Miss Scarlet Season 6, Episode 5, “The Night Shift” Spoilers Ahead
“The Night Shift” takes a step back from our titular character and mostly focuses on a case Alexander is working on, while still delivering sweet moments that feel necessary after last week’s “Bad Blood.” There aren’t many shows that can deliver episodes with their lead character having limited screen time, but surprisingly, Miss Scarlet works because Alexander is a compelling enough character in his own right.
It’s not hard to care about him, but at the same time, the episode also gives us a few memories of his and Eliza’s first meeting, which then acts as a distinct reminder of how valuable their relationship is to him. It’s proof of how her influence on him etches itself onto how he handles cases. It’s a reminder of how he thinks of her when everything else is falling apart, and nothing is easy or simple except for his feelings.
Alexander and Eliza Exchange Love Declarations in Miss Scarlet Season 6, Episode 5
We might not have gotten to see their first kiss or the exact moment where they decided they wanted to be a couple, but thankfully, the writers understand the importance of the first “I love you,” and how crucial it is to fortify a relationship to the audience. It’s especially consequential that it comes after one of their first disagreements because it’s an even more significant reminder that they both understand the value of honest communication and how fragile life can be.
Both Eliza and Alexander know that you can’t take anything back when there’s loss in this world, so the fact that they’ve both been sitting on their fight and wanting to talk to each other is huge. The fact that even this small amount of time apart has been too much shows us exactly how they cherish the people in their lives.
It’s a clear sign of their respective importance to one another, effectively showcasing why they’re fit to be a couple. And now that the words are out there, brought to life by gorgeously tender performances from both Kate Phillips and Tom Durant Pritchard, there’s something even bigger to hold onto here. This scene isn’t just a simple love declaration, but it’s a promise in more ways than one. It’s a reminder that when Eliza returns from visiting Moses and his family, she’ll be welcomed back by the family who loves her.
There’s also something to be said about the words “flaws and all” because, despite the cheeky joke from Eliza, she is flawed. So is Alexander. We all are. And love isn’t about changing those flaws, but it’s about taking people exactly as they are while we stand beside them as they grow into better versions of themselves. Eliza and Alexander are ready to meet each other halfway, forgive each other through every mistake, and love one another through it all. There’s so much to appreciate here that it isn’t just a highlight in this specific episode, but in the entirety of Season 6 as a moment that affirms why this pairing is so special and why they’re going to last.
Blake’s Trust in Willows Is a Plus
Poor Willows goes through it in Miss Scarlet Season 6, Episode 5, “The Night Shift” because God forbid we get two happy relationships in one show. Still, it’s okay because we never really had time to get attached, and the pairing that matters here is the working relationship between Blake and Willows. Blake needs someone by his side whom he can trust, and Willows’s resignation shows that he’s the right person for the job. He would’ve never broken Alexander’s trust, and while we, as the audience, could’ve predicted that, it’s a solid moment for our inspector to get it, too.
It’s also a great moment after everything to show us that these characters are surrounded by good people, but more than anything, the further transparency with Alexander is what continues to make him a good boss. Again, episodes like this wouldn’t work without fascinating characters, and thankfully, both Alexander and Willows are, making it an intriguing season penultimate.
Now streaming on PBS: What are your thoughts on Miss Scarlet Season 6, Episode 5, “The Night Shift?” Let us know in the comments below.
First Featured Image Credit: ©Maja Medic/Miss Scarlet Limited and MASTERPIECE