‘Poldark’ Season 2, Episode 8 Recap: Controversial Ross-Elizabeth Rape Scene Draws Backlash from Viewers; Aidan Turner Defends Story

‘Poldark’ season 2’s episode 8 managed to draw backlash from its viewers after featuring a controversial scene where Ross Poldark appears to rape his former love and late cousin’s widow Elizabeth. Meanwhile, star Aidan Turner defended the scene saying that it was consensual.

According to Express, viewers took to social media to air their discontent and criticism over the episode that premiered on BBC One last October 23, 2016. The angry viewers criticized the show for “romanticizing rape” and for ambiguously passing off the act as consensual sex.

In the episode, Ross (Aidan Turner) stormed into Elizabeth’s (Heida Reed) bedroom after learning that she was betrothed to his arch nemesis George Warleggan (Jack Farthing) following the death of his cousin Francis (Kyle Soller). After an argument, Ross proceeded to make threats and kiss Elizabeth to which she obviously denied him.

As the scene progressed, the two found themselves on the bed despite Elizabeth’s pleas while Ross forced himself on her. However, Elizabeth seemingly conceded towards the end. The next morning, Demelza (Eleanor Tomlinson) punched Ross as he arrived home begging the question of whether she knew her husband had been unfaithful or not.

An angry viewer tweeted, "Oh great episode @PoldarkTV. because who needs feminism or consent, right? disappointed @BBCOne . #Poldark #misogyny #RapeCulture." Another added, "Who the f••• in their right mind romanticises rape? #f***awayoff #poldark.” Ross’s shocking actions may lead to dire consequences for the story’s plot as well as the show itself.

According to the Independent, Turner himself defended the episode saying, “It seems consensual, and it just seems right. He goes to talk. He doesn’t go to commit a crime. They talk and it seems like there is still this spark between them, this unfinished business emotionally. Certainly, that’s how Ross feels. He doesn’t force himself upon her. He is emotionally quite inarticulate. I don’t think he quite understands himself.”

Turner continued, “With Elizabeth, he idealised her for so long. He’d have thought about her every day on the battlefields. To come home and not have her, not hold her, not marry her. It was very difficult. He’s absolutely in love with Demelza. Question is, is it possible to be in love with more than one person?... He’s heavily flawed... He makes mistakes and realises them.”

‘Poldark’ season 2’s episode 9 is scheduled to air on BBC One on October 30, 2016. The popular British-American television series was created by Debbie Horsfield and based on the novels authored by Winston Graham.