Poldark - series 5

What the hell happened?

First time ever:  NO spoiler alerts!  LOL

It seemed to take forever to get here, but season five is officially over here in the states.  I purposely stayed away from my favorite fan sites because I did not want any spoilers, so I had no idea what to expect.   While there were some nice affectionate scenes between Ross and Demelza, overall the whole series left me feeling somewhat cheated...…  cheated of a GOOD story. 

I  hated the whole first few episodes with Morwenna sneaking around trying to spend time with her son.  I did not like the whole Jamaica thing.  I did not like the hinting that Dr. Ennis would be interested in Kitty.  The only thing I did like was watching Jack Farthing do his best work as crazy George!!  Don't get me wrong - I still loved seeing Aidan on my screen and the rest of gang from the other four seasons, but it wasn't enough to make me want to add the DVD to my collection.

To sum it up, I believe Debbie Horsfield did a pretty good job on the screenplay for the first four seasons, but as a storyteller, she clearly is not up to snuff.  Almost everything about her script was plain old bad writing.  Poor Winston, no doubt, is rolling in his grave. 

Poldark -Season 4 revisited

I have been wanting to post on season 4 for quite awhile, however, I like to watch a second time before I put my thoughts out there.  I was finally able to purchase the blueray and have enjoyed catching all the things I missed first time around.  With season five airing overseas soon, I figure this little recap will just in time! As usual, there was a lot that happens, but I hope I get the gist of it all, not necessarily in order.

We open with our hero rising up out of the sea like a mythical god, wearing only his breeches, his beautiful chest heaving as he reflects on Demelza and Hugh and what he imagines them doing!  (You will remember last season ended with Demelza returning from her tryst with Hugh and telling Ross to ask her no questions)  His reverie is interrupted as his wife and children join him on the beach.

Ooh-la-la

Demelza remarks she saw him swimming away to which Ross responds "I'm still here" with a painful look in his eyes.  Demelza, looking into said eyes says "As am I".

Meanwhile, back at Trenwith, George and Lizzy are getting along fine since she swore on the bible that Valentine was his son and threatened to leave him; Hugh is still writing poetry to Demelza; Zacky Martin's boy, Jago arrives only to find out grain (that the starving people need) is being shipped off to Lisbon.

Jago Martin is pissed that the grain is not going to the people at home who need it and takes off to the docks to see what he can do about it.  Sam and Drake follow him to try and stop him from doing anything stupid, which of course, they fail to do.  Jago and others start rioting and the Carne boys try to stop him.  A merchant is killed.  Unfortunately, Tom Harry is there to witness things and runs off to tell George what he saw.  Naturally George sees a great opportunity to put the screws to Ross, so he rats on them.  Ross has the unhappy duty of arresting them but assures them it will be fine and he will do what he can.  (Seriously? when is it ever fine where court is concerned? lol )

As expected, things don't go well.  George sneakily moves the trial time up so Ross isn't there. Several men are pardoned, some are transported, and poor Jago, Drake, and Sam are sentenced to be hanged!  Ross tries to help, all the while making sure Demelza knows nothing about what is going on.  In the end, however, it is Jago who insists Sam and Drake are innocent and after an impassioned plea from Ross, they are released.  Jago is not so lucky and hangs for the crime of murder.  Zacky is inconsolable at the loss of his son.

On a high note, Dr. Ennis finds out he will be a father!! He's so happy, which is short-lived, as shortly after his little girl is born, he realizes little Sarah has a heart problem and will not live very long.  He keeps it to himself for awhile, but eventually tells Ross.

Hugh is supposed to run for Parliament, but his failing health prevents him from doing that.  Ross is convinced to stand in his stead and much to the chagrin of George, wins!  He is still worried that Demelza is seeing him as a second choice (as if...) to Hugh and thinks a little time and distance will help.  Hugh does not survived his illness and Demelza is crushed, though her true abiding love is for Ross, Hugh had a special place in her heart.

Morwenna is still miserable and is forced back into bed with the odious Ozzie, who we all know is a  disgusting toe-sucking monster.  At the same time, he hooks up with her sister again.  He eventually gets caught in the act by Rowena's husband and pays the ultimate price for his philandering!  But not before a dying man confesses he lost a great deal of money investing for Pascoe's bank.  He tells George, who then hatches a plan to bring down the bank, which also leaves Ross and Demelza with no savings.  Such a bastard.

Drake is still in love with Morwenna, but has been pushed into marrying sweet Rosina.  He finds out Ozzie is dead and breaks off the engagement only to find out Morwenna will not have him!  She is pregnant.  He is heartbroken yet again.  Rosina's family gets back at Drake for dumping Rosina and burns down his business.  Morwenna loses the baby and goes to Drake to tell him why she rejected him.  He sees hope that they will be together after all.

Ross does a lot of speechifying in London and tries his best to rally support to help the poor.  He returns home to face a flooding disaster in the mine. While he is home, Dwight and Caroline's little baby, Sarah gets sick and dies.  Everyone is heartbroken.  Ross stupidly asks Demelza if her extreme reaction to Sarah's death is not somewhat because of Hugh's. He can be so dumb sometimes.  Anyway, it was a reminder of losing Julia, not Hugh and it really hurt her that he could think that. Caroline decides to move to London to try and recover and does not want Dwight to go with her.  Ross goes back to Parliament.  While in London, He spends some time with Caroline and Geoffrey Charles and meets Monk Adderly, a new character to hate!  Worse than George, as bad as Ozzie, he oils he way around looking to make trouble.

Ross has a nice talk with Caroline, urging her to let herself grieve, talking her into coming back with him when he returns home.  They get back and learn about the bank failing.  Ross does what he can to try to save Pascoe.  Ross returns to London, this time with Demelza and Dwight and Caroline.

It was a delight to see Ross and Demelza cavorting and kissing in the bedroom, effectively putting the past behind them.  Naturally, these happy things don't last.  Demelza is a bit overwhelmed by life in London society and not sure how to act when she and Ross go to a ball put on by the Warleggans. Creepy Capt. Adderly makes a bet with George he can get into Demelza's knickers and goes after her full speed ahead.  Demelza is not sure how to handle his advances and Ross doesn't step in and tell him to get lost, even though he is clearly jealous.  He has an altercation with Monk at parliament, who responds with a request to settle the insult with a duel.  Against Dwight's advice, he agrees and ends up killing Capt. Asshat, while getting wounded himself.  Punishment for dueling is hanging, but before he dies, Monk says he injured himself which lets Ross of the hook (even though everyone knows the truth, there is no proof).  Demelza is so upset about the whole thing, she goes home, leaving a note for Ross to find when he wakes.

