I’m speculating, of course, but with my insider knowledge I would guess that the Reverend Dr Halse–magistrate at law–looks forward to every quarter sessions with beady anticipation.
I picture him, sitting in splendid isolation, at the breakfast table in the hotel in Bodmin Town in the county of Cornwall on the morning of the first day of the Assizes, involuntarily rubbing his hands together at the prospect of another opportunity to punish wrong-doing.
“And punish severely!” he’s muttering under his breath.
“Order must be maintained if “Society” is to survive and the status quo maintained.”
“Some would consider these harsh decisions, but a court of law is no place for sentiment–the law is the Law. We must make an example of those who flout it for their own gain and expect to get off lightly.”
“No” and “No, again!”
Without thinking he brings his fist down on the breakfast table with the force of a gavel (a favorite gesture of his in court) sending his coffee cup flying out of its saucer, spilling its contents over the pretty tablecloth, threatening his newly-pressed gaiters.
The boiled egg–sitting so smugly in its eggcup (three-and-a-half minutes precisely) catapults from its moorings and lands its neatly-opened side on his crisply-ironed clerical necktie, spilling yellow yoke down its considerable length.
An expletive seldom heard in polite society–let alone from the lips of this earnestly reverend gentleman–explodes into the air, stunning the animated company into silence.
No-one moves a limb as the Reverend Dr Halse rises from his chair, his normally chalk white face a sweaty ruby red and holding his napkin close to his chest, he strides from the room.
It is destined to be an uncomfortable session for any unfortunate defendant later this morning!
You can see what happened next tonight on PBS’s Masterpiece–episode three of POLDARK.
“Grumpy” doesn’t cover it!
Robin Ellis 
Dear Mr. Ellis:
At last! I found your blog while browsing about “Poldark” old and new. I am now enjoying the original, which, as a college student at the time, I missed.
You were worth waiting for!
Coincidentally I have just been told I am pre-diabetic, so I was delighted to know of your cookbooks, which are a way forward for me.
And, I just figured out how to subscribe to the blog, which I always find positive and fun.
Your neighbor in France,
Marta Varela
>
Hello Marta and welcome. I hope you’ll find the books helpful.
Wonderful back story. Looking forward to tonight’s episode!
Splendid writing, I can’t wait to see his grumpiness tonight. So glad that he will not be judging me.
I am looking forward toward seeing your performance tonight. I did miss the second episode but i don’t think that will matter since I’ve read the book. Sadly I have to admit that I did not see your Poldark. I am not sure how popular it was here in the States.
I have seen you though in the Fawlty Towers episode and the Sherlock Holmes and in both cases I thought you were excellent. Have wonderful day.
Glad to know its tonights episode! Thanks for that reminder. We’ve planned dinner out but it had to be a time in order to be home for the Sunday PBS viewing.
I did not enjoy the new “Poldark” at all. It doesn’t begin to grip my attention like the original. My friends agree. Sad.
Made me scared Robin. I bet you are even more horrible, mean and grumpy in series 2. Brilliant!
This is American Stevie who read all 12 volumes [and about to begin again, despite the rag tag foolishness of my Longmont Library!] of Winston Graham’s Poldark Cycle…didn’t Dr. Halse appear in the coach at the beginning of the “Real Poldark” as Poldark rides home at last from the American War? I am glad Robin gets to be in this Poldark, but I believe they have expropriated Dr. Halse [if indeed he is Da Judge which he appears to be from the very fetching wig! What creatures abide in those wigs, I ask you, Rumpole?] for this trial and Demelza in the book worked her decolletage charm on the book’s judge, by talking contrapuntal church music with him I believe during the elections. Hellp me out here, other experts…
Robin, thanks for setting the Grumpiness Index in your inimitable way by giving us a reprise of Halse’s morning before court…You are Going BODMIN! and I know you know what I mean!!!! See Doc Martin for that one.
Robin, I love to read your blog and see all the pictures you post of both your cooking and Poldark experiences! I’m eagerly watching the new episodes of POLDARK here in the US, but I have to admit that I am much more partial to your original portrayal and that entire series. I have all 12 books in the series, which I began collecting in the 1970s and finally completed with “Bella Poldark”, when it was published in 2002. I also have both of the original Masterpiece seasons in both VHS and DVD, it’s still my favorite of all time! Please keep us informed – I’m still enthralled!
Thanks Cyndi!
What a hoot! So waiting to see your acting chops back in action. You must have had a great time. Love your three and a half minute egg comment. Can see it flying.. Always wanted to collect egg cups (My Mom got me to eat eggs by making them special different cups with precisely cut pieces of toast). Crazy things you think about. barb
Thanks, Barb.
