To affect genuine change,
I must sell my soul and become a politician?
My Lord, would you consider a truce with Sir Francis?
Is it not a pity that you cannot agree on a candidate?
The handsome and poetic young war hero?
I thought that today would be all I desired. I was wrong.
Do you think there's room in a woman's heart for two men?
Were we ever to be blessed with another child...
Things will be different.
A wife has duties.
Which I fulfilled till you saw fit to debauch my sister.
I trust you'll have my nephew in perfect health by the election?
I think perhaps I've taken you for granted.
You are the better part of me.
If I cannot love you again, it will be the death of me.
How far is London?
Hundreds of miles!
Like the ends of the earth.
Perhaps that's no bad thing.
The headaches grow worse, but if you give me a stronger opiate...
It's not simply a question of dulling the pain,
but of treating the underlying cause.
This is a sorry sight!
My nephew should be up, preparing for the election.
If we prevail, as I hope we shall, we leave at once for London.
My Lord, may I have a word?
You are aware that the election is next week?
My nephew must be recovered by then.
I regret that I cannot tell you what you wish to hear.
Then perhaps I should find someone who can.
Do we think here or Truro for the celebrations?
My return to Parliament?
Are you so confidant? It was close last time.
With a man like Basset behind me,
do you suppose the result's in any doubt?
Armitage...
Armitage puzzles me.
An illustrious family name, a respectable Navy career,
no local business interests to further.
What possible use could he make of Parliament?
Perhaps he thinks to be a force for good.
He wouldn't last five minutes!
Dwight! You've missed the hard work.
I was called to Tregothnan.
And subsequently dismissed.
Hugh's improved? The reverse.
But Falmouth dislikes my diagnosis so has called in Choake.
Then there's no hope for him.
He'd stand a better chance in France.
And I have other patients to attend to.
Some closer to home.
I very much regret to announce an Enys-Penvenen offshoot.
A child? Oh, Judas, that's wonderful!
And entirely your fault. You would insist on bringing me home!
Of course, I want don't the brat.
She don't mean it. No, she means it.
Really, I cannot bear babies.
Wrinkled, greedy, red-faced little tyrants!
Truly, though?
Will it not be wonderful for us all?
This calls for a celebration.
Well, before my life is ambushed by
possets, I must make myself useful.
Will you favour me with your company this afternoon?
Well, stop me, if it ain't the Resurrection Boys!
Wow! Now then, lads, do you wrestle?
I'm in charge o' the games at Sawle Feast tomorrow
and in need o' contenders.
I'll fight either o' ye Carne meaders
wi' one hand tied behind my back!
Why don't you fight him, Sam? Show him who's master!
I'd sooner wrestle for the liberation of souls.
What about my soul?
I pray for that night and day.
And if you came to our meetings, we could pray together.
Maybe I would... if you beat him.
Do you mean it?
I say so, don't I?
I accept.
Would it not be a fine thing if George Warleggan were unseated?
Yes. By Hugh Armitage?
For then George would be out of Parliament,
and Hugh would be out of Cornwall.
It would solve a good many problems.
So, how may we help Hugh on his way? Hm?
Our aim is to bring down the fever,
reduce the putrid humours and cause
an intermission in the excessive action of the blood vessels.
We'll proceed first with blistering,
thereafter with purging, vomiting, poulticing and bleeding.
If you were to bring your influence to bear in securing me
the living of St Newlyn, my uncle,
Conan Godolphin, might be willing...
To secure me an introduction to the Prince of Wales?
Yes, you've said so many times - so far without result.
But, as you say, were I in a position to influence matters,
your uncle should bear that in mind
when next he dines with His Royal Highness.
Is this what it takes to be a politician?
See how well suited I'd be?
So delighted you could join us, my Lord de Dunstanville.
The delight is all mine, dear ladies.
Excepting my wife and daughter, I'm seldom in such agreeable company.
Lord Falmouth is here, ma'am.
Oh! Oh, dear! How very awkward!
Has he mistook the day?
Have I? I did swear I invited him tomorrow.
My Lord, I can only apologise.
My Lord, would you believe -
I've foolishly misarranged my engagements.
Can you forgive me?
So, Ross?
I understand your brother-in-law
has challenged my gamekeeper to a wrestling match.
Incautious of him, to say the least.
Tom Harry is a champion and in his prime.
His stomach would suggest otherwise.
You think, then, your Methody preacher will prevail?
I hope so.
It's time that hired thug was taught to behave.
I confess, I do find politics that confusing!
