The season’s core theme is . With the Duke gone, Inspector Frank Jenkins (Andrew Gower) steps up as the primary Scotland Yard contact. Unlike the Duke, who often swung between protectiveness and admiration, Frank is a wildcard—sometimes an ally, sometimes a jealous adversary. Their dynamic injects fresh tension into the procedural elements of the show. The New Face: Mr. Alexander Blake Perhaps the most significant addition in Miss Scarlet and the Duke - Season 4 is the arrival of Detective Alexander Blake, played by the charismatic Tom Durant-Pritchard. Blake is a former army surgeon turned detective. He is soft-spoken, observant, and deeply empathetic—a stark contrast to the Duke’s gruff, bulldog approach.
Blake arrives at Nash & Sons (Eliza’s agency) seeking help with a case that has haunted him since the war. Instantly, he recognizes Eliza’s genius. More importantly, he respects her autonomy. Their partnership is built on mutual intellectual admiration rather than bickering. Miss Scarlet and the Duke - Season 4
This decision was controversial among purists, but it serves a crucial purpose: it forces Eliza to evolve beyond her reliance on the Duke’s badge. Without the Duke to open doors or intimidate suspects, Eliza (Kate Phillips) must rely entirely on her wits, her charm, and her growing reputation. Miss Scarlet and the Duke - Season 4 is arguably the best season yet for showcasing Eliza’s detective skills. She tackles cases that range from a high-society poisoning to a labyrinthine railway fraud. The season’s core theme is
The gas lamps of Victorian London have flickered back to life. After a cliffhanger that left fans reeling, Miss Scarlet and the Duke - Season 4 has finally arrived, bringing with it a seismic shift in dynamics that redefines the beloved PBS Masterpiece series. For three seasons, audiences have been enchanted by the tempestuous will-they-won’t-they relationship between Eliza Scarlet, the city’s only female detective, and William “The Duke” Wellington, the stoic Detective Inspector of Scotland Yard. Their dynamic injects fresh tension into the procedural
★★★★½ (4.5/5) Best for: Fans of Victoria , Enola Holmes , and Ripper Street . Skip if: You need a romance resolved immediately. This is a slow, rewarding burn. Stream all episodes of Miss Scarlet and the Duke - Season 4 now on PBS Passport. For the latest news on Season 5 and cast interviews, subscribe to the Masterpiece Insider Newsletter.
While you may miss the easy banter of the Duke leaning on Eliza’s desk, the show compensates by giving Eliza her own desk, her own agency, and her own future. Whether that future includes the Duke, Mr. Blake, or no one at all— makes it clear that the most important relationship is the one Eliza has with her own identity.
