Poldark (2015–…): Season 5, Episode 7 - Episode #5.7 - full transcript

Anything?

We've been down in the cove
and searched the village. Not a sign.

It's like he's melted off the face of the earth.

Should we summon more folk
to help search?

No.
No, the less that know, the better.

- Well, Tess knows.
- Then so will half the county.

You wrong her, brother.
She wish us nothing but good.

- I doubt that.
- Enough.

Keep searching.

ERSNNE". Let me see what can be done.

BANNANTINE: You must be made aware
of the forces with which you are dealing with.



MERCERON". I recall I spoke in his favour.

If I can be of any assistance.

BANNANTINE: You have no idea
what they are capable of.

MERCERON: Should you yourself
discover Bannantine, do let me know.

ERSNNE: Conniving, without remorse.

MERCERON: Oh, were you not aware?

The Governor of Coldbath Fields Prison is I.

- Man #1: Compliments of Mr Merceron.
- Man #2". Compliments of Mr Merceron.

MERCERON". Compliments of Mr Merceron.

(She yawns)

Please, excuse me.

You've not slept?

So many letters to write.

- Some tea?
- Mm. I thank you.



As your physician, let me urge you
to resist the temptation to over-exert.

And as your friend,
let me ask you to consider your future.

My future?

When your child is born...

...how will you live?

Where will you live?

I know I speak for Caroline when I say
you will always have a home with us.

For... For as long as you wish.

Thank you.

You are both so generous.

But my concern at present
is to bring a monster to justice.

(Thumping on front door)

Would you really have her live with us?

Forgive me, you've scarce had time
to unpack and here am I disturbing the peace.

(sea birds squawk in the distance)

(He groans and winces)

- SERVANT: Mr Joseph Merceron.
- Good day, gentlemen.

Bring me eggs, ham, partridge, quail.

And a healthy side of revenge.

Was that not the order?

- Er...
- So, in summary...

...Despard is dead,
Poldark has vanished.

- Vanished?
- Vanished.

I ordered him to be thrown down a mine,
so he should be.

The nephew has had a taster
and will shortly see what follows.

(He clears his throat)

(Metallic clang)

Oh...

- Any sign?
- None.

(Distant voices)

CECILY: My windows are barred
and my door is locked.

I am prevented even from approaching
the window.

If you ever receive this,
send word via my maid.

I have thought and thought...

...and there is no other way but this.

(Distant voices)

MAN: With full measures of brandy
before they gets their hands on my ore.

Last time, we were two hogshead short.

FRENCH ACCENT: Your smuggling
operation does not concern me.

No, mon ami, but it concerns me.

If anything happens to our cargo,

you will have much more than brandy
to be concerned about.

It occurred to me, now we've dispensed
with Despard and Poldark,

we might revisit the matter of contracts.

- Mahogany?
- Er...

- Yes, by all means.
- I'll have them sent round.

Hm!
Tipped down a mine shaft.

- We like the sound of that.
- I don't.

Is your opinion required?

No.

But it should be.

What could I do?
Did I order it?

- Nephew...
- Did I even wish it?

Who are you talking to?

I was thinking aloud.

Well, I'm gratified to find you
ambling about the county

while the rest of us are frantic with worry.

What in God's name happened?

Merceron?

Are you certain you heard correctly?

So certain that I intend to leave for London
first thing.

- To what end?
- His.

Ross, for heaven's sake.

Needless to say, Demelza cannot know.

Needless to say, the notion is preposterous.

- Even if your suspicions are correct.
- If?

I heard his name.

Does it not occur to you
that the man who ordered my demise

is, in all likelihood,
the man who ordered Bannantine's?

- Pure speculation.
- And the corrupt governor

who permits torture in his prison
is more than likely the corrupt magistrate

who, rather than plead for Ned,
helped condemn him.

Why would he do so?

What possible motive could he have?

Ross...

I urge you,
till you're in full possession of the facts...

Dwight...

The man has played me.

He has cost innocent lives,
nearly cost mine.

If he denies it...

Which he assuredly will.

He'll pay nonetheless.

And the mine?

- The stolen ore?
- Can wait.

This is more pressing.

And Demelza, what will she be told?

