Origins – The episode opens in the hospital, with Eliza Scarlet (Kate Phillips) hurriedly ascending the stairs to Detective “The Duke” Wellington’s (Stuart Martin) room. As he lies unconscious, she admits to pretending they are married to see him. She explains how his presence affects nurses who are disappointed he is married. She pleads with him to wake up.

12 Years Before – A shopkeeper runs young William Wellington (Matt Olsen) off. He offers his services free to a street vendor to prove he is a good worker. The pie seller (Dejan Cicmilovic) says no. Pleading, he claims to have last eaten two days ago. When the man is busy with a female customer, William snatches a pastry bun and flees only to later vomit it back up. He is awakened by a man being beaten. He secretly watches the man being strangled.

Ivy (Cathy Belton) is surprised to find 16-year-old Eliza Scarlet (Laura Marcus) home after being expelled. Eliza tells her that she was planning to come home after Skip died. Ivy says she needs to grow up. Eliza confesses to loving Skip. Ivy embraces her.

Inspector Henry Scarlet (Tim Downie) investigates Arthur Wallis’s (Slavisa Ivanovic) murder. Seeing Arthur’s wallet empty, Henry believes it is not a robbery. William gets combative when Henry insists on him answering a few questions. Henry locks him up.

Ivy alerts Eliza of her visitor, young Rupert Parker (Ivan Nikolic) and Lady Parker (Helen Norton) Eliza tells Lady Parker that she came home after the academic term ended. Lady Parker says it is three more weeks before the term ends. Eliza claims she and her classmates were released early for their progress. Lady Parker says as her tenant, a stain on Eliza’s reputation would be a stain on hers. Eliza assures her that she always considers her reputation.

Henry learns William was discharged from a Glasgow workhouse. He takes William to his house for supper. Seeing Eliza, he scolds her for not staying in school before sending her to make William some food. She lies to William about preparing a smoked ham. He asks why Henry was yelling at her. They insult each other while Henry blames himself for her behavior.

Ivy tells Eliza that Henry is stressed because her mother’s money is running out. She urges her to do as Henry says. A short time later, Lady Parker informs Eliza that Henry has decided to leave her in her care. Eliza pretends to be happy. Elsewhere, Henry vows to help William if he tells him about Arthur’s murder.

Lady Parker prepares Eliza for hosting the Kensington Benevolent Fund. Eliza explains the process of livor mortis. Lady Parker warns her to not speak too freely in front of the servants. She suggests Eliza marry Rupert who will inherit her fortune.

William explains what he saw when Arthur was murdered. He suggests Arthur knew his assailant. Elsewhere, Lady Harper Jones (Lucy Robinson) asks Eliza what are her interests. Interrupting, Lady Parker claims Eliza is interested in embroidery and watercolors. Lady Harper invites Eliza to an event for her daughter at Bornborough Hall. Lady Parker insists Rupert be her escort.

Henry tells William that he and Arthur joined the police force 24 years ago. He says Arthur left to become a private detective. He invites him to utilize the spare room at his house before giving him money to buy clothes at McKenzie’s Thrift Shop. William asks how he trusts that he will not take the money and run. William says he will just trust him.

Ivy alters Eliza’s dress for the party at Bornborough Hall party. Eliza complains about going to the party with Rupert. Ivy says it is doubtful Rupert is the marrying type. Admiring Eliza, Ivy tells her that she looks more like her mother every day when William arrives. Later, Ivy tells William that Henry would like him to accompany her to a party. He declines the offer. She describes him as a “rude young man”.

Eliza is preparing to get into Rupert’s carriage when William walks out wearing her uncle’s dinner suit. At the party, William grows suspicious of Eliza. She admits to bringing him because Lady Parker wants her to marry Rupert. She vows to never lie to him again. Spotting the man who killed Arthur, he tells Eliza about the murder. She urges him to wait outside while she finds Rupert but instead strikes up a conversation with Tomas Harper Jones (Charlie Field). He touches her hand. She asks him to remove it. When he refuses, she warns that the human bite is dangerous. Outside, she tells William that Tomas is the most obnoxious man. Later, they inform Henry of Tomas being the killer. Henry stresses the need to not stay quiet because the Harper Jones family is very powerful.

Lady Harper is surprised by Eliza’s invitation for a walk and a visit to the Harper Jones home. Eliza takes a photo of Tomas. Elsewhere, Henry tells Tomas that a victim was pickpocketed nearby two days around 6pm. Tomas claims to have been at The Ottoman at Gray’s Inn Road all night. Henry says it is believed one of the pickpockets killed Arthur.

Lady Harper Jones tells Eliza and Lady Parker that her driver, Pettifer resigned after he and Tomas argued. Eliza pays a servant, Annie for Pettifer’s address. Later, Pettifer says Jonathan Harper Jones was a good man, not Tomas. Eliza asks about their disagreement. He claims they argued over Samson, a horse, that was lame. He says Tomas was intoxicated and left in the carriage without any concern for Samson’s welfare. Samson had to be euthanized and the carriage was destroyed. She questions if Tomas struck something with the carriage. He says or someone.

Eliza informs Henry of Mr. Samaris (Provoslav Zakovski) being struck by a carriage on his way home from work. She says the driver was never located and Mr. Samaris is now crippled. Mrs. Samaris (Dragana Dukic) tells him that they hired Arthur to investigate the accident. Mr. Samaris shows them a photo of the driver who happens to be Tomas. Eliza suggests he killed Arthur when he confronted him with Mr. Samaris’ claim. Henry calls her his clever girl.

Henry tells Eliza that Arthur’s Samaris file that Arthur was found in the Harper Jones Mayfair house during a search. He says there may be enough to secure a conviction with William’s statement. She asks what is next for her. He assures her that he believes in her but not the rest of the world.

William tells William that he may join the police force. Crying, she says it isn’t fair. He pleads with her to stop crying before kissing. When Ivy calls her name, they break apart. She has agreed to return to school.

Back to the present, William wakes up to find Scarlet at his bedside. He asks for a drink. She excitedly pours him a glass of water. He asks for some whiskey as the episode ends.

 

Miss Scarlet & The Duke Review

The episode transported viewers back 12 years before when Eliza and William first met. It was impressive how well Matt Olsen fit the role of young William. He got The Duke’s mannerisms down to a tee.

A very enjoyable watch. The episode deserves a 7.2. Get more Miss Scarlet & The Duke recaps here. Support Reel Mockery by donating. Ask how our onsite advertising can help build your brand by speaking to our staff. Join our newly established forum to discuss the latest movie and TV show releases.