When Ross gets home, they have a heartfelt conversation which helps to further heal their relationship.  Caroline and Dwight also work things out.  However, things are not so good at Trenwith.  Geoffrey Charles remarks about how much Valentine looks like Uncle Ross.... OH-OH - George does not take this very well.  Elizabeth, desperate to convince him Valentine is indeed his, goes to the apothecary to get something that will bring on premature birth.  She eventually takes the drug and has a baby girl.  This makes George believe that Val is his son.  Shortly after the birth, Elizabeth becomes very ill and painfully dies!!  George is devastated as is Ross.  There is a beautiful yet heartbreaking scene with Ross overlooking the sea and remembering Elizabeth when they were first in love.

Ross tells Demelza he at last realizes how she felt when Huge died.  She tells him, it's not the same, as their relationships with these other people were very different.  She also assures him that while Hugh had a piece of her heart, Ross is the only one who ever owned it.!!   

The series ends with a very happy Morwenna and Drake leaving the church a married couple.  

I'm sure I missed a few things, some of the nuances that are important to the story, but this is what stood out the most in my mind.  What will season 5 bring us?  I'm so looking forward to it and I hope it's fabulous.  

Poldark, season 3 PBS

It's been awhile!  I figured with Season 4 right around the corner (overseas, anyway) I would post my thoughts Season 3 on PBS.  As usual, it was a very good presentation covering The Black Moon and The Four Swans.

The series opens with Elizabeth on a run-away horse.  Of course Ross saves her from going over the cliff and she does not appreciate it.  George is his usual pompous self, reminding all of us how much we hate him. lol  I got the impression that Lizzie was attempting to abort her baby.

Early on, we are introduced to three new characters -  Demelza's brothers, Sam and Drake and Morwenna, Elizabeth's cousin.  Drake (who is really cute, btw) comes to tell Demelza that her father is dying.  Demelza wants no part of it, but in the end, blood wins out and she goes to his bedside.

Drake, Morwenna, and Sam

Dwight and Caroline are secretly married with Ross and Demelza as witnesses.  Shortly after the ceremony, things are happening over at the Warleggan's.  Elizabeth has 'fallen' down the stairs!  She started having labor pains, pretty much confirming the baby daddy is Ross.  In desperation, to keep George from finding out, she throws herself down the stairs, to make it seem like the labor starts from this.  Dwight is called from his honeymoon bed to help her.  An eclipse of the moon starts as the baby is born. Aunt Agatha says it's a black moon and a bad omen!  Baby Valentine is born, with both mother and baby surviving.  Caroline's Uncle dies under the black moon.  Dwight has to go back to the navy.  Sigh... an unhappy night all round, except for George who believes he has a Warleggan heir.

Drake and Sam start working for Ross, at Delmeza's request.  Sam is a bible-thumper determined to save all the souls in the county.  Drake is not so concerned about that - he meets Morwenna and sparks fly, however Ross has forbidden them to have anything to do with Trenwith and the people who live there!  We learn that Demelza is in the family way again.

Word comes that there has been a skirmish on the seas and rumor has it that not only Dwight's ship went down, but also Captain Blamey's!  Ross takes off to confirm the rumors.  Sam and his followers have the audacity to attend George's church and he does not like it.  He bans them from it, causing even more discord between the two families.  Word comes that The Esmerelda, Cap. Blamey's ship, has put into port and all is well for Verity.  A short while later, Ross gets word that there are hundreds of English prisoners in a convent turned prison in France and he decides to go and see if he can get a list of prisoners.  This is an extremely dangerous mission, nearly costing Ross his life, but he prevails.

Meanwhile, back at the ranch,   Demelza gives Sam a building on Nampara land for his church.  George is made a Magistrate, a position Ross had turned down, and in true fashion, wreaks havoc for the poor offenders.  He's such a dick.  Drake and Morwenna grow closer.

Ross returns and Dwight's name is on the list of the prisoners!  They are all relieved.  George and Elizabeth and Valentine go to London and leave Geoffrey and Aunt Agatha with Morwenna.  I think it is so sad that Elizabeth will not even try to bond with her son, Valentine.  She is having trouble coping with the secret until a doctor gives her some magic powder to calm her nerves. lol  Back in Nampara a baby girl is born - Miss Clowance Poldark.  

The oily and odious Rev.Whitworth is introduced - he is so well played by Christian Brassington. . George wants to arrange a marriage to Morwenna. Ross, Demelza, and Caroline devise a somewhat dangerous plan to smuggle food for the starving poor people.  Meanwhile, back in France, Dr. Enys is suffering greatly in the horrible French prison.

While Aunt Agatha is planning a 100th birthday party, Ross leaves on a dangerous journey to France to rescue Dwight, along with some of his friends from the mine, including Zacky Martin and Cap't. Henshawe and stowaway, Drake.  It's edge of your seat excitement as they manage to get Dwight and another man, Lt. Armitage to safety.  It is not without casualties though - Drake is injured and Captain Henshawe is killed.

Drake is nearly caught pranking George with toads. Poor Morwenna is forced to marry the horney Reverend.

Luke Norris does an outstanding performance as Dr. Enys struggles with what we now call PTSD.  Poor Caroline doesn't understand; Ross tells her be patient and enlists the help of Lt. Armitage.   There is a lovely, tender scene with Carolyn and Dwight sitting in the garden, where he tries to tell her why he is not himself.

Dwight and Caroline

Morwenna is living a miserable life with Rev.Whitworth.  He arranges for her sister to come and stay with them.  Lt. Armitage starts paying special attention to Demelza.  She in turn starts falling for his charms.

George essentially kills Aunt Agatha when he tells her she is not 100 and there will be no party.  She plants doubts about Valentine's parentage before she dies, setting the stage for a lot of heartache to come.  Ross is furious when he finds out George orders a paupers burial with no headstone. He digs her grave and vows George will pay. Later, he runs into Elizabeth at the church and has a heartfelt conversation about their relationship, what happened the night of his infidelity, and the baby.  He kisses her several times, more as a goodbye than an "I want you", however Prudie sees them.

Armitage is really putting the moves on Demelza and she is falling for it hook, line, and sinker.  Through this whole series, Demelza has voiced her feelings that Ross can do whatever he wants, so why can't she? I think this is meant to give the viewers some insight as to why she finally gives in to Armitage  Prudie tells her about seeing Ross kiss Elizabeth at the graveyard and I think that is a turning point for her.

Ross becomes acutely aware of her feelings for the lieutenant when she sings at a party and only has eyes for him.  It was really heartbreaking to watch that scene.  I could really feel his pain when he spoke with Demelza of it later on that same evening.  Demelza tells Ross she will look at him like that again and to be patient with her as she has been with him.

