Poldark season 4 expectations: What’s next for George Warleggan?

There are few characters within the world of Poldark, (or any other show for that matter), quite like George Warleggan. He’s one of the most universally-loathed villains on TV, but we do classify him as one of those you love to hate. He’s a classic villain, someone who commands the screen and poses a significant mental threat more than a physical one. He’s almost the Joker to Ross’ Batman — no matter how much he would like to be rid of him, he’s always around to make everyone miserable. George always finds a way to cause some more chaos, whether it be out of jealousy, rage, or simple disdain for the amount of love that Ross has within the people of Cornwall.

At the end of season 3, what we did see was a different side of George to what we’ve seen over the years: A repentant one. He seemed reasonably apologetic for some of his actions and showed legitimate scenes of guilt over some of what he did to Elizabeth and Aunt Agatha. You can argue it was a performance, but for the first time in years, we felt like she really forced him into a corner where she would be listened to. She wanted more from that relationship than just status and power.

So in the wake of that, what do we want to see next for George? We do have a few suggestions within our latest character spotlight article. (Rest assured, there are no book spoilers ahead.)

1. A calm before the storm with Ross – In order for this rivalry to have a lot of meat to it, there needs to be a betrayal or a reason to keep it going. While you don’t want the two ending up as the best of friends, we think it’s most effective if there is a period of time where they start to think as though there is a thinning of the ice and things could actually get better for the two of them. All relationships thrive when there is a definite push and pull, and this one needs that — for George to hold on to the same anger without another reason to hate Ross is unrealistic, and it’s more effective if the two parties get along (somewhat) before another apparent slight takes place.

2. Elizabeth genuinely is won over – We’re not sure how much more value there is in Ross’ former love continuing to be torn between two men. It’s almost more effective, and painful for Ross, to see her actually care for George more beyond just a man who offers her status. George needs to earn it, but it could be interesting if he actually figures out a way to do just that.

3. More failure – The thing here with George is that he’s been the one in control and with much of the power over the course of the series. From our vantage point, there is something very effective and interesting that could stem from seeing what happens in the event that he doesn’t have everything he wants. Send George into the butter, and let him weasel and climb his way back out. The greater challenges you give him, the more effective a foe he is.

What do you want to see for George Warleggan on Poldark season 4? Sound off in the comments!

Meanwhile, head over to this link to get some additional news on the series, including some more character spotlights. (Photo: BBC.)