#ELIZABETH WARLEGGAN

[nervousladytraveler]

On Poldark tv show, why do you think Ross was so fixated with Eliz? Yes, her beauty was real, but he idealized, misjudged and fabricated who she really was. In the books, she is a pretty shallow vacuous character which the tv writer completely recreated. Yet on the show, he could never let her go, why? Next to Demelza's courage, strength, integrity, she pales in comparison.

Thanks @anonymous for the question! I think Debbie Horsfield et al felt that the love triangle made for good tv and didn't want to let that formula go, even when we viewers were getting a little tired of it. At a certain point in the novels, Winston Graham was also done with it and set aside for other plotlines. So it needed new fuel if it was going to continue past series 2, and DH provided this with loads of chance meetings and glances of Valentine, etc. The “does he or doesn’t he” dramatic tension around series Ross, wouldn't be believable or sellable if Elizabeth wasn’t at least a bit likable, thus her recreation as you called it. Perhaps also, the writing was also meant to update Elizabeth’s character, giving her more dimensions than book Elizabeth. But I think in doing this, DH lost sight of WG’s Demelza, who she also tried to update. Yes, her courage and strength is still there (and we are shown this time and again, speaking of formulas) but despite those admirable values, the scripts chip away at Demelza’s likeability. She harps and snips (and wears that horrible hat in S3…talk about character inconsistencies) and her Hugh storyline is about revenge and not the subtle and complicated web of human emotions and frailty that WG wrote about. 

I wonder if, in the end, DH’s changes to these essential characters in order to force the love triangle, resulted in us viewers liking them all--Ross, Elizabeth, Demelza--a little less? 

#poldark #ross poldark #demelza carne #elizabeth warleggan #ask nervousladytraveler

[costumeloverz71]

Elizabeth Warleggan (Heida Reed) Dark red dress.. Poldark (2015-2019).. Costume by Howard Burden.

#elizabeth warleggan #heida reed #poldark #howard burden

[periodperfection]

#heida reed #Elizabeth warleggan #jack farthing #george warleggan #poldark #poldarkedit #black and white #perioddramaedit #weloveperioddrama #edits

[urimaginarygirlfriend]

elizabeth is so sexy i need her so bad

#she’s my wife #poldark #elizabeth poldark #elizabeth chynoweth #elizabeth warleggan #ross poldark #george warleggan #francis poldark

[elyangelofdeath]

#poldark #ross x demelza #demelza carne #demelza poldark #eleanor tomlinson #ross poldark #aidan turner #drake carne #morwenna chynoweth #morwenna carne #dwight enys #caroline penvenen #caroline enys #elizabeth poldark #elizabeth chynoweth #serie tv #tv series #season 4 #osborne whitworth #elizabeth warleggan

[thoughtsonpoldark]

Read your essay on Ross and the rape of Elizabeth. It took me a long time to realize what an awful, selfish thing he did to the two women he loved. I began to reflect on Christmas Eve when Ross confesses to Demelza he enjoyed sex with Elizabeth. Then Demelza confesses to Ross her attempt to have sex with Malcolm. He justifies his infidelity because he had a ten year devotion to Elizabeth. It is disgusting that he can justify that night and that he can look back and say it was pleasurable. How can Ross be forgiven?

Hi there,

Thanks for checking out 'A Judgment on Rape' . It is not Ross's greatest hour and I agree that thereafter Ross's attitude around his infidelity and the manner of it was not admirable. He can be praised for confessing but actually in reality he did not really. He just did not deny it since both him and Demelza knew what he had done and specifically Ross knew that Demelza knew. As for admitting it was pleasant, there are three things I think should be noted here and the first is that to be fair to him Demelza did put him on the spot by specifically asking him about this. So it is not that he just volunteered this information. He had no choice but to answer or not. If he was to answer, it was either to lie or tell the truth. She also phrased it to him as a question put as a statement saying "..the experience itself can't hardly have been unpleasant." That means she was specifically asking about it being pleasant or not. As he answered "No....far from it.", Winston Graham did say he hesitated and was a little put out. So it was awkward for him and I believe he was trying to be honest.