Ross, watching Demelza sing to Armitage

Dr. Enys orders Reverend Ozzie to refrain from relations with Morwenna until she has time to heal from her difficult birthing.  He turns to her sister for 'comfort' who turns on him telling him she's pregnant with his child and cons him into giving her money so she can marry a librarian who will make an honest woman of her, as the saying goes.  Old horn-dog goes to Morwenna and says she must resume her wifely duties.  She says no and threatens to kill their baby if he touches her.

Lizzie reads George the riot act for allowing his suspicions to ruin their marriage and happy home.  She swears on the bible that she has never given herself to any man except her first husband and him -  he is doubtful, so she then tells him she's leaving him.  George loses it and swears he will never question her faithfulness again and begs her forgiveness, which she gives to him.   Meanwhile, Ross has this epiphany during a confrontation with Tholley and decides if he's asked again to stand for public office, he will not refuse.

A disquieting ending as Demelza returns home after her affair with Armitage. They both look so sad! They embrace, but it is not a hopeful one.

A long post, but dang, a lot happened this season!!  I'm looking forward to season 4, which will probably get here sometime in the fall. 

Poldark - season 2 finale

The weeks just went to fast for season 2 of Poldark!  I'm looking for ward to getting a copy of the DVD with the uncut version.

Overall, I was pleased with the progress of the story and how it stayed close to the books in most areas.  I did feel there was something missing though, which was inevitable due to the story line.  That being affection between Ross and Demelza - you know the hand-holding, hugs, easy banter, etc.  Even before the extreme lapse of marriage vows,  there was a lot of angst what with the trial, the death of Francis, the troubles at the mine.  Now I'm not forgetting the lovely, sexy stocking scene or the bath, (was wishing I was Demelza for those! lol)  It's just the little everyday signs that say 'I love you, value you, want to be with you'.   I missed seeing that.

I had a lot of anxiety watching this last episode, especially when Ross dons his uniform - I know from the books he does not go off to war, but wasn't sure if the script would reflect that.  Happily it did and even more happily we got to see Ross in his army duds and luckily I didn't keel over from that vision.

Also I was wanting, as I'm sure most viewers were, to see some sort of reconciliation between Ross and Demelza and was forced to wait until the final five minutes!  That should not surprise me, but I was worried it might not happen and I'd have to wait until next season.

Really, Ross can be such a dumbbell.  There were a number of times when he and D verbally sparred over his affair, where she expressed her feelings of inadequacy, that Elizabeth was his ideal, that she could never be as good as her and he never once gave argument or denied that was not true. It wasn't until she was packing her bags that he FINALLY tells her that his true; real; abiding love is for her and her alone.   That simple statement went a long way towards healing their breach.  What took him so long??  Oh yeah, the writer.... had to keep us on the edge of our seats.

I was happy to see Dr. Enys and Caroline get back together.  George was his usual weaselly self and Aunt Agatha drops a bomb on Elizabeth when she suggests the baby might come sooner than March.  Oh-Oh!  We vets of the soap opera world know that any time there is illicit sex, a baby comes along, so no surprise there.  What will George do when his son arrives looking a lot like Ross?  Ha!  I hope we'll find out before the series ends.

Sigh.... a long wait for season three.............

  

Just shoot the bastard...... please !

(all pictures are screen prints from episode 9)

Poldark episode 7, PBS Detoit

I held off commenting on last Sunday's airing of episode 7 of the Poldark series here on PBS.  I wanted to think about it for a bit and I wanted to find out what was cut from the final scenes first.

 

Having read the books, I knew that at some point, Elizabeth would agree to marry the upstart George Warleggan and that Ross would have a melt down and take his anger out in a most unbecoming way. 

In an earlier post about the book, I was really hoping Debbie Horsfield would not make Ross look like a rapist and yet, after the show was over, I was thinking that was too much the other way.  The look of desire on Elizabeth's face practically challenged Ross to take her. She didn't seem to fight him off all that much while in the book she clearly says No and even slaps him before he carries off to bed.  That had me wondering what was cut.  

I posted on facebook about it and one of my fellow fans posted a link to You Tube showing the scene and I have to say, it was much more forceful, more in line with the book.  I have to wonder why our area PBS felt it they had to show the watered down version (with a viewer discretion warning at the beginning)  Maybe because of the time slot at 9 p.m.?  Over here, racier things are usually shown at 10 p.m.  - I'm talking about network TV not cable, where anything goes.  At any rate, I can remember seeing more shocking things on I, Claudius years ago than what was in this episode!  Go figure.

Was it rape or not?  This has been heavily debated all over the net and basically, it's up to the reader/viewer to decide if it is or not.  For a lot of us, No means No, however Elizabeth's protests, which at first seemed sincere, died quickly and she was clearly wanting him as much as he wants her. 

Does that make it OK? Of course not as we see when Demelza knocks him on his butt when he comes home the next morning.  

So Ross has fallen from grace.  Can he get back his self-respect and his true love?  Well, I know since I have read all the books, but for those who haven't - my mips are smealed.  LOL

Here is a link to the uncut scene for those who want to watch it.:

Can You Offer Me Anything Else?

 

One last thought, even if Ross would leave Demelza for Elizabeth, would she have been happy being penniless?  I don't think so.  Demelza came from nothing and knows how to survive hard times.  Elizabeth is used to a certain standard of living.  Ross could not give this to her - George could, and even more.  So even though she denies it, George's money has to be a large part of her decision to marry him.  I don't really fault her for this, but I do for keeping Ross dangling on the edge of her feelings instead of cutting him loose completely.  If she can't have him, then nobody else should.  I hate that.

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/

The Hobbit - An Unexpected Disappointment ??

It took awhile, but I was finally able to get my copy of the Hobbit Trilogy on DVD.  I decided against blue-ray because I wanted to be able to watch it in my craft room as well as on the big screen TV.

When I first heard The Hobbit was going to be filmed, I was pretty excited about it.  The Lord of the Rings was everything I expected it to be, so I figured this will be great too.  I went to see it by myself as my usual movie buddy doesn't like fantasy/sci-fi all that much.  It started off good, so nice to be back in Middle Earth, but then along came this weird wizard named Radagast who had a sleigh pulled by giant rabbits and I was like WTF?  I can honestly say I had a hard time watching the rest of the movie because of it.  Now I know it's not uncommon to make some changes when going from the page to the screen, but this was a bit much and at the end, I left the theater a little bewildered at what I just saw.  I had intentions of seeing the other two films, but never did go to the theater for them.  All because adding Radagast to the story didn't sit well with me (and I'm usually not that picky about book to movie changes) !  Silly girl. LOL

Fast forward to 2015 and the PBS presentation of Poldark starring you-know-who... Aidan Turner.  I'm smitten.  Oh, more than that. LOL    It wasn't until my obsession that I realized the one dwarf that I thought was kind of cute was played by Aidan.  Well that did it.  Since I made it my mission to see every film/show he ever did, I borrowed it from the library to re-watch it and lo and behold, I enjoyed it so much more and not just because of adorable Kili (Aidan).  Now I was over the changes, I appreciated the whole production so much more.

