Miss Scarlet and The Duke Season 3 Episode 2 Review: Arabella’s

An attempt to find the source of a string of recent robberies leads to some rather eye-opening development and an unexpected reunion on Miss Scarlet and The Duke Season 3 Episode 2, “Arabella’s.”

The string of thefts leads William and Eliza to an upscale, Arabella’s. But the undercover assignment where the pair play husband and wife –much to my absolute delight –quickly leads to Eliza realizing who the establishment’s owner is: A former school acquaintance/nemesis.

That reunion sets the tone for the rest of the hour and the case of the week as the direction takes a few interesting turns leading to realizations beyond just the case as Eliza makes some startling discoveries about herself. Arabella’s presence causes Eliza an increasing amount of frustration throughout the hour.

Seeing Eliza’s uncertainty and insecurity about her place in the life she’s made for herself adds another layer to the usually self-assured private detective we’ve come to know throughout two seasons. Eliza’s usually so secure in who she is and what she has that seeing her frustration and insecurity in this part of her life is surprising.

At every turn, Eliza manages to increasingly work against her better instincts in ways that make you feel for her. Because the insecurity and uncertainty build up to the point that by the time she tries to trip up her nemesis at what turns out to be a soup kitchen of sorts, I have to turn away because the secondhand embarrassment is a bit too much for me.

This moment of realization leads to a tender moment with Ivy. I will probably sound like a broken record, but I love these scenes so freaking much. Eliza’s vulnerability is on display, and it’s a side only Ivy is privileged to see, which adds depth to the character and their relationship.

Then there’s William’s rapid amiability with Arabella throughout the hour that lacks the subtlety, almost screaming about the obstacle that is about to be lodged between William and Eliza. Of course, there are moments where you can kind of see that he’s trying to give Eliza the benefit of the doubt –to a point.

The result of Eliza and Arabella’s conversation is somewhat predictable, but it helps shed some light on the motive behind the bullying.

But it’s the final scene that absolutely kills me!

Eliza’s mastering the Victoria sponge [thanks to Ivy] is absolutely adorable, and seeing her proudly walk into William’s office to show it off is very sweet. But the lighthearted teasing takes a turn the minute he mentions the possibility of Eliza being a homemaker.

Her response seems to shut something off inside of him. It’s almost as if the idea of Eliza’s unwillingness to become a stay-at-home wife is enough to dash those ideas he had of their future. It makes you feel for both at the moment because they still don’t seem to be on the same page.

The scene’s purpose is clear when Arabella arrives with many pastries for William and his men. It’s clear as day, exactly where this is all going, especially as Arabella, is almost a foil to Eliza, playing to the typical gender role in a way that immediately alienates Eliza.

Overall, this is an eye-opening hour for Eliza and William, showcasing another side of her that brings out her insecurities and vulnerabilities.

Where does all of this go from here? Will we be seeing more of Arabella this season? Is William closing the door on the possibility of him and Eliza? Can’t we just get them solving crimes together already? Please?

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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