On the second point of it feeling almost hurtful that Ross admitted the sex with Elizabeth was far from unpleasant and therefore pleasant, I would say that on the other hand this is not a surprise really. Elizabeth was a woman he had feelings for for a long time. Ross's anger meant that it would be satisfied by his end goal which in the heat of the moment was about control and potentially taking something that was supposed to be his greatest enemy's as well as something he had once hoped to have for himself (and up until then had resisted despite Elizabeth's flirting). He stopped listening to her and zoned out her protests, but bear in mind that he felt that after the first shock she did not resist. That likely means that he did not have a situation where he continued whilst she was still trying to fight him off. She probably had a freeze or flop response and if he was not particularly paying attention to her but even thought it was 'not so much against her will in the end', then like with any man the physical aspect and the climax of sex would have pleasured him.

As a third point. it is important to pick up what Ross goes on to imply. This is that the sex was indeed only pleasurable from a physical point of view but that it was a let down emotionally. For instance, he goes on to say "But I wasn't seeking just pleasure. I was-I suppose in fundamentals I was seeking the equal of what I'd found in you. and it was not there. For me it was not there." So that is the consolation and the thing building on that idea is what wins Demelza round and is a justified distraction from the physical pleasure Ross experience. That is of less importance than his emotions and Ross's comment afterwards suggest that his emotions were not engaged and taken in by Elizabeth from the sex had. So from that perspective it was not pleasurable enough where it mattered in order to cause him to desire Elizabeth over Demelza. In fact it helped him realise that whatever he felt for Elizabeth was not real and true love as he felt stood out for him in respect of his feelings/love for Demelza. Therefore I would say that one should not get too distracted with Ross saying/implying the sex with Elizabeth was pleasurable. His pleasure was limited in the way it should have been and which worked to Demelza's advantage in terms of the competition and preference of choice between the two women.

Regarding Ross justifying his infidelity with Elizabeth based on a 10 year devotion against Demelza's near infidelity with Captain McNeil; this does seem out of order. However it is important to remember that this was said in the throws of a heated conversation and on a basic level he had a point since there was an emotional and romantic history with Elizabeth, whereas there was none between Demelza and McNeil. That would have been premeditated revenge to hurt Ross. While Ross's was not premeditated or done to hurt her. He must win that argument. Also in his fairness Ross does show that on this point he was not a hypocrite in his response to Demelza's infidelity with Hugh Armitage. Although he did have a few sarcastic thoughts about Demelza falling for Hugh after he just smiled at her, that was at the height of his anger and shock but generally Ross understood that Demelza had had a more substantial emotional connection to Hugh in a way that she did not with McNeil and so regardless of if she had slept with Hugh he felt she had been unfaithful in spirit in recognition of her emotional investment with Hugh. In the scenes afterwards where he did not direct his angry at her, he even considered that she may have been in love with Hugh and dids not try to belittle her infidelity experience in the way that he did of her and McNeil when he referred to that as a "... tawdry little passion worked up over the wine for a cheap satisfaction between dinner and supper!" He did recognise that Hugh had taken her heart in a way and did not suggest that her thing with him was 'cheap' and unjustified as he implied his infidelity with Elizabeth was not either. In fact, whilst he admitted a devotion to Elizabeth he acknowledged Demelza had had an infatuation with Hugh where she had been blown in the wind by a hurricane which in turn was an acknowledgement of her having tried to fight it.

As for forgiving Ross, I feel that he has the benefit of a more than decent and heroic character reference outside of 9th May. More than ever Demelza's saying to Francis that "It's the balance that counts." applies here. I know that we cannot excuse Ross with the 'red mist' argument because as I covered in 'Ross Poldark's Fall from Grace' post I don't think he lost his judgment when he did what he did. I just think his hate overpowered his manners as it did when he purposefully attacked George on those two occasions. Obviously there is Ross's recommitment to Demelza, his new understanding of Demelza's worth to him and how he never expressed any further romantic interest or attraction to Elizabeth afterwards. That should help the forgiving Ross process. Also Ross is a character that followed the John 15:13 'Greater love hath no man than, that a man laid down his life for his friends.' philosophy. He was back to being a hero and was for Dwight in the following book and in various other ways in the later books including even for Valentine in the last book, who was the fruit of his sin from his infidelity. These are the ways we can forgive him but I do feel that Winston Graham introduced a love interest and infidelity for Demelza to help 'redress the balance', provide a literal 'tit for tat' so that both Ross and Demelza's moral slates were level and in doing so where Demelza had been sympathised with over Ross cheating with Elizabeth, he stimulated sympathy by the reader for Ross in the Hugh Armitage cheating story line, which again helps the forgiving Ross process. Maybe it did not for you but finally I think that if Ross could be loving, patient, tolerant and forgiving with Demelza after she cheated on him, with everything else I think he is probably deserving of this too for doing the same thing earlier.

