Miss Scarlet and The Duke Season 2 Episode 4 Review: Angel of Inferno

Eliza’s competition on a new case leads to a fun team up on Miss Scarlet and The Duke Season 2 Episode 4, “Angel of Inferno.”

When Dr. Flint, a pharmacist whose elixir has been on the shelves for years, is blackmailed with the threat of adding poison to bottles of medicine, he reaches out to Eliza to find out who the blackmailer is.

Admittedly, the case itself leaves a bit to be desired. There isn’t much of a compelling backstory, and it doesn’t ever feel like it becomes anything more than a serviceable c story.

Nevertheless, it makes a perfect setup for introducing another private detective to the London scene. From the moment we meet him and his people, it’s clear he has more resources than Eliza.

His arrogance and high regard for his investigative prowess also make him a solid potential foil for Eliza. The way he aggressively courts her (professionally) feels distinctly like an attempt to set up for more than that.

But I may be misreading the situation. (I certainly hope I am).

Either way, their introduction and his subsequent dismissal of her abilities beyond helping elevate his work make it quite clear that she won’t be warming up to Nash anytime soon. The dismissiveness of her work and skills makes Eliza’s bait and switch on him in the third act much more satisfying.

The case of the week also allows a fun way to make Eliza and William work together, like actual partners throughout the hour. Seeing the pair knowingly and intentionally partnering up on the case is incredibly entertaining, especially when they are bickering like an old, married couple.

Their bickering and banter are reminiscent of the dynamic in Castle in their own ways.

At Scotland Yard, we finally meet the commissioner, and he’s every bit of an absolute condescending bully you can imagine. After a rather embarrassing scolding, the Superintendent instructs William to transfer Fitzroy to detective Phelps to please the commissioner.

Of course, it doesn’t go well. Wellington, being able to see that, pulls Fitzroy to help him and Eliza track down a poison. It’s charming, and we continue to see the somewhat begrudging mentor/mentee dynamic continue as he contributes to the case.

Though he helps Fitzroy escape the clutches of a rough assignment, it does Wellington no favors with the Superintendent, as they end on even worse terms.

The quickly deteriorating relationship with Superintendent has me wondering exactly where Wellington goes from there. If he wants to advance, would he be able to at Scotland Yard? Or will he have to go elsewhere?

And what would that mean for him and Eliza?

Despite a somewhat lackluster case, it’s another fun series entry as we devastatingly make our way through the back half of the season.

Do we trust Nash? What is his deal? Will Eliza eventually take him up on his offer?

Random Thoughts

• The post-case ruminations with Eliza and William are so adorable. I’m a massive fan of the teasing, joking, and the quiet comfort of it all. More, please.
• William playing the third wheel to Ivy and Mr. Potts’ dinner is PRICELESS, and I love every second of it. Especially when he contradicts Mr. Potts’ thoughts on Eliza and her career. Simply perfect.
• Fitzroy’s dynamic with Eliza and William is so cute. And how he looks when he gets validated by Eliza is so sweet.
• Where is Moses?

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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