A week today at roughly 5.05 pm the Reverend Dr Halse walked out of the card room on the ground floor of George Warleggan’s impressive mansion and disappeared.
It had been a bruising encounter.
That pest, Poldark–more than a pest–a ruffian and a rogue–had challenged him and indeed any of his esteemed colleagues on the bench to “meet” him at any convenient time.
An outrage.
As he headed for the door he was heard muttering:
He is a traitor to his class and he WILL get his come-uppance–such men are dangerous and must not be tolerated!
Next meeting of the justices…!
If it were up to me alone, he’d be following Jim Carter to Bodmin Gaol or better still–the Antipodes.
And then he was gone–in a puff of self-righteous, sulfurous smoke.
* * *
In truth, he popped in a unit car and with Meredith by his side was driven the short distance to the unit camp.
There he was relieved of the wig and the costume and–Jekyll and Hyde-like–resumed his everyday guise as Robin.
In a trice the car was off again, speeding towards Bath and the London train.
All that was left of the Reverend Dr. Halse was a name on the dressing room door–
a pile of sombre 18th century clerical clothes, a beautifully woven wig and a faint smell of sulfur in the air….
Robin Ellis 
Consoled by the fact that the good doctor looks might fine.
Yes, that is quite a wig! You painted a lovely mini-drama with which to start my day. here “in back of beyond”, southwest Missouri.
“Parting is such sweet sorrow”
You are the reason that I will watch the remake of Poldark. Although I’m sure you are going to make an excellent Reverend Dr Halse, you will always be Ross Poldark to me.
Looking forward to see your return to acting Robin! You have been away too long! 🙂
No great loss if the mean minded cleric has disappeared with a faint smell of sulfur. But Robin is still with us… Congratulations, dear friend, for a “job” very well done… How happy and relieved you must feel…
The Rev. Dr. Halse sounds like a sweet, sweet guy — someone that brings love wherever he goes. And what’s with this “Reverand” on the door? I guess the BBC does not care for the conventional spelling of “Reverend”?
How tantalizing!
Your wonderful narrative made me chuckle,Robin…can’t wait to see it !
Ahhh, what wonderful memories—can’t wait to see it!
Oh Robin!
That was a wonderful send-off of a character 🙂
I’m so looking forward to your cameo. I know for sure that I’ll be shedding a few tears when the show comes on here in the States….
Even though I’m happy that the show is being brought back to life, I know that for us ‘die-hard’ Poldark fans, there can only be one, and that’s you.
Hugs to you and Meredith.
Melanie
Melanie – Millions join me in agreeing with you!
Robin – You Will Always Be The One and Only Poldark in Our Hearts!
Warmly,
Karin
Anyone notice that “reverend” was misspelled on the sign?
Aww, was hoping there was more! A duel, at daybreak, perhaps?? Hey, did Dr. Halse clench his jaw that same tantalizing way that his old nemesis did, perchance?? Can’t wait to see it!!
Cheers & hugs!!
I’ve enjoyed your blog for several years without posting a comment, but the phrase “faint smell of sulfur in the air” was delicious enough that I have to offer up a smile and a round of applause.
Thanks Janice!
I will be delighted to see you back on our screens though like others, you are the only Ross for me.
I recently discovered your blog after buying your ‘delicious dishes’ recipe book..
What a lovely book! Can’t wait to cook one of your recipes!
Thanks Robin.
Sulfur Robin?
Wow! You’re scaring me! I am most anxious to see this new production! It must be a totally different experience for you. Glad you have reverted back to nice guy Robin!
I always admired how you could perform so chillingly with glowering hot anger, and such tenderness and understanding. Ross showed us both; it appears Rev. Halse will only show us only the angry parts!
Dearest Doctor, How am I to hate you when I like you SO MUCH??
I will watch it, but I doubt I will like it as much as the original.
I love the way cameos are given to the stars of original iconic productions i.e. ‘Cape Fear’, Robert Mitchum, Gregory Peck, Martin Balsam and ‘Poldark’ Robin Ellis. You are in good company there Robin!
Wow, Lizzie–thanks!
I also love your recipes, and have only 4 more episodes (on dvd) of Season 2 of Poldark to go…..I watched Season I on video……not only are you a marvelous actor, but a master horseman.
Looking forward to the new version ,but I can already hear myself saying “preferred the original actor” whoever is on screen. who’s playing Prudie,anyone know?
Sounds great! I really can’t wait to watch the new series, I hope you enjoyed returning to the world of Poldark even though not in your rightful role, ha! I’m sure Aiden will be a worthy successor, Jane.
Sweet!
I can’t get enough of your writing! You say so much, so interestingly and in so few words! And your humorous touches are just the best!
Robin it must be strange for you to be playing your nemise,looking forward to seeing this rogue.But you are still Ross in our hearts.
Well done, Robin! Can’t wait to see the new series. Hope there’s more acting in your future.
Might be that they said “Clergyman” instead of “Reverand”….(sic).
Beautifully told, Robin. Now, Di and I are even more eager to see Poldark’s resurrection. More please! Love to you & Meredith
looking forward to seeing you in poldark country again!
It all sounds so brilliant Robin, what a superb evocation of the scene. You certainly can turn your hand to any role.
I love the Antipodean reference – we’re not too bad a bunch though! Perhaps your goodly self and Meredith might wing your way here one day. I would be first in line to roll out the red carpet.
Very best wishes
Thanks, Lana–we’ll remember that!
Dear Mr. Ellis, You have no idea of the hours of enjoyment and enlightenment I have gotten from the Poldark Series. It was (and is) a magnificent production. My ancestors came from Dev
Wish it was you playing Poldark again! Thank heaven for the DVDs!
If you’re heading to the Antipodes with Meredith at any time in the future Robin, don’t forget Australia (it’s pretty hard to miss, eh?) Cheers!
I like the sulfur part.
looking forward to watching the series
Oh, it will be so odd watching this new Poldark. I grew up watching your version, reverently. It is extremely beloved among my family and though we know that the new is surely being done with great respect and care, it will be odd not to see you as Ross Poldark.
I am afraid you will always be Ross Poldark. I will watch the new one with interest and a critical eye. So sad many of the orginals are no longer with us.
Thank you, Alison–so good you are going to watch the new one!