Poldark’s second episode of season 3 laid down some key points that should matter quite a bit going forward into the season.
If the season 3 premiere of Poldark was all about introducing us to a small cast of fresh characters, then the second episode of the season was all about setting things ticking to a greater degree, with lots of overlapping between characters’ separate plots. So, what should you take away from the episode?
George can’t win — not completely
All of George Warleggan’s plans take a “two steps forward, one step back” approach in this week’s episode. His new magisterial work might make the old guard like him more, but it doesn’t make the “vulgars” (which, goodness, does Jack Farthing have the perfect note of disdain every time he says the word) like him, which is supposed to be another goal of his.
He might have gotten Drake and Sam’s names and their followers out of his church, but they have a meetinghouse all the same. He convinces Elizabeth that Sam and Zacky Martin asking for a follow-up on Francis’ promise is Demelza’s fault, but Elizabeth is still reaching for things to soothe her, although without George’s knowledge. (Guess that question about Elizabeth is somewhat answered — but we can’t quite predict where she’s going to go just yet.)
Ross is playing with a lot of money (and guts)
So, where exactly did Ross get over 100 guineas to throw around in France? That’s quite the amount of money, and it seems like he has more in his purse if the clinking is any indication when he bribes the officer and the informant.
Question: did the informant actually get his second 50 guineas as part of the 100-guinea price to get the prison list? Probably not.
Presumably Caroline had given Ross some of her more-sizable funds, but that’s a lot of money to spend and not even actually get into the prison to save Dwight. Additionally, it’s good to know that our hero can still throw a punch or a kick when he needs to.
Don’t count out Demelza, Morwenna and Caroline
This episode of Poldark does a lot of work implicitly contrasting Elizabeth with the other three currently-important characters of her same generation. While Elizabeth waits for news from George, Caroline seeks it out. While Elizabeth demands no beach time for Geoffrey Charles, Morwenna takes her charge there anyway. And while Elizabeth does as her husband asks (albeit the second time, not the first) and goes to the magistrate court, Demelza flat-out tells her husband he has to put up with what she decides to do when he’s not home.
A brief aside here, but it was good to see Ross basically not fight when Demelza explains to him, and to instead let things get a little romantic between them again. Things will never be totally quiet for the Nampara Poldarks, but bless them, they still love each other.
Back to talking about the ladies in general, though, it’s hard not to think that Elizabeth is just trying to get by — and we can’t fault her for it — but the show is constantly setting her aside and not giving her opportunities to do as she likes.
Next: Gunpowder gets a British release
How did episode 2 of season 3 sit with you, Poldark enthusiasts? What did you think of Ross’ not-so-subtle French disguise?