I know that some fans of the original Poldark series have decided to give the new adaptation a complete swerve, but I decided to watch it for the glimpses of Cornwall, more than anything else. It’s a 600 mile journey from Fife, so it’s not handy for me. I’ve only had one holiday in Cornwall, and it rained most of the time! But I do love it there, especially that green colour of the edges of the sea which I’ve never seen anywhere else. And I have spied that green shade in the background in quite a few scenes.
But I must admit that I’m mainly watching the new Poldark for nit-picking purposes because I loved the first series so much I didn’t think it could be improved. So I have been sitting grumbling about the gangliness of the new Demelza who is about the same height as Ross and the foppishness of George Warleggan who was supposed to be rather rough looking as befitted his more plebeian antecedents and who was so well played by the sadly now late Ralph Bates. 
George Warleggan and Ross Poldark were forever having fights of the fisticuffs variety and the new Warleggan looks like he couldn’t fight his way out of a wet paper bag.
I live in hope of this series getting better but I somehow doubt it will as they have made such glaring mistakes as having a burglar alarm in full view on a building, as can be seen in the first photo above. Oh dearie me!
I watch Doc Martin,a few series old here, mostly to see Cornwall. It seems to never rain there!
Lorraine,
If only! They must film it only on sunny days. They do get a lot of rain there as does everywhere the further west you go, including Ireland of course!
It seems to me that 21st-century versions can never recapture the atmosphere of productions from 20-40-odd years ago, and that it’s something to do with the appearance of the actors (for example, cosmetic dentistry, effects of their childhood nutrition and physical activity, exaggerated physiques from “bodybuilding”, yet sometimes soft, almost puffy faces lacking tautness) and with their projection [or otherwise] of gravitas, their diction, poise, carriage; with their personal habitual manners and deportment, and genuine awareness of those of the past.
I recently watched “How We Lived Then 1936-1953” made in 1981, and “The Supersizers Eat Wartime” made in 2008 – and was stunned by the difference in portrayals.
Burglar alarms, of course, are sheer carelessness!
Valerie,
I hadn’t thought of that but you’re right. All kids here seem to have their teeth in braces at some point nowadays. I think wearing trainers and stretchy sports wear also has an effect on them, on their deportment anyway. Also, when my boys were young some of their friends never ate any food which hadn’t been pre-chewed by a machine, burgers and sausages only, never a piece of real meat to chew. Eating normal food was too much of an effort for them.
I wish I had been able to watch those programmes you mentioned.
I watched the “How We Lived Then” and “Supersizers” programmes on YouTube, just a few days ago.
Valerie,
Thanks, I hope to get around to looking at them soon.
Jack takes particular delight in spotting discrepancies in film continuity. It’s a game for him that’s drawn me in. Noticing the glass half empty in one shot and nearly full in the next, the same person walking past in the same direction more than once in the background, hair flipped one way in one scene and another in the next. Or just finding that a film shot in a place you know well has clearly not been shot there.
Joan,
We’re the same! I often notice things like necklaces being in a different position despite the actress not moving, and cardigans buttoned differently. Cigarettes are the other dead giveaway, changing lengths suddenly, although not so many people are smoking on TV now, it’s like wearing the black hat in a western!
The burglar alarm passed my by, as did the plastic guttering! However I rarely notice such things, perhaps I am enthralled by the story so much. I have very vague recollection of the original series so I have no great expectations, but I am enjoying it and have sought out the books to read.
Jo,
I watch historical things for the period detail as much as anything else, so things jump out at me if they’re wrong.
I think you’ll enjoy the books, I loved them and I intend to re-read them sometime. My copies sit on the bookcase within reach of my bed, where all my favourites reside.
Ok, so maybe a few things not quite right. Love this show nevertheless. đŸ™‚
Richard,
If you ever get the chance you should watch the original BBC 1970s series, I think you would enjoy it.