Miss Scarlet & The Duke

Miss Scarlet & The Duke is an enchanting, engaging, and riveting period drama from Alibi, first launched in 2020. It is set in the foggy, narrow, and dimly lit streets of Victorian London in the 1880s—a place and time where social norms were intricate, and the role of women was significantly restricted. At the heart of the narrative comes an empowered and intrepid heroine—Eliza Scarlet, who becomes the first-ever female detective in the city, proving that gender barriers are meant to be broken, even in a male-dominated world.

The show skillfully combines elements of mystery solving and investigative work with captivating personal stories set against a backdrop of historical context. Eliza Scarlet, portrayed by Kate Phillips, is the fiery and ambitious daughter of private detective, William “The Duke” Wellington, masterfully portrayed by Stuart Martin. Raised in an unconventional manner, Eliza has been tutored in the art of investigation and deduction since her childhood.

After the sudden and untimely death of her father, Eliza finds herself in a topsy-turvy situation, where she has to grapple with her bereavement and an impending financial crisis. To ensure her survival, she decides to continue her father's detective agency, putting to practice the skills her father imbibed in her. The reins of this pioneering business model are put into the hands of a debutante, lone female private investigator in an unapologetically patriarchal society.

However, her unconventional career choice is not readily acceptable, as it brings scorn, ridicule, and prejudice her way. Although deterrence abounds, the fiercely independent Eliza is unshaken and refuses to surrender to societal norms. Instead, she delves into her work with a vengeance, solving cases that range from intriguing to downright dangerous.

In her pursuit, she reaches out to her father's former protégé and childhood friend—Scotland Yard Inspector, William Wellington, “The Duke.” Throughout the series, their dynamic relationship takes various turns. They share moments of camaraderie and tension, flitting between being locked in a power struggle to reluctantly assisting each other in solving cases.

As the plot thickens, the program showcases their shared history, hidden secrets, and the unexplained chemistry between them. Their constant bickering and blatant disagreement with each other over their individual approaches to the investigative process make for a fascinating watch, as do their moments of teamwork. The playful banter and blossoming romance between the two protagonists drive the plot, injecting a touch of light-heartedness into the otherwise serious nature of the show.

The Duke’s character, despite his authoritative demeanour and protective instincts towards Eliza, has a roguish charm. Meanwhile, Eliza's audacious, outspoken, and determined persona brings a refreshing change, shattering stereotypes and defying conventions in the process. The juxtaposition between the two presents intriguing analyses and discussions on the scholarly conflict of the era.

In addition to the central characters, the narrative journeys through a labyrinth of many memorable side characters peering from the shadows of London's alleyways, taverns, and high-society drawing rooms. Each episode unfolds a new case and introduces distinct characters, each carrying the potential of being a friend, a foe, or a mere distraction.

Visually, the show is a feast for the eyes. The producers of Miss Scarlet & The Duke have captured and recreated the magic of the Victorian era with attention to detail. The mazes of cobblestone streets, ostentatious horse-drawn carriages, archaic architectural structures, and artifacts of the period lend an additional charm to the narrative.

The contrasting starkness of the London slums with the opulence of the upper-class society, atmospheric lighting, period costumes, and excellent art direction merge well with the gripping plot and dialogue, highlighting the socio-economic divide prevalent during the era.

In conclusion, Miss Scarlet & The Duke brings a fresh take on period dramas blending elements of crime-solving, women empowerment, humor, and romance seemlessly into a compelling narrative. The series possesses all the components of a successful periodical drama— a sturdy storyline, engaging characters, excellent performances, and an impressive mise-en-scène. It is a captivating spectacle, guaranteed to draw viewers who are fans of mystery, crime and Victorian-era history.