The spectacularly staged cliffhanger ending of last night’s 8th and final episode of the First Season of the new Poldark left us and poor Demelza on the edge of the abyss–literally.
The audience with a 12-month wait and Demelza looking at a precipice of worry and uncertainty.
WOW!
Poldark‘s explosion into the nation’s consciousness in the UK is phenomenal. (I’m enjoying riding on the coattails, albeit with a feeling of déjà vu!).
Poldark is referenced daily in the British zeitgeist–in cartoons, radio, TV print and online–sometimes with a political twist and even academic papers discussing its historical context.
The ancient art of scything is experiencing a re-examination; Colin Firth is getting some free publicity and the British Chancellor George Osborne—at the height of an unpredictable election campaign—finds time to be a fan!
It seems the time was right for Captain Ross Poldark to gallop back into the national psyche and turn up the temperature on Sunday nights.
Aidan Turner has done just that with nobs on–if you’ll pardon the expression, supported by a wonderful ensemble.
His passionate performance as Ross is at the epicenter of the storm over Poldark and it’s exciting to watch him take the thing by the scruff of the neck–literally in the case of the wretched Matthew Sansom. (Good riddance, I say, he was intolerably impertinent to Rev. Dr. Halse at the card table).
Spoiler alert–skip the next paragraph if you have not yet seen all of the first new series.
Eleanor Tomlinson as Demelza–losing her first born and husband at a stroke–matches Aidan, playing Demelza with an honesty that anchors the piece firmly within the truth-telling universe created in the novels by Winston Graham.
She and Aidan have established the emotional heart of the piece–and it’s that that attracts the audience back each week.
As Meredith has just said, it is certainly not my wigs!
There are a couple of academic articles suggesting why the 1970s was “ripe” for the film adaptation of Graham; the arguments are redolent of the time we are in now: both economically harsh …
It has been a fantastic 8 weeks. Something to look forward to each weekend. Like the good old days. Also without doubt a huge success for everyone involved including yourself. So now back to boring old Sunday nights. I have so enjoyed every second of every episode. Thank you. Kindest Regards Jane.
Think Aidenand the cast did a grand job , wasn’t sure if I was going to enjoy this series so much as the original , but did , Aiden was very much like you , also great to see you in it Robin
Robin, I’m a Sherlock Holmes fan whether Cumberbatch or Brett in that role. Last week while watching the Brett version I thought Sir Robert looked familiar. Yes, it is Robin. I’m looking forward to seeing you in Poldark which will be shown on PBS in June. Regards to you and Meredith. Ellen
Thanks Ellen–you’ll enjoy it.
Bringing a whole new audience to an already wow product. Could we see Robin as Ross in the last of the books, Bella!? Hopefully there will be a cameo role for you later in the series as more books are used.
Nice thought, Kim–too old I’m afraid. Winston fell in love with his heroine again in Bella I think–it’s a good read.
Make up can make young people older why not the other way!!!???
I too was unsure how I would enjoy a new series. Although I had forgotten a lot of the detail of the first one, I still remember vividly the relationships between the main characters, looking forward to each episode and especially to seeing you Robin and also Develop.
However the new series has been great with the tension building each week. In hindsight I think this is how it was first time round but enough time has passed to allow it to be accepted again, the same but different.
It was so good to see you there as the judge pitted against Ross with a good bit of dramatic dialogue and not just a cameo.
The acting has been brilliant all round and the final episode has broken the hearts of millions of viewers if twitter is to be believed. Here’s hoping it continues in similar vein. I’m away to track down the original now though I might have to get Vhs! Keep blogging Robin your stories are refreshing and your recipes are brill
Glad to have known you as Ross
Izzyb
Thanks for the kind words–much appreciated, Izzyb!
The new Poldark series has not aired here yet but somehow I cannot believe that your Poldark can ever be topped ! Barbara Boling Oxford, Mississippi
Sent from my iPhone Barbara Boling
>
Give it a go, Barbara!
