Jump to content

Type keyword(s) to search
Forum Reorganization

S05.E06: Dangerous Liaisons

chitowngirl

By chitowngirl
in Miss Scarlet And The Duke

Recommended Posts

chaifan

chaifan

I finished the season last night.  I think this is the best season of this show.  Getting rid of "The Duke" really helped Eliza grow.  William too often treated her like a child, someone who had to be protected.  Blake may sometimes treat her as an annoyance, but he also treats her like an equal.  I also love how they've developed Ivy this season, and that her relationship with Eliza is now much more adult-to-adult.  I'm a bit sad that Nash disappeared so quickly, but nothing is permanent.  

I really liked this episode, and that it was centered around Fitzroy and his family.  Hopefully, the end result of his father retiring and moving out of the city will allow for Fitzroy to develop more next season.  I loved the inclusion of Russian spies and The Governess.  But her just brushing off the brutal beating that her men gave to Fitzroy was just So Cold.  I think part of it could be that her men, who should be the best of the best of Britain's spies, were bested by a junior detective who could tell he was being followed, so they beat him out of spite.  But if that were so, it could have been shown more clearly.

And I'm glad that they took all 6 episodes to get Blake and Eliza to recognize that they like each other.  I loved the bit in Episode 5 where the theater guy was goading Blake about liking Eliza.  But again, this is where Nash still being around would be fun.  I don't want a romantic triangle, but having Blake have to deal with courting Eliza and her having an open friendship with a male who is also recently released felon would be interesting.

And one petty comment...  I really didn't like Eliza's dress at Ivy's wedding.  It did nothing to flatter her.  

 

 

  • Like 8
  • Applause 2
LisaM

LisaM

On 12/26/2024 at 9:55 AM, chaifan said:

I finished the season last night.  I think this is the best season of this show.  Getting rid of "The Duke" really helped Eliza grow.  William too often treated her like a child, someone who had to be protected.  Blake may sometimes treat her as an annoyance, but he also treats her like an equal.  I also love how they've developed Ivy this season, and that her relationship with Eliza is now much more adult-to-adult.  I'm a bit sad that Nash disappeared so quickly, but nothing is permanent.  

I really liked this episode, and that it was centered around Fitzroy and his family.  Hopefully, the end result of his father retiring and moving out of the city will allow for Fitzroy to develop more next season.  I loved the inclusion of Russian spies and The Governess.  But her just brushing off the brutal beating that her men gave to Fitzroy was just So Cold.  I think part of it could be that her men, who should be the best of the best of Britain's spies, were bested by a junior detective who could tell he was being followed, so they beat him out of spite.  But if that were so, it could have been shown more clearly.

And I'm glad that they took all 6 episodes to get Blake and Eliza to recognize that they like each other.  I loved the bit in Episode 5 where the theater guy was goading Blake about liking Eliza.  But again, this is where Nash still being around would be fun.  I don't want a romantic triangle, but having Blake have to deal with courting Eliza and her having an open friendship with a male who is also recently released felon would be interesting.

And one petty comment...  I really didn't like Eliza's dress at Ivy's wedding.  It did nothing to flatter her.  

 

 

I agree that this was the best season of the series. I liked how Blake slowly developed respect for Eliza's talents. Also liked how they made baby steps towards each other. Eliza was able to shine on her own - without William's assistance. 

The Ivy/Eliza relationship is my favorite. I was worried that something would happen to Mr. Potts at the wedding to make Ivy a widow. She had so much character growth this season. Cracked up at Mr. Potts now living with the two women. 

I'm betting that Patrick Nash comes back to town next season and that TPTB find some way for him to be able to regain his private detective license. 

I also liked the thawing in the Eliza/Phelps relationship. She had his back when the photographic plates were stolen in an earlier episode. 

Lastly, will be interesting to see how Eliza gets on with Blake's daughter, who seems to be a "little Eliza". 

Hoping for Season 6. 

  • Like 9
magdalene

magdalene

This was my favorite season of this show.  It actually grew Eliza as a character made her more human without taking her Elizaness away.

I really admire the show for humanizing a character  like Phelps.

Old Fitzroy is really a horrible human being and his wife and son deserve so much better.  Would he have been so horrid if he didn't have to spend his whole life in the closet? Not that he had any choice.

