Podcast co-host Robin Ellis makes his first appearance in this episode of Poldark, playing the noble Rev. Dr. Halse, a local judge with a bone to pick with Ross. Could it be, perhaps, that the Rev. knows what becomes of Ross as the series goes on? We'll find out! Plus, a surprise marriage you probably were expecting.

It's ball season in Cornwall, and (almost) nothing good happens to our heroes at a gathering of the county nobles. Cousin Verity meets an alluring sea captain, sure, but Ross and Elizabeth's obvious lingering chemistry gives Francis something to worry about. And we're given our first real taste of George Warleggan, Poldark villain. And worst of all, a duel!

On this very first episode of Poldark, we meet all the key characters who will come to shape the series — Ross, Demelza, Elizabeth, Francis, Verity, Aunt Agatha, George,Prudie. We also meet our Mining Poldark podcast hosts — Robin Ellis, who the original Ross Poldark in the 1970s adaptation of Winston Graham’s novels, and Barrett Brountas, a MASTERPIECE staffer and Poldark superfan. Come along on our journey as we explore the entire scope of this beloved series, episode by episode!

You already know the story…boy meets girl, pride meets prejudice, all in a beautiful wrapper: the dramatic Cornish cliffs and dazzling sea. And as we get ready for the final season of Poldark, we here at MASTERPIECE are starting a new podcast we’re calling Mining Poldark, so you can relive the romance, the adventure and the exploits of our flawed hero all over again.

Hear co-hosts Barrett Brountas and Robin Ellis — the original Ross Poldark from the 1970s adaptation of Winston Graham’s classic novels — preview the new podcast. New episodes launching soon — subscribe now!