So, you follow some strangers,

you fall down a gulley,
knock yourself senseless...

Crack half my ribs,
come to this morning and stagger home.

And who were these strangers?
Why did you follow them?

They were French.

Why are there even Frenchies here?

I don't know.

There's nought you're not telling me?

Not that I can think of.

- "Seven..."
- Seven.

- "..Twice..."
- That's right.

"..A...

- "..day...
- Yeah.

"..Do I...

- "..praise."
- Praise.

(They laugh)

ROSANA: I know it will appear
I tell it out of vengeance

on account of Sam turning aside from me.

But Tess Tregidden
be up to some wickedness.

And you know this because...?

My father is, too.

Wait. So...

...our missing ore...

Be stolen, stored, and sold abroad
and swapped for brandy, tea and rum.

By Jacka and Tess?

- Judas, is Rosina sure?
- She heard them conniving together.

The sneavy, ungrateful varmints!
After all we've done for them...!

Did Rosina say where the ore is hid?

That she did.

- Do 'ee not think to tell the mistress?
- And give her sleepless nights?

- At least tell her 'ee have found the ore.
- Once you verify it is our ore.

Which I don't doubt for a second.

And when I know the extent
of the operation, and who's involved.

I think we both know that.

ZAC KY: It was a goodly thought to avoid
Wheal Leisure's main entrance.

ROSS:
And remember an old hidden one.

(Distant voices)

(Man speaks in French)

(Laughter)

Judasnu

Cannons and guns.

(Distant voices)

(Laughter)

Sister should be head
of search operations.

Not only does she find out there's missing
ore, she also discovers a weapons hoard.

I agree.
It's not a bad day's work.

What I wish to know is,
why would folks be storing arms at all?

- An uprising planned, do 'ee think?
- Led by Jacka?

And to what end?

Could they be the Frenchies
you did fight with?

I know that face.

You're up to something.

I'm wondering how to rein my wife in.

Who chastises me for taking risks,

while she recklessly ventures
down a mine herself.

You're to blame.

Where the master goes, the pupil follows.

- Would I ever master you?
- (She chuckles)

This weapons hoard, though,
is it not something strange?

French smugglers...

- Or French spies.
- Do you think?

What could they intend?

An invasion?

Judasnl
Ross, I mean...

- ...if you truly believe that's a risk...
- Then I must report it.

Yes, but to who?

Persons of influence
who can alert the Prime Minister.

So that's it.
You're returning to London.

My love, I think I must.

And I fear it must be first thing tomorrow.

Doubtless, your arguments convinced her,
but I know full well why you go.

- And it's folly to even approach the man.
- Wickham?

Merceron.

So I should simply let it pass?

A man tries to have me murdered

and I merely shrug and say,
"Lucky he didn't succeed"?

Can you think of no better way
to even the score?

Well, can you?

Ross...

I must take my leave.

I've no idea when I'll see you again.

Kitty...

Thinking further on your wish
to hold Merceron to account...

- Yes?
- It's a worthy cause and should be pursued.

I'm glad you think so.

But what must I do?

Gather up all the evidence you have,
return with me to London,

and present it to any who'll hear us.

- How soon can you be ready?
- Within the hour.

My love, would Mrs Bone prepare
Kitty and me a light supper before we leave?

Yes, I'm sure.

Well, Horace...

Dr Enys has found a new mission.

(Horace yaps)

I agree.
He will not find it easy.

Doors will be closed to him.

- But they may open to us.
- (He vans)

So, despite our silliness
and lack of gravity,

we may yet be of use.

(He growls)

I'm a hard woman, Horace.

I refuse to be a jealous one.

CAROLINE: What a happy coincidence
we all have need to be in London.

So we may keep each other company
on the way.

Yes.
How fortunate.

(Knock on door)

SERVANT:
Captain Po/dark to see Mr Merceron.

Surprised to find we're acquainted?

- Almost as surprised as you to see me alive.
- No, hardly.

Every coaching inn from here to Exeter
reports to me.

Your visit was entirely expected.

Then you anticipate its purpose.

To hold me to account?

What had you in mind, a duel?

Do you actually know how to hold a pistol?

