Hello and happy Monday! I hope my fellow Americans enjoyed the Independence Day weekend. But, irony of ironies: I realized on my Friday holiday that as I was observing a holiday celebrating American freedom from Great Britain, I was busily writing about British things. Surprise, surprise.  But even so, I have some good stuff for you. I’ve discovered some good new British drama that’ll last me the summer at least, and I’m here to share its joys with you. Who doesn’t need a few new summer fixes now and then? I’ve got a TV show and an author for you.

The TV Show: Poldark
It’s no secret that once Downton Abbey’s fifth season ended in March, all of us fans were lost as to what to do with our Sunday nights for the rest of the year. So when I saw Poldark advertised on Masterpiece’s social media accounts, I thought it’d be worth a try. We’re now three episodes in, and I must say, I’m impressed. I’d never heard of it before, but it’s based on a series of novels by Winston Graham, and this is actually the second screen adaptation. It’s the story of Captain Ross Poldark, a stubborn, fiery British general from Cornwall, England. It opens with him returning to Cornwall after fighting in the Revolutionary War. He’s been gone for three years, and everyone had thought him dead. Upon his return, Ross discovers his father has died, his land and copper mine are in disrepair, and the woman he loves is engaged to another. From there, we see him begin working hard to rebuild his life amidst a difficult economy in Cornwall. Ross compassionately identifies with the nearly-starved working class, which prompts him to consider reopening the copper mine and to take in an abused girl named Demelza as a kitchen maid. The show is shot on location in Cornwall, and it’s positively breathtaking. There are so many scenes that overlook majestic cliffs and clear blue ocean that I can seriously almost smell the balmy sea air. Everything looks idyllic. And similar to Downton, it does well incorporating the surrounding history, which makes it so much richer. I appreciate the emphases on poor areas, working classes, and rougher economic and social times of England as well. It offers a good contrast to Downton in that respect. And I find the British perspective during post-Revolutionary War fascinating. Check it out if you need something to do on Sunday nights! I know it’ll carry me through the summer on the edge of my seat. Watch online here at Masterpiece’s site!

Aidan Turner as Ross Poldark in Poldark {Via FanPop}