I can’t wait until this show airs in the US on PBS! I’m a fan since the 70s. So much so that I was watching the episode where Elizabeth dies in childbirth in 1978. I was in the hospital in labor with my son as I watched the ending between contractions! Such a devoted fan. My healthy son is 36. But it seems like yesterday. Will the new series be offered by Acorn before it plays in the US????
Come on Meredith, Robin’s wig is the star!
Funny, Jen–thanks for the encouragement!
I had been prepared to NOT like the new Poldark – being a ‘dyed in the wool’ 1970s production fan and therefore deeply in love with Ross. However, the splendid new production has wormed its way into my Sunday nights! The BBC has found its way again and the new production is beyond criticism . Last night’s episode was poignant and moving. I can’t imagine anyone watching did not feel a catch in the throat. Eleanor Tomlinson has been a stunning Demelza and evey scene she has graced glowed with her presence. She has made Demelza’s ‘journey’ believable. Of course, Aiden Turner is a Ross for the present moment- a fine performance.However, my heart is still with you Robin – wig and all! It will be your performance as Ross I shall turn to when I watch Poldark yet again.
Thank you for the TV introduction to Ross and those wonderful Winston Graham novels
Best Regards
Fran Shaw
Thank you for that, Fran. Really glad you’ve enjoyed the new go around.
I won’t be able to see the new Poldark until June 21 when Masterpiece Theatre will present the series. I saw the original Poldark when it first aired and have all the books, too. My daughter was lucky she wasn’t born a boy or she would have been called “Ross” in the original showing. LOL
When I first heard it would be Aidan Turner playing Poldark, I knew they had picked the right man.
I have started to re-read the book series as well as watching the original series. I sat there last night watching episode 3 where Delmelza & Ross cross the line between servant and Lord of the Manor. I cannot tell you how much I enjoy Angharad Rees and yourself, Mr. Ellis. I think it is terrific you were given a role in the new series, too.
I look forward to the new Poldark being shown in our area (Ohio) in June.
Thanks, Cecilia–I hope you enjoy this second go. I am enjoying every minute of the experience.
Sunday night won’t be the same and so long to wait for series 2!! We are all hooked again! Well done to all, sublime casting and acting, it was a hard act to follow as we recall the original series but Aidan and Eleanor are fantastic as Ross and Demelza and I loved to hate the scheming Warleggans all over again! Well done Rev Halse! Roll on series 2!
Thanks, Sally.
Looking forward to seeing this in June, happy to see you’re in it as well! Regards from Canada
Winston Graham would have been quite tickled to know of this remake of his work.
I was not at all sure I would enjoy a remake but was gripped from the first episode until the edge of the cliff last night. Fantastic performances all round including a certain Rev judge whose demeanour and words made one belive made one believe he drank vinegar instead of wine! Perfect for the part but hard to pull off with all that excellent Gaillac wine so close to hand here in the Tarn…Bravo Robin!
Starting our latest sojourn in the Tarn last Saturday I had feared missing the final episode, but our hosts satellite system did not let us down. Now eagerly anticipating series 2.
Golly! close to home enough to know we drink Gaillac–Clement Termes in fact.We love it. Vinegar it ain’t! Thank you, David. Where are you?
Could not agree more about the Gaillac – one of the gems of French viticulture and oenology.
We are all the way over in Lombers. Robin (Mrs A) says hi! and that she will email Meredith shortly.
OK…
It has been great to have Poldark back on our screens. The original series, which I watched as an impressionable 14 year old gave me an enduring love of Cornwall. The love of the series and the West Country is now shared by my daughters, now in their 20s. Each of us has our own DVD set and my younger daughter used to watch hers at uni when she felt homesick! Anyway, your series will always be the tops for me- no slomo moody shots, just good, honest acting. It’s quite amazing to what extent a television series can have an effect on your life! Thanks.
Thank you, Marnie–good to know the story holds for new generations. It is classic stuff.
Watched the last episode last night Robin it was good, but Robin where oh where was that beautiful scene where you place the shawl around Demelza’s
shoulders and you both sit side by side at the fireside holding hands.It was one of the most sensitive and moving scenes I had ever seen,it still moves me to tears. But then Robin perhaps only you and the darling Angharad could play that scene.
