Not quite as great as last week's but still a fab episode. I liked Elizabeth going to congratulate Demelza on the birth of Julia, the two of them bonding as mother seemed a natural thing to happen after we saw their barriers break down somewhat during Xmas in the last episode. I also liked how she spoke about Francis, both behind his back to Ross - about his whoring and thinking of just himself - and when she and Agatha were explaining to Verity how he had lost the mine in a game of cards. Francis has been a complete idiot, a weak and selfish man and deserved everything she said.
Like I said in my preview, I enjoyed the fact that Verity and the Captain's reunion took place in the middle of the riot. It is a foreshadowing of how the relationship will be viewed by the family I fear, and it also heightened the emotion of the scene.
I don't trust that Keren one little bit, I imagine Mark is going to have his hands full with that one!
Yes, I was a little bit too. There doesn't seem to have been much explanation as to why he's become so dead set against Blamey and his past now when he wasn't before the duel. He certainly seems much closer to Verity than he does Francis, so you would imagine that he'd prefer her happiness over his.
Another great episode but I couldn't help coming away feeling very annoyed at Ross. He claims he loves Demelza and he is her "humble servant" and yet he spent the entire episode pining over Elizabeth. But I suppose this is just the way their story plays out, I'm just not one for love triangles. Theyre very repetitive so I wonder how long it'll take for him to realise he loves Demelza again, I'm predicting quite a few of these epiphanies on his part now. Im so happy for verity and against my own wishes I have started to warm to Elizabeth. She shows alot of strength (and sass!) In this episode so I tip my hat to her. Next episode seems to show the return of reckless Ross, and this is just after him giving Demelza a lecture on the increasing 'recklessness' going about...it is indeed catching sir. I'm quite excited to see Demelza have a good dance even if its not with Ross. in fact perhaps then he might realise what an idiot he's being. As I've said on tumblr: I still love him, but if he hurts Demelza I will not hesitate to push him off one of those cliffs he seems so fond of brooding on.
I felt a little annoyed with Ross too. His feelings for Elizabeth seem to be bubbling to the surface. I guess after the perfection of episode 4 we should expect some angst between Ross and Demelza.
LOL at the thought of pushing a brooding Ross over the cliffs!!!
Yeah, I guess you're right there. It just seems to clash against his giving others the benefit of the doubt in order to have their heart's desire. I suppose we're meant to be seeing his not going there with Elizabeth as a parallel to how he feels Verity should be too, as if he feels his 'sacrifice' is along the same lines perhaps?
So with you there on the triangle, it was the first time it grated on me a bit this week, and I'm surprised it was from Ross rather than from Elizabeth in many ways. Like you, I'm warily warming to her...though Francis' jealous jab from Xmas will not leave my mind totally. Is she just playing the long game and showing Ross how sweet and strong she can be, what he could have had and lost? I dunno, I am a little conflicted there still I must admit. Though, as you say, her sass is pretty damn impressive, I really am enjoying Heida Reed's performance!
Agreed. Also, with these four episode being from the Demelza novel I guess some of these insecurities might be more apparent than they would be than they were from the Ross Poldark one of the first half of the season. It almost felt as though episode 4 was a bit of a mid-season finale in a way, everything came together and ended well. So now we meet some new faces, and some things will start to fall apart a bit.
I share your confusion on this, Sandi. It may be something that's better explained in the book, but I really don't have a clue from watching the show. It's coming across as if Ross doesn't want to stir things up to help Verity because he's busy with his mine and the concerns of his own business. Which is understandable, but definitely selfish. Not to mention, it's v. hypocritical of him not to want another member of his family to get happiness via going against society when that is pretty much all Ross does on a daily basis. So, it was okay for him to marry his maid, and scandalise everyone, but he can't support Verity going against Francis for her happiness, even now that Uncle Charles is dead? I mean, seriously, one good talking to from Ross, and Francis would cave. It doesn't even make sense for Francis to fight it anymore, as Verity being married would save him the cost of supporting her.
