Amazon Synopsis: 1794: War and the revolution in France hang over Britain.
In Cornwall, George Warleggan grows his empire with a view to crush the Poldarks while Ross and Demelza attempt to keep the peace and repair their relationship at Nampara. However, the arrival of Demelza’s brothers disturbs the fragile truce and Ross must ask himself how long he can allow George’s ascent to continue unchecked…
Facing battles both at home and abroad, will Ross answer the call and risk losing everything he holds dear?
Show: Poldark. Series 3
Channel: BBC
Date: 2017
I wasn’t initially certain whether I was going to write this review. I admitted that I wasn’t overly fond of one of the main characters in series 2 and, put it this way, people weren’t happy with me for saying it. My review = my opinion.
I also wasn’t overly fond of Poldark as a whole after series 2. I felt the plot had stagnated and not progressed from series 1. With that in mind, I was a little dubious about series 3.
I am pleased to say that series 3 was far more enjoyable!
The plot finally moved on (for the most part) from the Elizabeth/Ross/Demelza triangle. That doesn’t mean this doesn’t play a part: Ross still has to make amends to his wife after the events of the last series and their easy relationship isn’t what it once was.
But an influx of new characters stopped this series feeling like a repetition of the previous two. Demelza’s brothers, Drake and Sam, arrive on the scene to stay. Drake takes up Ross’ mantle of taking off his shirt against a gorgeous backdrop and giving the viewers something to swoon over.
While Sam attempts to preach to all those who will listen, Drake finds love in the form of Jeffrey Charles’ new governess and Elizabeth’s cousin, Morwenna. Morwenna tries to resist his charms, but with Jeffrey Charles’ encouragement, a romance blossoms. One that, naturally, George utterly forbids and tries to destroy.
Although the story remained focused on Ross and his family, there were a few episodes where they were not the main story: it belonged to the younger members. This was refreshing and added new life into the programme – we could once again get swept up in an unlikely love, bringing back the charm from the first series when Ross and Demelza first fell for each other. And although we know their love is doomed (because it wouldn’t be Poldark without a few broken hearts!), it lightened the mood compared to some episodes.
There was more action in this series. Ross must travel to revolutionary France in order to break Dwight out of prison. He must also help the villagers prepare for the threat of invasion. Not everything is muskets and swords though; Drake encounters violence at the hands of Tom Harry under George’s instructions. It is cliché to say it, but there were some darker scenes in this series. That being said, this contrasted nicely with the new romance and offered a balance across the series.
I worried that the finale would revert back to its usual love triangle. But for once, we actually see Ross accept that he is over Elizabeth. Only, it is too late for Demelza, who is tired of trusting him only to be disappointed. It was a highly charged final few scenes that leaves the viewer in doubt as to whether their marriage will survive a further series.
This series was worth watching and has left me encouraged about what will happen next time!
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A Rambling Reviewer 