Ross are way more alike than you know. George: THAT’S WHAT I”VE BEEN TELLING HIM. Elizabeth: He would totally feel gratitude to his benefactor! He would!

Ross is also in Truro, meeting with his solicitor, making arrangements – he’ll get a barrister who will meet with him in Bodman, and the only thing he has of value is his shares in the mine. The house is mortgaged, and the tenants default on the rents a lot, basically he is penniless. Awesome. And he’s got this loan of 1000 pounds with 40% interest. “My wife will be sorry she wed me.” “Your wife deserves better.” I KNOW. Ross hasn’t a will, so he gets going on that (MAKE A WILL PEOPLE).

Elizabeth writes to D, asking she and Ross to visit.

Ross runs into a man as he’s leaving his solicitor – Trevaunance, who is running for MP. There’s a blonde woman (with a pug) also in the carriage – she asks who Ross is and turns back to look at him saucily.

On the beach, Jud is dozing, and Tankard finds him. “Jud Paynter.” “Never heard of him” Jud tries, and Phil Davis is just such the perfect actor for this role. Uh huh, but he was on the beach, right? “Was I?” The paralegal tries to bribe him with a bottle of something -something, but Prudie knocks everyone to the ground and hauls Jud away before he can say something stupid.

Trevaunance and the blonde woman arrive at Ray Penvenen’s house – she’s his niece, Caroline. She does not travel light – she may stay for a while, depending on how the election goes, or may go to London, where she is much in demand. “An heiress is in demand everywhere, especially if she is not of age.” It’s assumed she’ll do the bidding of her wealthy uncle. It is clear that she intends no such thing. Trevaunance is hoping to marry her, and he seems rather dim, if we’re being honest. “She runs rings about her old guardian,” Ray says, “I trust a younger man would benefit from the exercise.”

Ross and D are getting ready for bed, and he mentions that he saw Unwin in town, and his intended. D mutters that she’s never been to Bodmin. Ross says that she should be happy she’s not going now – the election and the assizes are on the same day, so the town will be “seething.” D asks if Elizabeth is going – Ross doesn’t think so. D tells him that Elizabeth sent a note – asking for reconciliation. Ross did promise D after Julia died that he’d try. And that if the trial goes badly, D would be glad for the support. “Even though they cost us Julia?” D is reasonable enough to point out that putting Julia’s death at their doorstep is unfair, and if the family can be reconciled, then Julia wouldn’t have died in vain. Ross sighs and nods.

The next day, they go to Trenwith, and Elizabeth answers the door herself. In the main hall, Elizabeth wanted to speak to them first – she wants to offer a gesture of assistance to Ross. Ross looks suspicious, and so he should, as George enters behind him. Elizabeth: George Might know the judge! He could be pointed in the right direction. Ross: For a price. George: You don’t have to pay it PERSONALLY. Ross: Fuck you. Francis enters before Ross and D can make the door, and he’s confused about this collection of people in his hall. Elizabeth thought they they could help Ross and Francis is like, “We?” D: We appreciate the thought-” Ross: Not the method. Ross and D leave, and Francis sends George on his way.

Elizabeth says that she thought it was the least they could do, for D’s sake. Francis: Demelza. Sure. And he leaves.

Back at Nampara, Ross waits until the door is closed before he explodes – if he WERE to prostitute himself to save his life, he’d go for Ray Penvenen, who at least knows Judge Lister. D: Is he? Ross: It’s the end of me and Francis. I MEAN IT THIS TIME I’m going to the mine to work out my anger.

George sits at a table, holding a pamphlet and describing Ross is less than flattering terms: known Jacobin, rabble rouser, fathered bastards, wedded his scullery maid (a known doxy). He’s ordered enough copies to paper Truro and Bodmin. Tankard is like, if he’s found guilty he’ll hang. George: Yes, and?

D walks to the Penvenen estate, asking to see Ray. He says that he doesn’t believe they’ve met, and she’s like, no, no, I was out walking and got queasy and yours was the first house I saw. Just a coincidence. Totally.

In mine, Ross mines. Shirtless. Bless. Zacky tells him to cool it – the lode they were working on has petered out. “So we give up?” “We move on.”

Outside Wheal Leasure, George watches, waiting.

At Grambler, Francis’ former mine, Francis sits on a hill, contemplating his mess of a life when Elizabeth walks up. He did lose the mine in a game of cards (to Matthew Sanson, you may recall). Ross would never do such a thing, Francis muses. Elizabeth: What is done is done. Francis stomps away.

D is taking her leave of Ray, and he hopes she isn’t feeling to downcast about the trial. D: “Truly I fear the worst. If only one knew who the judge would be.” Ray knows! It’s Lister.D: Are you acquainted? Ray: Yup, he’s stern, but fair! D: It’s just so confusing how a judge can listen to a case and get to the bottom of it in a few hours. It’s so much! Does no one ask for the truth in private before it begins? Ray: perhaps they should! They laugh heartily, and Ray allows that he will be in Bodmin for the election.

D heads for the gate as Caroline and Unwin come in via carriage. Carolina asks what D wanted, and Ray’s like, “nothing, I don’t think.” Unwin: She looks like a dangerous woman to me. Unwin, you’re an idiot. You’ll suit parliament just fine.

Ross is riding, and meets Francis, who tries to be polite. Ross is pressed for time. But Francis presses on- the mess the previous day wasn’t his doing, and he hopes they can put past quarrels behind them. Ross says that he also hoped so, but he totally tried and he cannot. Francis: “If things go badly at court, how’s Demelza fixed?” Ross: Why do you care? Francis: She’d be alone with no income! Ross: Like you’re rolling in it. Francis says that he’s got a little put by, and he will not forget what he owes Demelza. Ross stomps off. Francis is frustrated and sad. He’s TRYING.