Why, for instance, do Cornwall return over 40 MPs,
but new towns like Manchester send not a single one?
I agree, it's wholly unjust.
And wholly appropriate...
..till such times as these upstart boroughs prove themselves
capable of sound political judgment.
What, like Cornwall?
Which persists in electing Members by bribery and favours?
By and large,
our elected representatives are men of integrity.
My own nominee - a gentleman, war hero.
By sheer coincidence, your own nephew!
Whereas yours is a man without scruples or decency.
Perhaps you'd care to lay a wager on the contest.
Shall we say 100 guineas?
On one condition.
Whoever loses pays the money to a charitable cause.
Charitable? Excellent thought!
Might I propose the new hospital at Truro?
Agreed.
I was saying to Demelza how tiresome it must be
to be forever battling for the same territory.
Were it left to we ladies, I wager we'd soon come to agreement.
Pray instruct us.
Well, suppose we were disputing two boroughs...
Say, for instance, Truro and Tregony?
Then I might suggest she yield me Tregony.
While she concede me Truro.
Of course, she might not wish to concede Truro
were she convinced of the merit of her candidate.
But suppose that candidate had failed to impress,
had neglected his duty?
Say, in preserving the peace?
Thereby allowing a man to hang.
A dismal performance.
Quite unworthy of anyone's patronage.
I cannot disagree, my Lord.
More brandy, gentlemen?
To muscular might.
You applaud brute force?
Sometimes, in this world, that's what's required.
Even if innocents get trampled underfoot in the process.
Zacky Martin's son was not innocent.
You consider brutality to be
an essential part of a politician's armoury?
I consider a sentimental weakness for the poor
to be pure self-indulgence.
Those of us actually in government,
as opposed to those pontificating from the sidelines,
have a more realistic view of what's required to run this country.
I look forward to our contest tomorrow.
I suppose the election result's in no doubt.
We'll see less of George once he's in London.
Watch your pin side! Again!
Hit!
Stay rooted!
It's not the guineas which concern me. It's Sam.
Why don't you fight Tom Harry?
At least I could nurse your broken bones in a better cause.
Do you think I could pick and choose my own battles?
I'd like to think so!
But sometimes they come at me unannounced.
And then?
Ross!
That's it, move it this way.
There we go.
Hooray for St Sawle!
Please may I be excused?
No, you may not! Feast of St Sawle is the one day
that everyone goes to church.
Jeremy doesn't have to.
Was Geoffrey-Charles permitted to play with local urchins?
Francis saw no harm in it.
And yet, see what came of it -
an inability to discern the proper
companions for a boy of his station.
We will ensure that OUR children will make more suitable connections.
One cannot expect immediate relief
when one is dealing with a brain fever.
Is that what we're dealing with?
I believe Dr Enys first identified the symptoms.
I, however, differ as to treatment.
If my thirsty little colleagues here produce no good effect,
I propose to shave the head in order to facilitate... trepanation.
Well, daughter, are ye ready to forfeit thy soul to Preacher?
I reckon Preacher's soul is on its back for thee!
Least Preacher have a soul.
Ah, my dear!
I feel it my duty, as vicar, to attend the Feast Day festivities.
Naturally, you will not wish to...
Cousin Elizabeth, shall we go together?
I hope you've brought your needle and thread.
Brother Sam may need patching up.
Welcome, everyone! A wrestling contest!
Best of three falls.
On my left, we have Tom Harry.
And on my right, Sam Carne.
Right, shake hands in the middle.
Hey, hey, hey, hey, hey! None of that!
On the whistle.
Use your size, Tom!
See this delivered without delay.
Come on, boy!
Roll him over! Come on, Sam!
Go on, Sam!
Get on, boy! Proper stuff!
First fall to Sam Carne!
Come on! Yes!
Come on, Sam!
Thank you.
From Lord Falmouth.
I'll return as soon as I can.
Ready for the second fall?
On the whistle.
Come on! Get up!
Get up, Harry!
Get up! Come on!
He's cheating! Tholly!
His eyes! Mind his eyes!
Come on! He's cheating again!
Off him! Off him! That's enough!
Hey, hey, hey, hey, hey, hey, hey!
Second fall to Tom Harry!
Cheating, finagling worm!
Have a drink.
His Lordship has no patience.
Sir?
I've assured him that these treatments
must be allowed to take their course,
but he's used to dictating terms, so he must take the consequences.
Ha! Good luck to you, sir.
Trepanation?
You can see why my uncle sent for you.
Shall we try less primitive methods?
I have a powder to lower the fever and another to reduce headaches.
