Poldark Season One: How Does It Match Up To The Books?

Episode 4

The first ten minutes or so of Episode 4 consists of a series of fascinatingly awful prophecies about what Ross and Demelza’ marriage will mean for Ross’s finances, friendships, family ties, and lifestyle. It is most interesting to watch this sequence in light of the rest of the season–it’s a series of cuts from scene to scene that text does not do justice, reflecting the different views each character has on Ross’s choice. Most of these awful prophecies will come true. None of them will have anything to do with Demelza.

But for now, everything does. This is where we see Demelza grow into her role as a graceful interloper between noblewoman and commoner. This is also the most we’ll see of Verity for the remainder of the season. The brief interlude of Verity teaching Demelza to dance, to curtsy, and to set a table is effective as a short montage to illustrate their relationship, but again I find myself wanting more. I want more of these women talking to one another and Doing Things Together! No such luck–we’ll be focused on Demelza entering society before long, and Verity will be forgotten again where she had so much more to do in the novel.

While Verity diminishes, we’ve been seeing an awful lot of Margaret, lately. In Ross Poldark, Margaret disappears after sleeping with Ross, and does not reappear again until some time into Demelza, all dolled up. In the last few episodes, we’ve watched her transformation (and her affair with Francis). The relationship provides a starker contrast to Demelza–she’s someone who can “rise above her station” without remark.

There’s a subplot in Episode 4 where the miners are waiting for a school of fish to show up that will feed them through the winter. I thought this was an odd addition, but I guess it gives them another chance to show Ross rolling up his sleeves and working alongside his tenants. Here, it’s directly contrasted with Francis. Charles sees to that, with a vivid comparison of the two cousins, and a prediction as to which will be most successful in the end (hint: It’s Ross, of course).

Finally, God bless Aunt Agatha. Assuming BBC One sticks to the books, we’ll be seeing her long into Season 2 and even 3. She is the Best Old Lady.

Next: Episode 5