Or will you have someone
pull the trigger for you?

Oh, the latter, I think.

And I'll supply a dozen witnesses
to swear it was in self-defence.

And then you can join your friend Bannantine
on the banks of the Thames.

You believe yourselves untouchable.

Well, if you doubt it,
ask your friend Wickham.

- What, you know him?
- Oh...

Oh, my brother knows everyone.

Half-brother, to be precise.

But he is correct.

I do know everyone.

You didn't think to inform me?

Would it have helped?

To understand sooner
how their interests were aligned?

Why they conspired to bring down Ned?
Why they now turn their sights on me?

I would have thought that was obvious.

You interfere with their interests.

What else might I usefully know?

That Joseph Merceron
rules the east of London.

As magistrate, he has the power to sentence.

As prison governor, the power to punish.

As licensor and leaseholder,

the oversight of every inn and alehouse
in the city and beyond.

He keeps a web of spies
to nose out activity hostile to the Crown.

Information, he passes to me...

...which I convey to the Government,

which, in exchange, turns a blind eye
to his more nefarious dealings.

Did he inform you
that he tried to have me murdered?

Have you proof that he did?

My broken ribs.

But now that I'm here...

...there is something I can prove.

(Knock on door)

No word yet.

You come all the way from Cornwall
to bring me vague rumours?

- An arms hoard is not vague.
- So what am I to do?

Go to the Prime Minister with smugglers' tales

on the word of a man who supported a traitor
right up to the foot of the scaffold?

What little credibility you once had is dead.

You're now deemed,
at best, a renegade,

at worst, a traitor.

You'd do better to return to Cornwall
and, instead of wild speculation...

...fetch proof.

In truth, what did you expect?

- To be taken seriously?
- By Wickham, yes.

Except, I find he's in league with Merceron.

Merceron, no.

I cannot threaten, flatter, or appeal
to a better nature when none exists.

And there may, in fact, be a better way
to bring him down.

"First, do no harm"
is the physician's oath.

But the doctors of Coldbath Fields Prison
are instruments of vengeance.

How can we call ourselves civilised

if we turn a blind eye to such barbarism?

Sir Roger, Lord Emptage...

Are you aware that the Governor
of Coldbath Field Prison, Joseph Merceron,

permits the torture of prisoners
in the name of scientific research?

We are calling for the Government
to investigate these abuses.

- May we count on your support?
- Oh, most assuredly.

You have our word.

CECILY:
I wonder that you simply leave me to my fate.

If you do not act soon, I doubt I will survive.

Sir George...

Surprised to see me alive?

In body, perhaps.

But in reputation...

NED". A soldier must know when to retreat.

You are everything I have sought to be.

But better.

This nation will one day
be a beacon of democracy...

...freedom...

...justice...

...and humanity.

- Clowance, dinner's ready.
- I'm coming!

We have news to share.

A blessed day might soon be coming...

...for Drake and I.

- We do expect.
- What?

- A child?
- Yes.

Oh!
Oh, that's wonderful news!

God be praised, brother.

I'm that glad for 'ee.

Come, come...

What do you think they'll call it,
the baby?

And I'll be glad when Master Sam
comes to his senses.

Let's raise a glass and toast...

...to hope, health and a little happiness.

A little happiness.

ALL: A little happiness.

Handed out in Hyde Park
by Poldark and his cronies.

Are you serious?
In the park?

Brazenly accosting all and sundry
with this absurd piece of fiction!

Brother, we are amongst friends.

The only fault in this account
is that it does not go far enough.

So, it's true?
These experiments do, in fact, take place?

On criminals of the vilest kind.

Jacobins, rabble-rousers, agitators.

But the lily-livered members of the Commons
might see fit to object

if these people continue to make noise.

- And this document...
- Must be stopped.

They must be stopped.

Before they do any more damage.

Er, how will that be managed?

Ha!

Whoa!

Shh, shh...

Shh, shh...

Go on.

- More letters?
- To the Prime Minister, Mr Canning,

Mr Pitt, the Queen.

If even one of them takes up our cause...

Caroline?

It's nothing. A man accidentally
stepped out in front of my horse.

She reared.
But as you can see, it's no harm done.