Still it was good they did the best they could.
Thanks Elaine–I haven’t seen our version for forty years!
It was very good. Some of the characters (Verity, Francis, Elizabeth, Judd) didn’t ring true at first, to those of us who saw the original series and are very familiar with the books, but it’s a testament to the production and cast that they overcame these prejudices. Looking forward to the next series and more – you could play Bella’s father, no problem!
Too kind, Ann!
I’ve just re-watched the original Poldark after all these years, alongside watching the new version. For me, the original was matchless; so much heart and wit from Demelza and you Robin, well, your acting is superlative and your Ross is a much more complex (and sexier!) man to my mind than the rather depressing new Aidan version. Watching the original was truly exciting, gripping and fulfilling; this new one (which I so wanted to love) is very gloomy and has no wit or humour and leaves me feeling a bit low and dispirited. Sorry if this offends anyone. I am amazed at how brilliant the original version is, even better than I remember. It is the best thing (out of some fantastic contenders) I have watched in many years.
Thank you for great, timeless incomparable work.
That is lovely–thank you, Jack–much appreciated.
I totally agree with Jack’s comments. I have DVD’s of the earlier version and so have watched these many times, with great enjoyment. I much prefer that version as it did not just skim over the surface. I did enjoy the newer version but it was made better because I felt that I knew the characters better because of the earlier version’s viewings.
Thank god for the books. They will sustain us.
Now this summer I’ll get to see if my fellow Americans catch the fever.
Hope that the BBC doesn’t become timid & cheap out on this incredible series. Twelve books, do ’em all.
Amen, Amy!
In the meantime maybe Robin can encourage Aidan Turner to somehow squeeze up a few more inches in height before shooting starts again in Sept. He is such a lovely Irish lad, obviously talented, very sweet on the eyes, and that is truly my only (somewhat contrived) complaint with him playing Robin’s role.
I should have said that it is my wife Tessa who made the comment that she thinks you, Robin, are much sexier that Aidan, just for the record. She also said that the original has more depth and the characters are far more developed, such as Demelza’s great courage secretly going out sea fishing when they have little else to eat and how she bravely hid her pregnancy from Ross. Also her act of pure kindness in helping those at Trenwith, whereas in the modern version, her motive was portrayed more as an act of contrition, which Tessa says betrays Demelza’s original intention. (You can see how we both feel strongly about these characters!) I can’t wait to see who they cast in Judy Geeson’s role of Caroline, who will also be a very hard act to follow.
Hello Robin,
I saw the original Poldark and thought that there could never be as good a version. I still feel that. I have warmed to the characters over the weeks and I really do think they are good actors. However the scenes are so rapid and move on so quickly. The writers have skimmed over the top and not got to the real heart of the story. The characters in the original series were far more defined. To be honest the scenes are so short there is not much real acting going on. There is not enough time allowed.
Also I have read the books and I know that in your 29 episodes as much was done as could be done and was done brilliantly, excepting the part where in the TV series Demelza went back home to her father and stepmother, which if I remember correctly she doesn’t.
Given my age I look back with nostalgia and for my birthday hopefully will be getting DVDs of the original Poldark. It may seem dated in some ways which is inevitable but nothing can ever beat it. I have told all my friends, yes, this one is good, but watch the original and it will fill in all the gaps and also dare I say it ALL the actors in the original series are way and above what’s happening here. It’s good but what a wasted opportunity on the part of the producers/directors. They have pandered to the American market as with Downton Abbey with short scenes and not much meaningful acting.
I have got your recipe books and love them.
With best wishes
Eileen Jackson
Thanks Eileen and I’m glad you are using the recipe books!
I have loved the new series…and actually woke in the night thinking of Demelza and that heartbreaking little embroidered bracelet…everyone was so much closer to death in those days. I haven’t even tried or wanted to compare it to the first version…they both stand alone and are very much of their time. Aidan’s Ross was much more of a ‘new man’ to me…the whole production had a modern feel which TV must these days to appeal to new, younger audiences but it was none the worse for it. The secret is, I think, that Winston Graham’s story is complex and brilliant and draws the reader (& viewer) in very quickly. Coupled with excellent casting and acting and incomparable locations and both series will still be winning hearts for decades to come!! So thrilled that you were a part of it, too. Wishing you both a great week!
