Ep 1. Episode 1

Poldark season 5 episode 1, titled "Episode 1," brings viewers back into the dramatic world of the Poldark family as they navigate life in 1800s Cornwall. The episode opens with Ross and Demelza returning home to Nampara after a trip to London. As they settle back into their routine, they are faced with new challenges and changes within their community.

One of the primary plotlines of the episode revolves around the aftermath of the death of Ross's long-time friend and ally, Ned Despard. Ned was a former slave who had come to Cornwall to start a new life with his wife Kitty and their family. However, his outspoken views on abolition and democracy made him enemies among the local gentry, and he was eventually imprisoned and executed for treason.

Ross is devastated by the loss of his friend and is determined to clear his name. He launches an investigation into the circumstances surrounding Ned's arrest and trial, and uncovers evidence that suggests he may have been set up by a shadowy group of conspirators. Ross and his allies begin to put the pieces together and slowly unravel the mystery, but it becomes clear that they are up against powerful forces that will stop at nothing to maintain their grip on power.

As Ross delves deeper into the mystery, he finds himself coming into conflict with some of his own friends and allies. He clashes with his brother-in-law, George Warleggan, who sees the investigation as a threat to his own interests, and also with the local magistrate, who is more interested in preserving order than seeking justice.

Meanwhile, Demelza is struggling to find her place in the changing social landscape of Cornwall. She feels increasingly isolated and disconnected from the upper-class women she encounters, and is torn between her loyalty to Ross and her desire to find fulfillment and purpose in her own life. She is also dealing with the challenges of raising her two children, Jeremy and Clowance, in a world where society's expectations of women are constantly shifting.

The episode also introduces several new characters who will play important roles in the season's unfolding drama. Among them is a young woman named Tess, who is part of a group of Cornish villagers who are fighting to keep their land and livelihoods in the face of encroaching industrialization and urbanization. She becomes romantically involved with a local mine owner, but their relationship is complicated by their differing views on the future of Cornwall.

Overall, Poldark season 5 episode 1 is a strong opening to the final season of one of British television's most beloved dramas. It combines intricate, character-driven storytelling with gorgeous cinematography and a well-researched, historically accurate portrayal of life in the early 19th century. Fans of the series will be pleased to see their favorite characters back on the screen, and newcomers will find plenty to enjoy in the show's engaging and thought-provoking exploration of themes like politics, power, and identity.