Blake is a great addition - maybe with him Eliza can have both a professional and a personal life. I will hope.  Please lets have a season 6.

  • Like 9
surfgirl

surfgirl

I'm not mad about  Blake and Eliza making googly eyes at each other. They are equals and he respects her in a way that the Duke never really did. I could see Eliza pursuing secret agent stuff and Blake would support her, whereas the Duke alwaya gave the impression that if they matries she'd have to be a proper stay at hone wife and mother. I like where thos is going! 

And yeah, Fitzroy gets a front and center story line! I didn't even mind Phelps.

  • Like 9
libgirl2

libgirl2

(edited)
4 hours ago, magdalene said:

This was my favorite season of this show.  It actually grew Eliza as a character made her more human without taking her Elizaness away.

I really admire the show for humanizing a character  like Phelps.

Old Fitzroy is really a horrible human being and his wife and son deserve so much better.  Would he have been so horrid if he didn't have to spend his whole life in the closet? Not that he had any choice.

Blake is a great addition - maybe with him Eliza can have both a professional and a personal life. I will hope.  Please lets have a season 6.

I actually said "Yay Phelps!" at one point. 

And I think old Fitzroy would have been a jerk regardless. 

4 hours ago, surfgirl said:

I'm not mad about  Blake and Eliza making googly eyes at each other. They are equals and he respects her in a way that the Duke never really did. I could see Eliza pursuing secret agent stuff and Blake would support her, whereas the Duke alwaya gave the impression that if they matries she'd have to be a proper stay at hone wife and mother. I like where thos is going! 

And yeah, Fitzroy gets a front and center story line! I didn't even mind Phelps.

I feel that way for sure after this season. With Blake, she can be herself and not have to fit the role model of what a woman of that time period is supposed to be. 

Edited by libgirl2
  • Like 4
  • Love 1
taanja

taanja

I liked it! 

Eliza took the initiative and went to Inspector Blake's house -- very 21st century!

I hope there is a season - 6? I know the actress is pregnant in true life and babies change everything!!!!

Oliver's father was always kind of a piece of crap and it was good to see him yelling at and being a jerk to Inspector Blake - just like he used to do to William. I thought Oliver's mother was dead. I swear when the character was first introduced that was mentioned? No? The way his father treated him I guess I just assumed there was no mother.

The whole mystery went right over my head -- something about -- something!

But I watch this show for the romance.

  • Like 2
dargosmydaddy

dargosmydaddy

45 minutes ago, taanja said:

I know the actress is pregnant in true life and babies change everything!!!!

Her first child was also born while she was on the show (this pregnancy was her second)... I get that a growing family presents more challenges, but I wouldn't speculate that she's going to want off the show unless I hear otherwise.

14 hours ago, Orcinus orca said:

And another pending love story.  Why do they feel the need for Eliza to be paired up?

Because she's the lead in a standard network series? Don't get me wrong, I'd love if that wasn't the expectation, but most shows seem to think it's a must...

On 12/26/2024 at 9:55 AM, chaifan said:

And one petty comment...  I really didn't like Eliza's dress at Ivy's wedding.  It did nothing to flatter her.  

I did think she looked less obviously pregnant in it... I wonder if that was just the cut of the dress, or if that scene was filmed much earlier or later for some reason?

  • Like 3
taanja

taanja

1 hour ago, dargosmydaddy said:

Her first child was also born while she was on the show (this pregnancy was her second)... I get that a growing family presents more challenges, but I wouldn't speculate that she's going to want off the show unless I hear otherwise.

Because she's the lead in a standard network series? Don't get me wrong, I'd love if that wasn't the expectation, but most shows seem to think it's a must...

I did think she looked less obviously pregnant in it... I wonder if that was just the cut of the dress, or if that scene was filmed much earlier or later for some reason?

I liked the dress Eliza wore to the wedding. It looked classy.

Isn't this show a romantic mystery? if not - it should be. I only watch for the romance.

 

  • Like 1
  • LOL 1
Orcinus orca

Orcinus orca

45 minutes ago, libgirl2 said:

He has a soft spot for him? Or maybe they argued and this was his way of saying he was sorry? He probably has it bad for the kid. 

