Miss Scarlet and The Duke Season 2 Episode 3 Review: A Pauper’s Grave

Eliza’s a wanted woman, and her inner circle is on the trail to clear her name on Miss Scarlet and The Duke Season 2 Episode 3, “A Pauper’s Grave.”

The hour’s mystery surrounding grave robbers and break-ins at the city mortuary takes a few twists and turns, leading all those investigating in a circle. Though Eliza is the prime suspect in the case, it’s clear from the jump that there is something that the Chief Coroner, Mr. Thackery, seems a little too eager to pin everything on Eliza.

It’s fun pulling the focus from just Eliza solving the case but bringing in everyone around her to help solve it. Seeing more of the characters beyond their usual roles is a wonderful opportunity, especially for Ivy.

Ivy’s usually relegated to observations made exclusively from the Scarlet household and lending a shoulder for consolation or blunt advice when Eliza needs it. So, it’s fun to see her play the part of a spy to get more information to help Moses work the case.

Seeing Ivy dupe Mr. Potts is hilarious and has you rooting for her to get what they need successfully. Inevitably, she’s found out and what follows is a surprising development, leaving you as speechless as Eliza when she finds Mr. Potts at her door by the end of the hour.

Phillips plays the absolute befuddlement so well at this discovery, as she discovers Ivy’s potential for being courted by Mr. Potts.

Elsewhere, Wellington’s detective skills continue to doubt in the eyes of the new Superintendent, who is shaping to be less of an ideal upgrade from Stirling.

He seems to be just as status-minded as Stirling was. His demeanor throughout the entire hour proves loyalty and blind obedience are what it takes to advance in Scotland Yard if that final scene in his office is any indication.

A trait that William doesn’t have, preferring to get to the truth of the matter. Does this mean that his future at Scotland Yard is no longer viable?

It brings up more than a few questions about what a path forward would look like for him.

The final scene of the hour brings the comedy and slow burn aspect of the show together in a whirl of lightheartedness, as we see Eliza and William talking, softly teasing each other.

While another fun outing, I do wonder what the throughline is in terms of arc. We had Henry Scarlet’s murder weave in and out of season 1. So, what is the throughline this season?

Is it the Eliza/William slow burn? Is there something brewing under the new Superintendent?

Random Thoughts

• I love learning a bit more about Clementine. The fact that she’s got sisters, all named Clementine, is simultaneously funny and sad.
• Seeing Ivy interrupt William’s day off is delightfully hilarious, especially as Betsy throws him out when she gets the wrong idea (that has happened more than once before).
• Detective Fitzroy is adorable when he walks into Wellington’s office, spotting the two of them having a conversation. I love the dynamic we’ve seen develop throughout just a few episodes.
• I would love to see Wellington and Moses two pair up again on another case for one reason or another.

What did you think of this episode of Miss Scarlet and The Duke? Share your thoughts in the comments below!

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Miss Scarlet and The Duke airs Sundays at 8/7c on Sunday.

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