At Trenwith, George goes to visit Elizabeth, who “looks ravishing” and he tries to flatter Aunt Aggie, who’s having none of it. George looks pasty faced from sitting indoors too much. George lets that roll off his back and says that he’s brought a small gift for Geoffy-Chuck, a hobby horse. Geoffy-Chuck is THRILLED. Francis is less thrilled, and his still sad about Ross.

 

Aggie, sassing George
Aggie, sassing George
George, being sassed
George, being sassed

Aunt Aggie asks if they think he’ll be acquitted. “I don’t see how he can be – there’s so many witnesses to his activities that night.” (Aggie gives a hilarious raspberry at that.) Also Ross has a history of being in contempt of court. ALSO, Francis tosses down the pamphlet, everyone will know about everything. “The Adventure of Captain R.P., the Adventurous Seducer and Suspected Murderer.” George is like, no one will believe them. Francis: Do you know anything about this, George? George: TOTALLY NOT NO.

Jud is drunkenly singing his way through the dusk, and meets up again with Tankard, who clarifies the Jud was Ross’ servant, and that it is HIS DUTY to testify to what he saw the night of the wreck. “We know you took part in the riot…we’re willing to overlook all of that if you turns King’s Evidence.” They’ll make it worth Jud’s while…

Enys is chatting with Ross – he’s not sure what he should say. Ross: Salvaging a wreck is totally okay, and no jury will convict me.. Seriously. Enys: Mmmhmmmm. Your situation is really bad! Ross: We’ve seen worse, in Virginia, and you saved my face then! My pretty pretty face! Enys: Your neck may be harder. Ross: I’ll ask D not to go, and he and Enys will ride together. Enys: and then maybe some brilliant defense will occur to me.

Ross rides home, where D is playing the spinet. “Who’s this fine lady? And what has she done with my wife.” D: “JUDAS.” Ross: Ah there she is! They banter in the golden light, holding hands, and then they head up to bed.

Ross and D macking on each other in the firelight.
Ross and D macking on each other in the firelight.

At Trenwith, Francis asks if he can join Elizabeth, and she says perhaps another night. Francis leaves, looking quite deflated. I don’t think it’s the lack of sex that has him sad, it’s the lack of connection. No one wants him.

In the morning, D wakes up to hear Ross chopping wood, and goes out to chat with him. “I’m to lie abed like the Queen of Sheba while you handle all the chores?” “I’m to provide for my wife, am I not?” D wishes this could last forever, and Ross is just relieved that she won’t see him in court. “You WILL stay here.” “Yes, Ross, if that’s what you wish.” She embraces him.

Francis stands in the Hall at Trenwith, looking at the portrait of his father for a long minute. “Elizabeth, I’m leaving for Bodmin!” She asks if she should not go with him, but Court is no place for a lady. He ponders the terribleness of a world without Ross. Elizabeth wonders how D would bear it, and Francis is like, we’ll all be in a bad way, “which of us does not secretl adore him?” He then asks the question that’s been bugging him for sometime: how different might our lives have been? “If Ross had not returned?” “If he’d never gone away in the first place….Goodbye my dear, God bless you.” He backs away, giving her a long, long look before he leaves.

At Nampara, D is standing with the horse (who’s real name is Seamus, but I don’t know if he’s got a name in the show), and Ross comes out with the last of his things. He tries to kiss her goodbye, and she’s having none of it. “I will come home. I promise.” Ross, if you think that woman isn’t going to Bodmin, you’re dumber than I thought. Gallop, Gallop, gallop along the cliffs. Enys leaves his house to head out as well.

In the Penvenen carriage, Caroline is there with Ray and her little pug dog, who needed to be spoiled in order to go to Bodmin – Caroline doesn’t really want to go, and Ray patently explains to her that it’s because it’s election night, and she’s supposed to go and support her intended husband. “Horace and I will be in our lodgings eating jellies.” She’d rather not catch her death in a drafty assembly room, thank you very much.

In Bodmin, the town is seething with humanity as people are there to vote and also for the assizes. Ross finally sees the pamphlet, and they cover the ground. Now that there’s no one to perform for, he seems to realize that he’s probably in the shit now, and there’s no one there to shovel it.

D has her travelling clothes on, and a very snazzy hat. She places a rose on Julia’s bed and leaves Nampara.

Enys himself has a room at an inn, and as he’s getting ready to settle in, the innkeeper begs his pardon and asks “are you a surgeon or some suchlike?” Someone’s taken sick at a house nearby, and Enys says that he will go at once.

D waits on the side of the road for a coach, and hops on. Who should be in the coach but Verity! “Did you tell Ross you’re coming?” “Of course not.” They grin.

Ross meets, finally, with his barrister, Clymer.

Enys is admitted to where the patient is, and it’s Caroline! Except it’s not, because Horace is the one who’s had a couple of fits and is now barely breathing. 250 years later, I think we’d call that “being a pug.” Enys: I’m not a fucking vet. Caroline: I want the best advice and am willing to pay for it. Perhaps we will go with someone else. Enys: Not a fucking vet. Caroline: Haven’t you had a dog before? Please? Enys: My aunt had a spaniel. Fuck my life. How old is he? And he does a quick exam and tells her that he needs less sweetmeats and more running and jumping. “Dogs do not need to be carried.” He gives her a prescription for a druggist to make up (which includes opium). Caroline asks him about the spaniel- he had fits when his aunt played the spinet. Hard to tell if that was a criticism or not.

