Miss Scarlet & the Duke (2020– ) User Reviews

Season one is absolutely brilliant, filled with charm and magic.

[cgvsluis · 9/10 · 17 October 2022]

Miss Scarlet and the Duke is a Victorian era period piece involving our main character miss Scarlet who is a lady detective in a time where that was unheard of. In fact Victorian lady's were preferred to be seen and not heard in general. Miss Eliza Scarlet's father is missing at the beginning of this series and she is left to her own devices. She almost immediately calls upon Scotland Yard's seasoned detective and family friend, William "The Duke" Wellington for help finding her father. This establishes a very contentious relationship between William and Eliza as Eliza is determined to both find her father and become a private investigator.

The period sets and in particular the period costumes are spectacular...right down to the grit and grime. There is a toughness to this film that some of the other Victorian mysteries lack, giving this a more authentic feel overall.

What was truly brilliant about this series wasn't the mysteries themselves, although those were decent, but the fabulously written dialogue and relationship between William and Eliza. They built such a passion between these two that I thought at times the screen was going to burst into flames and it was WONDERFUL! I wish there were more relationships written like this. It is absolutely my favorite troupe.

I don't normally write reviews before a series is over and I have seen the whole thing...but I loved Season one so much and I just watched the first episode of season two tonight when it aired in the U. S. for the first time. I felt compelled to write this because I was disappointed in what they did with the "will-they-or-won't-they". In fact it made their relationship feel very watered down, which made me sad as that is what I truly loved about season one. Now I know they have to keep them apart somehow...but I am really hoping they can get back to their sparky banter, otherwise it will fall into a category where there are plenty of mysteries...even Victorian era ones to be watched and I would hate to see it just be one of a crowd.

Both Kate Phillips and Stuart Martin are fabulous and really made season one such spectacular tv drama. Ansu Kabia made the character of Moses not only delightful, but a must see. Moses collecting money from a little girl...priceless! The character of Eliza's business partner is a fun partnership and I am enjoying the building of Eliza's character into a trustworthy and loyal friend deserving of empathy.

Charm and magic, I can't recommend season one enough. You should watch it...I don't care who you are, romantics, mystery fans, history fans, fans of good storytelling.

Hopefully they will not let us down with season two because I have been so eagerly awaiting it!

"Think back through the mists of time to your criminal past."

JUST A NOD AND A SMILE! AN INTERESTING & COMPELLING PERIOD PIECE!

[GilVillahermosa · 8/10 · 21 November 2022]

PBS Masterpiece

I LOVE period pieces.

And I'm a big fan of PBS Masterpiece and British series.

Just finished watching the first episode of "Miss Scarlet and the Duke" on PBS Masterpiece. The Logline might read:

"Following the death of her father, a young woman with a knack for solving crimes in 19th Century England assumes ownership of her father's private detective business and must compete in a man's world to survive financially."

I find the first episode started a bit slow (as British series tend to do) but then gained momentum and became quite compelling. I liked a great deal about this period piece, one being that although her father, to whom she was very close, has died, he appears to Scarlet in her office, which I believe will be a regular occurrence.

What I learned from this series: SHOW DON"T TELL

The best scene was at the end when a young woman committed to an insane asylum is released due to the efforts of Scarlet. She stands outside the asylum doors and composes herself. She looks across the street and sees Scarlet and knows, without any words, the reason for her liberation. No words. Just a nod and a smile.

I look forward to making my way through two seasons of "Miss Scarlet & the Duke".

More please!

[harris-93419 · 9/10 · 28 January 2023]

I have watched every episode across the three seasons of this show. Each season continues to engage me and the characters continue to evolve. The one flaw is that Eliza has not grown as much as some of the other characters. I hope there is another season where she can grow more mature. Other than her relationship with Ivy and Moses we see very little of her lighter side.

The casting on the show is perfect. From Inspector Wellington to Moses and all the quirky supporting cast members, the show highlights some of the best character actors on tv. I really like the recurring character of Nash. I hope he will be back.

I purposely avoid binging the seasons. It is better to savor the episodes. Also, the actor who plays Inspector Wellington is too gorgeous to rush through!

A Delightful Surprise

[Kijofreg · 31 December 2020]

I'm not sure why I chose to watch this, but I'm glad I did. It had me hooked from the very first argument between the main characters. The murder mystery/detective part is not exactly Sherlock, but it's a light and fun crime show with my favourite romance trope and lots of banter, and I'm sorry to see there are only six episodes so far. I'll definitely be waiting for season two.

