In every way where it matters, Miss Scarlet Season 6 is the show’s best run yet. It’s rare for a series to rebrand itself and still succeed in keeping its audience thoroughly enthralled, and while that fact proved to be true in Season 5, everything that we get in Season 6 doubles this notion brilliantly. The cases are intriguing, the characters feel lived-in, and the relationships sparkle.
A large part of the reason fans felt frustrated by the rebrand is that a show titled Miss Scarlet and the Duke hinted at a romance that never came to fruition. Every card was laid on the table, but Eliza and William, the titular duke, never quite found their footing or even a way to work together. In truth, Eliza was always going to get underneath William’s skin because his views were immovable. He was always going to find matters to disapprove of, and thankfully, that isn’t the case with Eliza and Inspector Blake, making the show’s dynamics even more profound.
We already saw a good chunk of how the two work together in Season 5, and the finale leaves us with the prospect of a budding friendship that’s rightfully shifting toward the potential of becoming something more. And Miss Scarlet Season 6 carefully and thoughtfully does an engrossing job of showing us why they can be well-suited in a matter that’s well…romantic.
There’s no sugarcoating it; we already said it when the first sneak peek images dropped, but there’s something more here, and it’s exciting.
As the trailers also promise, Ansu Kabia’s Moses returns, making each scene he’s in completely gripping. The friendship between him and Eliza is still among the show’s best gifts, and it delivers on all fronts this time around. There’s a lot that can be said about how the dynamics on the show are exactly what allow it to be so special, and we’ll go into more detail when it’s fully airing on PBS with highlights. Still, in every way where it counts, the show understands its audience and the value of storytelling, and the relationships are proof of this fact.
And here’s the thing: right now, the state of TV and film is alarming. AI has infiltrated the industry in a vile manner, and because networks know that some audience members aren’t paying as close attention, they’re relying on too much exposition while dumbing down the screenplay to ensure people grasp what’s necessary. Miss Scarlet Season 6 doesn’t do this, but instead, it trusts the value of creativity through character-driven narratives that ensure bold risks and thoughtful decisions are made behind the scenes.
This is, in every way, the show’s best season yet, and it’s because everything feels established in a way that makes every episode a whole lot of fun. Most importantly, Kate Phillips is at her best. The material she’s given to work with this year allows a full range of emotions to consistently pour out of her, making Eliza’s entire journey magnetic. She’s been through so much to establish herself as a lady detective, and how she’s allowed to shine this season is no small feat. There’s a careful, brilliant balance in every episode that breaks molds in a way I can’t wait to talk about further in the new year.
There’s a benefit of a different case in every episode that makes procedurals and mysteries intriguing, but it’s how character-driven Miss Scarlet is that makes it so engrossing. It’s entirely because of our titular character, and every person around her who gives her the space to shine. Rachael New and the entire team behind the series deliver what’ll surely be some of the best television we watch all year, and those are big words, yes, but I’ll stand by it fully.
Trust me when I say, you aren’t going to want to sleep on Miss Scarlet Season 6. From start to finish, it’s a compelling, thoughtfully engaging ride with stunning performances from the whole cast and narrative decisions that are achingly vulnerable and full of layers.
Miss Scarlet Season 6 will premiere on PBS on January 11.
First Featured Image Credit: ©Maja Medic/Miss Scarlet Limited and MASTERPIECE