#poldark #demelza poldark #ross poldark #winston graham #romelza #poldark quotes. #demelza #elizabeth poldark #poldark love #elizabeth warleggan #poldark rape

[love-little-lotte]

The Characters From Poldark: An Overview

After making that last Poldark post a month ago, I started reading Winston Graham's books. Needless to say, I got obsessed. I've just finished The Angry Tide a few days ago and started reading The Stranger from the Sea immediately right after. I'm still in the middle, but I'm kind of missing the vibe of the first seven books. Maybe it's because I'm already familiar with the story, thanks to the TV show. But I'm loving Jeremy and Clowance so far!

The Poldark books are like a drug to me; even if I'm dead tired after work, I try to find the time to read even a chapter or two before going to sleep. It's that addicting! Graham's writing was too good. I love his prose and how he gets the time period and characters. In more ways than one, the characters are much more lovable in the novel than in the TV show (don't get me wrong, I still like the BBC show!) The Poldark books can be fairytale-like, but so much grittier and darker. As the books progress, the story gets more political, which can be confusing, especially if you're not familiar with the history. Sometimes, I have to research a little bit to understand the background (especially in The Stranger from the Sea where they talk a lot about King George's madness, as well as Napoleon).

In this post, I share some of my thoughts about some of the Poldark characters (both in the TV show and books). This is not exactly like a review or in-depth analysis, just some rambles that came to me while reading the books or watching the show. If you haven't finished the books or show, be aware that I'll be talking about spoilers!

Ross Poldark

The most problematic man ever. Okay, maybe not, but there are so many times I want to throw my Kindle out the window every time he says or does something stupid (almost always at the expense of Demelza). Ross is not as annoying in the books as he was in the TV show, thankfully. Imagine my surprise when I realized he didn't say that crappy line about "playing the scullery maid" to Elizabeth at that Christmas party in Season 2. His apology to Demelza after spending that night with Elizabeth in the books was also much more sincere. And I love that he actually said, "I'm sorry" because (remind me if I'm wrong) he never said so in the show. Yes, we know he regretted it but I never felt he was sorry because he never really expressed it.

Nevertheless, Ross is still a pretty good character, albeit flawed. I like the way he fights for what he believes in and goes above and beyond for those less fortunate. His passion for his people—not only restricted to his miners or employees—is something to be admired at. He's not a good husband, but he's a decent person. He tries to be the hero all the time, but alas, he can't have it all.

And yes, I admit that maybe I can't truly hate Ross because I love Aidan Turner and his portrayal of the character. After reading the books, I've really come to appreciate Turner's performance even more. He just gets the brooding, tortured side of Ross.

My Favorite Ross Moment: Is there? Just kidding; he did have some good moments. You might think my favorite moment is a Ross/Demelza scene (I still honestly think about the stocking scene at random times of the day), but it's actually his impassioned speech during his trial in Season 2. Turner was on fire in this episode and really brought out the best of Ross.

Demelza Poldark

A ray of sunshine. The heart and soul of Nampara (hell, the rest of Cornwall). My favorite character. Demelza gets a lot of bad luck in the course of the series, but she always perseveres. She never fails to look at the bright things in life, and I admire her so much for that. Demelza and Ross's marriage suffers a lot in the show and books, but I've never once doubted their relationship. They're the perfect match for each other. Beyond the romance, she's also an understanding friend, a kind sister, and a warm mother.

Her personality in the show didn't wasn't really that different in the books, in my opinion, so I love both interpretations. Maybe the only change that ticked me off was her affair with Hugh Armitage. The show implied that she only slept with Hugh because Prudie told her that she saw Ross kiss Elizabeth at the church, but in the books, I feel like she didn't mind the kiss that much. Instead, she has an affair with Hugh because she wants to and has true affection for Hugh. I hated the fact that the show had to resort to a petty love triangle or jealousy for that to happen. Maybe it draws in more viewers, but honestly, it's a little shallow.

Eleanor Tomlinson was wonderful as Demelza. I've said before that they mixed up the hair color of the women in Poldark (in the books, Demelza is dark-haired, Elizabeth is blonde, and Caroline is a redhead), and I tried to imagine Tomlinson playing Caroline, but I simply couldn't. She's ingrained in my brain as Demelza now.