Back with Ross and Clymer: Ross says that he just needs to tell the truth, that’s what’s required, no? Barrister: Truth is not the same as innocence. Common misconception, but no, we have to present the truth in the light that is most favorable to YOU. Ross: So we are no politicians? Clymer: Anything but absolute contrition would be sheer folly. Ross: So I have to grovel. Awesome.

D and Verity (reunited and it feels so good!) check into their room, and Verity had forgotten that it was election week. D: Yeah, I met one of the candidates. I have to go out on an errand later. Verity: With the streets full of drunkards? D: It’s for Ross. It’ll be fine.

At the Assembly rooms, the gentlemen are voting, and Unwin sees the pamphlet. He calls it a total character assassination. It’s a good thing George doesn’t have a moustache because he wouldn’t be able to resist twirling it.

At the inn, Francis is looking for a room, but they are full up. He find Enys, and grumbles about not having a place to crash. Enys: “I trust your sister had to foresight to reserve her room?” Francis had no idea that Verity would be there, and Enys asks if Elizabeth is there, and when told no, he offers to let Francis crash in his room if he can’t find another place to sleep. “You may be held to that!”

Francis heads in to vote, and finds Ray Penvenen aghast at the pamphlet. George asks fi Francis will join them, and Francis asks if he would not be interrupting their council of war? “Against whom?” “My COUSIN? As described in your latest LITERARY EFFORT.” Ray and Unwin are both shocked and wanting popcorn at this turn of events, and George tries to escort Francis into somewhere more private.

“Tell me, what could induce you to throw your weight behind Ross, instead of against him?” George: Hey your wife asked me the same thing, but Ross has been an asshole to me once too often, so I’m not gonna. Francis: you may spend all your money on clothes and crests and club memberships, “but what you will never buy is nobility, or breeding!” George: You might wanna apologize for that, given our….relationship? Francis: “Oh you own me, I acknowledge that.” But also go fuck yourself.

At Trenwith, Geoffy-Chuck plays while Elizabeth watches, fondly.

Back at Ross’s legal session (happening out in public where anyone could listen in, and seriously, the criminal justice system has come far but NOT FAR ENOUGH), Clymer says that he’ll be by later with the list of witnesses the Crown has against Ross. Ross asks about witnesses for him, and that list is depressingly small. Friends are workers will be considered biased. Also, Ross might want to reconsider his attitude – it’s no skin off his nose if Ross hangs, but it might matter a little to Ross, no?

Back at the assembly rooms, Caroline meets George – saying that Unwin can barely stir an inch without George, and George is like “he says the same about you!” And Caroline smirked: “We’re both indispensable. I has a hunting trophy, and you as a benefactor…paymaster…” Ray tells Caroline to watch herself and she smirks at George. “I wonder which one of us stands to gain the most?”

Ross walks toward the jail and sees George watching, smirking. Ross is led to a cell, large, and private, with a table and a light, so rank has some privileges.

Ross, going to report to the jail, seeing George.
Ross, going to report to the jail, seeing George.
George, being superior
George, being superior

D has changed into her red dress, and Verity worries that Ross wouldn’t like D going out alone. “You are a lady, after all.” Ah, D says, but I was brought up a miner’s daughter, so I can give them back anything they dish out. As she walks through town, she hears a preacher preaching, and the voice sounds familiar- it’s her father, telling everyone to repent and shit. “Thy child’s been buried, thy husband’s to hang, see now the wages of sin!” D: whatever. Her father: whatever WHATEVER. Come home, and live a pure life! D: thanks but I hope I won’t need to.

Verity reads by the window, and and a knocking on the door sends her asking what D forgot. But it’s a drunk Francis looking for more booze. “Well, sister. How does it feel to be married to a drunken brute?” Verity rolls her eyes. Francis may have come to make peace with his sister, but not the Mistress Blamey. Verity would like to come home to see her family again, and Francis says she’s welcome, but without him. “Oh, do I disappoint you? Well, I disappoint most people.” Their father, their cousin, his wife, himself the list goes on. “Why is it I amount to precisely nothing? But Ross is such a threat that men will spend a fortune to get him hanged?”

Francis tells Verity that I knows that George wrote the pamphlet, and that he told George off, and Verity is like, that was super unwise – he owns the roof over your head. Francis: oh yeah, he’s planning his revenge right now, I’m sure, but whatever. Verity tells him that tomorrow is a new day, and Francis shrugs. What if tomorrow never comes?

At Trenwith, Elizabeth wonders to Aggie if she should not go to Bodmin. Aggie: Why? E: To be with Francis, OF COURSE. Aggies: And Ross? E: …has Demelza? Aggie: Uh huh.

In his cell, Ross has paper and a quill, but he has written nothing.

As D is heading to the assembly rooms, George tells the footmen that she is a known harlot and isn’t to be allowed in side. D tries to argue her way in – Ray Penvenen asked for her specially and the footmen are like, I BET HE DID but also no. George smirks.

At Enys’ inn, Francis has himself let into Enys’ room. There’s only a single bed, and Francis ominously says that he won’t be needing a bed.

Verity has been watching from the window when D comes back. She’s downcast.

Ross has finally begun a letter to D, when George comes by. He’s in no mood to fight. He says he’s impressed that Francis and a number of other people have asked George to help Ross. “how do you inspire such loyalty? It impresses me, I could use it. I could do what they ask…remove the hostile witnesses, drop a word in the ear of the prosecution, I could even take the stand as a character witness.” What does Ross say? Will he meet George halfway? “Will you take the hand of friendship?” He holds his hand out.