Good viewing

[ashesylvia · 8/10 · 19 June 2020]

I loved the costumes from the 'way back ' days, the storylines and the undercurrents from the characters. Thoroughly enjoyed all 6 episodes. Was disappointed when the series finished. Would love to see more of this.

Loved the storyline, acting & period costumes

[hjvance · 8/10 · 8 January 2021]

Stumbled across this show. Have watched 4 episodes so far & loving it. It reminds me a little of The Alienist due to the period setting (not as gruesome though). I hope the series is continued after the first season.

Unexpected Gem

[Lincsobserver · 9/10 · 6 May 2020]

This has been a very welcome addition to a time-worn genre, with interesting sets, great costumes, and an authentic period feel. The final twist in the series may have felt a little contrived, but on the whole the scripts were above average for this type of drama, and Kate Phillips excellent in the lead role.

Great acting good chemistry

[nasimzhosein-695-794748 · 10/10 · 4 May 2020]

I disagree with the bad reviews on this show. It's a very lighthearted comedy/mystery that is very entertaining. Disregard the reviews that suggest male vs female opposition and disagreement. If you focus on the show's themes and concept it's achieves this in a very viewable manner. I applaud the writers and all others that create scripts/dialogue without every second word being "coitus". Finally a show about life and situations that exists and portrayed as is was. I hope this show continues for a very long time. Acting is great and the scenarios are interesting.

Hustle up producers, waiting on the 2nd season and beyond.

It will be worth watching.

Did Anyone Else Notice?!

[lleeannlynnlarsonl · 6/10 · 25 April 2021]

I haven't seen anyone mention this yet but I surely can't be the only one who noticed it...During the credits after each episode, some of the letters are in red font instead of white. I wondered if they spelled clues and yep they do! Fun! Keep an eye out fellow sleuths!

Quite an interesting and enjoyable series

[stavrosalo · 8/10 · 4 May 2021]

I finished the first season in one sit, it was quite interesting and not a bit boring, kept me glued to my tv till the end.

The plot was amazing, the actors were creatively selected each for his or her role, the acting was great, mosses role was outstanding, I hope he'll have more screen time in the upcoming seasons, the duke was great and Eliza was excellent.

Can't wait for season 2, and more seasons, I wish they have more episodes in each season, at least 12 or 16 instead of 6.

It somehow reminded me of the set of Murdoch mysteries however the plot was more darker in here, and I extremely enjoyed it.

I highly recommend this to anyone.

Enjoyable but silly

[jacqueestorozynski · 6/10 · 15 April 2020]

I was looking forward to this series and have enjoyed watching it but the storylines are feeble. As the female detective solves each crime why is there an argument with the police inpector (who is a Hugh Jackman clone) every time. It would make more sense if they just joined forces, It does fall into the trap of men being weak creatures and the woman the brains. If the inspector really was a drunken womaniser, he wouldn't remain in the job very long and why would Miss Scarlet have anything to do with him. The ghost father is nice touch but the stories need to beef up and the relationship develop otherwise it will become a bore the same thing every week. I will keep watching for the moment as it is gentle and sometimes amusing.

Thouroughy enjoyable

[meadhbhcollins · 8/10 · 9 May 2020]

The costumes and sets are brilliant. Not surprised as the Irish film industry is long accustomed to facilitating top quality period productions. The cast and acting is great, Mr Moses in particular adds to the ensemble. Sometimes let down by the storylines and the set up is a little cliched (two people don't get on but respect are care for each other, hints of romance, will they won't they). It hits a good balance between charm, humour and more serious tones, very enjoyable and do hope we will be able get more when the world recovers.

Enjoyable, flawed. Short series. Is that it?

[ankerson-1 · 6/10 · 9 May 2020]

As with a lot of 'historical' series, like Murdoch Mysteries or Miss Fisher, there is great attention to detail around costumes, locations, props etc., so why is there such a lack of diligence in checking the language used? 'Up to speed' was not invented until the 1970s. Many other anachronisms. Nevertheless, this short series was enjoyable enough. Not really long enough to become invested in the characters though.

A pain in the anachronisms....

[Limeginger · 5/10 · 31 January 2021]

Watched 4 episodes of this series. Sadly disappointing. Could have been a super fun and innovative series set in the 1880s, but is rife with aggressive anachronisms and societal attitudes from 2021.

Modern-day attitudes are overlaid on the past when actually, if a woman acted like Miss Scarlet does, especially having no family and apparently few or no friends, she would be committed to an asylum. Sigh...

