Poldark

The first four seasons are entertaining, well-acted, and faithful to the Winston Graham novels (even though the earlier Poldark series is better). However, the fifth and final season inexplicably strays from the books. It's a disaster and sadly leaves a bad taste.

My spouse and I have long been fans of the Poldark novels by Winston Graham, and of the 1970's TV series. We absolutely loved seasons 1-4 of this new adaptation. The scripts were faithful (in most particulars) to the books, and everything about the production was excellent: casting, directing, acting, music, locations, sets, costumes...everything! After a season or two, we had high hopes that this series would continue through adaptations of all 12 novels, the last 4 of which have never been filmed. After Season 4...well, we could not have been more disappointed with Season 5. I don't see how this season's opening title sequence can still carry the subheading "based on the novels by Winston Graham." The story line is completely off the books and off the rails. Characters act in ways that Winston Graham's creations would never have behaved. Much of the plot is implausible. There are far too many villains: a huge percentage of the screen time is spent with despicable people plotting and carrying out nefarious deeds; this quickly loses entertainment value and becomes tiresome. The last few minutes of the last episode are spent in a mad scramble to turn everything around and catch everything up to a point from which the rest of the novels could actually have proceeded. This whole season is completely ludicrous and unenjoyable to watch. If those responsible for this series weren't going to continue adapting the novels, they should have stopped at the end of Season 4.

I use IMDB all the time to look at reviews but I never leave them. I signed up for an account just so I could rate this series BECAUSE IT IS THAT AWESOME. The only thing that I wish was different is that there were more episodes in a season. Ross Poldark is one of my favorite characters of all time. I can't say enough about how good this show is and everyone involved deserves accolades from the actors to the producers and writers and costume and set designers. The filmography is spectacular. I hope there are many more seasons to come (preferably with more episodes in each season). I also would love to see more television like this. I love historical fiction but a lot of television includes way too much violence, rape, and heroes with extremely confusing and questionable ethics. I like how the characters are flawed and realistic, but still recognizably noble and heroic. There are underlying messages about humanity's flaws and how we do suffer the consequences of our actions but also the value of love, forgiveness, and compassion is emphasized.

Rarely do I find a tale that so draws me in and that is because the story is elegant and gritty, actors outstanding, and scenery simply stunning! The word, "noble" means something and not all noblemen demonstrate it. The relationships are not predictable, nor the storyline which shows the desperation of those who scrape by--mostly with honor--and some not troubled by honor but wealth. From our first introduction to Ross, he shows his character and it is impossible not to care about him the way he cares about those in his life. I rate it higher than even Downton Abbey, which I have followed with dedication, as I will with Poldark. I hope it is around for a decade at least!

The original Poldark was from what I would describe as the "golden age" of UK television. Poldark sat happily alongside wonderful series like Upstairs and Downstairs, The Onedin Line, The Duchess of Duke St and War and Peace.

Set in 18th century Britain, Ross Poldark, played by Aidan Turner, is a nobleman who shuns social convention. Ross's warmth and his ability to see the true humanity in people, is in stark contrast to the callous, class based snobbery of many of his supposedly, noble peers.

Poldark is at its core a romance but it avoids the "bodice ripper" label by maintaining a very grounded approach to romantic storytelling mixing in a strong social commentary and wry humour.

The cast of Poldark are to a man and women excellent. Turner is exceptional as Poldark. As is Eleanor Tomlinson who offers up an at times very funny but also deeply touching performance, as Demelza. The remaining cast which is both UK and international, are also extremely talented and well suited to their respective roles.

In summary, this is a superb series. It recaptures the golden age of UK television, for those of us old enough to remember it.For those who do not, you are in for a real treat. 10 out of 10 from me.