If you have access to Netflix, there’s a series you absolutely must check out.
It’s called “Poldark,” and is a British historical drama set between 1781 and 1801 that follows Captain Ross Poldark, a British soldier who returns from The American War. The show is set mostly in Cornwall County, located on a large peninsula that juts out into the Atlantic Ocean in far southwest England.
It ran from 2015 through 2019, with a total of 43 episodes spread over its five seasons. It was co-produced by the UK-based Mammoth Screen Limited and the U.S.-based Public Broadcasting System and aired in the United States as part of PBS’ Masterpiece anthology.
Captain Poldark is played by Aiden Turner, who gained fame in the role of Kili, one of the 13 dwarves in The Hobbit movie trilogy. You’ll love him as he attempts to be a good man in an environment of political corruption and social injustice, and you’ll root for him as he works through countless forms of adversity.
But the dashing Poldark is just one of numerous great characters in the series, who range from dapper and admirable to arrogant and mean – and in a case or two, downright creepy.
Two of the main ones are Ross’ wife, Demelza, played by Eleanor Tomlinson. Demelza is the classic example of a woman who comes out of nowhere to become a huge influence on many peoples’ lives, and you’ll fall in love with her and wish her the best as she deals with all manner of complicated and convoluted circumstances faced by she and Ross.
And there’s Ross’ incredibly mean and arrogant rival, George Warleggan, played by Jack Farthing. You’ll love hating him and be amazed by his ability to make pretty much everything into something negative or beneficial to himself.
Every moment of Poldark features amazing imagery, with the rugged Cornwall coastline as a frequent backdrop, wonderful old buildings, majestic horses and elegant carriages, and beautiful, ornate costumes. The dialog is always believable and realistic, and the show’s audio and music are continuously captivating and ideal for each situation.
And the sets used in the show are no less than perfect for each scene, both rural and urban.
There’s Wheal Leisure Mine, a rudimentary copper mining operation owned by Captain Poldark, his home in Cornwall named Nampara, and several indoors layouts depicting eateries, office spaces in London and many other residential and professional locations.
And one of the show’s best traits in my opinion is that there’s not much vile language or repulsive video. I feel like many shows lean too much on that kind of thing when they would in fact be just as good without it.
Poldark’s viewership numbers in the UK are mind-boggling, as its audience averaged more than 6 million throughout its run. To me, it’s no wonder that close to a tenth of the entire population of the UK tuned in when the show was on, because it’s that good.
Watching it just leaves you wanting more. You always want to find out what happens next and why. You’ll be happy, sad, disgusted and glad as you sit back and witness a fine story of redemption and justice unfold.
And when you’re done with Episode 8 of Season 5, you’ll feel fulfilled by the way things end, but disappointed that it’s over.
Anyway, I didn’t describe the plot or progression of the show because I wanted to avoid spoiling it as much as possible for anyone who might tune in.
But believe me, this isn’t your average drama series. And everyone I’ve spoken to who has seen it agrees that it’s pretty special.