 

The casting, sets, and costuming were amazing, as I had expected, yet was too piqued to notice!  So, though feeling a little silly for my Sheldon-like feelings towards The Unexpected Journey, I borrowed The Desolation of Smaug, and after that, The Battle of Five Armies.

I got totally invested in the Tauriel/Kili romance (no surprise there).  I was horrified by the ending and even had to drag out the book to confirm the demise of Kili and Fili.  It had been awhile since I read the book, so as often is the case, I had forgotten all but the most major parts of the story.

Recently someone asked me which movie did I like best and I said I liked them all, but I think Desolation of Smaug has a slight edge because of that sweet scene where Tauriel heals Kili from the goblin poison.  I have watched it several times and I sill wonder why she didn't say anything when he asked her 'do you think she could have loved me'.  Would it have been better if she had answered?  I don't know for sure. What do you think?

I really applaud the casting people for finding the spot-on perfect actors for each role, especially Bilbo.  Martin Freeman was born to play young Bilbo, just as Ian Holm was born to play old Bilbo.  I'm always ecstatic over perfect casting as many of you know already.  I felt that way about Lord of the Rings and now this trilogy too.

If those of you reading this haven't taken the time to watch the appendices with the magic behind the making of the movie, I urge you to do so, and then re-watch all three movies again.  It will be all that more impressive if you do!

All-in-all, The Hobbit Trilogy was a lovely venture back to Middle Earth, in spite of the changes.  If you felt a bit lukewarm about it when it was first released, as I did, give it another try and see if you find it was better than you first thought it was.

Click on link below to see my favorite scene

 Do you think she could have loved me? 

Pondering Poldark - The Angry Tide

Well, I finished reading The Angry Tide and despite the shocking ending, enjoyed it quite a bit. So in keeping with tradition .... SPOILER ALERT!  SPOILER ALERT!  SPOILER ALERT!

The Angry Tide brings some resolutions to the problems featured in The Four Swans and presents some new ones to ponder.  So here's the short of it:

Ross and Demelza are trying to overcome the strain in their relationship in the aftermath of her infidelity.  Ross is elected to Parliament and spends quite a bit of time away from home.  Jeremy and Clowance are healthy and still bring delight into their parents lives.

Dwight and Caroline have a baby girl, who sadly does not survive beyond a few months due to a heart problem.  Losing little Sarah sends Caroline off to London to get away from the heartbreak.  She tells Dwight she needs to get away and does not want him to come with her. 

The odious Reverend Ossie finds a way to foil Morwenna's threat that has been keeping her from having sex with him.  He forces her back to his bed and at the same time starts slipping around with her sister again.  The horny bastard.  Anyway, Rowella's husband sees Ossie fondling Rowella's feet as she lies naked on the bed and ends up following him as he leaves and kills him! Luckily, it looks like an accident, so he gets away with it.  Drake was about to marry a sweet girl named Rosina when he finds out Morwenna is a widow.  Rosina releases him from his marriage promise and he goes to see his true love but she is crazed from having to be a proper wife to Ossie and is pregnant.  She sends Drake packing, which breaks his heart all over again.

Caroline wants Ross to bring Demelza to London, which he does.  They have a wonderful time, growing closer and beginning to feel like that time before they failed to keep their marriage vows, he with Elizabeth and she with Hugh.  There is a delightful passage that features antics in the bedroom at the Inn that I know all us Maidens will want to see!!

It is in London that we meet the detestable and unctuous Monk Adderley who makes a bet with George that he can get into Demelza's knickers and proceeds to pursue her.  She does not like him but doesn't tell him to leave her be for various reasons.  Ross is jealous and it is apparent he has not really gotten back to trusting Demelza.  Monk provokes Ross by taking his seat while at a debate in Parliament.  Ross embarrasses him, so he sends a note challenging him to a duel.  Ross wants to kill him just for the way he looks at Demelza and accepts - all in secret since it's against the law.  They both get hit, Ross survives his wound, Monk does not.  Caroline and Dwight get back together.

Meanwhile Morwenna loses the baby, through no fault of her own, and shows up at Drake's shop.  They reconcile with the understanding that she can't stand to be touched.  Drake agrees to this and they get married. 

Elizabeth is pregnant - this time for sure it is George's baby.  They are getting along well, George buys a seat in Parliament and plans to get himself knighted.  Elizabeth approves of this and sees herself as Lady Warleggan.   Then the proverbial sh*t hits the fan when Geoffrey Charles observes quite loudly and with great merriment that Valentine looks just like his Uncle Ross !  Oh-oh.  Elizabeth is horrified.  George is outraged.  Elizabeth decides to visit a Dr. who can help her with the baby that's on the way - he gives her a potion that will make the baby be born early, but not without some risks.  She thinks if the baby comes early as Valentine did, George will believe her claim that he IS the father of their son.  She has a heart-to-heart conversation with George about how he let Aunt Agatha's vengeful last words ruin his marriage and his life.  He knows this is true and actually has regrets.  Baby girl Ursula comes early as planned, however there are complications and Elizabeth dies a horrible painful death.  George is devastated but not nearly as much as Ross is.  I really hope the show gets as far as this, because I want to see Aidan do this scene.  I can see it in my head already.

I have the DVD of the 1975 version of Poldark and have only 3 more episodes to go for season one.  I have some thoughts about it and will post them soon.

Pondering Poldark season 3-The Four Swans

I got overly long with my post on The Black Moon so decided to do a separate one for The Four Swans, which is book six in the Poldark Saga.

I shall, as usual, give a shout of SPOILER ALERT ~ SPOILER ALERT ~ SPOILER ALERT ! Stop now if you don't want to know what happens !

 

A lot happens in this book, especially for Demelza and Morwenna, who are two of the four swans in the title - the other two being, Elizabeth and Caroline.  There is not a great deal of story time for Caroline and Dwight, however she does get pregnant and is not over-joyed at the prospect of becoming a mother.

As the story opens, Ross and Demelza are still getting along quite well in the aftermath of the events told in Warleggan - it is not until later in the story that Demelza makes choices that will once again rock the foundation of their love!  Wheal Grace is still producing.  Jeremy and Clowence are a delight to their parents.  Ross reluctantly gets drawn into politics and beats George out of his Parliament seat (nanny nanny boo boo).

Elizabeth and George are not getting along, mostly because he suspects Valentine is not his son.  George wins a seat in Parliament (or was that in The Black Moon; I can't remember!) anyway, the puffed-up bastard is proud of that but gets the wind knocked out of his sails when he loses his seat to Ross in the next election.  Geoffrey Charles is sent off to school to help get him away from Drake. Elizabeth later swears on the bible that Valentine is George's son, which helps to relieve his suspicions, but never entirely.

