Sunday, July 12, 2015

Saved By "Poldark"

If you've been reading my blog, you'll know that I hate, loathe, and otherwise detest summer. I don't do well in the heat at. all. To make matters worse, I'm on a few new drugs for my rheumatoid arthritis and they cause sensitivity to the sun which means the sun has really turned into something of an enemy.

That means I'm housebound most of the time which usually doesn't bother me, but this year, it's been particularly irritating. Maybe that's because life has thrown me a whole slew of curveballs lately and I'm reeling from it all. Having these curveballs happen during the Most Awful Time of the Year (a.k.a. Summer) has made it worse.

But there is one thing that I have to look forward to each week that has kept me sane: Poldark.

I'm a sucker for stories set in eighteenth century Britain, and even more so if they include romance, adventure, incredibly good-looking actors, fantastic scenery, and gorgeous costumes.

Poldark has all of that and more.

When I found out about this television series, I was elated. What I didn't know was that it was a remake of a series done in the '70s that appeared on Masterpiece Theater here in the US. I was too young to watch that one, but thank goodness I'm around for this one!

Based on a series of novels by Winston Graham (the first was written in 1945) Poldark is set in 18th century Cornwall and centers on Ross Poldark, a soldier in the British Army who served in the American Revolution and was thought to be dead. When he returns home, his father has died, his home is in ruins, and his love is betrothed to his cousin. Ross struggles to get his mine back into working order, and he also falls in love with his kitchen maid, the high-spirited Demelza, a girl who isn't of the upper classes like Ross is, but is of mining stock herself. Drama! Conflict! Romance! This show has it all.

The first three episodes have aired here in the US and I've savored each and every one of them. Tonight is Episode 4 and I'm already glancing at the clock more than I should be (I'm trying to work on my novel) in eager anticipation of the appointed hour when Ross Poldark gallops onto my television screen.

And with Aidan Turner (he of The Hobbit movies fame) playing the lead role, honestly, why wouldn't you watch?

And I have to ask: why are the British so darned good at making costume dramas? Seriously. We did the Civil War series North and South in the '80s (I loved it, but looking back on it now, it was a bit, erm, over-the-top), but we can't consistently create good television dramas like the Brits can.

But as long as they keep producing shows that are this good, I'm ok with that.


13 comments:

  1. I can't wait to watch this show! I have to check to see if I can watch it online, as I don't have cable, and don't want to wait until it comes around to netflix. But yeah. Aidan Turner and that smile of his. Really looking forward to seeing this show!

    I'm with you on hating summer. I find I don't sleep well at all during summer because it's simply too hot to be comfortable at night, and then I'm always tired and cranky every day. Longing for fall, when the cool nights return. I don't mind heat during the day if it cools off at night. But hot nights? no no no no no.

    Hope you're feeling better.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. You can watch Poldark right now on PBS.org! I'm not sure how long they'll have each episode on, but the first three are there right now. :D You will LOVE it!

      Oh, autumn...I can't wait for those cool days. We were up to 107 here today!

      Delete
    2. Sweet! Just checked and the first ep is available until 7/19, so I still have time! Hooray!

      ugh... 107. We get up that hot a lot during summer, but we're only in the mid-90's right now. I think it's supposed to work it's way up again this week, though.

      Delete
  2. I absolutely love Poldark! I came to know about this series when I was searching for a replacement for Outlander. If you haven't watched Outlander yet: it's a recommendation!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I watched the first episode of "Outlander" - it looked really good!

      Delete
  3. Living in Cornwall myself we were glued to this show. Can't wait for the next series which is due to start filming in a couple of months I believe. Glad you have been enjoying it.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Suzanne, I must say, I am jealous! Cornwall looks absolutely beautiful. One of my favorite books, FRENCHMAN'S CREEK, by Daphne Du Maurier is set there, of course, and I can't wait to visit someday. I am headed to England in the autumn and won't make it to Cornwall then, but plan to next time!

      Delete
  4. I just knew you would love Poldark! :) Yesterday I bought the series on DVD and I'm enjoying rewatching it. Yes, the Brits do period dramas well.
    Sorry to hear life's throwing you curved balls. I hope things are on the up and the weather cools soon.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Oh, Sue, I am LOVING it, and so is my daughter! Sunday nights (when it airs) are our favorite time of the week! We'll be buying the DVD, as well. :)

      Delete
  5. Glad you enjoyed Poldark, Melissa. They're filming the rest of the books so plenty more series to look forward to!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hurrah! That is indeed wonderful news!

      Delete
  6. Loving this show too, and Crimson Field which comes on after it (it's kinda like MASH set in WWI, but more drama than comedy).

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I watched a bit of the first episode of "Crimson Field" and didn't like it...but I am a weirdo when it comes to medical dramas. I have never liked any of them - MASH, ER, and Gray's Anatomy never appealed to me.

      Delete

I love to hear from you!

Staying Focused

Friends, sometimes it is exhausting to try and stay focused on goals. Eat healthier. Lose weight. Exercise.  Find a literary agent. Edit the...