Poldark Season Two Midseason Recap 

Warning: Spoilers Ahead

Whether or not you watch Poldark live on Masterpiece or binge watch, we’re already halfway through the second season; therefore, it seems like a good time to catch up on the happenings in Cornwall.

The season began with Ross being hauled off to jail for murder and inciting a riot. Once again, he comes face-to-face with Reverend Halse (Robin Ellis) or as some of us call him, “Vintage Poldark” – you may recall Robin captivated audiences in the ’70s when he portrayed Poldark.

Back to our current series, Demelza (Eleanor Tomlinson) still heartbroken over the death of her daughter with Ross, fears she may soon lose her husband. She can’t take that risk; therefore, she seeks out the help of Ray Penvenen (John Nettles), thus ushering in a lovely and feisty new character, Caroline Penvenen played by Gabriella Wilde.

Caroline sets her sights on Dr. Dwight Enys (Luke Norris) and the two eventually become friends in quite an unusual way. In order to gain his attention, Caroline sends oranges to the good doctor in order to help him treat his patients, who are suffering from scurvy.

George Warleggan (Jack Farthing) is back and has more dastardly deeds up his sleeves. During the trial, he arranged a deceptive campaign to destroy any future Ross may have, but much to his surprise, Elizabeth (Heida Reed) and others approached him in an attempt to stop Ross from facing death. Eventually, Ross was set free.

Then there is Francis, portrayed by the very talented, American actor, Kyle Soller. Last season, there was a great deal of tension between Francis and his cousin Ross, over their mutual feelings for Elizabeth.

Here’s a little refresher, Ross returned from war only to find his first love engaged to his cousin, eventually Francis and Elizabeth wed. Throughout the first season, Francis was trying to be a good husband, but lacked the skills. He betrayed Elizabeth by sleeping with other women, and sold his cousin out by sharing business secrets with George.

This season Francis turned the corner; he tended to his wife and their child, Geoffrey Charles, but sadly, Francis met an untimely death, but not before making mends with his family. Francis confessed his sins of sorts to Ross; he welcomed his sister Verity (Ruby Bentall) and her husband, Captain Blamey (Richard Harrington) back with open arms.

Ross and Demelza welcomed another child, a son named Jeremy. Jeremy Poldark is the name of the third novel in the beloved Poldark series, written by Winston Graham. Eventually, Ross and Francis decide to try and beat George at his own game. The two cousins go into business together and reopen the family mine, Wheal Grace.

The Poldark family has been through hell and back. Just as things were looking up, tragedy strikes. Francis who had gone from being a selfish, jealous young man managed to turn himself into a loving husband, trusted business partner and good friend. He finds what he thinks is copper inside Wheal Grace. He takes it to Demelza.

The two share a touching moment. Francis; determined to find more of what he thinks is copper, heads back to the mine. Remember in the first season, Ross reminds his cousin that he can’t swim. Ross was able to save him then, but not this time. Francis slips and falls into the water. Still unable to swim, he drowns. In a very tearful goodbye, Francis is laid to rest. In the church, Elizabeth runs into Ross’s arms, Demelza is heartbroken and George is already planning on how he is going to win over Elizabeth’s affections.

If you feel like you are time traveling – you are. Already into the fourth novel of the Poldark series, titled “Warleggan” – the storyline is about to take some twists and turns that will have viewers up in arms and on the edge of their seats. However, before we get those spoilers, here’s a recap of the latest episode.

It’s been nearly a year since Francis died and Ross is still feeling guilty over the death of his cousin. He decides to lend a helping hand to his widow and former love, Elizabeth and her son. Meanwhile, Demelza and Ross face their own financial and marital problems.

Demelza is frustrated with Ross, over his stubbornness to reach out to his wealthier friends in order to avoid debtors’ prison, plus she’s not very happy about his ongoing visits with Elizabeth.

Meanwhile, George’s Uncle Cary, (Pip Torrens) is anxious to call in the debt on Trenwith, but George has other plans and so does Ross. George has eyes for only one woman – Elizabeth. While, Ross is married to Demelza and they share a child together, his guilt forces him to give Elizabeth and Geoffrey Charles, the last of what is left of his own wilting fortune.

Not all is lost on the romantic front; Caroline is back and has finally come of age. She meets up with Dwight. The two kiss and while discussing their future together, Caroline convinces her crush to ride alongside her. Her Uncle finds out about their secret rendezvous and invites, Dwight over to his home. Caroline’s Uncle Ray, tells him to stay away from his niece; however, the good doctor gives Mr. Penvenen a piece of his mind. Now the two have a clear understanding between each other concerning, Caroline. Of course, this only leads Caroline to seek out more of the Dwight’s company. They do make a cute couple – at least in my opinion.

Tis the season – the holidays have arrived in Cornwall and everyone is celebrating in a different way. Demelza serves Ross dinner. He isn’t even paying attention to her. George stops by Trenwith and invites Elizabeth to a small gathering. Although Elizabeth declines, her mother encourages her to go. George offers to pay for the ongoing education of Geoffrey Charles; however, his proposition is a bit overwhelming. In an effort to make Elizabeth jealous, he leaves her with that thought and pays attention to the younger women in the room. Elizabeth takes notice. His plan seems to be working.

Meanwhile, Ross and Demelza meet with their banker. Concerned that Ross will end up debtors’ prison, the couple is surprised to learn that someone has offered to pay off their debts to the Warleggan family. Although, Ross and Demelza try to find out who their mysterious benefactor is, they are only told to accept the offer. We learn that the person is none other than, Caroline Penvenen.

Ross and Demelza pay George and his Uncle a visit. With a gleam in his eye, Ross pays them back in full with interest. Although the Uncle is furious, George isn’t. The younger Mr. Warleggan has other plans to get under his nemesis skin.

Back at Nampara, Ross finally comes to his senses regarding his wife. Demelza tells her husband that she’s unclear about his feelings towards her, but Ross surprises her with a gift. The Aidan Turner heat factor is on high! In a very sexy and steamy scene, Ross slowly places a stocking on Demelza’s leg.

Ross: “So you are not to be rid of me my love”
Demelza: “So I am not to be rid of me my love”

The two make love. Enjoy the SWOON factor, for now. Over the next few weeks, George makes Elizabeth an offer she can’t refuse and Ross goes to extremes to change her mind. Soon a controversial episode will air and during it, the destiny of the Poldark and Warleggan families will be sealed by a kiss.

Don’t forget to join Masterpiece every Sunday for a live Twitter event using the hashtag: #PoldarkPBS.

Poldark: Season 2 airs on Masterpiece, Sunday nights at 9/8c on PBS. Check your local listings.