‘Miss Scarlet’ Finale: How Do You Feel About That Eliza-Blake Ending? (POLL)
Spoiler Alert
[Warning: The following contains MAJOR spoilers for the Miss Scarlet Season 5 finale, “Dangerous Liaisons.”]
Miss Scarlet Season 5 was a season of change. The formerly titular Duke, William (Stuart Martin), departed the series after Season 4, and Tom Durant-Pritchard joined the cast as the by-the-book detective Alexander Blake, who wasn’t keen to let private detective Eliza Scarlet (Kate Phillips) work out of Scotland Yards. Eliza pursued her work anyway, putting her in close proximity to Blake throughout the season’s six episodes. They grew on each other as the season progressed, leading to a moment in the finale that wasn’t a long-time coming per se but a major development for Eliza.
The February 16 finale featured a dangerous case that saw Oliver Fitzroy (Evan McCabe) attacked. As Blake and his men worked to solve the mystery, Eliza was hired by Oliver’s mother. Marianne Fitzroy (Robin Weaver), to investigate his father, Commissioner Fitzroy (Stephen Boxer), whom she suspected was being unfaithful. She was right, but she never would’ve guessed that her husband was having an affair with a man. This detail remained unaddressed by the episode’s end (perhaps it will be more important should the series get a Season 6?). Eliza and Clarence (Paul Bazely) also had their lives threatened in this investigation more than once, and one of the threatening presences turned out to be a woman spy working for British intelligence.
This woman’s success impressed both Eliza and Blake. After Blake had already given Eliza a thoughtful gift earlier in the episode (a new book about forensic science), the pair shared a charged moment after their last encounter with this spy. When Eliza said she was an impressive woman, Blake locked eyes with Eliza and agreed, but it was abundantly clear who he was really talking about.
PBS
The finale ended with the long-awaited nuptials of Ivy (Cathy Belton) and Mr. Potts (Simon Ludders), now Eliza’s roommates. During the reception, Eliza learned that Blake couldn’t attend because he had to attend to his sick child but sent a kind gesture regardless. As Eliza cleaned up their home after the celebrations all alone, she looked at the forensic science book longingly. It read like she was ready to not be on her own anymore. She acted quickly and brought cake to Blake’s house for him and his daughter.
Blake was moved by the sweet act, and they shared another romantically charged look in his front doorway. Each of them turned to walk away before immediately turning back, unable to ignore their attraction any longer. Eliza accepted his invitation to come inside, which made clear that they’re addressing their feelings for each other.
Eliza didn’t often show her romantic feelings or attraction for the Duke in the previous seasons. For her to show and act on her attraction to Blake marks a noted change for the character. Miss Scarlet Season 5 got an early streaming release for PBS Passport subscribers in December 2024, leading some fans to discuss the season in-depth on social media ahead of the PBS airing. Fans on Reddit are pleased that Eliza showed her feelings so soon with Blake and argue that he’s a better match than the Duke, who did make an “appearance” this season through a letter asking Eliza to join him in New York.
“The writers finally FINALLY allow Eliza to be attracted to a man and actually show it. I’ll admit — the final scene was cute,” one viewer wrote. “She was never truly blushy and vulnerable with William … I hate to say it, but as desperate as I was for a Williza HEA, Inspector Blake is clearly a better fit for Eliza than William could ever be. Mountains would have had to move for Will and Eliza to truly make things work well long term. But Blake is a much more natural fit for her in every way.”
This fan also added that Blake is bit boring as it stands. They’re hoping the show will continue and ramp up his action in Season 6.
“Blake is so very……vanilla. He is calm, self-controlled, predictable. It’s almost like they sat him down and were like, ‘OK, remember that Scottish hunk that brought all the hot and bothered ladies to the Yard (pun intended)? Don’t be that guy,'” they wrote. “From a real life relationship perspective, yes — I will admit he’s the perfect compliment to Eliza. But it isn’t real life, and it doesn’t make for a very interesting slow burn that I swoon over in my PJs. They need to shake things up, raise the stakes, and give him some passion and a pulse in Season 6. Sorry to say but a dramatic Eliza rescue plus kiss is in order, I think. I need to see this guy in productive struggle. For now, zzzzzzzz……”
Some fans are feeling the pain of the loss of Nash (Felix Scott), who’s now off to Australia after his brief appearance this season.
“Overall, I liked the season. I’m not sold on Blake as a love interest yet, but I did like his character. I was really disappointed about Nash,” the viewer said. “I thought he and Eliza had the best/ most fun working relationship of all the men she’s been partnered with, so it felt like a huge loss. I’m really hoping they bring him back next season if the show comes back.”