Spot on Rachel–you nailed it and Winston at the heart of it.
Hello Robin…I must be such an ‘old’ Poldark fan. I read the first two books when I first visited Cornwall as a student in the 60’s with my Cornish boy friend. A friend had found the hard back copies of Ross Poldark and Demelza in the Penzance library…it wasn’t even in paperback then. I was hooked then and was almost first in the bookshop to buy the latest in the series whenever they were available. All 12 were read almost before the print was dry.
I was so excited when I heard they were making a TV series based on the books… I was living in Eire in Galway when it was shown on Irish television and it was my little bit of Cornwall every Sunday evening. I adored it and was transported back to my now beloved Cornwall. The books were read and re-read, then I bought the video series to watch over and over again…I thought yourself and Angharrad were a perfect casting as Ross and Demelza and I loved the chemistry in the series……I spent many happy years later living and working in Cornwall, loving it and and immersing myself in the history and its culture
Now I am living in SW France…my books and videos are packed safely in a box…but Poldark has come to transport me home again. I was mesmerised by the scenery, the superb casting of Aiden and Eleanor as well as all others and of course you were there as well….the story so true to the original………I am homesick for Cornwall all over again.
Now where are those books and videos?
Nicki
Lovely story, Nicki, thanks.
I have enjoyed all the new episodes and watched them twice to better see the details. I have been moved in the last scenes of the eight episode as everyone. I will wait with perseverance the new ones still to be shot. BUT BUT BUT the 1975-77 series are something else which everyone should see if they haven’t, yet. I was 11 when I first watched them and I knew nothing of Cornwall, UK, miners, love and passion, theatre. I was so impressed and this would have given a certain direction to my life, that is studying English and English literature. Robin, I encourage you to watch them again to see how you all were great!!!!
Thanks Paola–much appreciated.
I enjoyed every minute of the excellent new Poldark but I definitely agree with Jack’s comment above regarding the lack of humour this time round. It had the feel of a David Lean film rather than a Winston Graham novel. Beautiful, heart-wrenching and compelling but not as uplifting as the original series.
I also felt that there were a few scenes that really jarred. Elizabeth popped up in too many scenes – when Demelza was ill and when Francis got shot. Elizabeth was even at Redruth fair when Ross met Demelza! George Warleggan was in far too many scenes too. The build up of the Poldark/Warleggan feud was too obvious.
The only real indication of how much time might be passing is how fast Geoffrey Charles and Julia grow. The original Poldark gave a much better indication that the story was being told over several years and paced the action more subtly.
There was also a great feeling of cousinly affection between Ross and Francis in the original Poldark and a sense of compassion that is totally lacking in how Francis’s character is developed this time.
And why does everyone, even the miners, call Ross by his first name? I’ve checked the books and he is definitely Cap’n Poldark.
It is wonderful that Poldark rides again and that the story has caught the imagination of the nation just as it did before. As your Ross once said Robin “Fate would have me swim against the tide”. There was a cliff-hanger at the end of every episode but yet Poldark was not dark or gloomy.
Let’s hope the next series with the story of Jud’s ressurection from the dead brings back the humour à la Winston Graham that was missing this time round.
And if Rev Halse (wigs and all) was to make an appearance again it would be perfect. 🙂
All the best
Tina
Thanks for this, Tina–I’m looking forward to the next too!
Being only 3 when the original Poldark was aired I didn’t know anything of it. I absolutely love period dramas and was keen to watch this new one. Being a busy house I half watched the first 2 episodes whilst doing other stuff and then I watched episode 3!!! I was absolutely hooked so much so that by episode 4 I’d re-watched episode 1-3 several times and read Ross & Demelza. I’m now just about to finish book 5 and I’m totally addicted. It’s been so uplifting to watch something so beautifully written, acted and put together that has an amazing power to inspire. I can’t wait for Series 2…………congratulations to you all 🙂
Thanks Jo-Anne.
