Air Date: Sunday 15 March 2015 @ 9.00pm
Series: Poldark – Season 1, Episode 2
Network: BBC One
Running Time: 60 minutes
Overview
Following a strong debut, Poldark continues to build momentum in its second episode. The series blends sweeping Cornish landscapes, romantic entanglements, and economic strife with the intensity and elegance of a high-budget period drama. As Ross begins to rebuild both Nampara and the fortunes of those around him, the human and emotional costs of 18th-century life are vividly brought to the fore.
Plot Summary
With the closure of the local mine, Wheal Reath, many miners find themselves unemployed, including Jim, a young man struggling to support his family. Ross, determined to bring prosperity back to his homeland, takes Jim on as a farm-hand and begins plans to reopen his family’s mine, Wheal Leisure.
At the request of his cousin Verity, Ross attends a formal ball at the Assembly Rooms. There, Verity meets and quickly falls for the dashing but mysterious Captain Andrew Blamey. However, her brother Francis and father Charles uncover a troubling secret from Blamey’s past, setting the stage for family conflict.
Meanwhile, Ross gains the support of mine Captain Henshawe and wealthy investor Horace Treneglos, ultimately persuading his old friend and banker Harris Pascoe to back the reopening of Wheal Leisure.
But all eyes are on Ross and his former love Elizabeth as they share a provocative dance at the ball—igniting whispers and speculation among Cornwall’s elite.
Cast
- Aidan Turner as Ross Poldark
- Eleanor Tomlinson as Demelza
- Heida Reed as Elizabeth
- Richard Hope as Harris Pascoe
- Alexander Arnold as Jim
- Ruby Bentall as Verity
- Richard Harrington as Captain Andrew Blamey
- Kyle Soller as Francis
- Warren Clarke as Charles
- John Hollinworth as Captain Henshawe
- Michael Culkin as Horace Treneglos
Behind the Scenes
This episode furthers the groundwork laid in the series premiere, enhancing character depth and social commentary. Writer Debbie Horsfield adapts Winston Graham’s novel with a strong sense of pace and balance, while director William McGregor infuses the episode with striking visuals and emotional nuance.
The ongoing reconstruction of Nampara and Wheal Leisure provides not just narrative stakes but a powerful metaphor for rebuilding hope in a community devastated by poverty and class tension. The series also doesn’t shy away from showing the gender dynamics and family expectations that shape Verity and Elizabeth’s lives.
Why This Episode Stands Out
- Expands Ross’s role as a social reformer and leader
- Introduces the Verity–Blamey subplot, full of romantic tension and family opposition
- Balances political, romantic, and economic storylines masterfully
- The ball scene reveals the continuing emotional ties between Ross and Elizabeth
- Gorgeous cinematography that captures both hardship and beauty
Watch and Rediscover
Episode 2 of Poldark Season 1 continues the series’ strong start, offering heartfelt performances and a vivid portrayal of 18th-century Cornwall. With a blend of romance, drama, and ambition, this installment showcases Ross’s evolving role as both a man of the people and a man torn by love and loyalty.