I'd eagerly awaited the debit of this show, as did my Mom (who is 90). We were chagrined to see how the main character is acting like a narcissistic brat from 2021, pouting, acting put-upon, flouting social conventions. However, the series pretends that in 1880 there were absolutely no social conventions any different from now--while in reality that era was extremely oppressive, and people's roles were rigidly defined and nonnegotiable.

But here is Miss Scarlet flitting around, mouthing off to everyone, having bristly easily offended sensibilities, but also being able to shoot a gun like a pro, always knowing more than any man, uncannily able to see everything that men overlook, and matter of fact and unflinching when told about a secret society of men who meet on the downlow due to their proclivities. In reality, a young, unmarried woman of that time would not likely even know what he was talking about--nor would a man in his situation ever confide in someone he barely knew about such a then-taboo orientation.

The actress (and character) is mostly emotionless and expressionless except for the type of direct come-hither suggestive stare through through the eyelids that in--in reality--in the 1880s only "ladies of the evening" would have given powerful men, as she does brazenly to the police chief. My 90-year-old Mom laughed: "I'm old enough to remember that women didn't even behave this way in the 1930s, let alone the age of my grandmothers!"

Like so many of these series and movies, the sets are spectacular and 100% historically perfect, as are hair and costumes (tho the clothes are often worn in a far more more casual and jaunty manner than people ever would have worn them--which matches everyone's badazz attitudes in the show).

However, the painstaking care taken for physical representation of the historical era is 180° opposite from the ultramodern progressive attitudes, actions, and words in the script.

Are the writers untalented? Ignorant? So tethered to their own age and sensibility that they don't grasp that society, societal norms, strictures, and behaviors of people 140 years ago are totally different from today? Or is this a crusade to hopefully make viewers believe that the world was far more "progressive" in the past than everyone knows it actually was? Do they perceive viewers to be so profoundly lame, dumb, or narcissistic that we wouldn't watch a series unless we see and hear "people like us" and that we need hammerhanded lessons about current social issues, rather than being more subtle and realistic?

If there were in fact a young woman whose father had taught her how to be a top-flight "private detective" (was that even a term then? probably not) and if she were running her own agency, it is imposible she would be the sappy fop with a plucky indignant demeanor of Miss Scarlet.

This could have been such a fun show.

Are the writers that untalented and tethered to their own age and sensibility that they don't grasp that society, societal norms, strictures, and behaviors of people 140 years ago are totally different from today? Do they think we the viewers are so lame, dumb, or narcissistic that we wouldn't watch these shows unless there were hammerhanded lessons about current social issues, rather than being more subtle and creating a realistic character? If there were a young woman whose father had taught her how to be a "private detective" and run her own agency, she would not be the sappy fop with a plucky indignant demeanor of this woman. Ugh. This could have been such a fun show.

enjoyable period piece mystery series

[viafilm · 9/10 · 18 January 2021]

In the midst of all that is scary and sad in the world and being at home due to covid, MIss Scarlet and the Duke is a nice absorbing respite. Good setting, costumes, script and cast. The show addresses modern issues but within the context of the period setting. It does not feel too anachronistic - the script and story respect the period.

BTW period piece fans might also enjoy older shows films such as Doctor Thorne with Tom Hollander and Under the Greenwood Tree with Keely Hawes

Fun detective stories!

[dklecan · 10/10 · 5 June 2021]

A wonderful TV detective story that bridges 21 century sensibilities with the horrible conditions of Victorian England, with its pollution, gender and class inequalities, poverty, etc. Some gave poor reviews because of historical inaccuracies. But does anyone really want to see actors with poor teeth or other historically accurate depictions. If you like Murdoch Mysteries, you will love this show. The show does deal with the issues of that time but with less tongue in cheek than Murdoch. It reminded me more of the hidden gem of Houdini and Doyle that, unfortunately, lasted one season.

What truly makes this show exceptional are the costumes, the sets, the great chemistry between the two protagonist, and the relationships amongst the other characters that slowly develops throughout the six episodes. The two protagonist are not only good actors but great eye candy. Scarlet is luminous and the "Duke" is the Irish version of Hugh Jackman. How she keeps her hands off him is beyond me. This summer jump into these mysteries and enjoy them. They are well worth the download price if you haven't caught them on your local PBS channel, and here is hoping that there is season 2.

SO GOOD!

[ritabook-31826 · 10/10 · 22 February 2021]

If you loved "Miss Fisher's Murder Mysteries" then this show is definitely for you! Good acting, good story lines. Can't wait for the next season!