Ross stares at it for a long minute, then asks if George is truly so deluded. “Do you think I would ever shake your hand?” George: No, I didn’t. But when you hang, I’ll be able to say to Elizabeth that I tried to help and you said no. Thank you for being every bit as predictable as I hoped you would be. Ross: Thank you for reminding me what can and cannot be bought. He goes back to his letter.

Francis is also writing- to Elizabeth. Elizabeth is sitting while Aggies plays with her tarot cards. Aggie puts down Justice, and Demelza jumps out and heads for the door. “I have one last thing I must try.” Aggie puts down “The Tower” (fuuuuuuuck) and Ross continues to write. Francis has finished his letter, and put it on the desk, addressed to Elizabeth, standing up so someone will see it easily. Aggie puts down a card – and Francis cocks his pistol and puts it to his head. He pulls the trigger, and we fade to black.

Ross and Demelza walk on the beach and smooch. I am noticing a distinct lack of Garrick the dog – it’s just a memory, though, as Ross finishes his letter to D. Clymer comes by, and hands Ross the list of people summoned to speak against him. It’s long – two columns, and Jud is on it. Ross is surprised and pissed at this. “He was my servant.” “Well, now he’s the Crowns.”

Outside, the crowd is rowdy, and D is standing in the square, resolute. She pulls up her hood and sneaks into the Assembly Rooms behind another couple, and once inside she is greeted warmly by Ray Penvenen and introduced to Caroline (who can sense another rabble-rouser from twenty paces) and Unwin. D explains that she’s there for the Assizes, as her husband is on trial, and Caroline asks if Ross is guilty, and then says that she would sentence him to be returned to his wife without delay.

Outside, the crowd roars, and Unwin expects that they are calling for him, and Caroline agrees to join him, as she does so enjoy a baying mob. Ray asks D if he can do anything for her, and she says well, since you mention it.

At Trenwith, Elizabeth sees Aggie playing with her cards, and Elizabeth snaps that she is very tired of dire predictions “Not once have you predicted anything remotely cheering!” Aggie sniffs that she’s playing a game, not divining the future. Then he tells Elizabeth to go to Bodmin already. “You’ll not be satisfied until you do.”

In the common room of an inn (his? another’s? ) Enys overhears some miners (so not landowners with a vote) gripping that the election is a joke – the rich men with votes don’t suffer when mines close. Prudie is also griping about how people are expected to feed themselves with beech leaves. Another man says that in France they no longer put up with it, and soon Bodmin and Truro will be the same- Truro is “…like a powder keg.” Enys pops in to say hello, and says he’s there to speak for Ross, as he expects they all are. He notes Jud in the corner, staring into his mug, and asks if he’s alright. “Can’t a fellow stare into the bottom of his jug without being clapped malingerer?” Enys leaves him to it, but not before a red-haired man tells him to have care. “But a spark…. Booom.”

In Ross’ cell, his barrister is finding his defense to be more work than anticipated. If only you’d had more than a night to get ready. He hands Ross his will.

At the Assembly rooms, D has asked Ray if he has any influence with the judge, and Ray is just appalled. Trying to influence the judge would just go terribly! D tries to reason, but he won’t risk Ross’ neck on it. D sighs, and says that she is a little disparaging. D glances around, and sees a kind-faced man talking to another, and turns back to Ray and EVER SO CASUALLY asks, “Is he a kindly man, in appearance?” No, he’s severe looking. “Small and stout?” Tall and lean. She notes a tall man with a glass of port. No, Lister is resolutely sober. In another room, D notices a man who meets all of those criteria.

Ross is cataloging all of his earthly goods- the household goods, the shares in Wheal Leisure, His barrister notes a mention of Wheal Grace? That’s Ross’ father’s old mine- derelict. Still an asset, though. “Not by me! …by all means, let me bequeath it to my wife, along with all of my debts and liabilities.” Ross signs the will and sighs. “I really have left her nothing.”

D won’t go down without a fight though, and times her approach to Lister with when he’ll need to turn and bump into her. He apologizes, and offers a chair, and maybe some port? “NO, thank you sure. I never touch it.” Good god, D, you should be running for Parliament.

Enys enters to find Caroline, and she charmingly asks if he’s stalking her, and then asks if he can prescribe something to keep her awake.

Enys, saying that he is not stalking Caroline Penvenen.
Enys, saying that he is not stalking Caroline Penvenen.
Caroline, blonde, beautiful, sassy: Can you prescribe something to keep me awake?
Caroline, blonde, beautiful, sassy: Can you prescribe something to keep me awake?

The election is boring and rabble outside is dull. Enys tells that that as a group, sure, but take each man one by one and they’re interesting enough. “Are you a Jacobin, like Ross Poldark?” Enys: You don’t know Ross. Caroline: I’ll know him tomorrow! It’ll be more entertaining than tonight. Enys: Are you the type to take a window at Tyburn to watch someone get choked to death? Caroline: So what if I am? Enys: Not my business, thank god.

In the square, they’re announcing the results – Unwin has tied with some rando for the second chair, and George, who I cannot deny has sharp political instincts, tells Unwin to hop up on the chair and just TAKE his place and not wait for the recount. SURPRISINGLY THIS WORKS KIND OF. Unwin sits down, and the chair is picked up by some strong backed men and paraded through the square, when the red-haired man from before steps in front and asks “Who are ‘ee?” Unwin: Uh. “D’you know me? Do you speak for me?” Unwin: I’m elected… “Who elected ‘ee?” Shit starts getting thrown, and guards snatch the red-haired man away. Caroline smirks. “I hope he brought his rosewater.” She’s AMAZING.

