‘Poldark’ episode 7 review (PBS): Death, romance, and Demelza’s surprising move

Tonight, PBS is closing the door on “Poldark,” and they are choosing to do something a little bit interesting here when it comes to the scheduling. Rather than give you two separate episodes like the BBC did, they are bundling episodes 7 and 8 into one two-hour spectacular.

For the sake of CarterMatt, we’re going to continue to separate them into two different episodes so that we’re not confused when talking about the British or American version of the show. (Warning: SPOILERS AHEAD!)

Episode 7 was an embarrassment of riches when it comes to having a variety of interesting story notes to discuss, but perhaps the one that will be remembered the most from this over time is the decision by Demelza to get herself mixed up in Verity and Blamey’s romance, even though she knows full well how Francis feels about, and Francis’ knack for causing trouble. Her actions set off a chain of events that lead to Warleggan gaining more power, and leaving Ross to wonder whether or not he has been betrayed.

Yes, so there was that romance between Verity and Blamey, but it is hard to feel happy for them or really anyone given that this episode also brought up the death of Keren, and the fact that Mark is in full-on flee mode as a result of it.

In the end, this episode is largely foundational to the finale still, given that you have placed primarily Ross, Demelza, and Francis in such a position where they are in great conflict, and it is still to be seen how they will either come together, or eventually fall apart.