It’s Sunday night again, and I’ve returned to share my thoughts on the latest episode of Poldark! We left off last week with a whole lot of pining by the sea, waiting for news of husbands. This week opens with much the same, as Demelza and son Jeremy (who doesn’t get nearly enough screen time in my opinion) continue their scenic vigil on the cliffs of Cornwall. Sorry Jeremy, Daddy has gone off to swashbuckle around France and search for Dr. Enys. Let’s see how this little rescue mission pans out and check in with the rest of the gang in episode two!
(Major Spoilers Ahead)
The Adventures of Pirate Ross on Cutthroat Island
We find Ross and his creeptastic buddy Tholly wandering the “quaint little market town” of Roscoff, France. The only problem is the French are busy ruining everything by slitting throats and lopping off heads with reckless abandon. You know, cause they want “independence” or something…DO YOU HEAR THE PEOPLE SING?! (I know Les Miserables takes place 40 years later, but it makes me smile. Don’t @ me).
They meet up with some shady dude in an even shadier tavern and start trying to buy information about the whereabouts of Dr. Enys. Of course it takes about 5 minutes for the resident French Tavern Wench to start eye-raping Ross from across the room. I mean, who can blame her? Sorry lady! Ross learned his lesson on infidelity. Unfortunately he has not learned how the whole “woman scorned” thing works. Wouldn’t it have been easier to find another shady tavern? I’m sure they are there in abundance. French wench turns him in as a spy and almost gets him executed (because that story line isn’t getting old). He gets banished from the city and placed on a boat home. He wastes no time sneaking back in a not-so convincing disguise and she turns him again! Don’t worry! He’s basically a pirate ninja now, and he escapes to ride home to Demelza with the information he was seeking. I am a little confused as to why he didn’t stay to help Dr. Enys escape? You’re already there dude, complete the mission!
The Church vs. The Church
By now, you may be wondering how Demelza’s brothers are settling into their new home? These two good little Methodists are bee-bopping around town preaching the good word to anyone who will listen. You may remember last week they upset George and got booted from attending services at the local congregation. You’re probably thinking that good little budding preacher boys take the high road and run along to start their own church elsewhere, and you would be correct…mostly. They’ve also started staging peaceful protests outside of George’s church, because church folks protesting other church folks makes about as much sense as the Westboro Baptist people protesting funerals. Do you think George is going to handle this with grace and pray for their souls?
The Majestic Magistrate
“Now that I’m a magistrate…” “As magistrate…” I roll my eyes and gag every time George uses one of these phrases. I might have to turn this into a drinking game to make it bearable. Justice of the peace indeed! He can’t even keep the peace in his own church!
Were you under the impression George had a shred of human decency in him somewhere? You’re about to be disappointed. In a rare moment of intelligent thought, Elizabeth tries to rein in his reign of terror by pointing out that his methods might be inducing “fear rather than respect.” For a second I thought he might agree with her, but when one of his pal’s sons is accused of inappropriate behavior towards a woman, George charges the accuser with perjury! I’m not sure what the punishment is for this offence, but judging by her reaction (and the fact that Elizabeth starts sedating herself to deal with her disgust), my guess is not good. Now that George had his manservant track down the names of Demelza’s brothers, I’m also guessing he has a plan to throw his new found power around to bring some misery down on their heads as well. Lucky for George, he is not in France. They know how to take care of those who abuse their power.
Side note: Any chance drug addict Elizabeth is more pleasant than the previous version?
Palate Cleanser
In case you are still shivering from that super gag-worthy kissing scene with George and Elizabeth, we got you!
Are Elizabeth and George seriously getting all hot and bothered over their mutual dislike of Ross? Is Elizabeth’s dislike even genuine, or is she eager to skip town to avoid all of the comments on her new son’s looks? Or could this rage come from a bruised ego, much like the French Wench?
At least we got a little (almost) action between Drake and Morwenna to balance out that grossness. I hope they get a few more happy moments in before George takes his revenge on the Carne boys for upsetting his Sunday mornings.
When will hurricane George make landfall on the Cornwall shores? Tune in next week and check back here for another recap!