Caroline, smirking at Unwin getting pelted in the face with poop
Caroline, smirking at Unwin getting pelted in the face with poop

Down in the jail, the red-haired man is marched to a cell, yelling about how the fancy folk will get theirs. Ross and his barrister watch with complementing looks of dismay and confusion. As he gets tossed into his cell, the red-haired man says, “You shan’t muzzle me! I’m a free man, I have a right to speak!” and gets hit in the face with a riflebutt. Ross: Apparently not.

In the Assembly Rooms, Unwin pouts off to wash the poop off his face, while George assure Ray that it’s done – he’s got his seat. Ray’s like, yeah, but he could have been killed. Caroline asks Enys if it’s always like this in Bodmin, and he’s like IDK I don’t live here. Caroline says she’s looking forward to seeing him acquit himself in speaking for Ross. “Happily it is not me who is on trial?” “Are you sure?” Enys eyes her, and we must remember that he’s recently had a woman hitting on him a lot and that ended VERY badly. “You flatter yourself, ma’am.” “Are all men so odiously conceited?” (Yes.) They trade barbs and Enys takes his leave.

Ray bloviates a bit over this whole shit throwing thing – shit is only to be thrown by gentlemen and it is HYPOTHETICAL SHIT – and then notices D talking with Lister, and gasps. “She’ll hang her husband if she’s not careful.”

D is talking philosophy – how can the judge tell if someone is telling the truth – people can be convincing, and have evidence, but like, hypothetically of course, what if the evidence is false? George takes point on breaking this up, and promptly blows the cover on who Demelza is married to. Lister is not impressed with the subterfuge. (D is posing a hypothetical in which a body knows that another body has paid a third body to speak an untruth and there’s just a lot of bodies in this hypo.) George also notes to Lister that Unwin “just barely” escaped with his life from the assault on his person and that “….if this goes on, we will have a revolution on our hands.” “In Cornwall?” Well, people need to be shown a clear message about those who stir up disorder. Someone needs to be firm about it. Law and order, one might say.

Enys heads up to his room, and the innkeeper tells him that Francis is in there. Enys isn’t surprised, but there’s no answer, and they can’t open the door- it’s locked from the inside. Enys wants to break down the door, but before they can, Francis opens the door. Not dead.

Ross’ barrister has prepared a statement for Ross to read in court, and Ross is finding it rather… contrite, and doesn’t like it. “You’d rather go to the gallows on a point of principle?” It’s Ross Poldark, so… yes. “Of course it’s your life to do as you please.”

Francis is staring at the letter he wrote to Elizabeth, and asks Enys if he is a fatalist. “Or do you believe we are masters of our own destiny.” See, because Francis just tried to shoot himself in the head, and the pistol misfired. And he’s been thinking about whether he should try again. “I agree it is in very poor taste to use your hospitality for such purposes, but…I, um…anyway, the thing’s not done, so for the moment, you have a talkative companion instead of a silent one.” Enys tries to list all the things Francis has to live for- property, positon, wife, child… Francis: “Stop, or I shall weep for joy.” Francis opts for brandy instead of fresh powder. “Here’s to the devil. Lord know who’s side he’s been on tonight.”

D goes after George: What, precisely, has Ross done to deserve George trying to make sure he’s killed? “I doubt you’d understand.” “Because of the difference between us? I am a miner’s daughter, and you are a blacksmith’s grandson.” “You will always be a miner’s daughter, and I AM A GENTLEMAN.” That’s not quite how that works but go on. “I am gentleman’s wife.” “Soon to be a gentleman’s widow.”

Clymer tells Ross that he has a wife, and he needs to think about them. Ross, the idiot, says no, he just can’t reduce himself to beggary and flattery. “Dammit man, can’t you see that you have no choice? The case against you is too strong.” He will be found guilty, so he needs to be penitent so he might have a chance to escape the worst.

In their room, verity has gone to bed, but is still awake, and D comes back from her disastrous attempt to sway the judge. D cries, and Verity tries to figure out precisely what went wrong. “What did you hope to accomplish?” “I don’t know! Anything! Verity, I lost my child. How could I bear it if I lost Ross, too?”

Ross looks at his life and looks at his choices. In the morning, Elizabeth is in a carriage, heading to Bodmin.

Francis is cleaning his pistol, and Enys wakes up. “Ask me, Enys, am I cleaning ti to put it away, or do I intend to use it again?” “Do you?” He isn’t sure himself. “If I see a suitable target.”

In the common room, Jud sees Tankard, and they nod meaningfully at each other, and then sits down, counting coins and biting them. Prudie sits down now to him and asks what he’s up to. “Up to? I? Innocent as a newborn babe.” Mmmhmmm.

Outside, Taggart is filling George in on the final preparations: witnesses have been “primed” and the crowd has been “augmented” with people who “share our view of the accused” and they will be loud. George asks after the judge, and Taggart’s like, nah, bro, can’t get to him, and George smirks that he WAS persuaded, but without a penny changing hands.

Ross gets dressed, and hears the red haired man called before the court. The red haired man says that he goes with head held high, and Ross quips back, “And sore no doubt.” That hardly matters, as the noose will cure all headaches. Ross: “I wish you justice, if there’s any to be found.” “Which there ain’t, as we both do know. So luck it must be.” The red haired man is found guilty of inciting a mob and assault, and Lister is only left to pronounce the “Dreadful sentence of law, which is that you be taken hence to a place of execution, where you will be hanged by the neck until you die.” D comes in just in time to hear this.