Loved the books which I purchased and read as soon as they became available from the 1970s, watched the BBC presentations which followed (several times I admit) and am now watching the new version and re-reading the books (via my ipad this time so I can see better). You can’t get enough Poldark and it’s great to see you in this new role Robin however much it pains you to play a character with such right wing views. Hoping to make it to one of your cooking classes.
Thanks, Margaret for that comment!
Robin, can’t wait to watch you tonight. We who watched you in the original series have been comparing it to the new series. It would be interesting to know how the “new” fans would compare it to the original if they were to watch it.
Donna
I am glad all your regular photos show your smile, as that Grumpy character might be sort of off-putting if we did not know the real you. That’s acting.
What a grump! Of course he eats a boring boiled egg. You are a wonderful actor and writer to portray such a nasty human being! Looking forward to tonight!
Thank you, Genie.
Robin, I really think you could start a second career as a writer! Loved your “breakfast scene” up above!! 🙂
Thanks, Diane
Agree with the comments above. This version has not grabbed my attention as did the earlier series. BTW – the original series CAN be seen in the States on Acorn – a streaming channel available on one’s PC and on ROKU. That’s how we view it in my family. Of course the HD in the new series makes a difference in picture quality. The only character so far I prefer is the new Elizabeth. Prefer the old Judd and Pruddy, and of course the original Ross Poldark, even though Aiden Turner is a fine Irish actor. I think the accents in the original series were ore authentic to Cornwall of that time, but I’m no expert. Cheers.
The Marshall family – Maryland, USA
Thanks, Brian and Mary.
I noticed tonight that the director and editor chose several close-up profile shots, the better to see your stern look over the early 19th century spectacles and your impressive wig!
Well spotted, Judith!
Opened that bottle of Veuve this evening and toasted everything Poldark past and present! Robin, your performance was amazing — you were formidable! I admire your concentration. All of those years since the seventies and . . who would have thought it would happen again! Congratulations!
Thank you, Nadine.
I admit to being a bit grumpy about this “new” Poldark… being way too critical comparing the two versions. This one seems rushed, skimming over things I wouldn’t catch if I hadn’t seen it before and read the entire series of books at least three times. But tonight seemed to feel more like the original. Maybe because Ross and Demelza finally got together and there was more intensity all around. My heart aches for Jim Carter and Jenny. I have nothing good to say about the Reverend Dr. Halse, so good job.
And as someone mentioned earlier, thanks to Poldark, or maybe thanks to Winston Graham, I know what it means to “go Bodmin” when that phrase is used on Doc Martin.
I can’t believe this is almost half over already. I hope they slow the pace on the next series. This is something to savor, not to rush through.
Jan
Thanks, Jan.
Truly,speaking as an American lawyer for 39 years, I’ve met many judges such as he. And I think the most fun thing about it all is the wigs! Truly, I don’t think I could make a proper closing argument in front of Robin Ellis in such a lovely wig!!!
Ah–see how cunning he is, Cheryl!!
It was wonderful seeing you and Aidan Turner play opposite each other last night. Boy! I’d hate to be facing the Reverend Dr. Halsey, not that having representation would help much…LOL. You were very intimidating as the Reverend Dr. Halsey. I remember reading that in the early British Law System a lawyer wasn’t allowed to defend his client. I think the lawyer just hoped the little he could say would minimize the sentence. The Reverend Dr. Halsey would NEVER minimize a sentence if he felt there was guilt. You did a terrific job in this episode.
I was surprised how quickly Demelza and Ross married in this episode. In the original, it was after Ross discovered she was carrying his child. I felt a real gap in that area of the story. I like the dynamics between Ross & Elizabeth in this episode, too.
Whoops….the Reverend Dr. Halse…..one count against me in his court for messing up his name. LOL
Following up a question by a previous poster has made us once again start watching the older Poldark version alongside the new one. No doubt two productions for two different times. Hey if the new series can grab at least 15 million worldwide watching then all power to it! Here’s to its success as the original.
And a check on the Reverend in the opening scene in the older version has him identified as ‘Reverend Johns’. He noted that his mother was a cousin of Poldark’s ‘Aunt Mary’. Nothing like those small Cornwall towns where everybody is related to someone else!
And the ‘Rev Halse…he looks to be the court general. He will brook no dissent.
Waiting for him to swing the gavel with ‘Ordah! Ordah! Ordah! Always thought the British had a great stylistic way of doing things in a ‘parliamentary’ way……..;-)…
so captivating to see you and the new Poldark in the same room together, and the camera caught some very intriguing gazing / glaring between the two! a bit steamier then the original, but Im not complaining 🙂
Thanks, Barb.
When I said “Oh, he’s such a mean, mean man! I cannot believe Ross Poldark is doing this!” My husband said, “It’s called acting, Mary.”