George has forced Morwenna to marry a pastor who is an older man and a widower with two children.  The randy Reverend Osborn (Ossie) is a disgusting horn-dog who only wants her for her body - she however, is in love with Drake Carne and though she can't stop the wedding from happening, she never gives a single part of her true self to her husband.  You can't help but feel bad for poor Morwenna!  She has a son and her sister comes to help her care for the house and child.  Morwenna has a difficult childbirth and Rev. Horny is not allowed to have sex with her so he turns to her sister Rowella and has his way with her quite often.  In true soap opera style, Rowella ends up pregnant - or is she?  She blackmails Ossie into giving her a large sum of money to marry the local librarian so no one will find out and ruin his career.  It is only later, that Ossie runs into her and sees she is NOT pregnant and he is furious. Personally, I love that Rowella put the screws to the odious Ossie.  Not to be outdone by her sly sister, Morwenna twists the screw by telling Ossie if he ever touches her again, she will tell the world how he seduced her little sister. That doesn't impress old Ossie, so she then tells him she will KILL their son!! This is her ace-in-the-hole and it frees her from having to perform her wifely duties forever.  (On the one hand, I'm thinking YAY Morwenna! - on the other, I'm thinking Kill her baby??, holy crap!)

Meanwhile, back at Trenwith, Elizabeth is off on an estate issue (George is out of town) and runs into our hero, Ross.  It is the first time they are alone together since the night he broke into her room and forced her to have sex with him.  Things are a little awkward at first, but the conversation moves along to the fact that Elizabeth's marriage is falling apart - she tells him that George suspects that Valentine is not his son, though she is certain he does not know about Ross coming to her room. This comes as a surprise to Ross who asks Elizabeth if the child is his.  She doesn't know for sure and tells him so.  Ross realizes he still has feelings for Lizzy, even though at the end of Warleggan he told Demelza he no longer cared about Elizabeth!  They touch on the events of the night he had his way with her and it is mention that after the first shock, Elizabeth was a willing partner, as many of us wanted to believe when we read it.  As they say goodbye, he can't stop himself from kissing her several times, not with true passion, but certainly not like a brother either.

We also learn more about Sam and a woman he desires named Emma.  He wants to marry her and convert her into an honest woman with the grace of God upon her.  She, however, is not all that certain she can live that life, though she does have feelings for him.  Drake in the meantime, is busy trying to run the business that Ross helped him acquire.  He pines for Morwenna but there is little he can do to change the situation.

Jud spills the beans to Demelza that Ross and Elizabeth had seen each other!  She does not confront Ross about it, however.  She meets Hugh Armitage, the man that Ross inadvertently saved from prison when he rescued Dwight.  Hugh falls hard for Demelza and is constantly making his feelings known, not even trying very hard to keep Ross from knowing about it.  Demelza is flattered and can't help herself from falling for Hugh's attentions, though she does try to keep things in line.   She and Ross have a heartfelt discussion about her feelings for Hugh and I believe Ross feels it is quite the same as his feelings for Elizabeth and though he doesn't say this to Demelza, it makes him far more understanding that you would expect him to be.  Demelza was married so young and never had admirers before Ross came into her life.  I truly believe she loves Ross deeply with everything she has, but this handsome young man, sending her love poems, telling her of his yearnings, comes into her life and weasels his way into her heart - it's a different kind of love and one she doesn't know how to handle.  One fateful day, after learning Hugh was going blind and nothing could be done about it, she spends an afternoon with him and allows him to sweet talk her into his arms and they make love on a deserted beach. I have to admit, I was disappointed in her!  As I was reading, I'm thinking DON'T DO IT !  DON'T DO IT!... but she didn't listen and did it anyway.  In her defense, she did try to dissuade him several times before she finally caved.  She realizes the magnitude of her transgression and I think she hates herself a little though I don't believe she regrets it - - at least not for now.  Maybe that changes in later books.   Ross, never actually asks her if she 'did it' with Hugh, but he knows something has happened.  He takes it pretty well considering he had a hissy fit when he learned of her failed attempt to seduce McNeil back in book four.  Demelza never actually admits she went all the way with Hugh, but she knows Ross knows.  She tells him she loves him, but if he wants her to leave she will.  He does not want her to leave - in spite of everything he loves her too much to let her go.
 
Our story ends with Ross and Demelza still walking that tightrope between love and betrayal, but not without hope that they will survive all that life has to throw at them!  I truly hope the TV series gets this far into the saga.  I'm happy I decided to tune in when Poldark aired.  It's opened a whole new world for me.

Pondering Poldark - season 3

I recently read somewhere that season three of Poldark is in the works - I'm hoping that's not just a rumor!!  I've been reading the books and since season one featured the first two books, I figured season two would cover the next two, Jeremy Poldark and Warleggan and posted about them here:

Pondering Poldark - season 2 .  

I have since finished reading The Black Moon and The Four Swans.  I feel confident that season three will likely cover these two.


It's only fair to shout SPOILER ALERT ! SPOILER ALERT! SPOILER ALERT! right about now.  If you don't want to know what happens, stop now !!

The Black Moon was a pretty quick read but advanced the saga nicely.  In the beginning we find Ross and Demelza have made every attempt to mend the rift in their marriage.  While they are not completely healed, they are committed to each other in every way.  They have a baby girl named Clowance - I would really like to know if that name was made up by Winston Graham or if it is a Cornish name!  I will have to research that at some point.  Wheal Leisure belongs to George Warleggan and has been closed.  Wheal Grace is doing very well and has put Ross in good financial shape. 

Elizabeth and George have a son, named Valentine. (poor kid - lol) born on the night of an eclipse of the moon, hence the title The Black Moon. This is considered a bad omen!  Now any veteran soap opera watcher, such as myself, has to wonder if Ross is the father of Valentine.  We know he forced his attentions on Elizabeth just before she marries George - seven months later there is a baby.  However, George suspects nothing at this point and is very happy he has a son.  Personally I think Ross is the baby-daddy, but it is never made certain.  All the while I was reading, I was waiting for Aunt Agatha to point out a birthmark or something that is common in the Poldark family history.  That did not happen, but in the end, she doesn't let me down! 

 Aunt Agatha is soon to be 100 years old and she dearly wants to make it to that age and plans an elaborate party to commemorate it.  She does all this to annoy that upstart, George, who she hates as much as Ross does.  George is beyond cruel to her most of the time and near her birthday he cancels her plans and basically upsets her which leads to her death, but not before she plants the seed of doubt in his mind regarding Valentine - she tells him that baby was NOT a 7 month baby.  I was happy that Aunt Aggie put the screws to George before she died.  It made me feel proud to know her, so to speak.