Dear Robin
I was worried I would not enjoy the new series, as like so many here, I loved the original and loved your portraiI of Ross. I have to say however I have really enjoyed the new one, and have been lucky enough to watch with my youngest daughter each Sunday and my eldest during the week. We have eaten far too much chocolate as a result and I am starting my healthy eating plan today using your cook book!
Can’t wait for series 2 and hope you have agreed to be part of it again Robin. Perhaps they will give you a bigger wig for the all important court case?
Thank you for this site which allows your loyal fans to see and hear what you’ve been up to. Looks like you and Meredith have an idyllic life together. I hope my hubby and I can do the same but have to finish work first…….
All the best, Heidi
Thanks Heidi–I’m glad you and your daughters are enjoying the new one. The chocolate hazard made me laugh!
Still love ya Robin , you were brilliant and so was Aiden x
I saved them up and watched them over 27 hours – VERY enjoyable 🙂
Hi Robin
Thought you’d like to hear that good friends have watched the series and said – without knowing we knew you – that “that Robin Ellis is WAY the best actor in the whole thing”. Can’t keep an old dog down, eh!
Love to you both, Mark and Vicky.
Date: Mon, 27 Apr 2015 14:03:24 +0000 To: markanderson1001@hotmail.co.uk
I’ve emailed you.
Generally, I am not a fan of remakes of dramas that I have enjoyed and I had serious reservations about remaking Poldark but I totally agree that they did do a fantastic job. When the cast was anounced I was intrigued at the casting of George Warleggan as Jack Farthing is so different from Ralph Bates and I had only seen him in Blandings. But I thought he was excellent in the role showing what a promising young actor he is. All credit to Winston Graham’s storytelling that a whole new generation can succumb to the spell of Poldark. Not that we will ever love the original version less, Robin, but I am looking forward to series 2 and hopefully they will go on eventually to dramatise more of the books. I don’t mind a wait between series allowing the cast to do other work if it means they stay with Poldark.
Being an avid fan of the 1970’s series and have read the books numerous times over the years (it is nice to return to 1770’s Cornwall every so often) it was a pleasure, long awaited, to see the new adaptation with the wonderful characters brought back to life again, and super to see you, Robin, too as Rev Halse. Looking forward to the next series.
Thanks Margaret–good to hear you enjoyed it.
Hi Robin, it has been fantastic to see Poldark back on our screens. It has brought back many happy memories of the 70s when mum and I sat down to watch this wonderful love story unfold. Also the many cornish family holidays we enjoyed in many of the locations shown in Poldark, will always be special to me.
When recovering from an operation in 2007, I ordered the entire Poldark series on video, and you and Angharad truly kept me sane as I revisited the story all over again!!!!!!!!
I wasn’t sure how I would feel about the re make, but have to say it has been fantastic, I must confess however, that I have just ordered the original Poldark series again, this time on DVD, so am looking forward to some more trips down memory lane. !!!!!! Thank you Robin.
Thanks, Carol.
Well, I headed over here hoping to ask your opinion, only to see you’ve declared yours. I live in the US, so I haven’t seem the series yet. I’ve gotten bits & bobs from British friends, and had great long gab sessions on our cell phones with my sister who lucked into a trip to London with her husband at the last minute. She got to watch two episodes and after tormenting jealous me, gave her opinion. Like me we watched the original as teenagers, and make no bones about the fact the original cast is the definitive one, but this new cast has done very well. What I’m curious about is, despite Aidan Turner’s claim this new series would be ‘truer’ to Graham’s novels, what my sister told me is, they aren’t… in fact from my memory, the original was very true to the novels. In fact.. and while I can understand some revisioning a character when necessary, it’s as if the writers don’t care for the characters as they were and wish to change them. She said they’ve written Ross as too reactionary, and she wonders if they have too much sympathy for George. They’ve ignored so much about what gave Francis depth, and seem to have swept Verity under the rug. I really want to like this adaptation, but don’t know what to expect
Hello Mary . I can see how you might feel about the new production. I share some of your opinions. Robin – to me- as well as many othes of the original cast- was the definite Pokdark characterisation on screen. However, the new production of Pokdak is just that- a new view upon it. A Ross Poldark for a new viewing generation! We still have Robin to grace our screens on the DVDs of the 1970s. He is ‘Ross Poldark’ to us- my heart is always his!! However, the new production will introduce a new generation to those wonderful Winston Graham books – no bad thing.