I know that when being interviewed about the character, Aidan was at pains to point out that Ross is not all good guy but is much more complex, and we certainly began to see that this episode.
"I suppose we're meant to be seeing his not going there with Elizabeth as a parallel to how he feels Verity should be too, as if he feels his 'sacrifice' is along the same lines perhaps?"
I just can't see this. Unless Ross is deranged. Ross is married to a beautiful woman whom he loves. I really don't think at this point he thinks not being with Elizabeth is THAT big of a sacrifice. Whereas obviously Verity not having a husband means her life is essentially empty - the total opposite of what Ross has.
That makes perfect sense considering in this episode it was completely obvious that he still has feelings for Elizabeth, which was another big disapointment for me, not the fact that the still has them, but that he was so blatanly obvious about them with Verity.
I didn't get the impression he spent the entire episode pining over Elizabeth. He was looking at her talking to Demelza at the party, and then Verity brought up the topic of his old feelings for her - which could be construed as Verity thinking as much about herself and Blamey (I mean, Lawd, that girl can hold a torch!) as Ross and Elizabeth. He was out of order with the "perhaps I would [like both of them]" comment, but again, Verity brought that on, and Ross is very dry and likes to be stirring and mischievous in his comments.
I think Ross feels sorry for the situation Elizabeth finds her in, and wishes he could 'rescue' her in some way (I mean, he rescues EVERYONE, let's face it). I also do think she's 'the one that got away' for him, and he still has the hankering that comes from that when someone has a passionate nature, as he clearly does.
But it also seemed clear to me that his attentions this episode were on his mine and his family's fortunes and his new daughter and Demelza. His relationship with Demelza is still very affectionate (lots of little kisses and touches) and loving. When, at the end, Elizabeth was walking away from the mine and he followed her, BEFORE he went, he looked at Demelza for permission, and she gave it with the tiniest nod (the acting was so subtle, but it was there). Ross and Demelza are partners, as demonstrated by their honest conversations, and Ross sharing everything with her about the business etc. I can see why people were hoping their relationship would always be as spectacular as it was in Ep 4, but it's realistic that the honeymoon period would calm down. I'm sure various sh*t will hit the fan between Ross and Demelza (the story is high drama, after all), but I think they will stick.
Exactly. I do think the way it's being adapted makes the structure a bit confusing for a TV audience. In a way, it's two mini-seasons of 4 eps instead of one of 8. I also think the TV writer probably feels there is a need to remind the audience of the connection between Ross and Elizabeth because it's a theme that weaves throughout the whole saga, but it can be difficult to do that and not make it seem a bigger thing than intended in any one episode, particularly as much of the audience is now so heavily invested in Ross/Demelza. I've seen a lot of people upset about Ross paying any attention to Elizabeth, which could be seen as not much more than concern about an old friend (he is not visiting her behind Demelza's back, or anything like that), and seeming to miss that there were close conversations and much affection and kissing still between Ross and Demelza.
Man, this is going to be very tricky for the writer and actors to handle as things move forward. There could be some VERY unhappy campers amongst audience members if/when Ross upsets Demelza in any way. I think Aidan might have brought this on a bit with his portrayal of Ross (i.e. making this a bigger thing than just the words on the page would lead to). A large chunk of the audience is pretty much in love with Ross Poldark, and Demelza is their substitute, and if/when he screws up with her, they are going to take it personally.
I'd read that Elizabeth is kind of a wet fish in the books, and doesn't seem to have much to recommend her apart from her beauty, which is almost constantly referred to, so I'm glad they're making her more complex in the show. She definitely has backbone. I think her friendship with Demelza is genuine enough, but I also think there's an element of her wanting to be nice to her to impress Ross - both of those are natural enough in her situation. I do think Elizabeth is going to do what is best for Elizabeth, though.
