Miss Scarlet Season 6, Episode 2 Highlights: ‘Trafalgar Spring’

Kate Phillips as Eliza Scarlet in Miss Scarlet PBS 6x02 'Trafalgar Spring.'

The levity in this season continues to make Miss Scarlet such a blast, as it becomes a series that’s equal parts engrossing with every case and so captivating when it comes to the character dynamics. It’s proof that adding romance to a narrative adds a lightness that cannot be replicated, and it feels right on all levels. It feels lovely. 

More than anything, the purpose of these highlights is to showcase how these changes are actually more significant than we realize and what that truly means for the sake of character development. It’s often in the quiet, in-between moments where we get substantial growth, and it happens compellingly in “Trafalgar Spring.”

Eliza and Alexander Continue to Be Adorable in Miss Scarlet Season 6, Episode 2

Eliza and Blake sitting together on the couch in Miss Scarlet Season 6, Episode 2 'Trafalgar Spring.'
˙©Masterpiece PBS

Casual intimacy isn’t something we get as often as we should on TV, but when we do, it can be marred by too much drama than necessary. Yet, when they’re good, they’re great, so the moments we get between Eliza and Alexander serve as effective reminders of why this pairing works. There are understandable critiques of how their relationship has happened “too quickly,” and that the emotions are wildly different from what we would’ve seen with Eliza and William, yet that’s exactly why these small beats are so meaningful.

Yes, they’re trying not to talk about work during their personal time, but the fact that there’s also an itch to do so on both their parts is so telling because the similarities between them are bigger. Comparisons aren’t always necessary in romance, but on a show like Miss Scarlet, it feels important to point them out because this is exactly why it wouldn’t have worked out between Eliza and William.

Eliza and Alexander kiss as he leaves her with Sophia in Miss Scarlet Season 6, Episode 2.
©Masterpiece PBS

It’s not every couple that can discuss work outside of it. But some people really do love their jobs, which is the undeniable sentiment both Eliza and Alexander share. They both love being detectives, and they’re curious about the cases that pop through the doors. They care about the details that fall through the cracks. And, more importantly, they want to share these moments with each other because it’s both stimulating and challenging for them as individuals. This detail alone makes Alexander a far more fitting choice for Eliza because William wouldn’t have wanted their jobs to coexist with their lives. At all. He’d be the one adamant that they never discuss cases because the idea of Eliza in this line of work wasn’t something he welcomed as openly as Alexander does.

And while Eliza’s the one proposing this rule with Alexander, we can credit this to her past experiences. We can look at the fact that she feels this way because she doesn’t want any special treatment, but at the same time, she’s scared that it can get between them.

Alexander and Eliza at dinner together in the end of Miss Scarlet Season 6, Episode 2 'Trafalgar Spring.'
©Masterpiece PBS

Everything is still new with Eliza and Alexander, but these scenes feel fitting to showcase how much easier it is just to be together, and that includes talking about cases. Or, trying not to. They’re mostly on the same page with everything, while they still attempt to do their best and navigate through the novelty of their relationship. The common wavelength matters so much, and we’ll see it even more clearly with the coming episodes.

Ultimately, what continues to be so admirable is that Miss Scarlet Season 6 doesn’t shy away from delivering multiple scenarios to emphasize that they’re a couple now. It questions dynamics by allowing Clarence to learn the truth, it allows repetition of scenarios to double down on the vulnerability within romance, and it allows its characters to be achingly human in the best way.

Another Heart-to-Heart With Ivy Brings Clarity

Eliza and Ivy have another heart-to-heart in Miss Scarlet PBS.
©Masterpiece PBS

Ivy learning the truth about Eliza and Inspector Blake in “Secrets and Lies” is still the best thing because she continues to be the voice of reason and the bearer of clarity. At the same time, telling Eliza that she’s never seen her happier is giving Eliza agency back. It’s reminding her that this choice she made to embark on a relationship with Alexander is a good one, and it’s vital in the grand scheme of things.

Eliza’s Excitement Continues to Be So Telling 

Eliza giddily looking at Blake in Miss Scarlet Season 6, Episode 2.
©Masterpiece PBS

I wanted to highlight another scene, but I keep coming back to Eliza’s giddiness at the restaurant and all through Miss Scarlet Season 6, Episode 2, “Trafalgar Spring.” There’s a warmth in how Kate Phillips continues to play her now that she’s with Alexander, and it’s everything. There’s something really gratifying about knowing someone trusts you fully, which is certainly the case with her relationship, even as she’s left alone to watch over Sophia. The trust that’s between them translates into this indescribable joy that keeps popping into her expressions, and it’s so lovely to see that she doesn’t have to keep proving herself.

And again, we’re back to this idea of why it’s all working out today. It’s because Eliza doesn’t have to prove her worth anymore, at least not with Alexander. She doesn’t have to go out of her way to emphasize that she deserves this job or these cases. She doesn’t have to change anything about herself because he fell for her as she is. And the joy these small details translate into is so important for us to see on our screens because it’s proof that a woman can be strong and still in love. It’s proof that these things can coexist and still be valuable, without implementing some toxic narrative to force her to choose. 

Stray Thoughts

  • They’re so funny sitting like this. It’s like they’re already married.
  • “Sneaking out the back door in the dead of night. I feel fifteen again.”
  • “Are you brooding?” Why is this so funny?
  • Blake’s life flashing before his eyes when Detective Willows asks about dating.
  • This whole episode is just so sweet, I don’t know what to do with myself.

Now streaming on PBS: What are your thoughts on Miss Scarlet Season 6, Episode 1, “Trafalgar Spring?” Let us know in the comments below.
First Featured Image Credit: ©Maja Medic/Miss Scarlet Limited and MASTERPIECE

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