But you yourself must play a part.
Trust in your own powers of recovery.
Suppose my faith is wavering?
Final fall, all to play for!
Go on, Sam!
Come on, Sam!
Tholly!
All right?
Careful!
Your welcome to her soul, brother.
I've already had her body.
No!
And the winner is - Tom Harry!
Valentine, come here.
Morwenna?
I saw you at the hanging.
I thought... I thought it was the last time I should ever see you.
Knowing you were there, I'd have died content.
I cannot be seen here...
..with you.
How are you, Morwenna?
Do he treat you more kindly now?
Wife!
I was collecting shells.
Alone? Well, have a care!
Here, we're at the very edge of civilisation.
I believe the natives can be quite barbaric.
Greet thy champion!
Sing his praises!
But he is very glad to be at thy service.
We thank you for that service,
and, from now on, we no longer require it.
Brute force wins the day!
And I'm delighted the hospital will benefit.
It's from Dwight.
Ross, a pretty jest, is it not?
To cheat the French and then oneself be cheated?
I hope you'll soon gain the upper hand.
Will I? We'll do our best.
Demelza?
Would you sit with me a while?
Too many visitors will tire him. I'll wait downstairs.
Courage, my friend.
Thank you.
How serious it?
Difficult to say.
There seems to be some underlying weakness - some lowering
of resistance which makes him susceptible to every passing ill.
Of course, his time in France will render him more vulnerable.
But I sense there's more to it than that.
He seems somehow resigned.
Why, when he has everything to live for?
A glittering career, a noble family name, a new life in London.
Perhaps those things hold less attraction for him
than other things which are more difficult to attain.
One would hope they're more difficult.
Captain Poldark, would you favour me
with a few moments of your company?
My nephew will be very glad to see your wife.
He thinks highly of her.
As do I.
And I.
Of course, you're aware that, thanks to her efforts,
Francis Basset and I have come to an accord?
I was not aware.
However, I would not be so naive as to suppose the strength
of feeling which arose against me at
the last election no longer exists.
Even without Basset's support,
many who voted for Warleggan will not change their allegiance.
Of course, whatever happens to Hugh...
..he will not be fit to fight this election.
No. No, of course not. A great pity.
By now, you'll have had to choose some other candidate.
I have indeed.
I warn you!
His Lordship is not fond of unexpected guests.
We are not guests! I am his elected representative in Parliament. Mm.
Since the riots, he's been much engaged with affairs of state.
And whatever coolness you may have imagined towards us...
Should it continue, it would create an unfortunate impression.
Then we will create a different one.
Arrange a series of public appearances, where Basset
and I can demonstrate that we are, in all things, as one.
Tell him I am otherwise engaged.
And will be for the rest of the day.
But why, when you have the pick of the county to choose from,
choose me?
Because I believe you have the best chance of winning the seat.
Confess - do you not feel some frustration with your present life?
Your inability to influence matters you care deeply about?
I think I've stayed late enough.
The last time we spoke,
we were at odds on just about everything -
the function of Parliament, the way men are elected,
the unequal distribution of power... Times change.
Perhaps my views are less far from yours than once they were.
Work for reform from within the House.
Not all politicians find it necessary to sell their souls.
What would it mean?
Parting from you.
Becoming strangers for much of the year.
I in London, you in Cornwall.
Could you bear it?
Could you?
From one of my agents.
Basset and Falmouth have reached an accord?
Falmouth will not contest Tregony.
Basset will not contest Truro.
In other words, he's thrown us over!
How dare he?
It... it matters not.
My uncle has begun canvassing the burgesses and he assures me...
That the majority wouldn't vote for a Falmouth candidate
if the end of the world was nigh!
Well? Can you be certain?
Not entirely. Which is why we've taken steps
to increase the obligations of certain electors.
Threatened them.
Encouraged them to see the advantages of continued allegiance.
And the disadvantages of the reverse.
All of which may in fact result in a larger majority than the one
I secured last time.
These are my terms.
I may support Pitt in any measure to sustain the war.
I may support the abolition of slavery.
I may take any action I feel will benefit the poor.
Agreed.
I accept the nomination.
So all is well? We will return to Westminster?
My dear, order your gowns to be packed without delay.
When I am gone Remember this of me
That earth of earth or heaven of heaven concealed
No greater happiness than was to me revealed
By favour of a single day with thee.
Mama! Mama!
What is it, sweetheart?
Jeremy, what I have told you about teasing your sister?
Demelza, I must ask you...
..are you afraid?
Of what we agreed today?
More than afraid.
