[Review] BBC’s Poldark (2015) Season 1: “I would rather fail fighting than throw up my hands and wait for the end”

cast: Aidan Turner, Eleanor Tomlinson, Jack Farthing, Kyle Soller, Warren Clarke, Heida Reed, Phil Davis, Beatie Edney, Alex Arnold, Robert Daws, Robin Ellis, Ruby Bentall, Richard Harrington, Tristan Sturrock, Richard Dillane and Richard McCabe

directors: Ed Bazalgette and William McGregor

“You cannot fight all the world. You can only make your own small corner a fairer place” – Demelza

This year we’ve been spoiled by BBC and not only. I’ve seen the 1975 “Poldark” a long, long time ago. I couldn’t say I didn’t like it but I can say, I didn’t dwell on the tale for too long afterwards. And then came a trailer and the news Aidan Turner had been cast as the lead in the new take on Winston Graham epic tale.

Some of you know Turner from the Hobbit trilogy, I noticed the handsome Irish thespian back in the days of “Being Human” – the UK version not the US one – and I kept on watching. I regret nothing. Ridding on the popularity which rightfully came with the part of Kili, “Poldark” was for me, a gift from BBC and the chance to see what else could Turner do in terms of acting. Boy, was I prepared for what was to come.

The first season of “Poldark” delved into the first two novels of Graham, introducing to the audience the characters, their turmoil, all wrapped in a beautiful cinematography which took my breath away. I admit without an ounce of shame that I felt in love with the British shores back in the days Bryan Adams sang “Everything I do, I do it for you”. I don’t care if it’s Irish, British or somewhere in between, the moment I spot a shoot in a movie of a hill and waves crashing upon the rocky shores, I’m sold. And there was captain Ross Poldark, freshly returned from the American War of Independence, ridding his black stallion, the music eerie in my ears and my eyes glued to the sea. On Turner as well, let’s not play the coy mistress – do pardon the poetic puns.

Yet beyond the scything scene which took our breath away stood the strong presence of the cast and the characters they inhabited. Aidan Turner delivered a full spectrum of emotions being on screen, the anti-hero every lass would dream to redeem – Demelza, you’re not the only who will sing a song of woe. The bittersweet home-coming, the revelation your loved one has married your cousin, you’re facing poverty and the nouveau-riche of the county is doing his best to see your good name in ruins are but the tip of the iceberg. Ross had to face heartbreak in almost each of the eight episodes of the series, culminated with the season finale which delivered some of the finest acting moments of this year TV shows. And I’m not singing praised to Aidan Turner, Eleanor Tomlinson conquered hearts and broke them – yes, that final episode. The two actors might have not sparked an instant chemistry but by the third episode aka the turning point from which the tale took on a brand new life and yup, it’s just as good as Downton Abbey. Yes, you read that correctly, if you’re mourning the loss of this series, “Poldark” will slip in and take over that void.

I’d a pluck a fair rose for my love
I’d a pluck a red rose blowin’
Love’s in my heart, i’m tryin’ so to prove
What your heart’s knowin’

I’d a pluck a finger on a thorn
I’d a pluck a finger bleedin’
Red is my heart, wounded and forlorn
And your heart needin’

I’d a hold a finger to my tongue
I’d a hold a finger waitin’
My heart is sore, until it joins in song
With your heart matin’

It feels ill fitted to talk about a love triangle between Elizabeth – the fickle one – Ross and Demelza. It’s s much more than pinning for a kind word and terms of endearing. “Poldark” shines also in bringing forth the mentalities on the period. Ross is the quintessential anti-hero, he has the name and the reputation, yet he no longer has the riches, his good name is what the rich ones take into consideration. The moment Ross chooses as a wife, the poor, stubborn Demelza, the high society is shocked. The likes of George and Francis love to berate and mock the couple yet there are others who are capable of understanding and acting with kindness and nobility. The show isn’t wrapped solely on the tale of Ross and Demelza, focusing on the tragic story of Verity, on Elizabeth and Francis falling from grace. On the struggles of the society, the sheer poverty of some and the rags from riches and vice-versa of others. On the consequences of each decision, on redemption and on faith.

Now that’s the kind of show I like to watch. And I’m not the only one.