Ross Poldark returns home to Cornwall to inherit a house, land, two idle mines and the girl he is to marry. But as Ross was reported dead in the war, others have laid claims.

With Elizabeth now married, Ross has lost interest in himself and Nampara. But a generous act at Redruth Fair starts a chain of events which change his life.

Ross once told Elizabeth a time would come when he would be her only salvation. Events now cause her to take those words seriously.

Demelza, bred in the gutters of Illuggan, becomes Ross Poldark's wife and is also pregnant - will local society accept her?

Ross is appalled when Jinny Carter tells him of the agony her husband is suffering in Launceston Gaol. His resolve to help uncovers skeletons outside the jail as well as in.

Unknown to Ross, the Warleggans have found new means by which to attack. Meanwhile, Mark Daniel has found that his love is no longer returned.

Demelza insists on helping Elizabeth to nurse the morbid sore-throat victim, Francis. Meanwhile, for Ross, a shipwreck in Nampara Cove brings a different kind of danger.

Ross's trial for looting draws near. Demelza learns that witnesses are being bribed to give evidence against him and suspects the hands of Warleggans at work.

Ross Vennor Poldark’s trial begins. Among the spectators in the gallery are those who would like, and expect, to see it end in a hanging.

As a sign of gratitude for his conduct at the trial, Jud is re-hired at Nampura and suggests to Ross he might like to do business with a Mr Trencrom.

Jud is found beaten to death and Prudie is inconsolable. She vows to give him a lavish send-off, until the devil takes a hand.

The birth of a son brings joy to Ross, but it is overshadowed by the threat of financial ruin. The tragedy of a death in the family raises ghosts from the past to haunt Demelza.

Determined to find Mark Daniel, Ross has to accompany Trencrom's smugglers to the Scilly Isles - a dangerous undertaking when an informer lurks.

Elizabeth accepts an offer of marriage, although she knows it will horrify Ross. Tragedy strikes at Wheal Grace and this leads Ross to rashly react.

The feud between Poldark and Warleggan needs to be resolved and so must the strained relationship between Ross and Demelza. Ross confronts George and a blazing climax is assured.

Romantic drama serial. Ross unwittingly sets off a chain of violence when he allows Verity and the Captain to hold meetings at Nampara.