My Favorite Demelza Moment: Where to begin?! When she helped Verity and Andrew find each other again? When she tried to help Pascoe's bank when they were having problems? Or perhaps when she punched Ross after spending the night with Elizabeth. All these are great, but my personal favorite Demelza moment is when she sang "I'd Pluck a Fair Rose" at the Christmas dinner in Season 1. I know, this seems a bit minor, but I thought this was the beginning of Demelza's transformation as the Mistress of Nampara, gaining her confidence, as well as Ross's love. (And yes, I have this song on repeat on Spotify.)

George Warleggan

Debbie Horsfield gets a lot of flack for this adaptation (or so I've read in comments, from Reddit to Tumblr), but one of the changes she made that I liked was George's character. In the books, he's a scheming villain who will stop at nothing to destroy Ross and everything he holds dear. You know, the average bad guy. But I loved him in the show, though. Maybe it's because of Horsfield's writing, which humanized George, or Jack Farthing's nuanced performance. Farthing is actually one of my favorite actors in the show, all because he gave George so much heart, despite him being ruthless.

Also, I never really thought he loved Elizabeth in the books; instead, he only sees her as a prized possession, another trophy he gets for his status. But in the show, I can actually see his love for her. This is more apparent in Season 5 (which is not adapted from the books), but we can actually see his real feelings for Elizabeth in the earlier seasons as well! I've read that Books 8-12 focus more on the kids, but I do hope I get to see more of George and Ross's rivalry. It's a bit rundown, but I really love it when they have a little showdown.

My Favorite George Moment: His beef with Aunt Agatha is one of my favorite things in the show and books. So yes, my fave George moment was when he told Aunt Agatha that she's not 99, but 97. It's so petty and cruel of him—and Agatha was so right at retaliating by implying Valentine's not his son.

Elizabeth Warleggan

I've come to realize that many fans don't like Elizabeth. Yes, she's a thorn in Ross and Demelza's relationship, marries the villain George, leads on Ross while still being married to Francis, forces her cousin Morwenna to marry someone she doesn't love, and so on and on. But in the end, I can never really hate Elizabeth. She doesn't have a lot of scenes in the books, but in the show, Heida Reed played her as sympathetic and kind albeit weak. I never really questioned Elizabeth's actions because I always remind myself that this is probably what women in her status would do in the past. If you were widowed and broke, wouldn't you marry the first rich guy who proposes to you for your family's own good? Even if it's the guy who your first love hates the most.

After marrying George, she resented Ross and Demelza a lot... but, in her perspective, she was jilted by Ross. After they slept together, she postponed the wedding, (stupidly) hoping for Ross to come after her, but of course, he didn't. I can't blame her for waiting for him, though; that was Ross's fault for ignoring her. I do admit it was wrong of her to tell Ross about her feelings while married to Francis, though. And for forcing Morwenna to marry someone she doesn't love.

My Favorite Elizabeth Moment: In Season 3, when she swore in the Bible that Valentine is George's son (and in turn, making him swear that he won't suspect her anymore). Reed (and Farthing!) were incredible in that scene, but I just like how Elizabeth controlled the narrative in that moment. She's passive on most occasions, but she is determined to make George believe that Valentine is his son).

Francis Poldark

I was debating whether I should include Francis in this or not... After all, he's been dead for a long time, and I don't remember much what happened to him. And frankly, I don't really care much about his character (although his death is an important event for the other characters). I didn't hate Francis; however, he was just meh for the most part. In the first season, he suffered much with the responsibilities he earned after the death of his father, as well as losing his sister to a man whom he thought was a menace. Thankfully, his character had a change of heart in the second season.

I've got to say, though, that Kyle Soller is a terrific actor, and I missed him a lot in the later seasons.

My Favorite Francis Moment: When he came clean to Demelza about revealing the shareholders to George in Season 2... right before he died. I'm glad that he was able to redeem himself in the end.

Dwight Enys

Another one of my favorite characters! Just like Ross, Dwight cares so much for people and treats everyone fairly, no matter their station in life. He even tried to stay behind a prison camp because he wanted to take care of the people. But unlike Ross, Dwight is much more level-headed, gentler, and doesn't act on impulse... which makes me like him a bit more.

Luke Norris is also a very strong actor. He gets to show off his acting chops when he gets back from Paris and when his daughter Sarah dies (which is one of the saddest things that ever happened in this show). He also shared wonderful chemistry with Gabriella Wilde, who played Caroline. I like that their relationship was explored a lot in the series; they weren't just side characters that the writers put in random moments of the show, they were truly part of the show.

