Miss Scarlet and The Duke Season 3 Episode 1 Review: The Vanishing

In what feels like the shortest hiatus between seasons, our favorite Victorian private detective and Scotland Yard’s best Chief Inspector are back with a solid case to kick off the season on Miss Scarlet and The Duke Season 3, Episode 1, “The Vanishing.”

The disappearance of a renowned illusionist takes the competing investigation and viewers to the theater, where a surprising answer meets everyone on the other side. This is the season’s first case, and right out the gate, it seems it might touch on the more emotional/ psychological aspects of the cases they come across.

The opening scene hilariously sets the stage where we find Eliza and her partners in [literal] crime. It’s a fun, clever way of bringing some new regulars into the fray while giving the show a chance to show where the original members of the core cast are.

Seeing Eliza accepting Sinclair’s patronage as a means of working on the Illusionist case and getting that “free advertising” is a choice. Nonetheless, it’s a different kind of conflict leading to William and Eliza on opposite ends for the hour.

It also speaks to some aspects of the barriers from the pair getting together, further tying the case with their personal arcs. In terms of tone, “The Vanishing” is the antithesis of Miss Scarlet and The Duke Season 2 Episode 1, “Pandora’s Box.”

While they maintain their amiability, there’s a lack of tension between the pair that “Pandora’s Box” had in a way that feels like a choice being made to halt any forward movement for William and Eliza.

William: she seems a determined young woman. I have no doubt she will get where she wants to be. I just… I hope it doesn’t consume her. There’s more to life than work.

The line perfectly encapsulates where the pair stand by the end of the hour.

But hopefully, this is not a sign of things to come this season. Eliza’s work with Sinclair and her lesson in not trusting the man is enough to keep the pair bonding over their mistrust of the press regarding Sinclair’s publication.

Not to mention those cutting words he leaves her with after Eliza confronts him about betraying her trust and publishing that piece. Eliza’s ability to manage that work/life balance will continue to be a theme this season. Will we see it continuously built on, or will it just hang there for the foreseeable future?

Random Thoughts

• I love that Ivy’s source of reading practice has become Henry’s law books. The fact that we get an update and an adorable scene between the woman and her friend is just cute.
• It’s hard to believe that Eliza would be so easily led by Sinclair after all we’ve seen from her over the series.
• The third-act team-up is beautiful, and I want that to be the way it is all the time. Think of the possibilities!!
• I enjoy seeing the expansion of the world and the Victorian London society they live in, heading towards Victorian entertainment and Vaudeville’s place at the time.

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 PBS.

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Miss Scarlet and The Duke Renewed for Season 4 by Masterpiece on PBS