Ross is taken up, and passes the condemned man on his way- now that he is definitely going to die, he’s a little less composed about it. Just a little. Ross takes his walk into the courtroom, which is full of angry people, some shouting murderer. Verity gasps to D, “Why are the shouting murderer? That is not the charge?” D tells her that they’ve totally been paid by George, and Verity is more worried now that ever. “What if the jury believe them?” Ross takes his place, and in the background we can see Unwin and Caroline, in BRIGHT pink.

Ross Vennor Poldark is accused of inciting riot, viciously attacking a customs officer, and plundered diverse goods from a wreck. Ross enters his plea of not guilty, and before they can get to business, Tom Carne, D’s father, bursts in and calls him a devil in gent’s clothing who stole D,debauched and made her fit for neither man nor beast, and also beat Tom up once. Lister has one of the soldiers escort Tom out, and he continues to yell about how Ross feels he can take whatever he pleased without paying for it. Lister eyes Ross darkly, and Ross gives this amazingly eloquent expression that’s part “All of this is out of context” “I’m really sorry about this dude, no really” and “FUCK.”

D wants to crawl under her seat and die. Ross glances over at D and she’s like sorry dude, but you know I had to, while he’s like WE WILL TALK ABOUT THIS LATER.

The prosecution gets up to being their case: There was a storm and a wreck, and a normal person would think about helping the crew, but not this guy! This guy roused the district so they could loot the cargo as it washed ashore (“Plundered with the utmost dispatch.”) Witnesses will testify that Ross organized the looting, and beat up sailors and passengers as they washed ashore, and then, when soldiers and excisemen showed up, Ross told them not to interfere or else they’d be beat up, too. But they went down to the beach, Ross beat them up himself, and one of the nearly died.

A man testifies that he TOTALLY saw Ross punch a customs officer, while someone else calls the witness a liar. Another man testifies that he was roused from sleep by Ross saying “Pickings for all!” He also says that he saw Ross punch a customs officer. More and more witnesses say the same, with Caroline watching all of this with detached interest, and D starts to hyperventilate. George looks superior, until D finally rushes outside. She puts a hand to her belly, and behind her, Elizabeth says, “Oh, Demelza! Is it not intolerable in there? I could scarce breathe.” She came for Francis, of course. Francis.

D thanks Elizabeth for helping her while she was sick, and Elizabeth is like, you came to us, you saved my son, and lost your own child, so really you owe me nothing. “How can you bear it?” “I’m with child again.” Ross doesn’t know. “I’ve not told him. If things go ill today-” “Pray god they do not.” D excuse herself and goes back inside.

Jud is called to the stand. He is asked what happened the night of the wreck. Well, Prudie (“that’s the wife”) was snoring a lot, and then Ross came with the news that the ship was going aground. He’s asked what Ross told him to do, and Jud mutters, “Do… do. ‘Roust the rest of the village and head down to the shore….for likely there’s…women and children aboard who need saving from a watery grave.” The prosecutor asks again, and reminds Jud of a previous sworn statement- that they should head down and strip the ship before the authorities turn up.” Jud says he never said those word “And never thought ‘em, neither.” Jud is reminded he said those in front of witnesses and it was read aloud before he signed it. Well, see, Jud is hard of hearing! And he misheard what they said, and they misheard….what he said…? Lister dismisses Jud.

Aside, George slams Taggert for going more carrot, less stick, and then asks if they were able to sway to captain of the ship to say what they want. Before Taggert can answer, the captain is called, and describes the scene as “Like Dante’s inferno.” He stood guard to keep the crew and passengers and crew from being torn to pieces. Ross leans over and mutters into Clymer’s ear, who requests that Ross be given leave to question the witness.

He asks if the captain saw him, Ross, that night. He did, Ross offered the crew and passengers shelter in Ross’s house. And did the captain see Ross encouraging the crowd on the beach. It was dark, but no, the captain doesn’t think so. Did he see Ross meeting the captain of the soldiers? “As I recall, you warned him not to go down to the beach.” And then Ross went with the captain and crew to Nampara. Ross sits. The prosecutors has a follow-up, though. How long did Ross stay with them? Five minutes. And when did they see Ross next? Two hours later.

The prosecution takes a few minutes to make a summation: Ross is revolutionary, self serving and contemptuous of his class, careless of other people’s properties. And also I COULD mention the other shit this man has done (finally an “Objection” from Clymer, and Lister’s like, hold up now, that’s too far), but you can bring in statements Ross made when arrested, which among other things imply that he’s an admirer of the bloodshed in France! He repeats what Ross said at the beginning of the episode, and calls it the most damning thing he’s ever heard. The Crown rests it’s case, and D’s like “WHAT ABOUT WITNESSES FOR THE DEFENSE” and she’s ahead of her time on procedure.

Clymer calls Enys, and Caroline wakes up. Enys testifies that he was attending D and Julia while they were sick, and that Ross hadn’t slept much for the week before the wreck, and that it’s his opinion that Ross had a mental breakdown and everything that followed should be attributed to that. He isn’t very convincing that he believe what he’s saying (Caroline doesn’t buy it either). The prosecutor calls Enys and apothecary, which ASS NO HE IS A FUCKING DOCTOR. And also a Cornishman. But not an expert in mental affliction. “Then your views can be hardly expected to carry much weight.” Enys tries again, that Ross was swaying on his feet (“Drunk?” “NO.”) (paraphrase) and Enys goes on the explain that when Julia died, many people came to the funeral, but with D so ill, Ross could not provide refreshment for them, and this weighed heavy on his mind. The prosecution is like SEE HE DID PROVIDE FOR THEM WITH THE WRECK. The rabble in the back leap to their feet, yelling, and Lister calls for a recess, while Unwin yells that all the rabble (the non-voting rabble, mind) should be whipped.