Sit back and enjoy the ride I would say Mary!!
Regards,
Fran Shaw
Hi Mary, Robin and all,
As a fellow American I have loved the books and the original series. I was so excited to see they were making a newer version and really wanted to love it.
I’ve been in the UK for the past few weeks so had a chance to check it out.
Sadly, they seem to have taken all the character out of the characters! The writers seem to want to put their own stamp of who they want them to be, which regrettably turns out to be shadows of their former selves. For instance, Francis in the original was a well-defined man who had suffered a very critical father so was burdened with self-hatred and doubt. The original Francis was so interesting to watch but in this modern version he is just a 2 dimensional
caricature, and so dull. Elizabeth in the new version just looks like a scared fawn caught in the headlights – again – no understanding of what her motivations were. In the new version it is impossible to understand what on earth Ross would have seen in her, apart from possibly her looks, and there was far more to Ross than that.
Verity was shown to be the kindest and most selfless person imaginable in the original, well demonstrated when she had finally plucked up the courage to leave her family to be with her love, Captain Blamey, but at the last minute, decided to stay behind at home because Francis got the putrid throat. It was an act of the greatest self sacrifice to give up any chance of a life of her own and deeply touching. All this is utterly lost in the new version, where Verity is just portrayed as someone who wants to be with Blamey, and all that made her special and amazing is ignored.
Demelza – oh dear – they have also stripped her of all that was so enchanting and compelling. Her spirit; can you imagine the modern one saying “I’ll take off my britches for a shillin’ “. She was brave, witty, full of fun, intelligence and courage and so sexy. I loved her. I really can’t imagine loving this one. I just can’t feel anything for her except slight irritation at the way she carries herself liked a cowed collie.
George Warleggan – where is the loathing we all had for him? This one is rather likeable and the worst portrayal of a villain I can imagine.
And don’t get me started on the modern Ross. Robin, we know what a truly great actor you are, no wonder we are all still in love with your Poldark after all these years. You had all the self-confidence of your birth and position in Cornish society but contrasted it with the deepest compassion for your fellow man, whoever they were. You were so fascinating to watch as a man struggling to survive himself, provide for his family but also to help all those around you. Your relationship with Demelza is so compelling to watch. The modern Ross betrays so much of this, such as during the shipwreck when the old Poldark strove with all his might to save the crew, but the new one just wants to loot. I can hardly bear to watch the character of Ross being cheapened in this way.
Winston Graham must be spinning, not just turning in his grave. What a shame to strip all that is so good from his great story-telling and make this version with all it’s pretentious blurry fade-ins and long shots on a butterfly in a sort of mock arthouse way.
In the original version, I felt so immersed in the heart of that time and place. I felt so close to the characters and almost felt `I knew them like my own family and friends. (IMHO It is not at all “dated” to watch, as Eileen felt). It seems as fresh and wonderful to watch now as it did all those years ago.
Robin, you brought us a character so memorable and admirable, I am in awe of your acting, which stands the test of time.
Having said all that about the modern version, if one watches it as something different to watch on Sunday night, and if you didn’t see the original or read the books, then it is reasonably enjoyable in a lightweight (although I agree with Jack, rather depressing) kind of way.
We LOVE your cookbooks Robin, and use them every day; they have transformed the way we eat!
Thank you Poppet–and I love it that you like the books.
Bon appétit!
It has been brilliant re-visiting my favourite literary saga in 2015. I have enjoyed every single minute of it – the superb acting; Debbie Horsfield’s adaptation, especially her use of Winston’s words; the stunning Cornish landscape; and I loved the way that your comeo role helped bridge the gap between ‘old’ and ‘new’. And whilst I wish my life away awaiting the second series I have the DVDs, Winston’s books and your memoir, which I am going to begin this evening. Thank you Robin, and to Meredith for sharing her wonderful photographs.