My Favorite Dwight Moment: Definitely not when he slept with a married woman. But he still gets a lot of good moments in the show, from being the voice of reason when Ross (stupidly) duels Adderley to helping George when mourning for Elizabeth. But my favorite one was when he stayed behind to warn Ross about the ambush, jeopardizing his elopement with Caroline. It's just one of the moments when we get to see Dwight being selfless.

Caroline Enys

I get that some people do not like Caroline; she's very brash, sarcastic, and, at times, spoiled. But she's one of my favorite characters in the show. Perhaps because she's the most modern one and I relate to her very much (although I am not an heiress... unfortunately). She doesn't show it a lot, but she cares so much for her family and friends. That's what makes her the best match for Dwight. They're somewhat like a reverse Ross and Demelza. And speaking of Ross, the book surprised me with how flirty they got with each other! She kisses him twice—and although there was no romance meant in that (if I remember correctly, that was when he went to save Dwight in Paris and she kissed him for luck and gratitude), she did once suggest that they sleep together. I'm sure that was one of her normal tactless quips, but even so, I was taken aback!

Still, I like Caroline more in the show because Gabriella Wilde was incredible in the role. She played the spoiled heiress so well, yes, but she gave her so much empathy and compassion in the show. Her heartbreaking scene when Sarah died destroyed me to bits, as well as the events after that. I'm so happy when she and Dwight reconciled. Also, I love that she became one of Demelza's most treasured friends. Their friendship is one of my favorite things in the show because they seem to just get each other, despite being two different people.

My Favorite Caroline Moment: When she paid off Ross's debts in secret. That was such a boss move and made me love her even more. There was absolutely no reason for her to do that, but only because she cared for Dwight and, as a result, Ross as well.

Drake Carne

The best man in the show? Well, yes! He's not perfect (he did run out of his own wedding, leaving poor Rosina heartbroken... yet again). Despite that, I like Drake, especially in the show. He's a bit annoying and more forward in the books, but in the show, he is gentler and kinder. And his hopeless devotion and unconditional love for Morwenna is so sweet. Their relationship is the only thing that makes Season 5 salvageable. Morwenna was damaged after her horrifying marriage to Osborne, and I liked that Drake didn't rush her into consummating their marriage. So far, they're still not in The Stranger from the Sea (will they make an appearance?! No, don't answer that; I hate spoilers), only that it was mentioned that they have a daughter. Beyond his romance with Morwenna, I love his brotherly relationship with Geoffrey Charles. He badly needed a good man in his life, and while his uncle is there (though I wouldn't say Ross is a good role model), I think Drake is the best guy for Geoffrey Charles.

Harry Richardson was also good as Drake; he's so charming in the role and easy to love. There are so many cases when I don't like new characters and actors that appear in the middle of the show, but he (and the rest of the new cast) effortlessly fit in with the rest.

My Favorite Drake Moment: Most of Season 5 Drake. Yes, that's not in the books, but I liked that the show explored the early days of their marriage. He was so gentle with Morwenna, it made my heart ache. The toad bit was stupid, to be honest, but it made me laugh with how it left George in a huff, so points to Drake for that anyway.

Sam Carne

Ah, Sam. He can be annoying at times, especially when he starts including his religious beliefs in literally every conversation, but... he grows on you. He's not one of my favorite characters, but I like his sibling relationship with Demelza and Drake. And his short-lived romance with Emma was pretty sad. It humanizes him in a way, making him see that he can't save everyone. Sam eventually marries Rosina. Which, to me, feels a bit weird. Sure, they do get along, but it just feels like they settled for each other because they were left by their respective partners.

Along with Harry Richardson, Tom York is also a fantastic addition to the cast. He doesn't get a lot of strong acting moments, but he's still a good actor and I enjoyed watching him.

My Favorite Sam Moment: Like I said, he doesn't get a lot of scenes, but I like Sam the best when he's being a Good Brother™ to Drake, especially in Seasons 3 and 4 when Morwenna is married to Osborne.

Morwenna Carne

I love Morwenna so much that it reminds me of that Stephanie Beatriz meme from Brooklyn Nine-Nine. Morwenna's been through a lot—more than maybe most of the characters in the show. She married one of the sickest, horrifying characters I've ever come across (against her will, might I add), but nevertheless, she endured. She's a strong character, despite her demure tendencies. As I mentioned before, Season 5 is still worth watching for Morwenna and Drake. How she overcame her trauma from Osborne's abuse was very compelling to watch; it's realistic and makes me like her more. I also liked how she got to have a closure with John Conan, her first son. I'm sure she doesn't want anything from her Osborne's family, but you can't convince me that she doesn't care for John Conan.