Well, they were having an affair so flowers are part of the wooing process.

1 minute ago, taanja said:

I liked the dress Eliza wore to the wedding. It looked classy.

Isn't this show a romantic mystery? if not - it should be. I only watch for the romance.

 

I, on the other hand, find the "will he, won't he" quite tedious.  More mystery, please.  We are supposed to be impressed with Eliza's smarts.  Making googly eyes at successive Detective Inspectors only makes her look vapid.

  • Like 3
magdalene

magdalene

3 hours ago, alias1 said:

OK, I guess that has to be true but it seems totally unrealistic to me. As bombastic as senior is, buying roses for some kid seems way out of character.     

Seems perfectly in character to me. He is a closeted gay man during a time period where he had to repress his true feelings. He feels trapped in his straight marriage and hates his wife and his son.  His feelings have to go someplace. So he is romancing the boy toy who is pumping him for secrets.   It's the good ol honey trap, gay version.  Luckily he is a powerful guy. Any poor nobody would have hung for both homosexuality and treason.

  • Like 5
blackwing

blackwing

I enjoyed the season finale, I only wish the season wasn't so short.  I know British shows tend to have shorter seasons, but why can't they at least have 10 episodes?

I don't understand how Phelps was back in the fold.  Last time, he was on suspension and not working.  How is it that he was there working as if nothing had happened?  Because Eliza vouched for him in the last case?  Unfortunately, it looks like he is sticking around.

I can't believe the British secret service lady allowed Fitzroy to be beaten so savagely.  They could have just robbed him and run away, they didn't have to put him in the hospital.

Blake invited Eliza in, indicating perhaps the start of their courtship.  

Hoping the show is renewed.  

  • Like 3
dargosmydaddy

dargosmydaddy

3 hours ago, Orcinus orca said:

Making googly eyes at successive Detective Inspectors only makes her look vapid.

Vapid seems harsh. I agree it would be refreshing to forego a romance altogether, but these shows want to stick to their formula (see Grantchester, where Geordie Keating is currently bromancing his third vicar...). To me, there was enough difference between the relationships of Eliza/Duke (full of history, sizzling chemistry, but with toxic elements) and Eliza/Blake (slow to develop, much more adult in nature, the building of mutual respect) to make it palatable and interesting, and while I guess it's hard to say something was slowly developed in a series that only lasts six episodes, they hardly rushed her into a romance. I wasn't seeing much in the way of "googly eyes"-- they had a fairly professional relationship (insofar as Eliza can manage, as she's hardly a model of Victorian-era decorum, but she's like that with everyone, not just Blake), and the series ended with her bringing him (and his daughter) a slice of cake, not some torrid love scene.

I mean, I guess the case could be made that pairing Eliza off with Nash would be a better/ less predictable option, but if there has to be romance (and apparently there does), I prefer Blake to Nash. 

  • Like 5
  • Applause 1
chaifan

chaifan

1 hour ago, dargosmydaddy said:

I mean, I guess the case could be made that pairing Eliza off with Nash would be a better/ less predictable option, but if there has to be romance (and apparently there does), I prefer Blake to Nash. 

I'm actually quite glad that they didn't try to hook Nash and Eliza up.  I really enjoyed their relationship as is.  It was part rivalry, part friendship, part keeping a healthy distance.  I would love for Nash to come back next season, and in simply a friend role be a bit of a foil for Blake.  It would be unusual for an unmarried woman to be having such a public relationship with a male that is not courting her, and also such an "unsavory" fellow at that (in Blake's eyes).  Blake certainly would not approve.  

I like Blake, but I'm surprised they are heading towards a relationship so quickly.  I really don't want a trope-fest of obstacles put in their way, but I wish they had held off on this until at least mid-way through next season.

 

  • Like 4
taanja

taanja

22 hours ago, dargosmydaddy said:

Vapid seems harsh. I agree it wo  vicar...). To me, there was difference between the relationships of Eliza/Duke (full of history, sizzling chemistry, but with toxic elements) and Eliza/Blake (slow to develop, much more adult in nature, the building of mutual respect) to make it palatable and int

Yeah. I didn't see any googlie eyes. In fact - I had to look closely to see any kind of flirting. That is why I miss William. Say what you will - but I never doubted he was in love with Eliza. I personally loved their sizzling chemistry. Not all actors have it and when they do? whooooo ! it is lovely to watch.