- No harm?
- Do I not ride to hounds?

- When do I ever lose my seat?
- Are you sure it was an accident?

Caroline...

Your insistence on coming to London,
championing Kitty's cause, may I ask why?

May I ask you the same?

I seek to see justice done.

- And I?
- But I have little to lose.

You...

Leaving aside this accident,
if indeed it was one,

you have a reputation to consider.

(She scoffs)

- Do I?
- Yes.

And who knows how it might suffer
if you align yourself too closely

with the wife of a traitor.

My reputation as a simpleton, perhaps.

An empty-headed heiress.
Is that not how you view me?

I merely caution against
too close an association.

Have you considered that perhaps
it is you who are getting too close?

In what regard?
Am I not bound to help the wife of a friend?

Now the widow of a friend.

I think there's nothing more
to be achieved here.

Will you return with me to Cornwall?

Lead on, Dr Enys.

TESS: "..and his four sons with him,
hid themselves...

SAM: Your speech is getting better.

May I speak with you, brother?

Have it not occurred to you that Tess,
and her sudden urge to turn to God,

be not as it seems?

I've been called by God
to bring souls to salvation.

And Tess be such a soul.

Why would I not save her?

There be certain matters
that I may not disclose now...

...they be things that injure us greatly.

Such as?

- Speak a word to you, Tess?
- Gladly, ma'am.

I know full well 'ee misdoubt me.

And I'll not defend what I once was.

But since thy brother
showed me a better way...

Save your breath, Tess.

I know what you're about and I know why.

What do 'ee know?

You think that life dealt you a poor hand.

And that warrants taking what you please.

But I too once had no prospects.

And I looked on others with envy and asked,
"Why not me?"

But what I never did...

...was stoop to malice nor theft.

Like I said, mistress,
it is your right to misdoubt me.

But I will continue to serve the Lord
and heed your brother.

(Knock on door)

Uncle Ross.

I hoped you'd still be here.

- I beg you, help us.
- Us?

The mood is beginning to turn for Merceron.

I'm told he was snubbed in the park,
heckled at Vauxhall,

and now it's rumoured
the Queen has been petitioned.

And the stink still lingers
over the "grove of death" affair.

Perhaps, all things considered,

a little distance might be useful.

A return to Cornwall?

Today?

Her companion and a footman
have also vanished.

Doubtless bribed to facilitate her flight.

- When was she last seen?
- Breakfast today.

By now she could be anywhere.

Though, I think we can guess
where she's headed.

And with whom.

(Baby cries)

And how is my little she-bear?

Oh, oh-ho!

Oh...

There...

Papa!

- Papa!

- Apologies
- For what?

- Geoffrey Charles!
- Hello.

- Can you play with us?
- Yes, by and by.

Come on.
Help Papa with these bags.

- I can't believe you managed it.

They're not safe yet. We must get them
out of Cornwall without delay.

How? Where?

I'll meet Trencrom tomorrow.

Meanwhile,
we station a watch around the farm.

See they do not leave the house.

Do you not think that's a thought extreme?

Not for what we're dealing with.

Sam, take the meadow.
Zacky, Drake, the long field.

Prudie, the garden.

Demelza, you remain here
with Geoffrey Charles and Cecily.

If anyone approaches, use these.

Where will you be?

Devising your escape.

Who the devil's that?

- My niece contrived to flee again.
- What? How?

Abetted by the Poldarks and Enyses.

Whose support of the Despard trull
and her plaguey campaign

have now caused questions
to be raised in the House.

So the Hyde Park incident was not sufficient.

I must devise a worse deterrent.

(Approaching footsteps)

What are you doing?

Nothing, I...

- You're reading my private papers?
- I'm sorry, I just came across your notes.

And your appetite for scandal
couldn't resist?

Is that how you see me,
a frivolous busybody?

These notes are confidential.

- You will kindly forget you ever saw them.
- Of course.

(Door closes)

(Door opens)

The One & All leaves Truro quay tonight,
bound for the Scillies.

You will not be aboard.

At ten, she will anchor off Nampara Cove
and I myself will row you out to join her.

When she docks at St Mary's, you will board
The Callisto, bound for the Americas.