An undiscovered pearl

[bosporan · 9/10 · 31 May 2022]

Immensely enjoyable and satisfying to watch. Sure, the female detective in a man's world trope is ubiquitous now, but this has a charm and magic to it.

The dynamic between the eponymous protagonists is exquisitely portrayed by Kate Phillips and Stuart Martin. Not unusually there is friction at first, mixed with safety concern that grows into respect and recognition of their mutually complementary skills. This is all overlaid with a perpetual, teasing frisson of 'will-they-won't-they?'

The episodic cases are generally interesting, ranging from novel and unusual to 'been done before' though often with a unique twist. There is an intriguing season story arc to discover the fate of Eliza's father which throws up surprises and problems to be solved.

Well worth a watch.

Actors are stronger than the script

[cruzarts-73946 · 6/10 · 16 April 2020]

The leads and several supporting actors are the pull for me: they are better than the material given and they elevate the show. Writer Racheel New's clever, capable, driven detective has to navigate expected obstacles; but two episodes in and there's nothing intimate about her character. She has suffered loss and trauma, and other than her immense love and respect for her dad, there's no nuance and NO personal flaws or struggles.

Her main housekeeper is incredibly engaging, but there is no information about her at all. Just a thought, but what if she becomes Eliza's "Dr. Watson?" In the little screen time she has, it's clear she has immense affection for Eliza, and possibly even cautious respect for her endeavors. She would make a great sidekick.

A very intriguing character is Eliza's reluctant suitor - he really blossoms, but that seems to go nowhere after an immense tease.

The editing could have been sharper and more nimble, but it feels weighty. The dichotomy between the opening sequence and the show feel like HARLOTS titles tacked onto DOWNTON ABBEY.

On the plus side, this show doesn't shy from showing Eliza in physically demanding situations, but they are spare.The plot twists are impressive and unexpected.

The major downside is every time the story feels like it's out of the starting gate, it slows to a trot. Hoping Kate Phillips (Eliza) gets more meat as the series progresses, she has a massive roster of achievements and can handle more from this show.

Delightful & Refreshing

[thebeadshopinc · 8/10 · 20 February 2022]

The mysteries were great & not obvious. The characters & acting are close to perfect. The debate on women's roles & rights were completely on point without being tiring & somtimes pointless as you see in many other series.

I Prefer a Mystery

[rioverde-48424 · 6/10 · 7 February 2021]

The "mystery" seems only to serve as the platform for social preaching. Certainly a female P.I. during this era, if one existed, would have had substantial challenges - many of them insurmountable enough to explain why there actually weren't any of note. We expected to see these struggles as a part of the story. But we get the full social justice gospel according to Ms. New in almost every major scene, and to the point of distraction. Then Miss Scarlet is a Marvel character, able to leap over social norms, escape impossibly tight situations, produce the resources to pay off anyone in her way while being on the verge of eviction. Reminds one of the TV program Wild, Wild, West, and just as credible.

Amazing show

[traceymoore1968 · 10/10 · 4 February 2021]

I didn't think I was going to like this but I was so wrong it's amazing and the chemistry between Miss Scarlett and the Duke has you on edge for them to finally get together can't wait for series 2 😊😊

period pitfalls

[iStrayn · 6/10 · 23 February 2021]

This was an enjoyable series, but it reveals some of the traps you can fall into when writing period dialogue. Two come to mind, one only mildly anachronistic, the other seriously so.

The mild one: the Duke twice uses the exclamation "What the hell!" in Miss Scarlet's presence. No Victorian gentleman would ever do such a thing. At best, he might say "What the Devil".

The serious one: Miss Scarlet uses the word "oneupmanship". Really? That word, not to mention the concept it describes, didn't exist before Stephen Potter invented it. "Oneupmanship", the third in his series of "-manship" books, was published in 1952.

It's hard to keep track of these things, but that last one should have set off the writer's alarms.

Tedious

[Stampd · 2/10 · 19 February 2021]

Back and forth, back and forth. Such childishly predictability between Scarlet & Duke. Watch 2 1/2 Episodes and could not take it anymore.

Brilliant Show

[lynnmothersole · 9/10 · 3 September 2020]

I stumbled across this show whilst looking for something to watch. I wasn't familiar with the actors playing the main characters but I thought they were great. It had a really interesting story and beautiful Dublin backdrop posing as Victorian London. My only criticism is not enough episodes - I do hope there are more in the pipeline. Great show and would recommend it to anyone who likes period crime drama.