Yes see this is what is also holding me back. Whereas Ive seen alot of people say they like her now I cant help but feel that maybe francis was right...she didnt exactly deny it. And although I havent warmed to her I certainly dont believe shes evil you can definitely see some goodness I her, but I can see a jealously in her that I hope isnt acted on. I quite like the idea of her and demelza being friends. Girl power and all that!!
Ahaha! I'm with you lucy, whats a ship without a little angst? Episode 4 was perfect and I think it would be silly for us to assume their relationship with be all smooth sailing from here on in. No I'm expecting many bumps but thats tv drama for you. Love triangles make good drama but the leave me anxious and frustrated waiting to see what will happen next!!
Oh no I didnt mean that at all! Of course he still loves her, in fact I believe his love for demelza goes far deeper than that of his infatuation with elizabeth, however he does sometimes seem to take her for granted and having read the books I know there are many, many occasions when ross "realises" who he truly loves. That being said both ross and demelza are stunning character with equal amounts of flaws, not everyone can be perfect ahaha
Yes, same here, I am enjoying their friendship and would hate for it to be a cover for Elizabeth getting closer to Ross, but at the same time that would a be a good way to go about it wouldn't it...
I am enjoying the subtleties at play in the show, the guessing game is more entertaining than in your face drama.
I think most of the audience already know that his love, or longing at least, never really goes away for Elizabeth, that's one of the biggest arcs of the novels essentially. With the way it's being played at present it does make me wonder how they will approach 'that' scene in book four. As Elizabeth is being portrayed as quite a sympathetic character she is either going to have a big turn around, or we will have a rather more villainous lead than expected.
I do wonder how Verity cope carrying that nugget of information around, he was an idiot to tell her of all people really, especially in a room where someone like Ruth Teague could have overheard him!
Well exactly, that's my point, lol. From his point of view though, he probably sees it as he did sacrifice his happiness when he returned from America, and being the brooder that he is he still ruminates on that fact, cos he's a bit of a pratt at times it seems. He's very much a flawed man, and I think we're definitely going to see more of that in the future.
I know that Ross/Demelza are endgame, but I can't help loving Elizabeth and wanting Ross and she are together. Demelza is a sweet girl but Elizabeth is more complex and I think she is better couple for Ross. The screenwriters are going to transform Elizabeth into a bad person and this way everyone will hate her, but at this point I think she is a very interesting character and, IMO, her only mistake has been to sacrifice her happiness and Ross’s happiness to do her duty with Francys.
They've certainly done a great job at making Elizabeth a much more interesting and likeable character than she has ever been perceived before. I do wonder what will be in store for her in the future and how it will play out in this version.
I think losing the mine will push Elizabeth towards the dark side.... She's not a "happy camper" at the moment with Louis (oops I mean Francis, getting my spineless characters mixed-up) I do think she's being honest with her well wishes for Ross, Demelza, and Julia....(that's nice to see) Demelza is really growing into the Lady of the Manor....Trying to help Mark and Keren with the house, working for Verity's happiness....
You are right Keren already has eyes for Dr Enys....she just wanted out of life on the road / dad..... Heartbreak ahead for Mark...
Elizabeth see just how deep the dud runs in Francis when he loses the mine in a card game.... I'm shocked they're going to have Ross do the same thing next episode.... Things must be really desperate for him to risk it all.
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Was disapointed in Ross Poldark this episode!!
ReplyDeleteNot quite as great as last week's but still a fab episode. I liked Elizabeth going to congratulate Demelza on the birth of Julia, the two of them bonding as mother seemed a natural thing to happen after we saw their barriers break down somewhat during Xmas in the last episode. I also liked how she spoke about Francis, both behind his back to Ross - about his whoring and thinking of just himself - and when she and Agatha were explaining to Verity how he had lost the mine in a game of cards. Francis has been a complete idiot, a weak and selfish man and deserved everything she said.