In the books, Morwenna's always described in the book as "plain-looking," which irks me to no end because Ellise Chappell is literally one of the prettiest actresses I've ever seen. She's also a pretty good actress, and she was able to show off her range in Seasons 4 and 5.

My Favorite Morwenna Moment: When she stood up for herself against Osborne, even threatening to hurt John Conan if he tried to touch her again. I remember watching that scene for the first time and just howling and clapping for Morwenna.

*****

I would've loved to write more about the other characters like Verity and Prudie (especially Prudie in the show), but... I don't have a lot of feelings about them. Plus, they don't really move the story along, unlike the characters mentioned.

So, there you have it! Excuse me while I start watching the show again. Bye!

#poldark #poldark 2015 #poldark books #winston graham #period drama #poldark characters #ross poldark #aidan turner #demelza poldark #eleanor tomlinson #george warleggan #jack farthing #elizabeth warleggan #heida reed #francis poldark #kyle soller #dwight enys #luke norris #caroline enys #gabriella wilde #drake carne #harry richardson #sam carne #tom york #morwenna carne #ellise chappell #a bit of a ramble

[wildwren]

listen. demelza is a goddess, i would do anything to be her girl, and caroline is obviously an icon, but my poldark blorbos are without a doubt hands down the chynoweth women. like!!!!! they are so tragic, their fucked up relationship with each other and their mutual interrelated trauma makes me insane. look at them!!!!!!!! look at my girls!!!!!!!!!!!!

#ep 4x8 has once again destroyed me ://// #gnawing my arm off #elizabeth warleggan i love you soooooooo much you will always be famous to me #and i would die for morwenna like i would lay down my life #babygirl of all time #poldark #poldark rewatch

[durtystars]

never forgiving the show to write out liz constantly at war with george's uncle because she didn't like how he brought out the evil side of him....like that show gave her so little agency post S2 that in the end she as a character was also treated like a woman of the times by the writers, to just sit in the corner and play dolly

#poldark #elizabeth chynowyth #george warleggan #text #mine #don't even get me started on them literally making her a drug addict over every horror ratleggan put ppl through & THEY DID NOTHING WITH IT #someone please free her i'm begging

[dinathalawriter]

George marries a widow with 3 dependents after waiting for more than a decade (iirc) against his family's wish, knowing she might well not even want to sleep with him (Francis was no gentleman and he told his friend) and people say it's not love?

#poldark #george x elizabeth #george warleggan #villain in love

[niekie69]

🎃🍂🎃🍂🎃

#poldark #period drama #british period drama #period drama icons #digital fanart #george warleggan #Elizabeth Chynoweth

[penvcnens]

tag drop 2

#ii. ｢ caroline penvenen. ｣ #ii. ｢ dwight enys. ｣ #ii. ｢ ray penvenen. ｣ #ii. ｢ william penvenen. ｣ #ii. ｢ ross poldark. ｣ #ii. ｢ demelza poldark. ｣ #ii. ｢ george warleggan. ｣ #ii. ｢ elizabeth chynoweth. ｣ #ii. ｢ sophie enys. ｣ #ii. ｢ meliora enys. ｣ #ii. ｢ sarah enys. ｣ #ii. ｢ horace. ｣

[nervousladytraveler]

On Poldark tv series, the writer really diminished Ross' relationship with his kids. In the books he is an attentive loving father, but in the show he cared for GC but was almost indifferent to his children. Why? Why couldn't they have had some nice scenes of them talking or interacting on the farm or with the animals, at bedtime etc. They had time for GC and Val scenes. Seemed Dem was bringing them up herself. Didn't like how they portrayed him as a father. Your thoughts.

Thanks @anonymous for the ask! 

On the one hand, I’ve heard it is really hard to work with little kids (and animals) on sets, so I suppose giving the Poldark kiddies lines and significant action in scenes would be a stretch. I also heard the little fellow who played Jeremy in S2 was…well, he was a toddler, and probably acted like one, so he was a bit tricky to work with. And I also heard that Jeremy in S3 was a real sweetheart to work with, but had a really strong Welsh accent so they didn’t give him lines? (If any of this is not true please correct me. I can't refer to my sources because this was hearsay from like 5 years ago). So I understand those filming restraints. Also, the scenes we did have with Ross and his babies were super cute (I’m thinking of S3 and 4). But there were just so few! Ross holds Jeremy like twice in all of S2 so in S3 when he makes eye contact with Jeremy or holds his hand, we feel it is such a great development.

