The WORST episodes of Poldark (2015)

Every episode of Poldark (2015) ever, ranked from worst to best by thousands of votes from fans of the show. The worst episodes of Poldark (2015)!

Britain is in the grip of a chilling recession... falling wages, rising prices, civil unrest - only the bankers are smiling. It's 1783 and Ross Poldark returns from the American War of Independence to his beloved Cornwall to find his world in ruins: his father dead, the family mine long since closed, his house wrecked and his sweetheart pledged to marry his cousin. But Ross finds that hope and love can be found when you are least expecting it in the wild but beautiful Cornish landscape.

Last Updated: 12/15/2024Network: BBC OneStatus: Ended
Episode 1
star
7.60
1105 votes

#1 - Episode 1

Season 1 - Episode 1 - Aired 3/8/2015

Cornwall in England, towards the end of the eighteenth century. Ross Poldark returns from the American War of Independence to find his beloved, but finds only one world in ruins: his father died, the family mine closed and his companion committed to marry his cousin. Fortunately for Poldark, nothing is lost...

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Episode 3
star
7.67
525 votes

#2 - Episode 3

Season 4 - Episode 3 - Aired 6/24/2018

Ross faces the challenge of Parliament and the Warleggans refuse to accept defeat. In Cornwall, Demelza contends with a failing mine and fixing Drake's broken heart. Dwight and Caroline welcome a baby daughter. Ossie meanwhile tends to a dying parishioner and George hosts an extravagant party at Trenwith.

Directors: Joss Agnew
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Episode 1
star
7.73
436 votes

#3 - Episode 1

Season 5 - Episode 1 - Aired 7/14/2019

The Poldarks look forward to life together in peace, but a plea from his old army colonel, Ned Despard, compels Ross to the capital. Arriving in London, he finds a city gripped with paranoia, and is determined to save Ned from the conspiracy that imprisoned him. As Demelza manages their affairs in Cornwall she encounters disenchantment and a new opponent, Tess. Meanwhile, George struggles to engage with the world after Elizabeth’s death, but enters into an alliance with the merchant behind Ned’s imprisonment, Ralph Hanson, who is involved in the slave trade.

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Episode 7
star
7.74
401 votes

#4 - Episode 7

Season 5 - Episode 7 - Aired 8/25/2019

Demelza discovers the French are smuggling arms into Cornwall, but Ross is determined to take vengeance on Merceron and Hanson for framing Ned and returns to London to confront them. The Enyses follow, and Caroline must put her insecurities aside to support Kitty in her battle against Merceron, drawing perilous attention to herself in turn. Sam continues to meet with Tess against all caution as Cecily and Geoffrey Charles plan their escape with Ross's help, but the danger that stalks the Poldarks follows swiftly.

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Episode 2
star
7.75
394 votes

#5 - Episode 2

Season 5 - Episode 2 - Aired 7/21/2019

Demelza and the children join Ross in London, but his dogged pursuit of Ned’s vindication finds them caught in a dangerous web. An ennobled George pursues the fruits of his new alliance, but his lingering grief has unexpected consequences. As Ned confronts the man responsible for his downfall, Demelza fears they are entangled with forces beyond their control, and Dwight’s expertise on insanity unwittingly place him and his friends on shaky ground. Meanwhile, Drake and Morwenna continue tentative steps forward in their relationship, Valentine’s spirit grows wilful in neglect, and Geoffrey Charles learns he must tread carefully if he’s to gain Cecily’s father’s favour. Ross tries to find a man who may hold the key to clearing Ned’s name, but in championing Ned’s cause, Ross finds himself in a compromising situation that will shadow him wherever he goes.

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Episode 5
star
7.76
393 votes

#6 - Episode 5

Season 5 - Episode 5 - Aired 8/11/2019

Ross returns to London with the Despards and Enyses in the hope of securing Ned and Kitty’s return to Honduras at last. When the banks start issuing paper notes instead of gold, Demelza finds herself thrown into uncharted waters with her workers and the locals, which Tess and Jacka take advantage of. Morwenna tackles the grief of being parted from her son, and Drake goes to extreme lengths to ease her suffering. Meanwhile, Geoffrey Charles makes plain his intent to marry Cecily, landing them both in trouble. George gives his maiden speech in parliament, lending support to the slavery underpinning his new business venture with Hanson. Ross must take a stand against him, but Ned’s headstrong nature works against them both. As George conspires once again against his old enemy, his allies enact a plan to destroy their opposition for good.