One fan wishes the series had drawn out this romance a little longer.
“I liked that Blake is different. I like that he’s quiet. I didn’t like that they tried to force him as a love interest through Ivy repeating over and over again how great he is and how handsome he is basically pushing Scarlet towards him,” they wrote. “I think it’s too soon for that. I’m more willing to open myself up to a new ship if a show doesn’t make it obvious that one character is just a replacement love interest. The show should have backed off any hint that’s where they were going, even if it might have meant Scarlet ended up alone if the show gets canceled. They had her give up her great love for her profession then they darn sure should make her career her happy ending. And I am not so sure he’s a better fit for Eliza. Isn’t he going to have the same issue of being a policeman who likely can’t be married to a private detective? For the Duke, part of it was wanting something traditional but part of it was due to the job.”
We want to know what you thought of the finale’s final moments. Are you officially a fan of Miss Scarlet’s new love interest? Share your thoughts in the poll below. If you’d like to share more, head to the comments section.
Miss Scarlet has not been renewed for Season 6 as of the time of publication, but TV Insider has reached out to PBS for comment on the show’s future.
Conversation38 Comments
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Comments are closed on this story.
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G
Miss Scarlett is a fantastic show! Great writing, all the characters are perfect and in harmony with each other. It is the way television should be. There is a mystery, no sex, no violence, the actors can act and draw the audience into the story. Please make more seasons available!!
43 3
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C
Don't get me wrong I was loved the Duke. Z But they fought all the time. Unlike the Duke, Blake seems to respect Eliza's skills. He even gave her the journal. His problem was not that she was a woman but pis in general. It's a much healthier relationship then the adversarial one she had w the Duke.
I do wish they would bring back Moses however.
32 2
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G
When I first heard the Duke was leaving I was absolutely devastated, but I was willing to wait and see how the story played out. I have been surprised to find that I think they have the potential to be well matched, in several ways. Everyone is in such a hurry for her to be matched with someone, but I think this is a very interesting show with an incredible storyline, and we should allow the show to develop the relationship! I really enjoy watching it, and I would love to see it for many more years to come! I wish there was a poll like this for the Father Brown series, because I really miss Mrs. McCarthy!!
26 2
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L
I wish there were more episodes this season. It was great and loved the slow burn 🔥 between Blake and Scarlet. I’m she went to his house to give him cake. Next season it would be lovely if they married. Eliza would be a mum and have what she wasn’t going to have with The Duke. I adore the show! The writing, acting, Victorian charm and a murder mystery. Can’t get any better than that!
26 2
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O
No need for a season six. Her new, world has begun. we know it is better.
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G
What new world is that? I guess you mean that Blake may now be more willing to use Miss Scarlet for her detective skills. Yes, that is a better world for her! 👍
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C
If they married, she would no longer be Miss Scarlet.
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O
The ending was note perfect. I am very satisfied with this conclusion. All charcters had a nice wrap up (Mr. Nash got a great send off!); and Miss Scarlet is going into her next new world with the success and confidence of achieving her goal, and the vulnerability of stepping over the door. Loved it.
21 1
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G
I loved the show and wish there could have been more. I would like to see Eliza develop a relationship with the daughter too. I hope there will be a 6th season. with all the same characters and storyline.
19 2
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C
I loved this Season of Miss Scarlet! I only wish there were more episodes! I don’t miss the Duke at all!
19 5
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A
Fabulous series I want more! Will there be another season or is this going to be the cliffhanger!? Very well done every episode. Loved it!
11
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P
I really, really, really like how it turned out. I didn’t miss the Duke at all. I’m looking forward to 5 more seasons.
14 3
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O
I miss the Duke. I felt that the show didn't have the same dynamic as it used to. I enjoyed the banter between Eliza and the Duke. It may be too soon but I thought the episodes were not as interesting without them playing off each other. I don't see the chemistry between Eliza and inspector Blake.
10 3
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O
I agree. This season was very boring. I didn't really look forward to any of the episodes. The finale was the most exciting episode to watch. The Duke is gone and those of us who shipped him and Eliza will have to come to terms with that. But they're going to have to really ramp up the action and character development next season.
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A
I should add the Duke was an amazing actor and the dynamic between him and Liza was very intriguing and I was disappointed when he left the script but I was willing to wait like another person commented and it was another very interesting tension filled dynamic with the new fella who's also very good looking. So it makes one want to have more. The writers know how to write it!