And yet there was much more screen time for Ross and wee Val (and earlier for GC) and it's the contrast that gets my goat. So to answer your question of why, my guess is the showrunners who really liked the Ross/Elizabeth story (and its aftermath) chose drama over domestic fluff, but that fluff is what we fans might prefer. 

Winston Graham wrote loads of little bits about the kids (also about the pets) that lent so much color to the story. These scenes gave the kids character, showed what kinds of parents Ross and Demelza were, and demonstrated that WG understood what it means to be a parent--kids don’t just fade conveniently to the background just because the adults are having big feelings. In the stocking (garters) scene in Warleggan, Jeremy is there, in the room, running around in a new hat while R & D are having their intimate moment! WG’s kids were flesh and blood, not window dressing. They get silly and tired and eat too many treats at Christmas parties. I love that on occasion, the kids start crying because Demelza is crying and that upsets them (Jeremy in Warleggan and Clowance in the Four Swans).

But back to the series…my personal favorite Jeremy and Clowance (actors) were from the second half of S4. They both had such charming tangles of curly hair and exuded so much joy in their surroundings. So if it appeared that Demelza was raising them herself, she at least seemed to be doing a good job.

#poldark #ask nervousladytraveler

[lifewithaview]

Aidan Turner in Poldark (2015) S2E5

When a smuggler is caught magistrate Francis cleverly ensures a lenient sentence but Ross suspects one of his miners, Nick Vigus, as an informer. Francis is also loyal to his cousin when they meet Warleggan at a party, where Elizabeth admits that she still has affection for Ross and Caroline jilts Trevaunance before Dwight reveals his feelings for her. Francis discovers copper in the mine but his jubilation is cruelly curtailed whilst Ross once more finds himself at the mercy of Warleggan, who has obtained his promissory note and has a financial hold over him...

*The Judge is played by Robin Ellis, the actor who played the title role in the original "Poldark"

#Poldark #2015 #S2E5 #tv series #2016 episode #period drama #informer #Warleggan #relationships #confession #feelings #tragedy strikes #Aidan Turner #bathtub #just watched

[thoughtsonpoldark]

Today -9th of May is the literary anniversary of that ill fated May Incident in 1793 between Ross Poldark and Elizabeth in Poldark.

⚠️ This essay addresses the controversial question of whether this was rape or not (book based).

#poldark #ross poldark #winston graham #poldark quotes. #elizabeth poldark #ross poldark and elizabeth #elizabeth warleggan #aidan turner #heida reed #Poldark rape #poldark books

[love-little-lotte]

A Look Into My New Guilty Pleasure: Poldark (2015 Series)

My biggest weakness is period dramas — especially period dramas with a talented cast, sweeping romance, terrific scenes (preferably set in some kind of country/provincial side), and lots and lots and lots of just sitting around and talking.

That's probably why Poldark has captured my heart. As a big fan of Outlander, it's no surprise that I fell in love with this show. Outlander and Poldark have so many similarities that I may make a lengthy post about it, but for today, let me just rant about my new guilty pleasure. I'm so obsessed with this show that I actually finished watching the entire five seasons in one week!

Poldark is based on Winston Graham's novels and adapted by Debbie Horsfield. I was so excited to start this show, with a male protagonist originally written by a man, created and written for a series by a woman. I haven't read Graham's novels (I'm going to one of these days, I swear!), so I'm not sure how well Debbie's adaption worked. I've read many Reddit threads, though, and some fans of the novel are not that impressed with how she omitted and added details to the show (will get back to this once I've read the books or at least the seven ones that were used in the show). The show has also been adapted in the 70s, so this was not the first time Graham's novels were seen onscreen!

Despite not having read the books, I fell in love with the story, the characters, and the cast! The show follows Ross Poldark returning to Cornwall after fighting in the American War in the 1780s. He looks forward to marrying his childhood sweetheart Elizabeth but, believing him to be dead, is now engaged to his cousin Francis. He then tries to resurrect his family's mining business and hires a young girl Demelza to be his kitchen maid (whom he eventually marries) while also crossing paths with the villain George Warleggan, a corrupted banker who stops at nothing to ruin Ross's prospects and personal life. As the show progresses, we also meet other characters, including Prudie and Jud, Ross's servants, Verity, Ross's cousin and Francis's sister; Ross's friend Dr. Dwight Enys and his love interest Caroline Penvenen; Sam and Drake Carne, Demelza's brothers, and Morwenna Chynoweth, Drake's love interest.