ReplyDeleteLike I said in my preview, I enjoyed the fact that Verity and the Captain's reunion took place in the middle of the riot. It is a foreshadowing of how the relationship will be viewed by the family I fear, and it also heightened the emotion of the scene.
I don't trust that Keren one little bit, I imagine Mark is going to have his hands full with that one!
Yes, I was a little bit too. There doesn't seem to have been much explanation as to why he's become so dead set against Blamey and his past now when he wasn't before the duel. He certainly seems much closer to Verity than he does Francis, so you would imagine that he'd prefer her happiness over his.
ReplyDeleteAnother great episode but I couldn't help coming away feeling very annoyed at Ross. He claims he loves Demelza and he is her "humble servant" and yet he spent the entire episode pining over Elizabeth. But I suppose this is just the way their story plays out, I'm just not one for love triangles. Theyre very repetitive so I wonder how long it'll take for him to realise he loves Demelza again, I'm predicting quite a few of these epiphanies on his part now. Im so happy for verity and against my own wishes I have started to warm to Elizabeth. She shows alot of strength (and sass!) In this episode so I tip my hat to her. Next episode seems to show the return of reckless Ross, and this is just after him giving Demelza a lecture on the increasing 'recklessness' going about...it is indeed catching sir. I'm quite excited to see Demelza have a good dance even if its not with Ross. in fact perhaps then he might realise what an idiot he's being. As I've said on tumblr: I still love him, but if he hurts Demelza I will not hesitate to push him off one of those cliffs he seems so fond of brooding on.
ReplyDeleteI think its because in the previous episode on his Uncle's death he gave him his word to look after Francis and the family and their name.
ReplyDeleteI felt a little annoyed with Ross too. His feelings for Elizabeth seem to be bubbling to the surface. I guess after the perfection of episode 4 we should expect some angst between Ross and Demelza.
ReplyDeleteLOL at the thought of pushing a brooding Ross over the cliffs!!!
Yeah, I guess you're right there. It just seems to clash against his giving others the benefit of the doubt in order to have their heart's desire. I suppose we're meant to be seeing his not going there with Elizabeth as a parallel to how he feels Verity should be too, as if he feels his 'sacrifice' is along the same lines perhaps?
ReplyDeleteSo with you there on the triangle, it was the first time it grated on me a bit this week, and I'm surprised it was from Ross rather than from Elizabeth in many ways. Like you, I'm warily warming to her...though Francis' jealous jab from Xmas will not leave my mind totally. Is she just playing the long game and showing Ross how sweet and strong she can be, what he could have had and lost? I dunno, I am a little conflicted there still I must admit. Though, as you say, her sass is pretty damn impressive, I really am enjoying Heida Reed's performance!
ReplyDeleteAgreed. Also, with these four episode being from the Demelza novel I guess some of these insecurities might be more apparent than they would be than they were from the Ross Poldark one of the first half of the season. It almost felt as though episode 4 was a bit of a mid-season finale in a way, everything came together and ended well. So now we meet some new faces, and some things will start to fall apart a bit.
ReplyDeleteI share your confusion on this, Sandi. It may be something that's better explained in the book, but I really don't have a clue from watching the show. It's coming across as if Ross doesn't want to stir things up to help Verity because he's busy with his mine and the concerns of his own business. Which is understandable, but definitely selfish. Not to mention, it's v. hypocritical of him not to want another member of his family to get happiness via going against society when that is pretty much all Ross does on a daily basis. So, it was okay for him to marry his maid, and scandalise everyone, but he can't support Verity going against Francis for her happiness, even now that Uncle Charles is dead? I mean, seriously, one good talking to from Ross, and Francis would cave. It doesn't even make sense for Francis to fight it anymore, as Verity being married would save him the cost of supporting her.
ReplyDeleteI know that when being interviewed about the character, Aidan was at pains to point out that Ross is not all good guy but is much more complex, and we certainly began to see that this episode.
