For the record, I have never read the novel and don't care about it. But I have seen all the episodes up to this one where Ross finally goes way out to left field in a different bed. A major reason this drama appealed to me, aside from all the fantastic acting and cinematography, was the fact there were likable, believable characters. Up to now, we have had mostly believable characters except for evil George, a one dimensional character serving only as an antagonist. In this episode, Ross, portrayed as a strong upper class born man with high ideals and super strong convictions, suddenly commits an act that is totally against character and ruins the core relationship in the show. And what we end up with is a broken relationship yielding two unlikable characters. I don't know how the novel was written...but they needed to change the story lines to keep their core, contemporary audience engaged. They already killed off Francis, after making him extremely likable. That was sin number one. Ross committed sin number TWO....and killed the show's appeal for me. The producers obviously cannot come up with a drama that has all Downton Abby had. I don't believe adultery was used in that show. The central married couple in that show had some close calls, but they ALWAYS remained together as a loving couple. They didn't end up smacking each other - domestic violence!!! Poldark is just another soap now!!!