Poldark - Episode 2 - Advance Preview + Dialogue Teasers

© BBC Pictures
The second episode of the Cornish saga opens with another of the mines, Wheal Reath, being closed down and soldiers turning the miners forcibly away. This leaves even more of the local men out of work, at a time when things are already desperate. Young Jim (Alexander Arnold) turns to Ross to ask for a position at the newly renovated Nampara, and gets taken on as a farm-hand, much to Prudie’s indignation.

Jim is but one of the many unemployed men in the area, and the situation grows ever more desperate for their families as they struggle to survive. There are those from the upper classes who say they sympathise; Charles Poldark for example will wince as he sups his tea and sits in luxury being waited on hand and foot by his diligent daughter. Yet he pays his workers a pittance in wages, knowing full well that he has no rival to offer them a more attractive opportunity. Until now that is, as Ross comes to the conclusion that he must help to turn around the fortunes of locals.

After further investigations down one of the mines that Ross has inherited, Wheal Leisure, he becomes convinced that a hidden vein of copper ore could make reopening it viable option. He lacks the funds to start the venture however, and is reluctant to approach the usual sources as he would prefer benefactors he can depend upon rather than have some that could cut him off without warning. So he must be a tad more resourceful if he is to find a way to come up with the initial investment.

As you can no doubt guess, George Warleggan and his money lending business have something to do with the current misfortunes that are hitting the area hard. I have to admit to that I am someone who does enjoy a well-played nefarious villain, and so far Jack Farthing is doing a stand up job. On the surface he seems extremely amiable and charismatic, yet you can see his cowardly mean streak just bubbling under the surface too. I also like the way he manages to look down on Ross and sees him as inferior, whilst conveying absolute jealousy at the same time. This week sees him whispering secrets in ears and ramping up paranoia with other characters which causes all sorts of mayhem.

I’d like to be able to say that Demelza is settling in well in her new home, but her bone idle co-workers – and I use that term lightly here – are still of a mind that she must leave at all costs. If only they had the forethought to realise who would be doing all the floor scrubbing, fish gutting and laundry if it wasn’t for her presence! It isn’t all drudgery for her this week though. She gets to go on a trip with her boss, have a sneaky wander around his study, and there is the already infamous (albeit all to brief) Ross Poldark naked swimming in the sea scene which she gets on spy on too.

Meanwhile, Verity (Ruby Bentall) is growing a tad weary of her ‘duties’ at home and is starting to suspect the life of a spinster is ahead of her if she doesn’t get herself out there and start meeting people. In steps cousin Ross to escort her to a ball being held at the Assembly Rooms. Verity is character that I have taken to very quickly, it’s impossible not to enjoy the straight forward, no nonsense approach to life that Ruby Bentall brings to the role. Whilst every single available girl and their mother starts throwing themselves at Ross as soon as they enter the building, only one man approaches his ‘date’. Captain Andrew Blamey (Richard Harrington) is smitten from the off, and she falls head over heels for him in return, it’s all very sudden and sweet.

It’s also too good to be true, alas. He is hiding a dark secret that sends her father and brother into a fit of rage and she is barred from ever seeing him again. Will she respect their wishes though, and do what is expected of her, or have the return of the rebellious Ross Poldark and the flutter of true love changed her demeanour to the point that she will disobey their orders?

Episode 2 airs on Sunday 15th March on BBC One and BBC One HD, below are a few dialogue teasers to see you through until then. If you feel that you know some of the characters now and want to have a go at guessing who said what, I will fill in any correct answers before it airs. Don’t forget to come back and vote in our poll after the episode and let us know what you thought.


“Whatever was between you, she has put it behind her, trust me, and so must you” Verity to Ross

“One only has to taste her syllabubs to know their succulents”

“Fifty guineas a piece will secure the first three months. There’s mine”

“I take no-one’s side, but you won’t change the issue with this foolery”

“Take Francis with you, he needs to learn some initiative”

“I fear that I possess few of the requirements of polite society”

“So, now we be home to all the waifs and strays in the county?” Prudie to Ross

“Your cousin divides opinion. Some think him arrogant, others observes a sense of entitlement” George to Francis

“We always were more friends than cousins, I would be sorry if that changed” Francis to Ross

“T’was mining did for him, and he won’t be the last neither. And if he were here today, he tell you to not make the same mistake”


Trailer Teasers

“Tis a sign, mark my words”

Next week the original Ross Poldark from the 1970s series, Robin Ellis, will be cameoing as Judge Halse. You will catch your first glimpse of him in the role in the trailer.

About the Author - Sandi

Sandi is part of the Senior Staff at SpoilerTV having been a contributor from back in the Lost days of DarkUFO, and who now writes previews for Banshee, The Musketeers, Poldark, and other BBC shows. She also enjoys watching and commenting on other shows such as Reign, Hannibal, Game of Thrones and Elementary.

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