(The Federalist) -- PBS will be premiering the third season of its British historical drama “Poldark” this Sunday, October 1. “Poldark” tells the story of a British Revolutionary War veteran and his life in rural, late-18th century England. If the series’ first two seasons are any indication, this new installment should feature more of the same: superb acting, dramatic (if also heart-wrenching) narrative twists, and, surprisingly, a consistent affirmation of conservative principles.
“Poldark” is an old story is more ways than one. It is based on a book series that was made into an earlier PBS Masterpiece Theater series that aired almost 40 years ago. The tale centers on the experiences of Ross Poldark (played by Aidan Turner of “The Hobbit” fame), who returns to his native Cornwall after fighting the American colonists to find his father dead, his ancestral lands in shambles, and the love of his youth engaged to his cousin.
Over the course of the first two seasons, Poldark rebuilds his life and his inheritance. He reopens mines on his deceased father’s property, and weds a young, attractive country girl named Demelza—whom he originally employed as his “scullery maid.” For the sake of those unfamiliar with the first two seasons, I’ll refrain from divulging too many of the plot’s twists and turns. My goal here is instead to highlight how Poldark serves as an unexpected, inspiring source of conservative ideals.
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