The fifth episode of Poldark‘s fourth season delivers a dramatic whirlwind of personal tragedy and political ambition. As Ross Poldark fights for the poor in London, a sudden death in Cornwall throws Drake Carne’s life into chaos, making him the prime suspect in a murder and shattering his chance at a new beginning.
A Death and a Broken Engagement
The episode’s central shock comes with the death of the odious Reverend Osborne Whitworth. His wife, Morwenna, had suffered immensely throughout their marriage. Whitworth’s demise is accidental; he is knocked from his horse during a confrontation with his brother-in-law, Arthur, who discovered the reverend was having an affair with his wife, Rowella. Whitworth’s foot becomes trapped in a stirrup, and he is dragged to his death by his spooked horse.
This news arrives on the morning of Drake Carne’s wedding to Rosina. Drake, who had agreed to the marriage despite still loving Morwenna, now sees a chance to reunite with his true love. He makes the difficult decision to call off the wedding, devastating Rosina and her family. Demelza, who had pushed for the union, is left to deliver the painful news and manage the fallout. Drake’s attempt to rekindle his relationship with Morwenna is firmly rejected, as she tells him she feels too “tainted” by her traumatic marriage to be with him.
Drake Framed as the Prime Suspect
George Warleggan quickly seizes an opportunity to cause more trouble for the Poldarks. Learning that Drake was seen near Morwenna’s home after the vicar’s death, George publicly names him as the prime suspect in a supposed murder. He sends his man, Harry, to arrest Drake at Nampara, but the attempt is thwarted by Demelza and Prudie, who forcefully drive the men away.
Although Elizabeth later convinces George to drop the official arrest, George gives Harry tacit approval to “punish him in other ways.” In a vengeful act, Harry and Rosina’s angry father, Jacka, set fire to Drake’s smithy and cottage, destroying his home and livelihood. The episode ends with Drake at his lowest point, having lost his love, his reputation, and his home.
Ross’s Fight for a Welfare System
In London, Ross Poldark’s political mission intensifies. Appalled by the conditions in the poorhouses, he works on a radical plan to provide direct aid to the struggling working class. His idea is a form of early welfare system, where public funds and gratuities from the gentry would be used to supplement the incomes of the poor, ensuring they can afford to live.
His proposal initially meets with resistance, particularly from George Warleggan, who scoffs at the idea. However, Ross’s passion and the logic of his plan begin to win people over. He strikes a political deal with Lord Falmouth, gaining a crucial vote, and even captures the attention of Prime Minister William Pitt the Younger, who expresses interest in his “interesting ideas.”
Personal Strains and Grief
The separation of the show’s main couples continues to cast a melancholy shadow. Caroline Enys remains in London, using gambling and parties to numb the grief over her daughter’s death. Ross tries to console her by sharing his own experience of losing his daughter, Julia, telling her, “we are taught to be strong, but tears must fall.” His words begin to break through her brittle exterior.
Back in Cornwall, Demelza and Dwight Enys find comfort in each other’s company while tending to the village’s poor, sharing a moment of quiet understanding about their missing partners. The episode also provides a satisfying moment when Morwenna confronts George and Elizabeth at Whitworth’s funeral, blaming them directly for forcing her into a marriage with a “monster.”
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