Dr. Enys and Caroline are still very much in love and want to get married, however he goes into service and gets captured by the French and is living in deplorable conditions in the prison.  Ross cannot bear to think of his friend enduring this and even though Demelza is against it, he takes off to rescue Dwight.  It was tense reading because I was constantly afraid Ross would get caught too, but in the end he heroically saves his friend and another officer who would later cause him a great deal of grief in The Four Swans.

Demelza has two brothers who come to Nampara looking for work.  Ross reluctantly helps them.  We get to know the youngest one, Drake, pretty well as he falls in love with Geoffrey Charles' governess, Morwenna, who is Elizabeth's cousin, and she falls for him too.  George, being the prick he is, has plans for her that will basically ruin her life.  Good Lord, I despise George.  LOL  I had thought at the end of the first season on TV, that he might be redeemable, however, if Debbie Horsefield follows the books, he is not making any headway in that direction (though he's still not as bad as Uncle Cary).
Anyway, Drake and Morwenna's story is a welcome addition to the epic adventure.

A lot of ground was covered with the characters, along with a lot of history.  In fact, I found myself skimming the historical stuff because I was anxious to get on with the story! (I probably shouldn't admit that, lol, but it has been done before and if I really like the book, I re-read it.) The best thing for me, was that Ross and Demelza seemingly survived the heartbreak of the events in Warleggan. Or maybe the real best thing is, thanks to Aidan and Eleanor and the rest of the fantastic cast of the show, I see their faces as I read the story.  I like that added dimension.

So, if you have read this, what did you think?  Did you worry a bit when Ross and Caroline had a moment or two?  Did you get invested in Drake and Morwenna's love story?  Do you think George is gonna get worse before he gets better?  Did you skip over the historical stuff too?  Come on now - Fess up so I won't feel alone in my transgression LOL !

The Four Swans was harder for me to read, but that's another post, hopefully before I forget what happens!

For the Love of Mitchell......

I felt like making a video of Mitchell from Being Human and I still don't have the proper software to do it, so I made a another slideshow featuring pictures from all over the net that I have collected in the past seven months - I sincerely do not know who took the photos with the exception of a few screen shots I took from my DVD of season one of Being Human.  If you the viewer, feel one of the photos used in this vid is exclusively one of yours, feel free to give your self credit in the comments.  The song used is a clip from an mp3 that I purchased on Amazon and is sung by a duo called The Civil Wars. 





Here are the lyrics used in the vid:

It's not your eyes
It's not what you say
It's not your laughter that gives you away
You're just lonely
You've been lonely, too long

All your actin'
Your thin disguise
All your perfectly delivered lies
They don't fool me
You've been lonely, too long

Let me in the wall, you've built around
And we can light a match and burn it down
Let me hold your hand and dance 'round and 'round the flame
In front of us
Dust to....

You've held your head up
You've fought the fight
You bear the scars
You've done your time
Listen to me
You've been lonely, too long

Let me in the wall, you've built around
And we can light a match and burn them down
And let me hold your hand and dance 'round and 'round the flames
In front of us
Dust to dust



Who Says You Can't Teach an Old Dog New Tricks......

It just takes a little longer, Ok?   I want to learn how to make those videos you find all over you tube that have clips from movies or tv shows and are put to music.  I'm reasonably sure I just need the proper software to do it.  Also, I am very concerned about copyrights.

I have created my first Aidan slideshow for the fan girls known as Aidan's Maidens.  I have been collecting pictures from all over the net for some time now and it's virtually impossible to know who is really the person who took the picture - for instance, on an image search, you can see the same photo several times and they each have a different credential on it.  In regards to the song I used, I actually went to the artist's website and sent an email asking if it was ok if I use it.  I haven't heard back yet, but if I do, and they say NO, I will take my vid down and try to find a new song (that won't be as good mind you - lol)  BUT... until then, I give you my 2 minute 49 seconds masterpiece or beginner's effort depending on what you know about these things. :-)  You can make it full screen, but it really fuzzes it up.

Supernatural Predators Can Be Fun!

I often think I'm too old to be a 'Fan-girl' - but that hasn't stopped my desire to seek out anything and everything that Aidan Turner has been in!  Oh yeah... I'm talking about him again.  You know who of whom I speak (imagine you are hearing this in my best Galadriel imitation).

 My first encounter with a character that was not Ross, was Mitchell on the BBC show, Being Human.  I'm not sure I can tell you how much I love this show and especially love John Mitchell, vampire extraordinaire. (This would be a good time to run to the bathroom and get your second cup of coffee.  I have much to say about season 1 - 3 of this show.)

I believe it would be appropriate to shout SPOILER ALERT right about now - if you haven't been able to watch it and don't want to know what happens- stop now!

Being Human centers around a ghost, a werewolf, and a vampire who become roommates and consequently try to live as normal humans in a world where they are decidedly not normal.  This is a well written show with a masterful blend of drama, humor, pathos, and vengeance.  Our main players, Annie, George, and Mitchell are well-defined with their own distinct personalities that will eventually become like personal friends to you.  The more you watch, the more you want each of them to find the happiness they are so desperately searching for.  A gigantic Kudos goes out to the writers, producers, directors and especially the cast of this captivating show.

Lenora Crichlow plays Annie, a young woman who was killed by her boyfriend, leaving her a ghost with unresolved issues that keeps her from crossing to the other side.  Annie is a bright light, sweet, and very caring about everyone.  She represents the goodness in human nature and her flatmates become protective of her and look to her to lighten some of the darkness that surrounds them.  She and Mitchell have an epic love story that spans the first three seasons, building slowly from a glance here and there to hugs, kisses, and attempts to have sex. Annie also is very naive and though she knows of the danger of vampires and werewolves, I don't believe she ever truly understands their nature and what drives them to do what they do. She never really grasps the power of the hunger for blood or the mindless outrage of the transformed wolf.  Annie died young, before she had the time to experience the kind of life lessons that widen one's perspective of what's good and what's evil; everything is black or white to her with no shades of grey. At the end of season three, she tells Mitchell that if he loves her, he will turn himself in for the boxcar 20 killings. She doesn't understand that Mitchell really wants to be punished for all the people he's killed over the years, but that exposing to the world that vampires exist could, and most likely would, bring about the genocide of all the inhumans, good or bad, (i.e. George and Nina).  At one point she even tells Lia that he is not the man she fell in love with, when he actually is, she just can't see that the man and the beast are one and the same. Lenora gives the viewers a good insight into Annie with a believable and solid performance.

