MSATD2_EP6_10 Miss Scarlet and The Duke Season 2 Episode 6 Review: The Proposal

Miss Scarlet and The Duke Season 2 Episode 6 Review: The Proposal

Miss Scarlet and The Duke, Reviews

Somehow, this hour brings us every single proposal except the one we’ve all been waiting for all season on Miss Scarlet and The Duke Season 2 Episode 6, “The Proposal.”

Patrick Nash pays Eliza a visit, and it’s anything but friendly. He breaks the news that he’s the one to thank for an influx of new cases to her firm. Of course, the renewed offer to have her work for him is rejected as it was the first time and in a hilarious fashion.

After Nash is shot, he asks Eliza to investigate and find the attempted murderer. With Moses’s help and a trip to the Rookery slums, the answer becomes tinged with tension as it’s revealed that Eliza is the intended target. An exciting and entertaining investigation leads to a solid callback to Eliza’s first case.

MSATD2_EP6_4
MASTERPIECE. Miss Scarlet and The Duke. Season 2 Episode 6. Shown from left to right: Felix Scott as Patrick Nash and Kate Phillips as Eliza Scarlet. For editorial use only. Courtesy of Element 8 Entertainment and MASTERPIECE.

It soon becomes clear that Joseph Simms calls the hit out on Eliza. What follows is an excellent sequence of events as William forcefully takes the lead after discovering the real target, Moses tries to shield her and does a lot of leg work, and Fitzroy risks himself to nail Simms for the crime.

It’s a fun way to structure the case of the week. Much like Season 2 Episode 3, “A Pauper’s Grave,” Eliza must solve the mystery inside Clementine’s rooms.

Meanwhile, William and Eliza’s parting before their dinner to say goodbye for the last time goes about, as well as their attempt to have dinner during Season 2 Episode 1, “Pandora’s Box.” They’re both such proud people that the proposal of having them work together seems unimaginable, which is a bit of a bummer since I’ve said before that it would be fantastic if it were to happen.

Related  What to Watch on TV This Week: Landman, XO, Kitty, Severance, and More!
MSATD2_EP6_6
MASTERPIECE. Miss Scarlet and The Duke. Season 2 Episode 6. Shown from left to right: Kate Phillips as Eliza Scarlet and Ansu Kabia as Moses. For editorial use only. Courtesy of Element 8 Entertainment and MASTERPIECE.

There are moments, however, where it feels like the story means pushing Eliza away from her job as a private detective and towards the more conventional life of a Victorian lady.

From Mrs. Parker’s lecture about how they are different to Hattie’s engagement, even Ivy’s friendship with Mr. Potts, the series does not hold back to reinforce the idea that one day everyone will marry off, and she will be alone.

It seemingly ignores the third option: choosing both love and ambition.

MSATD2_EP6_10
MASTERPIECE. Miss Scarlet and The Duke. Season 2 Episode 6. Shown from left to right: Stuart Martin as William “The Duke” Wellington and Kate Phillips as Eliza Scarlet. For editorial use only. Courtesy of Element 8 Entertainment and MASTERPIECE.

The season’s final hour also shows growth and support as Fitzroy comes to William’s defense. Seeing him stand up not only for himself against his father but also for his mentor is great to watch. Even watching his initial attempt to put his down with William, leading to the young detective getting told exactly why his mentor is leaving, is painful but fantastic to watch, adding another layer to their dynamic.

I love the fact that Fitzroy is the one that organizes that vote and shows the Commissioner—and from his own shocked expression, William—how good he is at his job and how indispensable he is to the force at Scotland Yard.

Related  Miss Scarlet Renewed for Season 6 at Masterpiece on PBS
MSATD2_EP6_8
MASTERPIECE. Miss Scarlet and The Duke Season 2 Episode 6. Shown: Kate Phillips as Eliza Scarlet. For editorial use only. Courtesy of Element 8 Entertainment and MASTERPIECE.

It’s a lovely moment that warms your heart, especially since it seemed like William would opt for the silent, broody route of making his exit at work and with Eliza.

The final act is absolute perfection despite ending in much the same way the Season 1 finale ends—with William and Eliza still tiptoeing around their feelings for each other.

I will say something’s got to give between these two eventually. Maybe Season 3 will lead to more development?

Overall, Miss Scarlet and The Duke Season 2 has been fun with exciting cases, solid expansion of the world around Eliza and William, and some fun new stories for the supporting characters.

Random Thoughts

  • I sincerely hope that they don’t do the triangle thing with Nash. Because the rivals/nemesis deal that Eliza and Nash have been fun.
  • The repeated emphasis on ambition for Eliza and William is an interesting conflict because it goes beyond the societal gender roles imposed on them. I wonder what it’s supposed to lead to or if it’s meant to show just how similar Eliza and William are?
  • Solomon’s introduction is entertaining, and Moses being absolutely done with his bit is hilarious.

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

Critic Rating:

Related  Twilight of the Gods Season 1 Review: An Underwhelming Story of Revenge

User Rating:

Click to rate this episode!
[Total: 5 Average: 3.4]

 

Miss Scarlet and The Duke season 2 is available on PBS Passport. Season 3 will be released on November 24th on PBS Passport and set to return January 8, 2023 on PBS! 

twitter Follow us on Twitter and on instagram-icon Instagram!

Want more from Tell-Tale TV? Subscribe to our newsletter here!

25 of TV’s Must-See Period Dramas

Brianna spends her time away from briefs, legal research, and pleadings, watching TV and writing about it. She generally has a lot of feelings about TV, which you can read about here and on Twitter.