Poldark TV Review – A Romantic Period Drama To Swoon Over

POLDARK 2015 SERIES REVIEW

POLDARK CAST (SEASON ONE AND BEYOND): Aidan Turner, Eleanor Tomlinson, Kyle Soller, Heida Reed, Ruby Bentall, Jack Farthing, Beatie Edney, Gabriella Wilde, and more.

WHAT IS POLDARK ABOUT? THE SETUP: Based on the famous book series by Winston Graham, Poldark tells the story of Ross Poldark after he returns home from the American Revolutionary War.

On his return, he discovers his childhood love is now engaged to his cousin, his father dead, and his home in shambles. From there, Ross rebuilds his life from nothing (against the advice of everyone) as he finds himself falling in love with a poor girl.

---

POLDARK SEASON ONE REVIEW

Editorial Note: This section of the review was written in 2015 about the first season.

As soon as I heard the BBC was adapting Poldark with Aidan Turner in the lead role, I knew this was going to be a series to watch out for. With Turner’s on-screen charisma and striking, almost wild good looks, there literally was no one else who could play the moody, Byronic but loveable and heroic Poldark.

Apparently, the writer, Debbie Horsfield, felt the same way. He was offered the role without an audition, and the rest is history.

Known for roles such as Kili in The Hobbit films, Luke in The Mortal Instruments, and Mitchell in the supernatural drama Being Human, Aidan Turner’s been a star on the rise for a few years now. But this epic, romantic role is sure to catapult Turner into Colin Firth or Richard Armitage-like status for their performances as Mr. Darcy and Mr. Thornton.

After this, every period drama fan will love Aidan Turner as Ross Poldark. Though I’d say, he’s closer in character to Thornton, with some Rochester and Heathcliff thrown into the mix, than Darcy.

POLDARK CAST

Besides Aidan Turner as the charismatic lead, the rest of the cast also shines. Eleanor Tomlinson (The Illusionist) is wonderful as the likable Demelza who works for Poldark (after he rescues her from being abused) and then falls in love with him. She’s naïve, innocent, and even a bit wild, but she has a heart of gold that will make everyone root for her.

Ruby Bentall (Lark Rise to Candleford and The Paradise) is also a scene stealer as Verity, the neglected “ugly duckling” of the Poldark family. Single and treated unfairly by her family, she is very close to her outsider cousin Ross, who treats her as an equal.

RELATED: The Top 35 Period Dramas To Satisfy Your Poldark Addiction

You’ll also sympathize with Elizabeth (Heida Reed) and her unfortunate circumstances after she marries Francis, Ross’ cousin. Francis (as played by Kyle Soller) is both sympathetic and horrible. A tragic figure, his choices and jealousy lead him down a self-destructive path that is heart-wrenching to watch.

Then there’s the villain, George Warleggan (Jack Farthing). He is almost completely unsympathetic, though always three-dimensional. Despite the dislike most will feel for him, you do understand his motivations. He’s like one of those bullies on the playground who thinks bullying others will make him friends eventually.

PRODUCTION QUALITY

On top of the memorable performances, the production quality is extraordinary, with breathtaking cinematography, fabulous writing, gorgeous costumes, and a fitting musical score. Poldark doesn’t really take any missteps if you’re looking for an impressive period drama.

ROMANTICISM AND POLDARK ROMANCE

If you combined a Bronte novel with Dickens, you might find Poldark.

Poldark is also wonderfully romantic without being just about the romance. The love story between Ross and Demelza will likely make women swoon everywhere, but the social commentary and deep themes make the love story all the stronger.

Poldark is not simply a romance, but rather a drama with a strong romantic angle. In fact, Poldark is a show that everyone can enjoy, even if you aren’t into romance. This is not a cheesy production. The story includes serious content like extreme poverty, abuse, murder, and corruption. If you combined a Bronte novel with Dickens, you might find Poldark.

RELATED: Stella (2022) Period Drama Review – This Romance is a Beautiful Scottish Film

That all said, Poldark is not your graphic, cable network like series. So, if you’re looking for lots of violence and nudity, you will be disappointed. But if you don’t mind the old-fashioned storytelling, you may love this series.

If you love shows like Outlander, but perhaps find the graphic content unsettling, Poldark may be the better fit. It’s every bit as romantic with beautiful countryside and accurate costumes, yet is more old-fashioned in the presentation. I’d say Poldark is more akin in style to Downton Abbey.

And while Poldark is nothing like Downton Abbey story-wise (or even time period), the level of quality and PG content is similar, so if you’re a fan of Downton, you should love Poldark.

OVERALL

Overall, if you love historical fiction, period dramas, well-written characters, old-fashioned romance, or even Byronic Heroes, Poldark is a must-see television show. It’s without a doubt one of the best period dramas of the 21st century.

POLDARK REVIEW – TEN YEARS LATER

I wrote the above review for season one, but having now seen the entire series more than once, I can happily say it maintains its excellent quality throughout – even if Ross Poldark is incredibly flawed. For sure, Poldark is not a period drama to be missed.

Now is the perfect time to watch or re-watch Poldark on its 10th anniversary (it premiered on March 8, 2015). The scenery (Cornwall), costumes, performances, romances, characters, and more make this a show to remember.

Where to Watch: All five seasons can be streamed on the PBS app with PBS Passport or on the PBS Masterpiece Amazon Channel. You can also buy them digitally and on DVD.

Want more Poldark-related articles, check these out:

• 15 Beautiful Poldark Filming Locations to Visit in England
• Romantic Moment of the Week: Poldark – Demelza, Ross and ‘I Love You’
• Romantic Moment of the Week: ‘Poldark’ – A Poignant Dwight and Caroline Reunion
• The Top 35 Period Dramas To Satisfy Your Poldark Addiction

POLDARK RATING:

---

PIN THIS ARTICLE! AND MAKE SURE TO FOLLOW US ON PINTEREST.

MORE PERIOD DRAMAS: