Poldark

Loved the show and was eagerly awaiting for Season 5. Totally disappointed. Perhaps should of finished with Season 4 cause it just ran right off the rails.

The original Poldark was from what I would describe as the "golden age" of UK television. Poldark sat happily alongside wonderful series like Upstairs and Downstairs, The Onedin Line, The Duchess of Duke St and War and Peace.

Set in 18th century Britain, Ross Poldark, played by Aidan Turner, is a nobleman who shuns social convention. Ross's warmth and his ability to see the true humanity in people, is in stark contrast to the callous, class based snobbery of many of his supposedly, noble peers.

Poldark is at its core a romance but it avoids the "bodice ripper" label by maintaining a very grounded approach to romantic storytelling mixing in a strong social commentary and wry humour.

The cast of Poldark are to a man and women excellent. Turner is exceptional as Poldark. As is Eleanor Tomlinson who offers up an at times very funny but also deeply touching performance, as Demelza. The remaining cast which is both UK and international, are also extremely talented and well suited to their respective roles.

In summary, this is a superb series. It recaptures the golden age of UK television, for those of us old enough to remember it.For those who do not, you are in for a real treat. 10 out of 10 from me.

... Series 5. Where it completely jumped the shark and became one big yawn, hammering home it's message of political correctness.

Such a shame to end it one such a poor note, as up until this series, it had been one of my favourite TV programmes of all time.

The first four series are marvellous, full of action, romance and intrigue. I shall just pretend it finished there.

Rarely do I find a tale that so draws me in and that is because the story is elegant and gritty, actors outstanding, and scenery simply stunning! The word, "noble" means something and not all noblemen demonstrate it. The relationships are not predictable, nor the storyline which shows the desperation of those who scrape by--mostly with honor--and some not troubled by honor but wealth. From our first introduction to Ross, he shows his character and it is impossible not to care about him the way he cares about those in his life. I rate it higher than even Downton Abbey, which I have followed with dedication, as I will with Poldark. I hope it is around for a decade at least!

The first four seasons are entertaining, well-acted, and faithful to the Winston Graham novels (even though the earlier Poldark series is better). However, the fifth and final season inexplicably strays from the books. It's a disaster and sadly leaves a bad taste.