Russell Tovey plays George, a young man who's world is irrevocably changed when he becomes the victim of a werewolf attack.  At the beginning of season one, he has only been a wolf for about 2 years and is still in denial about it.  Mitchell saves George from a trio of vampires who attack him and subsequently becomes best friends with him.  They work together at a local hospital and decide to rent the flat where they meet Annie.  George and Mitchell's friendship is historic.  The depth of their care for each other is so evident in every scene they have together.  George truly understands the beast within and they bond in a way that most friends only dream of.   George is the voice of reason in the group - the one who is the closest to being human. He only has to face the beast one day a month.  He so desperately wants to go back to his old life, to get rid of this burden forced on him.  He eventually meets and falls in love with a nurse named Nina who works where he does and to his horror, accidentally makes her a werewolf too.  Nina loves George but is unwilling to accept his relationship with Mitchell.  She doesn't understand that bond, perhaps because she is new to the inhuman condition.  She doesn't trust Mitchell and consequently, George finds himself, on more than one occasion, having to chose between his love for her and his best friend.  Some of the most delightful scenes on the show are between George and Mitchell as are some of the most heart-rending.  I have no doubt that George knows from the get-go that Michell is involved in the boxcar 20 murders. He tells Mitchell  "I can’t be your confessor, Mitchell, I can’t. Not now. I need you too much." when Mitchell tries to tell him the truth. In the end, it is George who has the courage to save Mitchell from his life in hell on earth.  Russell is so good in this role, words can't adequately express it.
 

 

Last but not even close to least -  Aidan Turner is our tortured yet vulnerable vampire, haunted by his dark past and struggling to stop his lust for blood.  Mitchell, turned during the first world war, is around 100 years old.  He wants so badly to stop the killing however, the need for feed is a powerful influence over him - indeed it is the blood that keeps his kind alive, so trying to stop is nearly impossible.  He keeps trying anyway.  Mitchell doesn't always give enough thought to what he is about to do, quite likely due to his inherent knowledge of the power deep within him that can, and sometimes does, keep himself out of harm's way.  His makes rash decisions and then rushes to try and fix things.  He is constantly at war with himself, fighting the desire for blood and the love of killing to get it - yes he loves it and at the same time, hates himself for loving it.  Poor Mitchell!!  He is so tired of the struggle.  His relationship with George and Annie help him to stay the course, however, even they can't stop the blood rage he feels when a doctor named Lucy betrays his blossoming love for her, resulting in the loss of Annie to the other side.  The scenes of him with Kemp at the end of season two where he has a total melt down after losing Annie is something to behold. George gets him through it.  

One of my favorite episodes in season one is a brilliant story line where he meets his great love from 40 years ago, Josie.  Those scenes where he finds her in the hospital lunch room are so fabulous and her sacrifice for him is so sad, but beautiful. (We learn more about her in flashbacks in season two - It's the one time you will see Aidan with bad hair - lol) 

In season two, he meets Lucy and feels very attracted to her, they make love, he tells her he is a vampire - he pours his heart out to her telling her he needs " Someone to help me! Someone to change my life for. That’s what I’ve been missing all this time, is just someone to— someone like you. I can do this. One more chance is all I need. I want this so much but I can’t do it alone. Please. Please, I’m begging you. Save me."   Instead, she blows up the funeral parlor where he and his fellow vamps hang out.  He has really strong feelings for Lucy and when she betrays him, he goes on a killing spree of biblical proportions.

When Annie is forced over to the other side, it becomes apparent he has strong feelings for her too. He goes to other side to rescue her from purgatory!  He doesn't admit his feelings for awhile but he can't hold out forever. There are several cute scenes with Mitchell and Annie. One of my favorites is when she talks dirty to him and the look on his face when he says 'sweet Jesus'.  And then there are those passionate scenes, with ardent visual and verbal affirmations about he feels about her.  (Speaking for myself, I just want to reach into the screen and hold him and assure him everything will be alright, as if Annie's not doing a good enough job doing that. LOL)  At one point, he tells Annie  "For nearly a hundred years I’ve been a slave to hunger. But with you, you give me a reason to take control back over my life. You give me a reason to start again."  It's a lovely, poignant scene with the two of them sitting on the stairs.  He is terrified of her finding out the truth about the boxcar 20 murders, and yet at the same time he wants to tell her.  In one episode he tries but she won't let him, thinking he's referring to the past.  I think Mitchell is afraid to tell Annie the truth because he knows she has an innocence about her love, that it is not strong enough to hear the truth and in the end, his instinct is right.   

The end of season three is heart-breaking but I felt inevitable.  Aidan was leaving the show and anyone with an ounce of brains would know they could never re-cast.  When the truth comes out and the proverbial sh*t hits the fan, Mitchell loses everything that is important to him.  He knows in his silent heart that true death is the only thing that will stop him from killing again, so he goes to George for his help one last time.  George needs some convincing and it comes in the form of a new Vampire leader who tells Mitchell he's gonna make him his bitch (well not exactly in those words, but you get my drift).   George then does the unthinkable and kills Mitchell knowing in doing so, he was actually saving him.

The show ran for five seasons and was a huge hit in the UK.  I have watched one episode from season four and think I might watch the rest, but maybe not.  As is often done, a version of the show was produced here in the states.  I have watched one episode of that too.  It's quite different, yet eerily the same in some ways. lol  I don't care for the casting of Mitchell and Annie all that much so I don't know if I will watch more.

Judas! I thought the Poldark post was long!  I might be to old to be a 'Fan-girl', but I think I can get away with "Fan-Gran" 

p.s.  There are dozens of YouTube videos about Being Human - here is one of my favorites:

Just Give Me a Reason - Mitchell & Annie

As usual, your thoughts are welcome.  Enter them below.

If I have to have an addiction, it might as well be a Poldark one!

Those who know me know I've been Poldarked big time.  I'm not alone in this - there's hundreds of others out there. I know because I'm in their Facebook group!  I've watched it about six times now, maybe seven and I'm still not tired of it.  What I really need is to talk about it but I'm pretty sure my friends and family would only hear blah blah Poldark blah blah blah Ross blah blah Demelza blah blah blah and quickly find a way to extricate themselves.  So I'm gonna talk about it here.  Go get your coffee and put your feet up. lol

This would be a good time to say SPOILER ALERT !!  If you haven't seen it yet and really want to, stop now unless you don't care, then read on. :-)

First of all, I think it's one of the best small screen productions I have ever seen.  Yes I love Downton and Call the Midwife and still love, love, love Lonesome Dove.  So what makes Poldark stand out?  Is it the great story...the fantastic performances by everyone... the fantastic costuming...the outstanding cinematography...the gorgeous sound track?  Ok, so you already know I say it's all those things and more!

Let's start with the story.  Winston Graham wrote several books set in Cornwall featuring the Poldarks.  I have only read the first one, mostly because I can't really afford to buy them and the libraries around here are only starting to get them.  However, I did enjoy reading the first in the series.  Basically our hero, Ross Poldark, comes home from the war in America to find his father is dead, his home in ruins, and his lady love is engaged to his cousin.  Gives new meaning to a run of bad luck, eh?  The story focuses on him rebuilding his life and learning to live without Elizabeth, the girl he was supposed to marry.  Debbie Horsfield did a fine job in creating a script that keeps the heart of the story, though, as usual, has changes from the book.  There are many memorable scenes due not only to her script, but also to the incredible performances of the cast.

