Miss Scarlet and The Duke 4×02 “Six Feet Under” Spoilers Ahead
After last week’s season premiere, we are back with another episode of Miss Scarlet and The Duke. In Season 4, Episode 2, “Six Feet Under,” Eliza must solve a case from the most unlikely client: Mr. Potts! Eliza is thrust into the mysterious world of undertakers while simultaneously facing some bad news from Scotland Yard. There’s much to discuss, so let’s get to it!
The episode opens with Eliza eagerly running to Mr. Potts, who is on his way to have tea with a friend, to obtain some files for a case by Scotland Yard. Eliza appears excited as she has a case, but as usual, Mr. Potts does not want to oblige. The man is just as capably stubborn as Eliza regarding their beliefs (and love for Ivy). They continue to squabble as they approach the front door of Theodore Turner’s undertaker business and are only interrupted after a bloody hand suddenly slams by the front door window. You may have guessed it, but he’s the victim. As Scotland Yard continues to endure its expansion with a lack of proper resources, ever the loyal friend, and with some prompting from Ivy, turns to Eliza to solve the murder of the late undertaker. I would just like to take a moment to say how much I appreciate Ivy. She knows how to handle the two most important people in her life so well, in spite of them not getting along most of the time. She never settles, nor does she let either of them get in the way of her happiness.
The disarray and heavy workload at Scotland Yard have also seeped disruption into Eliza’s professional life — William informs her that Scotland Yard no longer has the resources to hire private investigators, much to Eliza’s frustration. It’s interesting to see that she faces a similar situation in her work life — there’s a lack of money, personnel, and resources at Nash & Sons (not that he has any sons). Aside from Clarence helping out, Eliza cannot resort to her previous methods while working alone. Moses and his varying skill set are no longer present, yet the dwindling finances of the company also don’t allow her to pay off others for information or whispers of a potential case.
And forget about meddling in Scotland Yard business — the Duke is annoyed, tired, overworked, and exasperated by the workload plus the lack of men. He’s barking orders at reception, seemingly annoyed by the presence of anyone, but he remains a big old softie when Detective Fitzroy approaches him about joining the New York force for a year. Although it’s plain to see that the last thing William needs right now is to lose another man, there is a hint of pride in Fitzroy’s success and how far he’s grown in the job. Naturally, William assures him that he will support his going to New York.
Of course, there is one person above Fitzroy for whom William will do absolutely anything, and she is very well aware of it. After Phelps is sent away on another investigation, William takes over the police investigation for Mr. Turner, making things much smoother for Eliza. At this point, whether because he’s so overwhelmed or simply because he knows better, the man goes along with Eliza when he finds her using a fake alias with a rival undertaker (although Fitzroy ruins it moments later). Remember when he and Eliza would fight about her presence at police interviews? There she is, front and center, as the two work together, exchanging questions. Now, that is some growth.
Undeterred by all the comments he’s made that he’s extremely busy and has other cases going on, including a high-profile robbery, Eliza knows she can twist William’s arm easily by wagging the possibility of her safety being at risk right in front of his face. After she is left a threatening funeral card with her name and “R.I.P.,” Eliza merely shrugs it off, stating that they both should have gotten used to it by now. However, William is not having it, softly telling her, “I’ll never be comfortable with that.” Eliza sees the threats as just a risk of the job — she expects it because it’s part of the job description. She doesn’t realize William isn’t just worried about her safety, but he’s worried about losing her. And it’s that fear that always compels him to put everything aside and be with her. She is motivated in general by her career and to solve the case; in turn, he is motivated to be at her side and protect her at the risk of everything else going on with his career.
Now, we have William initiating acts to spend more time with her. After the case is solved, William suggests they go out to dinner the following night despite them already having their monthly dinner. Eliza accepts. William is barely getting any sleep and doesn’t even have one second to breathe, but the man has requested to spend more time with her. He’s indicating that whatever free or personal time he does have, he wants to spend it with her. And even if he doesn’t have the time to spare, she is worth it.
Only if Eliza had this clarity — moments earlier, as they were sharing a drink and discussing the case and family, William points out that he does not have a family. Eliza proudly declares that she is his family. Before you get all up in squeals, she has the audacity to say, “Do I not annoy you like a younger sister?” Girl, no. That man does not look at you with those longing eyes because you remind him of a sister. That is a whole can of worms in Miss Scarlet and The Duke 4×02 “Six Feet Under” that does not need to be opened now or ever.
With the promise of dinner, William heads back to work. Unfortunately, it looks like dinner is not meant to be. Although he is the one who is always worrying about Eliza’s safety, his own is on the line as he and his men prepare to raid the robbers. Despite being short-staffed, they proceed with the raid, which immediately leads to a shooting frenzy. A shaken Fitzroy finds Eliza as she is leaving her house the next day to inform her William is shot and may not make it.
As might be expected, there are several questions in Miss Scarlet and The Duke 4×02 “Six Feet Under” leading to the next episode. Will William make it? Will Eliza finally confront her true feelings for William? There is so much to catch next week, and we’ll, of course, be here ready to discuss.
Now streaming on PBS: What are your thoughts on Miss Scarlet and The Duke 4×02 “Six Feet Under?”Let us know in the comments below.