POLDARK: Three Twists to Explore

Poldark, as it does every season, takes to raising more questions than it gives answers in an hour’s time.

In the aftermath of Ross’ (Aidan Turner) acquittal, nothing is simple and everyone is worrying about the future. There were three big twists during the episode, each one that makes me more curious about the season than I was last week.

1. Paynter’s “Death” – What will it mean if George’s men are found out, as Ross suspects, in this grand scheme of Warleggan’s to ruin Ross. It is going far enough to use Paynter against Ross in the first place, but to kill him rather than simply beating him to a pulp could be a disaster for George. Machinations are one thing, of course, though it seems George’s plans are inching closer and closer to something that makes him truly villainous, rather than just a protagonist who seeks power and money. But perhaps Paynter’s only being unconscious for a few days will have other consequences for George and Ross.

2. Francis’ Renewed Spirit – What a difference Ross’ acquittal can mean to Francis! Now that Ross is not send to his death, Francis’ own ideas of killing himself seem well and truly gone. He has a pep in his step, and a vitality that has never been seen on the show. Francis wants to use some money he has to try his own hand at mining. Though that idea sounds wonderful, as we know from Ross, mining isn’t an easy living, nor a promise of returns on that investment.

3. Ross’ Feelings for Elizabeth versus Ross’ Feelings for Demelza – Is Ross one to look for pleasure elsewhere? It seems as if he might when he drunkenly talks to Elizabeth about the life they could have had if she had waited for him. But Demelza finally admits to Ross that she’s with child after his confession to Elizabeth and he seems happy again to have a life with her. Which life will be the one he wants to keep? For much of last season he was jealous of Francis for Elizabeth, but if both sides of the Poldarks are to be friends, will there be more at stake?

Poldark airs on Sundays at 9PM on PBS.