Ross fiddles with his statement that Clymer drafted for him, and when asked if he’s come to his sense, he continues to hold the noble-but-stupid line of how he just can’t. Clymer finally lays it out for him: The country is terrified that the revolution will spread from France to Britain, and the court HAS to be seen to put down revolutionary thought. Ross must grovel, and must show that he understands how the world works, or they will hang him. “Do it now, or you will not live to see the sun rise tomorrow.” Ross looks down at the papers again as everyone takes their seats.

Ross takes his place in the stand. “My lord, gentlemen of the jury, I can only apologize that this case has taken so much of your time. I will only take as little more as may be necessary. I come to big for your clemency. It is true I saw a wreck come in. That I wrote and told several villagers. That a number of people came up on the beach. And that items were carried away.” Ross pauses and looks up at the jury and George. “Though not by me.” He puts the papers away. “My house was searched and none were found. Why? Because I took none. The counsel has suggested that I’m a revolutionary, that these people are revolutionaries branded with a desire to overthrow authority. Well, nothing could be further from the truth. The people of Sawle, Mellin, and Grambler who came up on the beach that day were ordinary people, no more or no less law-abiding loyal subjects than any here. As to what happened when they came from the beach, I asked you to think of the traditions of our County: that people scour the beaches for flotsam. This is commonly known. That in times of dire need, when fathers have seen their children without a crust for their bellies, or a rag for their backs, these pickings have been the means of keeping ordinary people alive. What else would you have them do? After they have rescued the crew and brought goods ashore, are they then to await the arrival of the excise men and watch them carry off the goods that they have salvaged? You asked if I was in my right mind. Well you’ve heard evidence that I was not. Insert Insanity to think that rich pickings strewn across the beach are better used to sustain those in need then return to those whose only goal is profit? I cannot believe it. I will not believe it I make no apologies for my actions in truth, I would do the same again.”

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As he gives his speech, reactions range from dismay, to “yeah well he’s got a point” to intense interest on the faces of the jurors. When he finishes, Clymer is like, well,you’ve done it now. D cries, and George just BARELY manages to control his grin. Enys: “I’ve heard more penitent speeches.” Francis: “But rarely more eloquent.”

Ross sits down next to Clymer and begs his forgiveness- he couldn’t help himself. “What happens now?” The judge sums up, and Ross shouldn’t expect much benevolence. Lister restates the charges, and reminds the jury that they are to find him guilt if they think the Crown proved its case beyond a reasonable doubt. “But in law, if you are satisfied that a riot took place, then you need only be satisfied that the prisoner was involved to find him guilty as a principal.” And that the mitigating circumstances Ross presents about the “general state of the poor” should be allowed to influence their judgement at all. AT ALL. The jury retires to deliberate.

Enys mutters to Francis that this is bad, right? “Very bad….not that I don’t admire his stubbornness.”

Ross asks quietly if he’ll be allowed to say goodbye to Demelza, and the answer is no. He’ll be taken directly to his fate. No appeals. Ross looks at Demelza, and she gives him a sad, supporting smile.

Francis: “‘The quality of mercy is not strained, it droppeth as the gentle rain from heaven upon the place beneath.’ And God knows it droppeth sometimes on the face of those that least deserve it.”

Ross turns to the prosecutor and congratulates him on his eloquence “you almost had me convinced I was guilty.” The prosecutor admits that there’s almost nothing Ross could have said that would change Lister’s mind – “…he seems determined to make an example of you.”

The jury returns, and everyone stands. The clerk asks if the jury has reached a verdict, and Ross locks eyes with Demelza while it is read. “Do you find the prisoner guilty, or not guilty?” It’s not guilty, of course- there’s ten more books in this series. Everyone left in the courtroom breaks out into happy murmurings, saves George, who needs to go kick a puppy. D launches herself at Ross, and they embrace in relief and joy.

As everyone leaves to go about their lives, Francis is in the door when Verity runs up to him. “I thought we’d lost him!” Francis thought so too, and you can see for a minute the brother and sister they might have been had Charles not been so overbearing and broken both of his children. She asks if they can’t take heart from this- that they could reconcile? And he’s like you and I, of course, “But Verity, for your husband, while I live and breathe, it will never happen.” She runs away, because he is still a dick.

Elizabeth is next- she’s crying, but not ugly crying, and Francis wonders out loud if she would have wept so pretty if he had not come home. “Francis, why would you have not come home?” He looks like he’s about to tell her, and then says no, there’s no reason to distress anyone for no reason. Everyone is going home, and the sun rose again, so they can count their blessings.

Ross’ mine captain, Henshawe, quips that he’s a tad disappointed- he was looking forward to dealing with the sensible side of the family.

Ross, D, and Henshawe leaving the court
Ross, D, and Henshawe leaving the court

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Pan over the sea onto the cliffs where Ross, D, and Enys ride home, with a stop on the beach where Zacky and Jinny and the others have been waiting for news. “Is it over, Are ‘ee free?” There’s time for an impromptu dance party as the sun sets.

George is less happy: He spent a lot of money and no hanging to show for it! None! “And you think I let my uncle persuade me against pressing a charge of murder.” Tankard: seriously man, there was no way to make that stick. But there’s Jud, and that’s something they can do something about. “What now? Do we accept defeat?” No, they’ll go about getting shares in Wheal Leisure and get Ross that way. As for Francis, Tankard suggest breaking him tomorrow. George could, but won’t- he has someone else’s goodwill to consider.

