Big Teal Elephant

Big Teal Elephant
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Monday, September 26, 2016

Poldark - PBS season 2, here at last!

photo credit: http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/masterpiece/programs/series/poldark-s2/



Like an astronomical number of ladies (and gents too) here in America, I have been anxiously waiting for season 2 of Poldark to premiere and this past Sunday, Sept. 25th was the big day.   I had my PBS station on all day just to make sure I didn't forget to put it on.  I turned my phone off, after warning family and friends I was going to do that. 


I got a little thrill hearing that opening bar of beautiful music and the breath-taking view of Cornwall as the show began.   As expected, it opened with Ross being hauled off by the law, then launched right into the days before the trial and the trial itself.  This was a 2 hour episode, so it covered a lot of the story featured in the book Jeremy Poldark.

Now, I read the book way back in December of last year and as many of you know, I'm often memory challenged by what I read, especially when I read too fast!  However, I'm pretty sure it followed the story very well.  One thing I don't remember is Elizabeth being at the trial, so those of you who are experts on the story can remind me by commenting below!  Also, I'm quite certain Ross did not hire Jud and Prudy back, but I won't swear on the Bible about that. lol  One other thing was the appearance of Demelza's father showing up in court - I don't remember that in the book either.  Feel free to set me straight! 

I found myself really feeling for Francis in this episode.  He has come to realize what a big mistake he made in trusting George and I got the impression he really wants to turn his life around.  I felt bad for him when he came to Elizabeth with a desire to be with her as husband and wife would be and she turned him down flat.  I know he made his bed with all his gambling and whoring, but I still felt sorry for him.  I also was wondering if he had come right out and said 'I'm sorry' when he had the opportunity to in a couple scenes, would Ross have relented a little in his feelings towards his cousin?   The good thing is, he finally stands up to George and tells him what a weasel he is.

It was heartbreaking to watch Demelza putting roses and petals on Julia's bed, but I was very happy Debbie acknowledged that sense of loss that never really goes away.  The scene with Ross and Demelza where they are talking about their grief was very touching.  It's always satisfying to see the two of them together, especially with love in their eyes.  Aidan and Eleanor bring these characters to life so well, it's no wonder so many of us have become addicts of this show!

I think the casting department did very well (as usual) with Caroline Penvenon.  Ms Wilde plays well with Luke Norris and I'm looking forward to their scenes together. Her costumes are so lovely, I think to myself  I wish I designed and made them!

http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/masterpiece/programs/series/poldark-s2/

The trial scenes were tense, as they should be, and I cheered a little when Ross crumpled up the speech he was supposed to say and spoke from his heart.  I mean, we all knew he wasn't going to hang, right?  It was fun to see George practically spitting nails at the verdict.  That evil Upstart!! Overall I know it's going to be a great season.  I don't know if I will blog after every episode (there's 9 of 'em) but I'm sure at the conclusion, I'll have something to say.

http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/masterpiece/programs/series/poldark-s2/