Like I said before - I watch for the romance. Otherwise I don't really care about the mystery.

  • Like 2
HoodlumSheep

HoodlumSheep

best episode of the season imo

i was hoping fitzroy's dad would get knocked off and we would be free of him but retiring to hopefully off-screendom will have to do.

congrats Ivy and Barnabus!

the only thing i didn't like was no justice for that beating fitzroy got. :( surprised how easily they seemed to let it slide even if it was the british secret service.oh well.

as for eliza and blake...i like them. they're cute in an awkward kind of way. honestly though i hope they don't stretch out their romance as long as they were doing with eliza/william (look at how that ended). like, let's have them actively romancing each other by the end of next season (if there is one) please.

 

  • Like 3
Dowel Jones

Dowel Jones

My first thought when Blake went to play the wax cylinder was, "Make sure you put it on correctly, because if it plays backwards, all you will get is Led Zeppelin rock music..."

And, when Blake mentioned that he'd been in Afghanistan "back in '78", I thought, just wait another 100 years.

Maybe (hmmmm), Miss Scott is the real Russian plant, and she played the 'Spy Who Came In From The Cold' game perfectly and is now situated in British Intelligence for next season.  

  • Useful 1
Calvada

Calvada

On 2/17/2025 at 12:57 PM, dargosmydaddy said:

I did think she looked less obviously pregnant in it... I wonder if that was just the cut of the dress, or if that scene was filmed much earlier or later for some reason?

I think some of the scenes were filmed earlier.  For example, in the scene at home with Ivy when Eliza was complaining about all the stuff Mr. Potts had brought over, when she heaved that rolled up rug out of her way, she looked less pregnant than in other scenes.  I wonder if filming in Serbia means that they bring in the various actors and film all their scenes at one time.  That would mean they would have to have complete scripts for all episodes from the beginning, but that's not unlikely with only 6 episodes.  

Wasn't there a different actor in the role of Fitzroy's father in earlier episodes?  

  • Like 1
libgirl2

libgirl2

On 2/18/2025 at 7:44 PM, HoodlumSheep said:

as for eliza and blake...i like them. they're cute in an awkward kind of way. honestly though i hope they don't stretch out their romance as long as they were doing with eliza/william (look at how that ended). like, let's have them actively romancing each other by the end of next season (if there is one) please.

 

With the Duke, they had known each other for years. With Blake, this is something new for the two of them. I don't think are as much awkward as unsure. 

  • Like 1
surfgirl

surfgirl

11 hours ago, pezgirl7 said:

I’m surprised so many people thought this was the best season. For me, nothing can beat season 1 and no one can replace the Duke. Not to say that I didn’t enjoy this season, because I did. I’m glad they’re not dragging out the romance. I think they learned from the slooooow burn of Eliza/William. 

While I liked this season, ita because it sucked least than last season. And I like that Eliza is following her heart a bit more with Blake. 

The above aside, S01+ gave us two characters that we couldn't tell if they should or should not be together, but we also had a healthy mix of secondary characters that were very interesting and strong including: Moses, Mrs. Whatshername and her gay son, etc. These folks all brought something extra to the canvas. I agree that Mr. Potts is the least interesting character and got waaaay too much screen time this season. I'd rather have learned more about Blake's baxkstory.

  • Like 3
chaifan

chaifan

21 hours ago, surfgirl said:

And I like that Eliza is following her heart a bit more with Blake. 

This is the difference between Willam and Blake for me...  

I never got the impression that Eliza was really in love with William.  She loved him, but it seemed more because that's what she was expected to do.  She grew up with him, he "earned" her father's respect, had a good job, etc.  So everyone expected them to be together.  But she was unwilling to give up her career for him, so to me she really wasn't fully in love with him.  

I think she is truly attracted to Blake, from all respects - intellectually, physically, emotionally.  And yes, I like that she's acting on those feelings.  

 

 

  • Like 5
libgirl2

libgirl2

On 2/23/2025 at 9:51 AM, chaifan said:

This is the difference between Willam and Blake for me...  

