‘Poldark’ episode 6 review (PBS): Ross deals with death, Francis’ objections

For a man like Ross Poldark, he has to have become at least reasonably accustomed to loss over the course of his life. This is a man who fought overseas, and returned home to Cornwall to find it rather different than the place in which he previously left. (Warning: Spoilers ahead from tonight’s episode!)

So to see him suffering on tonight’s “Poldark” episode was difficult, even know we felt he would eventually emerge on the other side. The death of Jim hit him hard, and it was probably made all the worse by the sole fact that he tried almost everything that he could to help. To us, one of the series’ long-recurring themes is that Ross is a man who really wants to help to do the right thing, but often somehow comes up short due to the fact that there is really only so much that a guy like him can do.

There was a minor victory for Ross as he was able to realize that Warleggan may be running a not-so-lovely card-game operation, but this moment of satisfaction probably is not so great when you consider losing his father and also at one point losing his clothes.

Also in this episode tonight we had Demelza throwing some delightful shade at Keren for her “wandering eye,” Francis continuing to live out some sort of pathetic existence after losing so much, and then also him airing out some objections over Verity and Blamey. Verity really did not pick the right time to start to inform him on what was going on.

This episode in the end sets the stage for what should be a fascinating finale, one where Ross’ struggles to keep the mine afloat will come to a head, and we will also see whether or not there is any vindication for some of the series’ more-maligned characters. We’re obviously left to root for Ross and Demelza, but there is no guarantee that a happy ending awaits either of them in the end.

Did you enjoy the ups and downs of tonight’s “Poldark” installment? Share now with a comment.