Yet I know it must be so.
Do not fear it.
George will win.
And I will stay.
And Hugh will live.
Brother Sam, has he said aught about the wrestling?
Not a word.
You know, I promised to go to his praying feast if he won.
So why did he let Tom Harry win?
Maybe he don't want to win you that way.
If he'd won, would you have kept your side of the bargain?
Of course.
Could you not still?
I'm afeared. Of what?
That I'd feel naught.
That I'd want to be saved, but I'd be led to pretending I'm saved.
Do you love him?
Be advised.
What he believes is who he is.
Ye can't love Sam without loving his faith. Come on.
You must choose.
Take all of him...
..or none.
This afternoon's election -
will you go, cousin?
Oh, now, there will be a tussle!
Will your opponent attract many votes, do you think?
On account of his exploits in France?
Doubtful. Armitage is new to the business
and would do better to return to the Navy.
Oh! You have not heard? Armitage is sick.
Falmouth was obliged to choose another candidate.
Oh?
And who might... Poldark! Poldark of Nampara!
Myself, I should have thought him too much of a rogue,
but no doubt he thinks to turn his notoriety to some account.
Are you sure have the right person, Ossie?
Gad, yes! I had it from my tailor,
who had it from Sir Hugh Bodrugan,
who said, "Poldark in Parliament shall provide more backbone
"than wishbone!"
He's not yet there.
I'm sorry, Uncle...
..that I cannot oblige you today.
Hey! There'll be other occasions, my boy.
From Tregothnan...
..asking for you.
Seddon, Gough, Tippet, Howell, Killick, Pooley -
these votes are assured.
Less certain is Aukitt, but he's received a substantial loan
which he knows is due for repayment if he votes unwisely.
These three, they're marginal - they could swing the vote either way.
Prynne, Hick, Musgrave -
older gentry, well connected, set in their ways.
And old friends of the Chynoweths.
I told you my wife would be useful.
You've abandoned your post?
This time, it was the patient who dismissed me.
In favour of his other visitor?
I made him comfortable.
What else could I do?
Is it true that swans mate for life?
I believe so.
Or at least until a more handsome swan appears!
No-one seems able to cure me.
And yet...
..I think there's someone who could.
Well, let them be sent for!
She's here.
I?
I have no miraculous powers!
What could I do?
Give me hope.
In spite of how I care for you and all that's between us...
..it is not in my power to give you what you seek.
Well, then, I must be content with what I had...
..for it was no small treasure -
to have once possessed you, body and soul.
I never asked you -
what led you to accept the nomination?
A moment of madness...
..which I now regret.
Once again, he puts me in a quandary.
You dislike Falmouth, so how can you vote for his man?
Quite so.
You're a veteran of these affairs, Harris. What's the form?
Do I shake hands with my opponent
or am I permitted to glare at him across the hall?
The latter, I believe, is customary.
And safer!
Ladies, gentlemen, quiet, please.
It is three o' clock.
Let the Proclamation and Notice of the Election now be read.
Gentlemen, I propose Mr George Warleggan -
an experienced candidate who has served this borough
faithfully for many years.
A banker and merchant with a thorough knowledge of local affairs.
A magistrate, a keen upholder of the law,
which puts him in stark contrast to his opponent, who has
frequently shown himself to be above the law.
I commend to you a man who stands against lawlessness,
against corruption,
who will fight for the interests of this borough in Parliament.
What a paragon! I'm almost ready to vote for him myself.
Gentlemen, may I propose as my candidate Captain Ross Poldark?
New to governance but known to all as a brave
and distinguished soldier.
Thank you.
Short and sweet.
A welcome change.
Let the voting now commence.
I cast my vote for Mr George Warleggan.
Captain Ross Poldark.
Captain Poldark.
Mr George Warleggan.
Three more votes and George has it.
Captain Ross Poldark.
Mr George Warleggan.
Six votes remaining.
And George only needs one more.
Basset will look a fool if he goes against the tide now.
Here it comes.
It's a rout.
Captain Ross Poldark.
Captain Poldark.
Hick and Musgrave,
and my wife just charmed the britches off them.
Captain Poldark.
Did you not tell me I had their votes?
Captain Ross Poldark.
Ross, it's yours!
Mr George Warleggan has eight votes.
Captain Ross Poldark has nine votes.
I therefore declare Captain Poldark to be the winner.
Thank you very much for your vote.
How did he manage it? How could he possibly defeat you?
He... he did not defeat me! Prejudice defeated me!
Privilege has closed ranks
and chosen to forget the misdemeanours of his past!