I never got the impression that Eliza was really in love with William.  She loved him, but it seemed more because that's what she was expected to do.  She grew up with him, he "earned" her father's respect, had a good job, etc.  So everyone expected them to be together.  But she was unwilling to give up her career for him, so to me she really wasn't fully in love with him.  

I think she is truly attracted to Blake, from all respects - intellectually, physically, emotionally.  And yes, I like that she's acting on those feelings.  

 

 

Very good point, her and the Duke were expected to be together. He was always there. And here comes Blake, a man she really doesn't know much about. She finds herself liking him quite a bit. There is not baggage of a past with them, just the present. 

As for his daughter being the kiss of death to the show. I don't think so. As long as they don't make her a focal point, which I don't really think they have, I think it will be fine. And it might show another side of Eliza, that she possibly being a parental figure. 

  • Like 4
chaifan

chaifan

2 hours ago, libgirl2 said:

As for his daughter being the kiss of death to the show. I don't think so. As long as they don't make her a focal point, which I don't really think they have, I think it will be fine.

I agree.  I think the daughter adds another layer to Blake, one we didn't see with William at all.  She's a lens through which Blake views Eliza, in a very different way than William ever could.  But yes, she needs to stay in the background.  I trust PBS not to fall back on the old trope of daughter of law enforcement officer gets kidnapped, or variation on that theme.  

  • Like 6
pezgirl7

pezgirl7

(edited)
6 minutes ago, Orcinus orca said:

Poor Mrs. Fitzroy, stuck with that horrible man home all day stuck in a remote country house.  Maybe she can move in with her son.  Or kill her husband.

I got the impression that only her husband would be moving to the country. Hopefully she can stay in their city house. 

 

I think Eliza did love William, but I get the sense that there is no man that she would be willing to give up her career for. Luckily, Blake seems fine with her working. Eliza probably has some regrets on how things ended with William. If they both hadn’t dragged their feet for so long, who knows how things could have progressed. Maybe William would have changed his tune.  So I see her as being more bold now and shooting her shot with Blake. 
 

The relationship between Eliza and Ivy is so odd and interesting. Ivy works for Eliza and gets a wage, and Eliza seems to pay for all the household bills/food. Yet Ivy is basically a mother figure, and can boss Eliza around (like a mother would, I don’t mean that in a bad way) and feels comfortable enough to invite Potts to move in without checking with Eliza first. I just hope that Potts is going to pay his fair share once he moves in. When they move out, I wonder if Eliza would move into a nice boarding house? She doesn’t really need to be spending money on all that space and doesn’t seem to spend that much time at home anyway. 

Edited by pezgirl7
  • Like 1
libgirl2

libgirl2

14 hours ago, pezgirl7 said:

The relationship between Eliza and Ivy is so odd and interesting. Ivy works for Eliza and gets a wage, and Eliza seems to pay for all the household bills/food. Yet Ivy is basically a mother figure, and can boss Eliza around (like a mother would, I don’t mean that in a bad way) and feels comfortable enough to invite Potts to move in without checking with Eliza first. I just hope that Potts is going to pay his fair share once he moves in. When they move out, I wonder if Eliza would move into a nice boarding house? She doesn’t really need to be spending money on all that space and doesn’t seem to spend that much time at home anyway. 

My family in DR had a woman who worked for them cooking and cleaning. She started when she was just a teenager and my cousins were small or not even born. While she earned a wage, she was provided with a live in room, meals and anything else she needed. When we would visit and bring gifts for family, there were always several things for her. When the kids all moved out and my aunt and uncle bought an apartment, she came with. When she was hit by a car, my aunt nursed her back to health. She was considered family and even when she could no longer do the things she used to, there was never any talk about letting her go. She never married and when she lay dying her family, ie my cousins, were with her. 

  • Love 2

Join the conversation

You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.

Guest
Reply to this topic...

×   Pasted as rich text.   Restore formatting

  Only 75 emoji are allowed.

×   Your link has been automatically embedded.   Display as a link instead

×   Your previous content has been restored.   Clear editor

×   You cannot paste images directly. Upload or insert images from URL.

×
Go to topic listing
×
×
  • Create New...