You were very good as the unsympathetic judge. I found myself thinking that not a lot has changed in 200-plus years in the judicial system (at least here in the US). So much for evolving into a kinder peoples.
Mary Eman
PS I have to say I am so enjoying this “new” Poldark – didn’t think I would (which is not to take anything away from you. You’ll always be my favorite!
Your husband’s comment made me laugh, Mary! Glad you are enjoying Poldark mark2
Dear Robin:
I have not seen the latest episode of Poldark 2 yet- but I have It taped. I must say that I am absolutely ASTOUNDED that I like the new version so much! Actually I LOVE IT!!!! This is coming from an old, diehard like me. I told myself I had to watch it and I did so reluctantly. WOW. I surprised myself. I think the music is incredibly beautiful, the acting wonderful and I like everything about it. The only thing I miss is that it is less humorous. The new Jud and Prudy are much darker. They are fine, however.
As for The grumpy old Dr. Halse, It may just be because he has to wear that hideous wig? It looks like “crawlers” are going to start coming out and wiggle down your robe at any moment!
I have NO DOUBT that you will do his role complete justice. I can’t wait to see your performance. I’m really happy that they gave you a part and were so kind to you. You deserved nothing less.
Thanks, Judy.
Dear Robin,
Could you hear the CHEERS from Doylestown, Pennsylvania the moment you appeared on screen Sunday? My husband and I grabbed each other’s hands and we smiled from ear to ear. It was a wonderful moment to see you again. Your performance was chilling. Your penetrating stare at the new Poldark captivated us. Well done, Robin! I think it meant so much to us to see you because the original Poldark was such a bonding experience for my husband and me. As much as we are intrigued to see the new production the richness of the storytelling and above all, YOU, made the original a dramatic masterpiece.
I have written to you once before about my type one diabetic thirteen year old, Jack. We are all huge fans of yours both in the acting arena and in the exceptional way that you have managed your type 2 diabetes.
We are headed to your beautiful France in August. There is no place like it on earth. No wonder you settled there with Meredith. Have a happy and healthy summer.
Fondly,
Tara, Edward, Jack and William Gray
Thanks Family Bryant-Gray for your kind and generous comment. Jack, type 1 is tough to have at your age; my mother had it so i know the difficulties. Sounds like you have a great support team though. Enjoy your trip over here to France and Bon Voyage a tout le monde!
Hi Robin, I fell in love with Poldark when it was first shown on the BBC and now that I’m living in the States I am watching version 2 in tandem with a dvd copy of the original. It’s interesting to see the changes that have been made to the story. Anyway I was blown away when I saw that you were playing the magistrate…..I had to stop the recording and do a Web search to check that my eyes weren’t deceiving me! Imagine if you’d played Warleggan. It was a pleasure to watch you in action and I think you did a fine job of putting that young upstart Ross Poldark in his place! Oh I guess I’m supposed to be rooting for Ross. Do you have any more roles in the pipeline?
Thanks Heather–nothing at the moment.
Hello Robin, You know, I enjoyed your little glimpse of how Dr Halse might eat his brekkie ! I would have liked him to have scalded his tongue on his porridge!!
I have enjoyed reading the comments people have made. It made me smile to think that there you are, one man with many facets, an actor, a husband, a writer, a cook , a cat lover etc….. and you bring all these people from all over the world together because we have grown to love you over the years for all the enjoyment you have brought us in watching you on screen , or reading your books & blog and letting us get to know you. Thanks for that. Just thought I would share that with everyone . Love, Heth x
Hello Heather and thanks for very generous comment.
Thank you, thank you! For it all, soup to nuts, so to speak. I liked to think as I saw the bilious and acid tongued magistrate that perhaps that might have been Ross, had he not had a chance to find his sympathy with the common man and his love for his beautiful and exquisite wife. You made us wonder what dread anvil had shaped that aquiline nosed bird of prey and what horrible frost dried up his heart? Great stuff!
That is something, Nancy–thank you!
Very fun to watch these comments and sentiments roll by…
I suggest ‘Haggis for Halse’ as his next breakfast. That should set him up for the day. Robin, you are too tall, slim and naturally elegant to be George Warleggan in any universe. He is described as having bulky, wedging shoulders and no neck and no heart. They have also killed off Nicholas W and replaced him with that bloodless Uncle Cary. I rather liked Nicholas as he was a fair man. What a universe has been created by this Poldark phenom, period.
I’m starting to read the Win Graham books yet again. So timeless and endlessly fascinating, I really feel like I am alive with them at Nampara and Cornwall. There will never be another Poldark for me, no matter how many divine productions they mount. Did you EVER imagine or envision how this would all play out after 1977? Keep rocking, Robin! Hello to all on your mas, esp the cats!
Stevie de Longmont
Not in my wildest dreams, Stevie–as they say.Thanks for all that.