"I suppose we're meant to be seeing his not going there with Elizabeth as a parallel to how he feels Verity should be too, as if he feels his 'sacrifice' is along the same lines perhaps?"
ReplyDeleteI just can't see this. Unless Ross is deranged. Ross is married to a beautiful woman whom he loves. I really don't think at this point he thinks not being with Elizabeth is THAT big of a sacrifice. Whereas obviously Verity not having a husband means her life is essentially empty - the total opposite of what Ross has.
That makes perfect sense considering in this episode it was completely obvious that he still has feelings for Elizabeth, which was another big disapointment for me, not the fact that the still has them, but that he was so blatanly obvious about them with Verity.
ReplyDeleteI didn't get the impression he spent the entire episode pining over Elizabeth. He was looking at her talking to Demelza at the party, and then Verity brought up the topic of his old feelings for her - which could be construed as Verity thinking as much about herself and Blamey (I mean, Lawd, that girl can hold a torch!) as Ross and Elizabeth. He was out of order with the "perhaps I would [like both of them]" comment, but again, Verity brought that on, and Ross is very dry and likes to be stirring and mischievous in his comments.
ReplyDeleteI think Ross feels sorry for the situation Elizabeth finds her in, and wishes he could 'rescue' her in some way (I mean, he rescues EVERYONE, let's face it). I also do think she's 'the one that got away' for him, and he still has the hankering that comes from that when someone has a passionate nature, as he clearly does.
But it also seemed clear to me that his attentions this episode were on his mine and his family's fortunes and his new daughter and Demelza. His relationship with Demelza is still very affectionate (lots of little kisses and touches) and loving. When, at the end, Elizabeth was walking away from the mine and he followed her, BEFORE he went, he looked at Demelza for permission, and she gave it with the tiniest nod (the acting was so subtle, but it was there). Ross and Demelza are partners, as demonstrated by their honest conversations, and Ross sharing everything with her about the business etc. I can see why people were hoping their relationship would always be as spectacular as it was in Ep 4, but it's realistic that the honeymoon period would calm down. I'm sure various sh*t will hit the fan between Ross and Demelza (the story is high drama, after all), but I think they will stick.
Forgot to add: I don't think he has to fall in love with Demelza again. I think he's still head over heels for her. She is the partner of his life.
ReplyDeleteExactly. I do think the way it's being adapted makes the structure a bit confusing for a TV audience. In a way, it's two mini-seasons of 4 eps instead of one of 8. I also think the TV writer probably feels there is a need to remind the audience of the connection between Ross and Elizabeth because it's a theme that weaves throughout the whole saga, but it can be difficult to do that and not make it seem a bigger thing than intended in any one episode, particularly as much of the audience is now so heavily invested in Ross/Demelza. I've seen a lot of people upset about Ross paying any attention to Elizabeth, which could be seen as not much more than concern about an old friend (he is not visiting her behind Demelza's back, or anything like that), and seeming to miss that there were close conversations and much affection and kissing still between Ross and Demelza.
ReplyDeleteMan, this is going to be very tricky for the writer and actors to handle as things move forward. There could be some VERY unhappy campers amongst audience members if/when Ross upsets Demelza in any way. I think Aidan might have brought this on a bit with his portrayal of Ross (i.e. making this a bigger thing than just the words on the page would lead to). A large chunk of the audience is pretty much in love with Ross Poldark, and Demelza is their substitute, and if/when he screws up with her, they are going to take it personally.
This was a set-up episode for the rest of the season. I'm not sure my heart can take what I fear is to come.
ReplyDeleteKeren is Trouble with a capital 'T'.
I'd read that Elizabeth is kind of a wet fish in the books, and doesn't seem to have much to recommend her apart from her beauty, which is almost constantly referred to, so I'm glad they're making her more complex in the show. She definitely has backbone. I think her friendship with Demelza is genuine enough, but I also think there's an element of her wanting to be nice to her to impress Ross - both of those are natural enough in her situation. I do think Elizabeth is going to do what is best for Elizabeth, though.