8 1
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O
The show has been harmed - perhaps fatally - by taking a turn into Hallmark territory. The handsome, grieving widower with a young child in tow (commonly a daughter to make him more sympathetic and sensitive) - is a worn-out motif that's out of step with the more original characters the show has spent years developing.
I call it the "building a man" process. Don't. Building a characterization instead of a character, dropping him into an established company and accelerating a romantic component is like tossing an anchor into a flowing stream. It stops the journey, and suddenly. Here's an idea: Scarlet's independent, resourceful and free; let her build her own man.
5 2
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G
Every relationship isn't necessarily part of a Hallmark movie script. I'm willing to bet that the Scarlett/Blake relationship does not proceed like those churned-out romcoms.
And btw, Eliza is already independent and resourceful; finding an intelligent, equally-resourceful man to work with and respect is a bonus.
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O
I love this series. The Victorian theme and fashions are fabulous. The formality of how the characters interact is also fascinating. I however, agree the seasons are too short and too long a wait between seasons.
I can see the relationship between Eliza and Blake proceeding with caution mostly because of Blake’s daughter. I think she is intrigued with his fatherly skills and Love will come in time.
4 1
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T
I miss Moses!
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G
This season was a bit boring. I wish she would venture to another country.
3 1
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R
I’d like to see the duke come back and there be a love triangle. Sort of a jealousy between the men.
4 2
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J
William's actor LEFT, didn't want to do the show anymore, he's GONE.
1 1
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R
Nash & Eliza have great chemistry (as friends) & hopefully we'll see him again. I just saw earlier that the show has been renewed & that Moses will be back! I'm really looking forward to that!
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O
It was a great series, until Eliza started to ignore Williams’s attempts to tell her that he loved her and that he wanted a deeper relationship with her. That made her seem like a clueless, self-centered person with no capacity for romantic love. Then, when he was frustrated by her cold attitude, he decided to go to America. He wrote to her, but she didn’t even read or answer his letters. This whole turn of events made Eliza seem like a one-dimensional character without feelings. It was a wrong direction for the series to take and weakened its dramatic impact. There was such great chemistry between Eliza and William that was not there with Blake. It will never be the same without Stuart Martin. They can try all they want to develop a relationship between Eliza and Blake, but it will seem stiff, flat and heartless. I believe that Stuart Martin wanted to leave the series, so it why (maybe?) that they took this in a less dynamic direction.
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G
As soon as the scene opened showing a piece of leftover cake on the table, it was obvious Eliza was going to take it to Blake's house. One thing I do wish, though: after Blake said "thanks, goodbye" and closed the door, I think Eliza should have started to walk away. Let Blake be the one to call her back. She made her move toward him, he should have to make his own move toward her.
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B
I truly loved the show this season! I was tired of nothing happening between Miss Scarlet and the Duke for the 4 previous seasons..I imagine it was because Stuart Martin was going to be leaving the series? I do like Blake! I think he is a charming, kind, decent and handsome match for Miss Scarlet. I wouldn't want to change a thing about the story line this season. I do hope this series will continue!
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J
Eliza never did turn to walk away, she stayed stuck right on that doorstep, lol.
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C
I miss the Duke. The interplay between miss Scarlett and William in addition to the mystery was what the show was all about. And now Nash and Oliver leaving too! Sad sad day …
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O
There better be a next season, we would love to see Miss Scarlet get married and has a happy ending…
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R
I thought the ending was perfect! It would be great to see Eliza married as she would make a perfect step-mom. She and Blake's daughter already have chemistry there. I think Blake and Eliza make a good match. He has finally come to admire and respect her talents and skills.
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O
I love the show and hope it will continue.
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G
Every time I ENJOY a program It ends 😣
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G
One error in the brief recap: The article above says, "As Blake and his men worked to solve the mystery, Eliza was hired by Oliver’s mother...." Actually it was the other way around: Mrs. Fitzroy met with Eliza first, to hire her, and at some point after that was when Oliver was attacked. BTW, I really like Oliver Fitzroy, I hope he's included in any future seasons.
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O
I HOPE THEY GET TOGETHER I will Be Waiting for Miss Scarlet to come back for a new season 🙏
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C
The Duke could curl Eliza's toes. Blake is more like a warm toddy to act as a sleeping potion.
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C
Blake is boring as cold porridge.
1 2
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G
Love it! Love the slow burn sizzle between Lizzie and Blake. I was longing for romance between her and the Duke and upset they didn’t get their HEA but this is better. Thank you, writers! Hope the show gets renewed.
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B
Love the new love interest for Miss Scarlett! I want tosee something dramatic happen and kisses too!
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