I’m stubborn in many ways, but I am not stubborn when it comes to admitting I was wrong. And I was indeed very wrong in the reservations I had regarding Miss Scarlet Season 5. While it’s absolutely jarring to invest four years into a very specific romance only to have it drastically transform after the ship finally seems to set sail, the changes with Stuart Martin and William’s absence not only work, but they might even result in a better outcome for our leading lady detective.
A majority of the show feels just like it always has when it was titled Miss Scarlet and The Duke. Eliza is still running around disobeying orders; however, the new inspector isn’t constantly reprimanding her for it. Tom Durant-Pritchard’s Inspector Alexander Blake doesn’t seem to have a problem with Eliza partaking in this line of work; he merely has an issue with how she goes about certain things. From the first episode, “The Rival,” it’s clear that he’s the opposite of William and, therefore, isn’t a replacement but rather an addition to this complex world with far too many rules and regulations.
By renaming the show to allow it to focus on Eliza Scarlet’s endeavors, the writers are essentially pulling us away from any expectations of a canon romance. Still, it’s not hard to want because the show would be far more effective if it sent a message that independent women can have both love and a career rather than forcing them to choose one. And with William, the more I think back to past seasons, the more it seems like he’d never put aside his belief that she should be a more traditional housewife than a detective.
Furthermore, if we look at Eliza’s reservations toward becoming a mother, it feels as though it’s not so much that she doesn’t want children, but perhaps she doesn’t want pregnancy, maternity leave, and everything that comes from raising a child. It is not a universally acknowledged truth that all women want to have their own children, and the show allowing Eliza to do her own thing without someone pushing motherhood on her is quite frankly a good thing. In addition, if we look at how she is around Inspector Blake’s daughter Sophia, there’s certainly fondness and curiosity there. Because of Sophia’s age, it makes Eliza’s future involvement more effortless. At the same time, there are no expectations, which ultimately makes rooting for them that much more exciting.
As a formulaic show, Miss Scarlet Season 5 doesn’t change much of its episodic structure despite the name. The only difference today is that the primary dynamic is a more equal one than it has been before, which could ultimately lead to a great romantic relationship if the writers choose to go there. The seamless chemistry between Kate Phillips and Tom Durant-Pritchard fuels the easy rapport that makes the new bond feel both fresh and comfortingly familiar right from the start. Blake’s softness as a character matches Eliza’s fire in a way that feels built to work. He knows her knocks, he can tell when she’s lying, he trusts her (which is a bigger deal than anything else), and he fully supports her passion for forensics with the kind of gift that’s genuinely thoughtful. The setup here could make the show even more riveting than it’s already been, which is saying a lot for a show’s fifth season.
Related Content: How Miss Scarlet Season 5 Sets Up a Romance Between Eliza and Inspector Blake
More than anything, the addition of Inspector Blake demonstrates to viewers that softness is a welcoming trait to have amongst men because even while he’s stern where he needs to be, his gentleness never wavers. And that softness, plus the detail that he’s so open to learning, is a far more healthy depiction of a man’s strength. It’s what’ll allow him to be a more equal partner to Eliza. It’s what makes him a more comforting presence. We get snippets in this season that can be so promising for the future, but if nothing else, it’s certainly lovely to watch.
Miss Scarlet Season 5 is now streaming on PBS Passport or airing weekly.
First Featured Image Credit: ©Sever Zolak; Miss Scarlet Limited and MASTERPIECE
YES!!! I felt the same exact way!! Initially betrayed by the removal of William, but I really loved Season 5’s direction. And the more I thought about William’s expectations on Eliza romantically, the more I like Blake’s acceptance of her as a person and as a role model to his daughter!! Plus I loved Ivy’s story too!!
I completely agree; I had reservations about season 5 but was very pleasantly surprised. I might like Blake more than William.
Thanks for this review, I feel the same way. When I first heard that Stuart Martin was leaving the show I wasn’t even sure I was going to watch season 5. Boy, am I glad I did. I’m shocked to say that within the first few minutes of episode 1, I was sold on Inspector Blake and by the end of the episode I found myself really enjoying his character and his dynamic with Eliza and that only grew throughout the season. They did a great thing by making his reservations be about Private Detectives as a monolith (and the writers gave him good reasons!) and having nothing to do with her being a woman. It was refreshing in a way I didn’t realize I needed after William. As you say, Blake is much gentler, and quieter, than the the Duke, but he also radiates authority and competence which is needed if he’s going to go toe to toe with Eliza.
I also though the season did right by the supporting characters. I enjoy the pairing of Eliza and Clarence in the office, he’s a great sidekick. Ivy having an arc and becoming a professional woman was unexpected but delightful, Patrick Nash was in the season just the right amount and always injects some wit and levity, and even the Phelps arc was well done.
The whole season retained it’s original charm but also felt like a breath of fresh air. All in all, I think it’s now my favorite season.