Poldark

I too am a huge fan of the Winston Graham novels and especially the original Poldark series that I watched as a young girl. I was a bit skeptical that they could remake such a classic but I am pleasantly surprised and how much I am loving this show so far. Aidan portrays Ross Poldark so well and is hot hot hot to say the least. The girl who plays Demelza (sorry her name escapes me at present) is great. I remember her from The White Queen mini-series and was impressed with her then. I was totally enthralled from beginning to end. The chemistry between Ross & Demelza is amazing, just how it should be. This series is well casted and well written. I am hooked! Hope it is around for a long long time. I am definitely a fan.

The original Poldark was from what I would describe as the "golden age" of UK television. Poldark sat happily alongside wonderful series like Upstairs and Downstairs, The Onedin Line, The Duchess of Duke St and War and Peace.

Set in 18th century Britain, Ross Poldark, played by Aidan Turner, is a nobleman who shuns social convention. Ross's warmth and his ability to see the true humanity in people, is in stark contrast to the callous, class based snobbery of many of his supposedly, noble peers.

Poldark is at its core a romance but it avoids the "bodice ripper" label by maintaining a very grounded approach to romantic storytelling mixing in a strong social commentary and wry humour.

The cast of Poldark are to a man and women excellent. Turner is exceptional as Poldark. As is Eleanor Tomlinson who offers up an at times very funny but also deeply touching performance, as Demelza. The remaining cast which is both UK and international, are also extremely talented and well suited to their respective roles.

In summary, this is a superb series. It recaptures the golden age of UK television, for those of us old enough to remember it.For those who do not, you are in for a real treat. 10 out of 10 from me.

I use IMDB all the time to look at reviews but I never leave them. I signed up for an account just so I could rate this series BECAUSE IT IS THAT AWESOME. The only thing that I wish was different is that there were more episodes in a season. Ross Poldark is one of my favorite characters of all time. I can't say enough about how good this show is and everyone involved deserves accolades from the actors to the producers and writers and costume and set designers. The filmography is spectacular. I hope there are many more seasons to come (preferably with more episodes in each season). I also would love to see more television like this. I love historical fiction but a lot of television includes way too much violence, rape, and heroes with extremely confusing and questionable ethics. I like how the characters are flawed and realistic, but still recognizably noble and heroic. There are underlying messages about humanity's flaws and how we do suffer the consequences of our actions but also the value of love, forgiveness, and compassion is emphasized.

... Series 5. Where it completely jumped the shark and became one big yawn, hammering home it's message of political correctness.

Such a shame to end it one such a poor note, as up until this series, it had been one of my favourite TV programmes of all time.

The first four series are marvellous, full of action, romance and intrigue. I shall just pretend it finished there.

Poldark is a most promising series with a lively young cast and strong storyline - who can resist an eternal triangle = against the dramatic backdrop of the Cornish coast, and Aidan Turner is a likable hero whose rugged looks create a hit with the local ladies.

Apart from the cameraman's preoccupation of showing us the Cornish coast from the saddle of Poldark's horse, it is visually stunning and the period enhances the feel of a young man returning from war to an uncertain future and trying to resurrect the family fortune in a disused mine.

Of course Demelza is not the child the series would have us believe, but children grew up much quicker in those far off days, and Demelza's poverty and problems with her family would force her to grow up faster than most. You already sense with her mining background and her willingness to work hard for very little, she is going to be of great use to Ross Poldark. Of course Poldark's obsession with Elizabeth is going to make the series more interesting but I am happily hooked and I vaguely remember the 70's series I have a feeling this is going to be superior in most respects. Roll on Sunday nights!!!

Mary Gumsley