Elizabeth and Francis walk into Aggie’s parlour to tell her the verdict. “Not guilty!” “As I expected,” Aggie says, holding up a card. Francis gets Elizabeth a glass of wine, and they exchange looks, seeming to have a newfound appreciation for their relationship. It’s a start.

On the beach, Jinny asks Ross and D to stay longer, and Zacky’s like, they really want to go do other stuff, so we shouldn’t detain them.

And the Penvenen house, Ray doles out port, and offers a toast to Westminster. Caroline holds up her own glass and says, “To Ross Poldark!” and Unwin, poor, simple, overmatched Unwin tells her that she should toast as her uncle bids. “You are his ward and you must obey his wishes.” Caroline: and those would be? “Why, to engage yourself to a man of substance and repute.” Caroline: I intend to.

CUT TO ENYS BECAUSE SUBTLE WE ARE NOT.

Ross and D are almost to Nampara, when they are surprised by Jud and Prudie, looking hangdog and hopeful. The couple walks on, with Jud and Prudie scurrying behind, and Ross says, loudly, he might go to town tomorrow (lies, he’ll be banging his wife until Sunday) because he needs to employ a couple of servants. You know, exceedingly hard working, pitifully grateful. Very very VERY cheap. D: If I see anyone, I’ll let you know.

Taggart points out to George that there is one more thing: Ross is alive and “…knows of our attempts to render him otherwise.” George: So? Taggart: Um, he’s a soldier and he could fuck us up? And you’ve left yourself exposed? George ponders that, and later, loads a pistol and puts it in his nightstand drawer.

At Nampara, D places violets on Julia’s cot. Ross comes in, and D admits she did not care for Bodmin. “You, me, our house, the smell of fresh picked violets… maybe it’s because I’m of common stock.” “Common stock you are not.”

She tells him that she would like a child in the crib. “To replace her?” “Not to make us forget her.” He tells her not to wish for it – not with the future being so uncertain. “The future looks kinder than we expected.” There is that, but still, things are somewhat unsteady. “I believe we agreed that you would not come to Bodmin.” Ross says, wrinkling his brow adorably. Yes, they did agree to that. “Have I told you how I feel about a disobedient wife?” “Have I told you what I feel about a reckless husband?” And they are otherwise engaged until Sunday.

Ross, adorably: Have I told you how I feel about a disobdient wife?
Ross, adorably: Have I told you how I feel about a disobedient wife?
Demelza, sassily: Have I told you what I feel about a reckless husband?
Demelza, sassily: Have I told you what I feel about a reckless husband?

WE’RE BACK WE’RE BACK WE’RE BACK.

I’m just going to keep these comments quick, but there’s a few people I want to talk about.

First: Francis. God, Francis. Kyle Soller is KILLING it as this weak, complex dude who might have been an okay, happy person with a better parent. KILLING. IT.

Second: George apologists, HE GOT A MAN KILLED AND TRIED TO HAVE ROSS KILLED. Directly, by manipulating the judge. His policies and practices are resulting in people starving to death and dying of disease and general poverty. This is who he is, and feeling sad about how no one likes him because of class issues doesn’t change that. George is an asshole.

Third: CAROLINE IS AN ACTUAL QUEEN AND I LOVE HER SO MUCH. I was dubious about her casting, because Gabriella Wilde isn’t how I pictured her, but SHE’S PERFECT.

Bring it on next week, and I better see Garrick soon, or I’mma be sad.

Comments are Closed

  1. quizzie says:

    my brother rang up last sunday to catch up and was greeted with a terse “Poldark is on”. He says he’ll start ringing mondays instead. Loving season two. Caroline is everything, Demelza is boss and even though Rosscan be infuriatingly noble I love that his heart is in the right place and the love between him and D. (Also it’s my weekly Aidan Turner eye-candy).

  2. No, the Other Anne says:

    “Law and order, one might say.” Well played: eleventy billion points to RHG.

  3. DonnaMarie says:

    So Ross isn’t the only one in the family who won’t take good advice. Demelza, Demelza, Demelza so pretty, so naive.

    Loving Caroline: smart, spoiled, sassy. If only she had better taste in dogs.

    I’m now officially rooting for Francis to get a HEA. He tugged my heart strings so hard. Maybe Ross can give him lessons in principle and backbone.

    The only thing that could’ve improved this was George catching some of that shit storm.

    I need to start working on the agency that arranged my Outlander trip to do a Poldark tour. I need to stand on a cliff overlooking the sea with wind shipped skirts.

  4. Crystal says:

    I love Poldark to an unreasonable degree.

    That said, the next time Francis asks Verity how it feels to be married to a drunken brute, she needs to answer that with, “Not sure. Let me check with Elizabeth and then I’ll get back to you.”

    Drop the mic, Verity. Drop the mic.

  5. denise says:

    Can’t wait for tonight!

  6. starlightarcher says:

    Ok, now I want a series where Demelza, Verity, Elizabeth and Caroline take over the county & rule with well turned out sassy fists. Please Masterpiece, make that story for me. I need it!

  7. Roxanne says:

    Not really looking forward to Season 2, since it involves a major change to save Ross’ reputation. Ugh! Sexism continues its ugly march.

    As for Demelza, can’t she be imperfect in ways other than being naive? I’m getting sick of the “Worship of Demelza” campaign.

  8. Maureen says:

    I’m so happy Poldark is back! I must admit I was muttering “D, shut up!” when she was talking to the judge-knew that wouldn’t end well. Funny how suspenseful it all felt, when I knew he wasn’t going to be hanged.

    Also want to say that I do a bit of a “SQUEEE” when I see John Nettles on the screen. I love Midsomer Murders, and he was wonderful as Inspector Barnaby. Great to see him in this!

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