ReplyDeleteYes see this is what is also holding me back. Whereas Ive seen alot of people say they like her now I cant help but feel that maybe francis was right...she didnt exactly deny it. And although I havent warmed to her I certainly dont believe shes evil you can definitely see some goodness I her, but I can see a jealously in her that I hope isnt acted on. I quite like the idea of her and demelza being friends. Girl power and all that!!
ReplyDeleteAhaha! I'm with you lucy, whats a ship without a little angst? Episode 4 was perfect and I think it would be silly for us to assume their relationship with be all smooth sailing from here on in. No I'm expecting many bumps but thats tv drama for you. Love triangles make good drama but the leave me anxious and frustrated waiting to see what will happen next!!
ReplyDeleteOh no I didnt mean that at all! Of course he still loves her, in fact I believe his love for demelza goes far deeper than that of his infatuation with elizabeth, however he does sometimes seem to take her for granted and having read the books I know there are many, many occasions when ross "realises" who he truly loves. That being said both ross and demelza are stunning character with equal amounts of flaws, not everyone can be perfect ahaha
ReplyDeleteYes, same here, I am enjoying their friendship and would hate for it to be a cover for Elizabeth getting closer to Ross, but at the same time that would a be a good way to go about it wouldn't it...
ReplyDeleteI am enjoying the subtleties at play in the show, the guessing game is more entertaining than in your face drama.
I think most of the audience already know that his love, or longing at least, never really goes away for Elizabeth, that's one of the biggest arcs of the novels essentially. With the way it's being played at present it does make me wonder how they will approach 'that' scene in book four. As Elizabeth is being portrayed as quite a sympathetic character she is either going to have a big turn around, or we will have a rather more villainous lead than expected.
ReplyDeleteI do wonder how Verity cope carrying that nugget of information around, he was an idiot to tell her of all people really, especially in a room where someone like Ruth Teague could have overheard him!
ReplyDeleteWell exactly, that's my point, lol. From his point of view though, he probably sees it as he did sacrifice his happiness when he returned from America, and being the brooder that he is he still ruminates on that fact, cos he's a bit of a pratt at times it seems. He's very much a flawed man, and I think we're definitely going to see more of that in the future.
ReplyDeleteI know that Ross/Demelza are endgame, but I can't help loving Elizabeth and wanting Ross and she are together. Demelza is a sweet girl but Elizabeth is more complex and I think she is better couple for Ross. The screenwriters are going to transform Elizabeth into a bad person and this way everyone will hate her, but at this point I think she is a very interesting character and, IMO, her only mistake has been to sacrifice her happiness and Ross’s happiness to do her duty with Francys.
ReplyDeleteThey've certainly done a great job at making Elizabeth a much more interesting and likeable character than she has ever been perceived before. I do wonder what will be in store for her in the future and how it will play out in this version.
ReplyDeleteI think losing the mine will push Elizabeth towards the dark side.... She's not a "happy camper" at the moment with Louis (oops I mean Francis, getting my spineless characters mixed-up) I do think she's being honest with her well wishes for Ross, Demelza, and Julia....(that's nice to see)
ReplyDeleteDemelza is really growing into the Lady of the Manor....Trying to help Mark and Keren with the house, working for Verity's happiness....
You are right Keren already has eyes for Dr Enys....she just wanted out of life on the road / dad..... Heartbreak ahead for Mark...
Elizabeth see just how deep the dud runs in Francis when he loses the mine in a card game.... I'm shocked they're going to have Ross do the same thing next episode.... Things must be really desperate for him to risk it all.
I like last weeks ep better ... there were also no shirtless Ross scenes in this ep ... coincidence? I think not.
ReplyDelete