Anne, thank you–I hope you enjoy the book.
If you’re too old to play Ross by the time they get to ‘Bella’, maybe with a monkey suit you could play Butto? 😉
Joking apart, I’ve loved seeing seeing you back on screen in the new series. You are a class act Sir. You really should break out those 40 year old dvds. The original series was a special thing.
Monkey business eh?–thanks, Gillian!
Hello, Robin,
Finally got to watch the last few episodes online…and am pleased to see the “chemistry” and love really developing between Ross & Demelza. (Of course, with all their problems & drama, how could they NOT?) Still waiting for George to be as threatening as Ralph Bates played him; it seems his father is the worse bugger in this one! (Thought I even saw sympathy on George’s face at one point…) But I nearly fell off my chair when I saw Ross looking truly EVIL when he arrived on the beach, watching the plunder of the ship with grim satisfaction! Whoa! That’s not a look I’ve ever seen cross my hero’s face, even when he was on his worst behavior! Ha!
Anyway, hope we’re not analyzing too much…it’s hard not to compare when you expect events to unfold the way we saw them the first time ’round. But we are starting to get into it more, now. And if Halse appears again, that’ll be just fine with us! 🙂
Oh, just loaned our original DVDs to a friend, and he & his wife are ENTHRALLED. He said, “Boy, a lot happens when he gets back from the war!” I told him he ain’t seen nuthin’ yet! 🙂
Cheers & hugs to you & Meredith!
Glad you are “getting into it” Dianne. Let’s hope they get to do all twelve books!
Certainly a cliffhanger ending! The first adaptation, 40 years ago, was brilliant, and ran at a gentler pace, I was concerned this adaptation was setting a pace that might be hard to follow, but it soon became apparent it was of no concern, as this adaptation was as equally superb. Winston Graham could certainly tell a good tale, painting a picture with words. I hope you will continue to appear in the future series.
Regards Beryl
Glad you enjoyed it Beryl–and you are right about Winston.
Oh Robin!! Rosaria here from Italy! Beppe and me, we don’t want to see you with such a kind of wig!!!! You look handsome all the same but YOU ARE the true Poldark forever!!!! Lots of love to Meredith and you!
Hi Rosaria! Wigs rule for the older man back then–no escape!
I too was a Poldark groupie from the 70’s and had all the books. Went into the new series with an open mind and was pleasantly surprised and I have to say apart from 3-4 older actors including the great Warren Clarke RIP many of the younger actors are new faces and did a great job. I am so glad I watched it and was often found poring over some article or other (usually a pic of Mr Turner sans shirt – coughs) by my husband. Are you in the next series? Sunday night just wont be the same. I think I will re read the books before then. Hope you are better. Loved the story re Ebony. What a diva!!! Alison
Thanks, Alison.
G’day Robin,
You’re absolutely right.Aidan has given a magnificent performance in this 2014 version of Poldark.This remake is light years ahead of other remakes of 70s and 80s shows.However,despite Aidan’s brilliance,you’re the Real Ross Poldark,no actor is any match for you in the role,and the 1975 & 1977 series are the definitive versions of the show.The 1975 series was the better of the two.
I expect the producers of the current version to offer you another stint in the 2nd series whenever they plan to film it.Demand top dollar for your services.
PS: I chuckled at your story of the hedgehog making his way into your house and helping himself,and you thinking for a second or two that it might be a rat.There was a rat lurking dangerously close to my house the other day,almost unheard of at this time of the year,but early May 2015 in Ireland is wet and quite cold,the rat fancied somewhere warm,and the house fitted the bill.I let a few shouts at him,and thankfully he toddled off on his merry way.I’m making absolutely sure that both the front door and back door are never left open.
Best Wishes,
Steve.
Thanks, Steve-you are very kind. Different eras though, different ways with things. At the centre both times–Winston Graham.