Miss Scarlet & the Duke: “The Woman in Red”

The PBS Masterpiece series Miss Scarlet & The Duke aired its second episode this week, and NiceGirls Leah and Rueben discuss the episode below.

But first, here is the synopsis for the episode entitled “The Woman in Red:”

Eliza is hired to prove the innocence of a man caught with a bloodied knife at a murder scene.

The Good

Rueben: It was great watching Eliza piece the whole case together to save Mr. Butler from the noose; but also sad that his life was ruined for merely loving the wrong person (at least in the eyes of the people of that time period); being a “like-minded person” was a punishable crime not just in the eyes of the church back then

I have to admit I was a little worried about Eliza when Moses showed up inside the saloon. I wasn’t quite sure what he was going to do to her, but her being in that situation certainly helped her when those two thieves cornered her. She barely got that hidden gun out from under that desk in time, and then she fell against the desk when she tried to fire it at that glass-eyed creep. She is a tough little thing, but her nerves certainly got the better of her despite her best efforts.

My favorite line in the episode was when William said to her that he hope he and Eliza could “find a way that we can co-exist without causing each other consternation.” I laughed out loud at that because there is no way that she’s not going to continue to rile him!

Leah: This is why I can’t let Rueben get her comments in first though – because I agree with all she has said. I was glad Eliza saved Mr. Butler. His life as it were is still over though and that is a sad bit of not so far removed history.

I’ve been a little worried about Eliza from the moment she handcuffed Moses in that saloon. I said out loud last episode, “Oh that can’t be good.” I am glad I was wrong and I should have known it would come together in her favor. I am not going to lie, I held my breath while she was getting that gun. 

I also appreciate that Moses is going to work with her. It is unfortunate to need a man when you just want to prove how well you can do on your own, but there is also no shame in admitting you may need help from someone with a different skill set than yours. 

Eliza wasn’t lying about that burgundy dress. It really is beautiful.

The Bad

Rueben: It’s not so much bad, but annoying. That little girl who got the money from Eliza by claiming she would scream if Eliza didn’t hand it over, and then she, of course, screamed. I loved her face at the end, though, when Moses showed up to speak to her father. Serves the little brat right!

Mrs. Parker is annoying, but I guess you have to have that one character to provide that level of irritation, right? I did enjoy that Eliza was able to upset her by being able to make the lease payment after all. I can’t wait to see what Eliza does next to get the better of that sour puss old woman!

Leah: Oh Mrs. Parker is infuriating. OF COURSE she owns the house Miss Scarlet lives in. While we are on the subject of infuriating – I half expected Miss Scarlet to bash Rupert over the head with her ledger book. I know it’s best she didn’t, but it would have been very satisfying!

Comments

Rueben: I really enjoy how easily Eliza can play William. He totally has a soft spot for her regardless of how many times he gets angry at her, let alone his turning her over to the court, and on Eliza’s second time before the judge, he speaks up for her. The Duke seems to be nothing more than a big ole softie! I also have to wonder if she won’t be able to wear him down to finally let her work a case (or two) one way or the other.

Leah: This show is really starting to settle in and find it’s rhythm. I like how William and Eliza play off of each other. Rueben is correct – The Duke is soft hearted and you can’t tell me otherwise.

Miss Scarlet & The Duke airs in the United States as part of PBS Masterpiece Theater.

The next new episode is set to air on PBS on Sunday, January 31 at 8 PM.