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Episode 4
star
7.77
500 votes

#7 - Episode 4

Season 4 - Episode 4 - Aired 7/1/2018

Ross is reunited with his family at home, but tragedy strikes in Cornwall. Dwight tells Caroline some devastating news about Sarah. Ossie is seen visiting Rowella by her husband Arthur, who grows suspicious. Emma returns to give Sam her answer, whilst Drake is persuaded into courting Rosina.

Directors: Brian Kelly
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Episode 5
star
7.78
801 votes

#8 - Episode 5

Season 1 - Episode 5 - Aired 4/5/2015

Demelza gives birth and resolves to help Verity reconcile with Captain Blamey. Ross welcomes old friend Dr Dwight Enys to Cornwall. Francis' persistent gambling threatens the security of all he holds dear.

Directors: William McGregor
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Episode 4
star
7.78
387 votes

#9 - Episode 4

Season 5 - Episode 4 - Aired 8/4/2019

Ross is given hope for the Despards' return to Honduras but finds his new nemesis Ralph Hanson has returned to Truro. Demelza continues to help the community help itself, and Dwight gains unexpected patients but his absences from home have unforeseen consequences. Morwenna, still struggling with the loss of her son, starts to secretly slip away from the village, leaving Drake to wonder where she goes. Sam and Rosina become close as Rosina starts to lend a hand with the school, Geoffrey Charles and Cecily continue meeting in secret but discovering the nature of Ralph and Cary's business plan leaves them in turmoil. Meanwhile, Ralph enlists some help from Tess, and disgruntled locals to set a plot in motion to undo the Despards and the Poldarks in turn.

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Episode 3
star
7.79
800 votes

#10 - Episode 3

Season 3 - Episode 3 - Aired 6/25/2017

Ross is ordered to leave Roscoff under threat of execution. He travels with Tholly to meet his contact in France, but finds information about Dwight's fate comes at a high price. Sam leads a congregation of methodists in protest outside the church - only to face broken promises from George, who revokes their lease on the meeting house, which leads them to turn to Elizabeth for help. Geoffrey Charles has some words of advice for Drake, who has shared a moment of intimacy on the beach with Morwenna.

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Episode 8
star
7.80
878 votes

#11 - Episode 8

Season 2 - Episode 8 - Aired 10/23/2016

Ross and Dwight stand trial for their part in the smuggling. A new tin lode gives Ross renewed hope in Wheal Grace, but it is George who is there for Elizabeth when her mother falls ill and deals Ross a bitter blow.

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Episode 2
star
7.80
934 votes

#12 - Episode 2

Season 1 - Episode 2 - Aired 3/15/2015

Ross resolves to reopen his family mine with Francis. Demelza struggles to fit in at Nampara. Verity makes an unsuitable match, leading to a feud between Ross and Charles, which ends in a violent showdown.

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Episode 6
star
7.81
504 votes

#13 - Episode 6

Season 4 - Episode 6 - Aired 7/15/2018

As Dwight helps in the founding of Truro's infirmary, George finds the opportunity to ruin a business rival and the Poldarks in the process.

Directors: Brian Kelly
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Episode 7
star
7.82
749 votes

#14 - Episode 7

Season 1 - Episode 7 - Aired 4/19/2015

Francis wrongly blames Ross for helping Verity elope with Andrew Blamey. Mark suspects Dwight and Keren of having an affair, starting a chain of events which will have tragic consequences and threatens the safety of everyone at Nampara.

Directors: William McGregor
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Episode 6
star
7.83
767 votes

#15 - Episode 6

Season 1 - Episode 6 - Aired 4/12/2015

With Jim gravely ill in Bodmin jail, Ross and Dwight launch a desperate mission to save him. Demelza is excited to attend a grand ball held by George, who is determined to ruin Ross and his smelting company.

Directors: William McGregor
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Episode 5
star
7.83
530 votes

#16 - Episode 5

Season 4 - Episode 5 - Aired 7/8/2018

George increases the strain on the struggling poor; To his frustration, Ross's efforts in Westminster meet successive failures, driving Ross to make a risky gambit. The adversity the Poldarks face, however, may not be confined to Cornwall alone.

Directors: Brian Kelly
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Episode 3
star
7.84
389 votes

#17 - Episode 3

Season 5 - Episode 3 - Aired 7/28/2019

Ross's tenacity in helping Ned bears fruit, but not without cost. Hanson’s presence in Cornwall raises suspicion and as Demelza wrestles with how best to equip the community to look after itself, Morwenna lends herself to the cause and finds new hope. Geoffrey Charles and Cecily’s relationship continues to blossom whilst her father Ralph pursues an arrangement with George, but George’s sanity continues to deteriorate and Cary struggles under mounting responsibilities. Bored of being neglected, Valentine decides to break out of Trenwith in search of new friends. Meanwhile, the Enyses look to challenge the county’s high society by hosting a ball to introduce the Despards, before disaster strikes and Ross and Ned must rise into heroic action together.