And I, who have worked tirelessly within the law,
given money to all sorts of worthy causes,
am regarded with contempt because my ancestry is inferior to his!
I did what I could.
Will Mistress Poldark be joining us?
She went to visit a sick friend.
I told her it was the worthier cause,
since I hadn't the least expectation of prevailing here!
Congratulations, Captain.
We have won the day.
By a very narrow margin.
No margin is too narrow, so long as it's the right way.
Will you join us for dinner at the Red Lion?
Forgive me, but I'm not in the mood to celebrate.
I just received word.
My nephew died a few hours ago.
I hope he took comfort from your wife's visit.
I'm so sorry.
Please... excuse me.
Did you know he would die?
I suspected it.
What purpose would it be, to tell you before the election?
I was certain he'd survive.
He was still so young.
To be frank...
..I often wondered if...
If he exaggerated his pain in order to gain sympathy?
I'm ashamed of the thought.
Then console yourself with this - henceforth, he'll be immortal
in everyone's memory,
and we poor souls will look pale in comparison.
Yes, the thought had occurred to me.
I wanted to tell you.
A man's never had me.
Even if they had, it would make no odds.
The soul can still be saved.
And there'd be more joy in heaven over one sinner that repent...
But that's just it, Sam.
I don't repent.
I could pretend to, but you'd know.
What good would that do us?
So...
..I'm going away.
To marry Tom?
A cock's life, no!
To Tehidy.
My Lady Dunstanville have want of a maid.
Just for a year.
And after that, if you still wish it, and if I still wish it...
..we'll meet again, see how things come out, see...
..see if there be any change.
There'll be none from me.
You're a rare good man, Sam.
Believe me, it gives me no satisfaction...
..to be forced to stoop to the services of a common drab!
And all because my wife
refuses to perform her conjugal duties.
She don't know what she missing.
Leave us.
This is a setback.
Nothing more.
We will not let it compromise our plans.
Any of our plans.
Oh, Vicar!
Good day to you.
Sister-in-law!
How is your...
Health? Oh, Vicar, I'm so very grieved.
I'm afraid I was mistook.
In what regard?
It does appear now that I was not after all with child.
Are you serious?!
I can only plead youth and extreme ignorance of these matters.
You are the Devil's handmaiden, sent to tempt
and destroy one of God's own ministers!
Did you not invent the entire fable to blackmail
and cheat me into providing a dowry...?
Vicar! I'm ashamed of you!
However could you think such a thing?
? Roll it and pat it and mark it with P
? Put it in the oven for Prudie and thee! ?
Maid not with you?
She's not returned?
Not since this morn when she rid for Tregothnan.
Hugh Armitage is dead.
Oh, Lord!
Oh, God bless him! Oh, comfort the maid!
She'll be that...
Yes.
She was fond of him.
Perhaps I should go in search of her.
Nay, sir.
Only that...
..maybe she wish to grieve alone a while?
Maybe leave her to come back of her own accord?
Ross, I thought you'd be abed.
Because I could sleep, knowing you were not home?
I went to Caroline.
I had to talk to someone, and I know
no-one closer, more truly a friend.
Except me.
Was it not so?
Before all this happened?
It was.
Always.
But in this? Ross, how could I tell you?
Do you not think I'd want to be told?
And to explain something I don't rightly understand myself?
Try.
This thing came upon me, unaware as I...
I never sought it, I...
..I never thought there was place in my heart for any but you.
But somehow...
..somehow... You came to love him.
Not love.
Not love such as we, such as you and I.
No love could match that.
But...
..yes, he...
He did touch my heart.
And now?
And now I feel as if my heart is broke.
Not as it was with Julia.
Then my tears were like blood from a stone.
I darest not let them fall.
Now they fall like summer rain.
And not only for Hugh.
It's for her... and me...
..and all that's wasted and broken and lost in this world.
Save some tears for me.
For I believe I'll need them.
This hurt.
It will mend.
And this sad, sorry, broken world?
Will that mend too?
Who will mend it, Ross?
Will you?
I will try.
The election! What happened?
The very last thing we thought.
You won?
Yes.
And now?
Everything will change.
Be good while I'm away.
And you look after your mother. Yes, Papa.
Good boy.
Captain Monk Adderley. How may I assist you?
What may seem simple to an outsider...
If only there was something I could do to augment our meagre income.
Tholly!
Quite possibly the most perfect creature I've ever seen.
Always accept what ladies have to offer.
I think you no longer know me, Ross.
Perhaps we no longer know each other.
*CREDITS*