- Trencrom will arrange everything.
- Tonight?

- How can we ever thank you?
- By letter from New York, I hope.

Till then, nobody leaves this house.

Horace?

Where are you, my sweet?

Have you seen Horace?

- Bone?
- (Door shuts)

Pinner?

(She gasps)

Dwight!

(Horace whines)

Horace must restrain himself
from guzzling every morsel he comes across.

No, Dwight, you misunderstand.
This was not Horace.

- This was deliberate.
- How can you know that?

I know it!

SERVANT". Mrs Caroline Enys.

My little dog Horace has been poisoned.

And the person responsible
also had my horse frightened in Hyde Park.

With all due respect, ma'am,
how might that concern us?

You are acquainted with the person
and I hope have some influence.

I very much doubt it.

I lately came across some notes
pertaining to a patient of Dr Enys.

A landowner, mine owner, banker.

A person of great eminence in these parts...

...who has been treated for lunacy.

Er...

Advise me.

Should this person's affliction
be made public,

if the King's own malady is any indication,

few would ever take him seriously again.

Well...

- Why would you wish to make it public?
- More to the point...

...what would induce you not to?

A simple promise that your "friend"
will not trouble us again.

And by "us",
I include the Poldarks and the Despards.

- May I leave the matter in your hands?
- Pray, do.

Why are we protecting some local lunatic?

We're not.

We're protecting you.

Sam...

I did fetch my Bible,
so we may study together.

I've a powerful yearning
to learn more of the loaves and fishes.

And 'ee will, maid, but not today.

I promised sister I'd keep an eye out.

For what?

Oh, folks lurking,
who've no business here.

But who would lurk for no reason?

Can we at least say a prayer?

Surely.

Holy Father...

I'll ready the boat,
then return to bring them down to the beach.

I'll ready them.
The One & All won't wait.

Master Ross, have a care.

- Take no chances.
- Would I?

(Approaching footsteps)

Horace will make a full recovery.

I'm grateful that you broke your rule
of never attending on dogs.

A necessary rule.

Horace is the exception.

My friends, your kindness to me
has been more than I deserve.

But I think my presence here
is causing more harm than good.

So, I must beg your aid one last time.

(They chatter in French)

(Rifle cocks)

(Rifles cock)

Ross'll be here any minute.

- Then we'll be ready to leave.
- Dear Lord...

I can't bear to think of you gone.

Shall we ever see you again?

It is not to the benefit of France
to permit spies to come ashore.

Ross...

We meet again.

I distinctly recall ordering your execution.

I regret I could not oblige you.

No matter.
We can finish the task now.

Just like old times.

DEMELZA". Somethings amiss.

Ross'd never be so long.

- I think I must go to the cove.
- I'll come.

No.

Ross bid me keep you indoors
till we know it's safe.

Hlnotbelong.

All Will be Well.

Perhaps you have some final message
for your wife?

No, Monsieur.

But I've one for you.

Or rather a question.

Why do you assume I'm an enemy of France?

I, myself...

...have been hounded from London.

I'm persona non grata
with the Government and Crown.

Who has more cause than I
to rethink his loyalties?

Surely don' think
to drag the thing out thyself?

I've done it scores of times.

- Where's Ross?
- He should be here.

I can't but think he's come to grief.

The One & All won't wait.

Go, bring the lovebirds.
I'll fetch some oars and row them out myself.

ROSS: You assume that a loyal Englishman
would not betray his country.

But what if that country
were toothless and corrupt...

...and repaid loyalty with treachery?

As mine has to me.

If he saw another leader
in whose service he might find honour...

...would he not be right to change sides?

(Front door opens)

There's no sign of Ross.

But The One & All is out in the bay. We must
get down to the cove before she sails.

Take care of each other, my little chibbies.

Make haste.

The sea is rough,
but I believe we can get you there.

' Run!
" Cecily!

You have a steady nerve.

You have a steady hand.

You may, after all...

...be of use to the Republic.

DEMELZA: Prudie!

Prudie!

-Pmma
- What?

Ah!

No!

-Ugm
- Again.

Urgh!

Oh!

- (He coughs)
- Hold him up.