Speaking of the cast.... wowzers!  Clearly a home run.  Here's my thoughts on the cast and the characters they play:

Aidan Tuner is our hero Ross Poldark - he breathes life into this character in a way that has made thousands of viewers all over the world fall in love with him!  He is so good at what he does, so believable, we all want a Ross in our lives.  His smouldering good looks are the icing on the cake, to say the least.

Ross is honest, kindhearted, concerned about friends and family, and over-all a good guy.  He has a temper to be sure, but only towards that which deserves it.  He makes mistakes, sometimes misjudges, but will admit it if he's wrong.  He's in love with two women - Elizabeth, who marries his cousin, and Demelza, a common girl who he hires to work for him and eventually marries.  I love every scene that he has with Demelza. I love how even a simple hold of her hand speaks volumes of how he feels about her, even though it took awhile to realize it.  I think his biggest mistake was in not telling the George the truth of about his uncle drowning and him not being able to do anything to save him.  Instead he says 'why would I want to' and that doesn't sit well with George at all, who then proceeds to get back at him.

Favorite Ross scenes - when Demelza sings at the Christmas party, when baby Julia dies in his arms, when he and Dr. Ennis take baby Julia to be buried, when he tells Elizabeth that Delmelza is the love of his life, (I actually cheered the first time I watched it), and especially when he has to tell Demelza their little girl has died - he can't even say the words!  It is the most moving scene and is so authentic. I know that feeling too well.  It's been 15 years since I lost my dear daughter and I still can't say the 'd' word.  Aidan is so unbelievably good in that scene, as is his co-star, Eleanor. It's truly heartbreaking to watch.

Eleanor Tomlinson is our heroine Demelza.  Eleanor is so pretty and does an awesome job portraying a spunky teenager who runs away, with her dog Garrick, from a miserable home life.  Ross saves her and Garrick from a dog fight and decides to hire her as a kitchen maid.  She's a hard worker and over time, falls wholeheartedly in love with Ross. She goes through quite a transformation from a gawky, dirty urchin to a lovely young woman,  however, Ross is still in love with Elizabeth and she doesn't quite know what to do until one night an opportunity comes along to seduce him and she does.  It's a great scene that I never get tired of watching! 

Favorite Demelza scenes - when she's in the meadow, playing with Garrick, dancing at Jim and Jinny's wedding, her first kiss, I love that she keeps her eyes open!, when she needs help unlacing the gown and what follows ;-), taking lessons from Verity, singing at the Christmas party, learning her baby has died, riding out to the sea with Ross to say goodbye to Julia.  Eleanor has a lovely, clear voice and I'm hoping she does more singing in season 2.

Heida Reed is Elizabeth - prim and proper and so well-played you can't imagine anyone else doing it.  Elizabeth is Ross' first love.  She feels the same and hopes they can marry when he returns from America - things don't go as planned and when Ross is believed dead, she agrees to marry his cousin Francis.  I found myself wondering 'what if' with Elizabeth.  What if she had married Ross?  Would she have been happy living in his little house, would she have rolled up her sleeves and helped with the yard work, the cooking, the washing? or would Ross make sure she had servants to help her, someone other than Prudy and Judd?  What if she had challenged Francis over his affair with Margaret instead of ignoring it?  Maybe she was happy he wasn't bugging her for sex?

Favorite Elizabeth scenes - when she's walking around smiling and cooing to baby Geoffry Charles, when she goes to the mine closing and says Francis feels sorry for himself, and when she is grateful for Demelza coming over to help them when they are sick.

Kyle Soller is Francis - Kyle plays a wonderful Francis easily going from smiling sweet cousin to jealous vindictive cousin in a heartbeat.  Francis is such a wimp.  It's hard to like him.  I play 'what if' with him too.  What if Elizabeth didn't spurn him in the bedroom, would he have turned to Margaret? Francis is basically a spoiled boy in a man's body.  I was surprised he actually called out Capt. Blamey the way he did.  He allows George to manipulate him and is too stupid to realize he's trying to get Elizabeth away from him.  Poor Francis.  It will be interesting to see what happens to him.

Favorite Francis scenes -  when he chides Elizabeth at the Christmas party and at the Christening too (he's such a prick about it lol), when he stares out to sea after his father dies, when he offers a comforting hand to Ross at Julia's burial, showing he's not always an ass.

Ruby Bentall is Verity - Ruby is so wonderful in this role.  I loved her in Lark Rise to Candleford and so pleased to see her versatility in portraying Ross' cousin Verity.  Poor Verity is treated more like a house slave than a daughter/sister.  I was happy when she found the courage to follow her heart and hope to see she's still happy with Captain Blamey in season 2.

Favorite Verity scenes - when Ross takes off and leaves her alone with Demelza when she visits them after their wedding, when she teaches Demelza how to be a lady, the look on her face when Demelza tells her she pleases Ross in bed, the look on her face when Ross admits he might like to have both Elizabeth and Demelza as his wife, the shot of her watching Blamey ride off after shooting Francis, back to camera, you could still feel her devastation.

I'm already in the running for the longest post ever so I'll just add a quick thought or two about our antagonists, Cary and George Warleggon.

Pip Torrens plays the horrible, heartless, son-of-a-sea-serpent, Cary Warleggon to perfection, else why would I hate him so?  I have only four words regarding him:  someone PLEASE kill him!!!!  lol

Jack Farthing plays George Warleggon - like the rest of the players, he does a fine job playing Ross' chief adversary.  I find George to be a complex character.  He's not entirely evil like his Uncle Cary, but he certainly is his protégé - a sort of dick-in-training.  He is from humble beginnings and has made his way in the world, not without stepping on a lot of lives along the way.  He is deliberately trying to ruin Francis in hopes of winning Elizabeth from him.  He is truly horrified at the death of Julia and can't bring himself to drink the congratulatory drink Uncle Evil pours for him at the news.  I think he would have been less likely to go after Ross, if he hadn't been so rude about the death of his cousin, but then perhaps he would anyway.  I think, like Scrooge, George has the possibility of redeeming himself in some way.  Let's see if that happens!

One last thing - the shots of the wildflowers, the sea, and my favorite, the ladies looking out to sea for the pilchards are so amazing I wish I could kiss the camera person!  That and the heart-achingly beautiful sound track make this production one to be proud of by all who made it happen and one to treasure for a long time to come.

As always, your comments are welcomed, encouraged, even if you don't agree, only PLEASE no spoilers for next season!!!