Yes, this show has a large ensemble cast, and trust me, there always comes a point when you hate or love them. Especially our protagonist Ross Poldark. Ross... is an interesting character. He's terribly, terribly flawed and many times times, I'm so infuriated with him to the point that I want him to suffer. I swear, you cannot go through this series without screaming at Ross. (When that moment came up in Season 2, I swear I had my middle finger ready every time Ross showed up on my screen from then on.)

But my favorite character in the show is Demelza, Ross's wife who started as his kitchen maid. She's the heart of the show, the voice of reason, and even though she makes questionable decisions along the way, you can't help but get on her side no matter what. She's the perfect fiery yet gentle match to Ross's stubbornness. He treats her like shit many times in this show, which makes me angry to no end, but they eventually grow to be understanding, loving partners.

And it also helps that Aidan Turner and Eleanor Tomlinson have one of the best romantic chemistries I've ever seen. They're terrific actors as well and they bring the characters to life so effortlessly. They just seem like they have the best time shooting this show. I kind of want to rewatch Loving Vincent now just because they're in that movie, even just in supporting roles.

Poldark is a roller coaster, with so many ups and downs (mostly downs, to be honest, please give Demelza a break!) My favorite season has got to be Season 1. Season 1 had the best Ross and I loved the early stages of his relationship with Demelza. It also has my favorite episode: Season 1, Episode 8. That episode broke me so much, thanks to Aidan and Eleanor's perfect performances. It's the only time I ever cried watching this show. I usually cry in period dramas (I've cried countless times in Outlander and Downton Abbey), but for some reason, I only cried once in Poldark. Most of the time, I'm annoyed and infuriated (hahaha but I still love it!)

The romance in Poldark is also quite unique, something I haven't seen before. Ross and Demelza emotionally hurt each other many times in this show, and they don't have the best communication. It's not an ideal marriage, but that's what makes it so raw and real. It hurts when Ross sleeps with his first love Elizabeth or when Demelza falls for the much-sensitive Hugh Armitage, but these are challenges people face all the time, and it's interesting to view it in characters and circumstances through 18th-century lenses. Plus, it can be very tiring to see perfect couples onscreen all the time. So watching Ross and Demelza's relationship thrive, suffer, and reconcile is very refreshing to me.

Nevertheless, Ross and Demelza are still able to work together. Seasons 2 and 3 showcase the worst moments of their marriage, from infidelities to insecurity, but the love between them still perseveres and they learn to forgive. In the end, they realize that they belong together.

And despite the unconventional marriage, Poldark is not a stranger to grand romantic gestures. Two of my favorite Ross and Demelza moments occur in Season 2:

A real funny, old-married-couple type of bicker in The Beach Scene:

And of course, showing all intimacy in The Stocking Scene:

(Let's just not talk about what happened 2 episodes after this!)

The romance in Poldark not only ends with Ross and Demelza. We also got two really good couples in the series: Dwight and Caroline and Drake and Morwenna.

And these love stories don't just happen! They're fleshed-out characters with proper backgrounds and their own problems, especially Drake and Morwenna's relationship. Morwenna is one of my favorite characters, and she doesn't deserve all the shit thrown at her. The last season of Poldark is not the best (bordering on bad, actually, especially the last two episodes), but watching Drake and Morwenna get their happy ending is worth it.

Finishing all five seasons is bittersweet. I enjoyed most of the story and fell in love with different characters. I kind of regret watching everything in one week haha. But what can I say? As soon as I finish each episode, I'm so tempted to start another episode. I think the last time I stayed up until 5 AM the next morning to watch TV shows was Yellowjackets. Poldark's just too good to binge! It's one of my favorite TV shows now. Maybe I'll watch Sanditon next...

I want to write more about Poldark soon, maybe a comparison with Outlander or maybe just a post about each character. I realized I hadn't talked much about Elizabeth, Francis, and George in this post; I was too preoccupied with the love story aspects and Ross and Demelza. We'll see!

#poldark #poldark 2015 #ross poldark #demelza poldark #aidan turner #eleanor tomlinson #period drama #tv shows #a bit of a rant #current obsession!!!!