There are many reasons why the WGBH Drama Club loves Poldark: Beautiful scenery, thrilling romance, and a historic backdrop. But, one of the best themes of the show has always been Ross’ endearing social justice worldview and his concern for the less fortunate of Cornwall. In fact, for anyone following the news on our side of the pond, Ross sounds a lot like a candidate running for president.
In honor of Poldark’s final season, we took a look back through past seasons to re-discover the many times Ross sounded like he was ready to launch a 2020 campaign.
Ever since season 1, Ross showed his disdain for the elite ruling class. Sounds a lot like a populist or an anti-Wall Street candidate.
-Season 1, Episode 5
Ross frequently stands up for workers in his mine, and sounds a lot like some candidates who advocate for raising the minimum wage.
-Season 1, Episode 6
After Ross visits a prison, he confirms his affinity for people who face challenges in the criminal justice system, a bipartisan campaign topic popular on both sides of the aisle.
-Season 1, Episode
After the townspeople raid a shipwreck, Ross defends their actions as some presidential candidates would comment on a news event, saying that poverty drives people to make decisions that they would not have if the economy worked better for them.
-Season 2, Episode 1
With the prospect of war coming to Cornwall residents, Ross sounded like many patriotic candidates who are veterans and proud of their service but also skeptical of war.
-Season 2, Episode 7
Many presidential candidates have legal backgrounds and there is frequent talk about justice on the campaign trail. Ross would fit in well.
-Season 2, Episode 9
As Ross considers a political future, he sounds like a typical presidential candidate who accuses their political rivals of caring more about their own self-interest than their constituents.
-Season 4, Episode 1
It seems as though all of the presidential candidates feel the need to comfort worried voters as 2020 nears, as Ross does when Cornwall faces economic uncertainty.
-Season 4, Episode 1
Ross accepts his political nomination, and sets out his demands, showing his concern for the less fortunate among his base.
-Season 4, Episode 1
Voters often dislike when politicians get caught up in national issues and forget about local issues — also a concern for Ross Poldark.
-Season 4, Episode 2
Again, Ross stands up for the less fortunate, now as a Member of Parliament.
-Season 4, Episode 5
Healthcare for all is a central topic of debate in the 2020 race, and Ross would appeal to many voters with this platform.
-Season 4, Episode 5
Who would be Ross' running mate? Join WGBH Drama Club on Facebook and let us know! Poldark airs on WGBH 2 on Sunday evenings at 9pm.
