Season 6 of Miss Scarlet has solidified Eliza Scarlet as the heart of the series, showcasing her profound professional and personal growth. Kate Phillips delivers a standout performance, further enriching the narrative through her evolving relationship with Inspector Alexander Blake. The departure of the Duke, William Wellington, initially raised concerns among fans about the series’ direction. However, the introduction of Inspector Blake in Season 5, coupled with a streamlined title—Miss Scarlet—made it clear that the series would continue to thrive by focusing on its true central character.
Eliza Scarlet’s journey reaches a pivotal moment in Season 6, where she finally occupies a space that feels fully earned. She exhibits professional security, creative independence, and confidence in her abilities, even amidst challenging circumstances. Phillips has always been well-suited for the role, but this season allows her to explore a broader emotional range. The writing lets Eliza exist without the constant need to prove herself, resulting in a performance that feels both liberating and deeply rewarding.
For long-time viewers who invested in the slow-burn dynamic between Eliza and the Duke, the loss of Wellington may have felt like a letdown. Yet, the evolution of Eliza’s relationship with Inspector Blake has proven compelling. By the end of Season 5, their once-contentious partnership had begun to shift, and Season 6 fully embraces this transformation. While some may perceive the transition as rapid, the easy chemistry between Phillips and her co-star allows the narrative to move past prior tensions, focusing instead on their genuine compatibility.
What makes Eliza and Blake’s relationship work is that it never asks her to compromise her identity. Unlike the Duke, Blake does not introduce unresolved friction, which ultimately strengthens their partnership. Their connection is built on mutual respect and professional trust, whether they are collaborating in the field or sharing quieter moments. Subtle details, such as both reaching for lock picks at the same time, highlight their functioning as equals. While the series makes it clear that Eliza does not need a romantic relationship, her exploration of one while maintaining independence enhances her character’s journey.
Ensemble Cast Brings Fresh Energy
Season 6 also benefits from a renewed focus on its ensemble cast, giving familiar characters more opportunity to shine while introducing fresh faces. Ansu Kabia returns as Moses, whose friendship with Eliza remains one of the series’ greatest strengths. His natural tension assessing Inspector Blake adds depth to the narrative, while his primary concern for Eliza’s happiness is heartwarming. Moses’ return allows the show to incorporate lighter dynamics, particularly through his playful rivalry with Clarence, which injects warmth and levity without diminishing the stakes.
The interactions featuring Kabia consistently bring an extra spark to the screen, enhancing the overall story. Meanwhile, Ivy and Mr. Potts continue to steal scenes as their newly married life unfolds alongside their work with Eliza. Ivy’s character arc culminates in a particularly satisfying note, providing a rewarding payoff to her journey.
New character Detective George Willows, portrayed by Sam Buchanan, introduces a fresh perspective at Scotland Yard. Willows, an ambitious detective with hints of a complicated past, occasionally clashes with Eliza but ultimately respects her capabilities. His loyalty to Inspector Blake adds another layer to the investigative dynamic, enriching the series’ character-driven storytelling.
The procedural structure of addressing one case per episode keeps the content engaging, but it is the character-driven narratives that elevate the series. While the mysteries may not always hinge on shocking twists, Miss Scarlet has never been solely focused on surprise. Instead, the best aspect remains watching the ensemble work together, and under showrunner Rachael New, the series demonstrates that it has maintained its quality following the rebrand.
Season 6 Concludes on a Satisfying Note
Throughout the season, Eliza and Blake navigate the complexities of intertwining their personal and professional lives. Their efforts to keep work discussions separate while spending time together create an important emotional undercurrent, especially given Eliza’s hard-earned relationship with Scotland Yard. When these boundaries are inevitably tested, the choices made during the finale align with the season’s themes of respect for Eliza’s abilities and trust in her independence.
The concluding moments resonate particularly well for long-time viewers who have witnessed Eliza’s journey toward recognition and autonomy. Although the moment may not align with historical accuracy, its emotional truth resonates clearly, validating Eliza’s bravery, persistence, and intelligence. This powerful conclusion offers a sense of satisfaction for both the character and the audience.
While a seventh season of Miss Scarlet has not yet been officially confirmed, the finale of Season 6 serves as both a fitting conclusion and a potential launching point for future narratives. It provides closure without finality, suggesting that there is still much left to explore as Eliza continues to evolve both personally and professionally. Season 6 ultimately affirms that the series has plenty of stories yet to tell, with a mix of familiar and new characters enhancing Eliza’s journey.