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Episode 3
star
7.85
904 votes

#18 - Episode 3

Season 2 - Episode 3 - Aired 9/18/2016

Ross and Demelza face financial ruin, and George plans revenge on Jud. Francis, meanwhile, tries to rebuild his life and extends an invitation to Ross and Demelza.

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Episode 7
star
7.85
744 votes

#19 - Episode 7

Season 3 - Episode 7 - Aired 7/23/2017

George learns of a vacant seat in Parliament for a Member of Truro and decides to pursue it. Elizabeth and Agatha prepare for Agatha's 100th birthday party, to George's chagrin, and Caroline hosts a fake wedding reception to which the great and good are invited. Meanwhile, there is a new arrival at the Whitworth vicarage.

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Episode 4
star
7.87
917 votes

#20 - Episode 4

Season 2 - Episode 4 - Aired 9/25/2016

Needing money to open a mine free of George's influence, Ross strikes a deal with a local smuggler. Dwight, meanwhile, tries to diagnose an epidemic and receives help from an anonymous benefactor.

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Episode 7
star
7.87
500 votes

#21 - Episode 7

Season 4 - Episode 7 - Aired 7/22/2018

The Poldarks, Enyses and Warleggans enjoy London's distractions. George dotes on Elizabeth, delighting at the prospect of an heir and announcing plans to host a charity ball, but their domestic bliss soon comesunder threat. At the Warleggan ball Adderley takes a fancy to Demelza, betting George he'll cuckold Ross within a month, which gives rise to deadly complications.

Directors: Joss Agnew
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Episode 6
star
7.87
373 votes

#22 - Episode 6

Season 5 - Episode 6 - Aired 8/18/2019

Ross throws himself into fighting for Ned’s liberty as George prepares to marry Cecily and finalise his deal with Hanson and Merceron. Geoffrey Charles is forced to make a desperate plan to elope with Cecily before the wedding, and Demelza uncovers a theft at the mine. While Drake and Morwenna enjoy wedded bliss at last, Sam’s growing attachment to Rosina comes under threat by Tess’s claim to seek a purer life. With Ned’s trial looming heavy and the odds stacked against them, Ross pleads for Dwight’s help in a daring attempt to save his friend.

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Episode 2
star
7.87
542 votes

#23 - Episode 2

Season 4 - Episode 2 - Aired 6/17/2018

The Poldarks determine to get their relationship on track and the Enyses announce they're expecting a baby. Hugh's worsening health threatens his chance to stand in the election, and the prospect of him remaining in Cornwall adds pressure to the Poldarks' fragile marriage. At the Sawle Feast, Tom Harry challenges Sam to a wrestling match. When Emma offers herself as the prize, Sam accepts.

Directors: Joss Agnew
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Episode 9
star
7.88
856 votes

#24 - Episode 9

Season 2 - Episode 9 - Aired 10/30/2016

Demelza refuses to speak to Ross and expects him to return to Elizabeth, abandoning her and Jeremy. Elizabeth and Agatha believe the same and Elizabeth writes to George to postpone the wedding. George rides to Trenwith to make Elizabeth agree to another date, ensuring his plans are not usurped. In Truro, Tonkin invites Ross to join him in a prospering shipbuilding partnership. Meanwhile, Demelza accepts Sir Hugh Bodrugan’s invitation to his ball, where she finds Captain McNeil, inviting him to her room, having justified the possibility of adultery as something Ross has driven her to. Ross finds Demelza on Hendrawna Beach but hasn’t the words to build a bridge between them. Ross is beckoned to the mine where they have cleared the collapse and come upon the richest lode of tin Henshawe has ever seen - may Ross soon may be free of debt?

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Episode 6
star
7.89
792 votes

#25 - Episode 6

Season 3 - Episode 6 - Aired 7/16/2017

The Poldarks learn that their friend Dr Enys needs immediate care, suffering distress following his internment in France. In reaction to Ross' rescue of Hugh Armitage, George desperately needs to secure a connection to the nobility and so plans to force Morwenna's marriage to Osborne. Geoffrey Charles gives Drake his bible as a gift and naively reveals that Morwenna is to be wed. Drake confronts Morwenna and she agrees to marry him instead. Morwenna returns to Trenwith to tell George and Elizabeth that she will refuse Ossie's offer of marriage. Out of spite, George has Drake arrested for the theft of Geoffrey Charles' valuable bible, a crime for which Drake will hang.

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