“Who will dare challenge a family who have the power to bring down a bank?” Well, I think we all know a man of action who might be up to the challenge, don’t we? And what a personage do Ross be these days! A banker as well as a politician, who meets the prime minister for dinner. And, finally, a man secure enough in his position in the world that he’s able to take his goodly wife to London with him. Hurrah! Ale and stargazy pie all round.
This was a solid and entertaining outing, with some long-overdue humorous touches following the grief and violence of recent times. Of course, the ill-fated Pascoe’s Bank, the name of which had been trailed increasingly unsubtly as a harbinger of doom in the previous five episodes, had to have its moment in the plot, complete with a near-full-scale re-enactment of It’s a Wonderful Life. Only Clarence the angel was missing.
The scene outside the bank as Demelza and crew flounced around with their “deposits” was superb, showcasing the finest, faux-hammy work from Prudie (Beatie Edney, to whom we raise the pewter tankard below), Sam (Tom York) and Zacky (Tristan Sturrock). “Deposit! As I’ve done every month some 20 years!” “Truly, I declare, I trust Pascoe’s with my life.” You could feel the actors’ enjoyment beaming out of the screen and it was a joy to behold. Sometimes I wish there could be a spin-off series (Nampara Nights?) where it’s just comedy and no dead babies and no Evil George. This was a much-needed moment of levity – and before even the glorious, picturesque fireworks at the you-must-all-have-a-sixpence-to-make-up-for-lack-of-salary house party.
I did wonder if Ross would really be so forgiving when Demelza took it upon herself to write off £3,800 of his money (which, in the 19th century, was the equivalent of a gazillion pounds) without even asking him. Morally, she did the right thing, but in reality she unwittingly handed everything – lock, stock and barrel of ale – over to Evil George. This is the single most irritating thing about Ross’s inconsistent character. One minute he is utterly broken by the slightest twist of fate, the next he is laughing off a gigantic, life-ruining, mine-destroying debt because he feels he can fix anything with a flash of his mop-haired charisma.
In a more plausible development, Sindy Doll returned to Dr Enys, as is only right. And Morwenna spurned Drake definitively due to being pregnant by the late pig’s-tail-buttocked vicar, as is only wrong. Far less plausibly, Elizabeth forged on with a plan she and Ross seem to have devised almost telepathically: to get pregnant (by Evil George) so that she can “prove” her pregnancies last only eight months, thereby “proving” that Valentine is not Ross’s baby, despite the child looking to anyone in the possession of eyes exactly like a mini-me Ross. I hope that by the time this series is over we at least get to see what a child fathered by Evil George actually looks like. I just hope for Elizabeth’s sake that it doesn’t come out chin first.
The most troubling detail of all, however, was left to last. Demelza be going to London. Which leaves Prudie in charge of Cornwall. Oh, Judas.
Pewter tankard award for bonkers brilliance as supporting actor
We haven’t seen quite as much of Prudie this season, but I’m hoping that next week, while Demelza and Ross are in London, she can do something that truly ain’t right nor proper.
As Prudie, Edney always shines, even with very little to do, and in this episode she relished every cameo moment. Prudie’s fortes include skulking, appearing out of nowhere and doing extremely unconvincing lying – and this week she had an opportunity to do all three, particularly in the bank scene. No one in the history of humanity has been less likely to persuade anyone to invest in a bank. And she camped it up like nobody’s business.
Edney (whom we must worship excessively) has said that she plays Prudie “like a cross between a rat and a toddler” and she excelled in her aim here. Long may she toddle, skulk and potter about pointlessly. We raise the pewter tankard to Prudie’s greatness, while holding on to it with a firm grip; given half a chance, she would more than likely pilfer it.
Classic Poldark lines
- “Forgive me if I may be so bold, but is there the possibility that you may be with child?” Behold the great powers of Dr Enys’ diagnostic talents as he examines a woman of child-bearing age who has just fainted.
- “I believe I may be sickening for something.” Elizabeth, you have been sick for a long time. You are married to Evil George, remember?
- “I see I must be on my guard, Dr Enys. You seem determined to prove I have feelings after all.” I love Sindy’s flirtatious pretence at heartlessness. And her little joke about not having an appointment to see the doctor.
- “There be no words too wicked for the wrong I done ’e.” I’m a bit fed up of Drake’s mooning about. But at least his weakness gives us the chance to see the noble strength of Hobblin’ Rozina.
Regulation reverse sexism bare-chest moment
Drake picked up the chesty baton with a refreshing dip in the bay to try to calm his fevered mind and ease the pain of his singed smithy. I mean, he’s a nice boy and all and thank ’e kindly. But no. It’s just not the same as Ross. Paging Aidan Turner’s agent now.
Next week
Finally, there is a point to Frilly Shirt Man as he gets his claws into Demelza. Morwenna is off to the asylum. And there’s a duel! We’re going to need considerably more barrels of beer.
