Miss Scarlet and the Duke

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!

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."

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.

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.

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.