It’s the penultimate episode! How did that happen so quickly? After last week’s light entertainment, things took a dark turn this week, mostly thanks to Frilly Shirt Man, who finally had his moment in the sun, after weeks of trailing his louche presence. Ross saw him off almost as quickly as he appeared, occasioning scenes so gory that even the hardy Demelza was looking queasy. Thank goodness Dr Enys is handy with implements that can pick bullets out of people’s flesh without anaesthetic.
The duel was like something of out Dangerous Liaisons, with Ross as Keanu Reaves and Frilly Shirt Man as John Malkovich. I guess that makes Sindy Doll Glenn Close and Demelza Uma Thurman. Or maybe Horace the Pug is Uma Thurman. (I know it doesn’t quite match up, but humour me. I’ve lost it a bit after those hotel scenes at the beginning.)
We had been allowed to forget for much of this series that Ross can be a right idiot sometimes and here his stubborn stupidity was firmly to the fore. Dr Enys was right, of course: there was absolutely no reason to duel with Frilly Shirt Man. It was known to all of London that Frilly Shirt Man was a bonkers psychopath with a death wish. And yet Ross just had to let him get under his skin, even though Frilly Shirt Man had got nowhere near Demelza (not for want of trying, admittedly).
Personally, I blame the flowers. They were spectacularly beautiful. If Demelza had thrown them out, as Ross suggested, none of this would have happened. Here we returned to the central issue of Demelza and Ross’s partnership, as showcased at length in previous series: they are both as bad as each other. Yes, Demelza remained chaste, but she did tolerate Frilly Shirt Man’s attentions and she was unwilling to draw the line when Ross asked her to. Equally idiotically, Ross insisted on sulking about Frilly Shirt Man, even though it was obvious that Demelza was innocent. What a mess.
My sympathies were with neither of them in the end, especially not after Demelza’s passive-aggressive note: “My wish to be friendly and polite was taken by some to mean something more. It was even taken by you to mean something more.” The two of them need their heads banged together. Maybe this was a case of the wrong two people having a duel. Prudie, find Demelza some pistols.
Meanwhile, Cornwall was sorely missed in this outing, with only a glimpse of the Morwenna-Drake storyline. I thought this plot point was already exhausted and Morwenna’s fate sealed. But it seems there may still be hope for Drake, as long as he doesn’t expect Morwenna to kiss or touch him. Morwenna’s speech about carnal revulsion was excellent and no one could blame her for not mourning her miscarriage. Grim times indeed. I get the impression Morwenna is going to be captured next week and sent to the asylum. Meanwhile her mother-in-law showed where the nasty vicar got his charm: “We must hope for a boy. Girls are of no use to anyone.”
Happy moments? Dr Enys’ attempt at a joke at Ross being able to fight the Unintelligible Hook Hand Man. And Dr Enys and Sindy Doll speaking to each other through the dog:
“Horace wonders why Dr Enys cannot find it in his heart to love London as he does.”
“Perhaps Horace will return to Cornwall sooner than he thought.”
But the absolute highlight of this episode and possibly of the entire series? Evil George’s face when Geoffrey Charles exclaimed at the top of his voice: “Lord, why have I never noticed this before? Is he not the very spit and image of Uncle Ross?” Finally the penny drops.
Pewter tankard award for bonkers brilliance as supporting actor
Pistols at dawn and snifters of brandy all round as we twirl the frills of our shirts exuberantly in praise of Frilly Shirt Man, also known as Monk Adderley (played brilliantly by Max Bennett). The exchange between him and Evil George at the masked ball was priceless:
“The hair’s a touch provincial but the rest is good.”
“Doubtless she has been dressed in London.”
“Then she must be undressed in London … Have you ventured yourself?”
“My tastes are more refined. But if you have the stomach …”
What an excellent scene! There were moments when Frilly Shirt Man appeared to channel the spirit of the nasty vicar. They certainly had similar attitudes to lust and to women. Anyone who didn’t find themselves carnally revulsed should seek medical attention immediately. In acting terms, though? Top work, Frilly Shirt Man.
Classic Poldark lines
- “Recollect how many of your invitations have not found the favour they deserve …” Translation: “George, no one ever wants to come to your parties.”
- “The thought of any flesh against my own … I cannot look on carnal love without revulsion.” Oh, poor Morwenna. The legacy of the pig’s-tail-buttock leaves its mark.
- “Two things I like best. To fight. And to make love.” Oh dear. I think I’m going to be sick. Run away, Demelza!
- “The Foundling hospital has long been dear to my heart!” Evil George said this almost as loudly as Geoffrey Charles shouted that Valentine resembled Ross.
Regulation reverse sexism bare chest moment
A few seconds of chest at the steamy beginning. The conjugal bliss was positively blush-inducing and clearly never destined to last. Maybe it’s me, but surely the chest is best observed wordlessly, in solitude and in its natural Cornish marine habitat?
Next week
High drama as Evil George faces the truth about Valentine. Elizabeth goes into labour at the most inconvenient time. And some very nasty people chase after Morwenna in the woods. Bad times.
