Miss Scarlet and the Duke, a detective thriller series starring Kate Phillips, has been lauded as an "unexpected gem" by fans, who say it "keeps you guessing." The show, which first aired in 2020, follows Eliza Scarlet, a sleuth in Victorian London, as she takes over her father's detective agency after his death.
Plot and Characters
Scarlet, left almost penniless after her father's unexpected death, decides to run the agency herself, raising eyebrows in an era when women's employment prospects were severely limited. She forms an intriguing bond with William Wellington, nicknamed "The Duke" (Stuart Martin), a Scotland Yard officer and childhood friend who helps her solve cases. The Duke is gruff and reluctant at first but gradually recognises Scarlet's remarkable talent for solving crimes.
Fan Reviews
One fan on IMDb gave the series a 10/10, branding it exceptional. "Never a boring moment," they said. "This show has great memorable characters and excellent pacing," adding that "Every episode is unique with its own story/theme and guest actors. Never gets repetitive and keeps you guessing till the end." They continued: "Has tons of funny moments balanced with the seriousness of whatever is going on. Gets a 10 in my book and when a new episode comes out it's the first show I put on…"
Another fan, who gave it 9/10, called it an "Unexpected Gem." Commenting on the series earlier in its run, they said: "This has been a very welcome addition to a time-worn genre, with interesting sets, great costumes, and an authentic period feel."
More Praise and Availability
A third fan said: "Smart, funny, intriguing and so very watchable. Great chemistry included in each episode's case to be solved. Setting and wardrobe are a huge plus. Definitely recommended. Two thumbs up."
Six series of the show have been released so far, with the name switching to just Miss Scarlet from season five onwards. A seventh series, expected to wrap the story up, is in production. Four series are available to stream on U, while series five and six are available on NowTV with an Entertainment Membership.