The intimidation of the Enyses and Despards
must cease.

And, likewise,
any attempt to injure my stepson.

The reasons need not concern you.

Only the matter of your inducement to desist.

Inducement?

When I set on a course,
I dislike to abandon it.

(He scoffs)

Double it.

Done.

As much as I relish "inducements"...

...maintaining supremacy
is more useful in the long run.

You, I trust, appreciate that.

The Enyses, Despards and Poldarks
have yet to learn.

Beginning with the boy.

(She screams)

The boy is alive.

What?

He lives?

You have little value to me now.

But you will never be his.

If you want to avoid a next time...

...let me advise you what must be done.

Attempt to flee with him again...

...and he's done for.

You know where I live.

And you know how I value my family.

Nothing you have said
convinces me to trust you.

That you must earn.

You know I will do so.

Hm.

Ross).!

If he thinks to deter us,
he's greatly mistook.

If anything, this makes me more determined.

He means shortly to depart for Honduras.

Then we'll be free of him.

Yes.

You Will.

But not you?

My love...

...do not hate me.

These last few weeks have...

...brought me
to a better understanding of myself.

I dislike the creature I've become.

Reckless.

Hysterical.

Capable of risking her life, of risking yours.

If we are not together...

...would you want to live?

Yes!

With all my heart.
I love this life.

There's so much to challenge,
to achieve, to make better.

But the world
would not let me do any of that...

...if I became a wife.

You don't wish to be my wife?

I don't wish to be anyone's wife.

Then, you do not love me?

I'm a child.

You're a child.

What can we know of real, deep,
tenacious, unflinching, abiding love?

You will find someone better than me.

And I require only myself.

Forgive me.

So your mind is made up?

And there is nothing I can do to change it?

Nothing.

But there is something you can do for me.

- But you were not hurt?
- No.

Only shocked and afeared.

YOu?

The Frenchman was a mite unruly,

till I assured him
I accidentally strayed into the mine.

Clearly, he thought me an idiot.

He threw me out.

But you made no mention of weapons?

Do you think me an idiot?

Yes.

But an idiot I love beyond measure.

Dear God, Ross, has the world gone mad?

We've combed every beach and cove,
every meadow for miles.

Still no sign of them.

Will we ever just sit quiet,

drink tea, watch the children play
without some dread in our hearts?

Yes.

We will do all those things again
without dread.

(Door opens)

Judas, your face!

- Merceron!
- No, wait.

I came here to beg your assistance.

Are you quite certain
this is what you wish?

You know Ross would lay down his life
to protect you?

Please...

I will not have any more laying down of lives.

- If Merceron was brought to justice...
- Which Ross has sworn to do.

Then Ned will not have died in vain
and I can go to Jamaica with an easier heart.

But how will you live?

Happily.

Ned did not leave me without means.

I can buy land,

build a house, raise my child.

And I can speak of his vision,

work until it comes to pass.

I won't be alone.

Oh, thank you.

Have you seen any sign
of Merceron's thugs?

May I write to you?

No.

Let's agree that,
when I step aboard that ship...

...you will walk away
and forget you ever knew me.

As you will forget me?

We have a brave new world before us.

Let's run towards it and never look back.

Merceron cannot touch you now.

And we have all the evidence
we need to bring him down.

Then, do it.

- For my sake and for Ned's.
- We will.

MAN: All aboard!

All aboard!

Is it time?

It's time.

Two remarkable women.

Both, in their own way, quite bewitching.

Indeed.

First love.

The deepest cut.

(Thunder rumbles)

There will be other loves.

Greater loves.

Will you do something for me?

These next few months...

...have a care for Demelza.

- Where will you be?
- Here. But...

...my actions may seem strange to her.

- And to you.
- What do you intend?

- I cannot tell you.
- Will not tell me.

But I can tell you this.

It's the greatest gamble I've ever undertaken.

As things stand...

...I see no other way.

On a positive note,
we saved ourselves a small fortune.

Hm...

On a less pleasing one...

Caroline Enys may not remain silent.

Mm...

And worse than that,

those Merceron devils are still here.

They may yet be of use to us.

Do you picture it?

The French fleet on the horizon?

God speed the day.

Amen.

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