“A known revolutionary, wedded his scullery maid, wrecker and murderer.” Oh, but we like him so.
’Poldark’s return on Sunday evening will do much to warm the cockles of viewers’ hearts, even if our hero himself has a less warm reception to enjoy, as we join him for the beginning of Series 2.
Tousled Ross was being arrested as the credits ran on the last episode, and that’s exactly how we find him as the show picks up again on the story, inspired by the books of Winston Graham.
It’s not only Mr Poldark going through a bad time, though, with fresh trials for his friends and foe. What else, then, do we need to find out about in the course of Series 2?
- With Ross (Aidan Turner) charged with the murder of George Warleggan’s cousin Matthew, plus wrecking and inciting a riot, surely his days are numbered, particularly with George gunning for him. However, with another series at least guaranteed, the question is surely not if Ross gets out of the courtroom alive, but how?
- Back at home, Ross and Demelza (Eleanor Tomlinson) are still grieving for the loss of their daughter Julie from Putrid Throat. Will this torment bring them closer together, or force them apart?
- Meanwhile, over in the big house, will the relationship of Elizabeth and Francis improve any, or will Francis’ demons, debts and green-eyed monster succeed in getting the better of him?
- We ask, because there’ve been reports of an illicit rendezvous between former loves Ross and Elizabeth - how does this come to pass, and will Demelza find out?
- In other news, we’ve already learned that Francis isn’t Elizabeth’s only admirer - we’ve noticed some lingering looks coming her way from the oily George Warleggan. Will his charms, aka bulging bank balance, succeed in tempting her from the side of the debt-ridden Francis?
- Talking of coinage, now Ross’s mine has gone wrong again, how will he and his dependents find a way to survive?
- Will Captain Andrew Blainey and wife enjoy happy married life, following their elopement, or are they destined to live behind the curtains due to his shady past?
- Following Dr Enys’ disastrous affair with Keren, and her husband’s escape by sea, what will the noble doctor do for kicks, and who will turn his head this series?
- Never mind all that, any more scything?
All this and more surely to be resolved when ‘Poldark’ returns to BBC One on Sunday at 9pm. You can catch up on all of the first episodes of the first series at BBC Store.