Eliza Scarlet, Victorian London’s most improbable private investigator, is back. All six episodes of Miss Scarlet Season 5 land on PBS Passport Sunday, December 8, 2024, a holiday gift for Anglophiles and mystery devotees. For those unfamiliar with Eliza and her unconventional career path, now’s the ideal time to dive in. PBS Passport offers a convenient binge-watching experience, allowing viewers to devour the entire season at their leisure.
Season 5 kicks off with “The Rival,” introducing a fresh antagonist in the form of a competitive Scotland Yard detective. This new dynamic adds a welcome wrinkle to Eliza’s investigations, forcing her to contend with not only London’s criminal element but also bureaucratic hurdles.
The subsequent episodes traverse a diverse landscape of Victorian-era crime. “The Guild” centers on the murder of a private detective, perhaps offering a cautionary tale for Eliza herself. The stakes escalate in “The Thames Reaper” as Eliza hunts a serial killer, a storyline with the potential for genuine chills.
Eliza’s personal life isn’t neglected amidst the criminal intrigue. “The Deal” sees her entangled with a recently released convict, a development likely to raise eyebrows in polite society. “The Enchanted Mirror” finds Eliza exploring Victorian theater while her bond with Inspector William “Moses” Blake deepens.
The season culminates with “Dangerous Liaisons,” pitting Eliza against Police Commissioner Fitzroy. Investigating a figure so high up the power structure presents Eliza with a complicated conflict of interest, sure to test her resourcefulness and moral compass.
While each episode offers a self-contained mystery, the overarching narrative threads, including her evolving relationship with Inspector Blake, provide a satisfying continuity. Miss Scarlet doesn’t simply present a series of puzzles; it creates a richly realized world, populated by compelling characters grappling with both personal and professional dilemmas. The show’s unique blend of sharp wit, intricate plots, and period detail makes it a standout in the crowded field of detective dramas.
These new Miss Scarlet episodes will also air Sundays at 8/7c on PBS.
