‘Total masterpiece’ period drama is ‘Downton Abbey meets Sherlock’
A critically acclaimed period drama starring Kate Phillips has left viewers “hooked”
Period drama fans have been loving a Victorian-set series (Image: Bernard Walsh/UKTV)
Fans of period dramas have been captivated by a beloved series with a unique premise. Miss Scarlet is a British-American period crime drama created by Rachael New. It stars Peaky Blinders actress Kate Phillips as the titular character Eliza Scarlet, a Victorian-era private detective.
“In Victorian London, 1882, Eliza Scarlet is left almost penniless when her father, Henry, unexpectedly dies. Although marriage would appear to be her only option for financial security, Eliza resolves to take over her father’s detective agency alone, working under his name,” reads the official synopsis.
“Struggling to build her reputation in the male-dominated world of crime-solving, she frequently calls on her childhood friend William Wellington, a gruff Scottish detective inspector of Scotland Yard, for assistance.”
Kate Phillips is joined by Stuart Martin as William Wellington, alongside Cathy Belton, Simon Ludders, Helen Norton, Kevin Doyle, Andrew Gower, and Jessie Cave, reports Dublin Live.
Miss Scarlet is available to stream now (Image: Bernard Walsh/UKTV)
The first series of Miss Scarlet aired in 2020, with five further instalments following over the next six years. Season six launched earlier this year, delving into Eliza’s developing relationship with lead Scotland Yard Detective, DI Blake (Tom Durant-Pritchard), while also welcoming back fan-favourite Moses Valentine (Ansu Kabia).
The debut series was shot in Dublin, with exterior shots of Eliza’s residence captured on Mount Pleasant Square, Ranelagh. The striking green dome of Mary Immaculate, Refuge of Sinners Church, Rathmines can also be spotted in certain street scenes. Additionally, the police station where the Duke is based is actually the CBS Westland Row on Cumberland Street. Production then relocated to Belgrade, Serbia from the second series onwards.
A seventh series is currently being filmed, and is set to be the final instalment. Ahead of its arrival, viewers can watch the previous six series for free on U – making the drama an ideal weekend or evening binge-watch.
Creator and writer Rachael New reflected on the programme’s impact in a statement, saying: “Making Miss Scarlet has been the greatest joy of my professional career. Every stage of this beautiful show – from the writing, filming, editing and finally it reaching the screen – it has taken a whole village.”
Kate Phillips leads the show’s cast (Image: UKTV/Scarlet Rights 5 Ltd)
She added: “I’m very proud of how the final season plays out and the story we tell for Eliza. It’s a wrench to say goodbye to a character that I have lived and breathed for all these years, but Eliza will forever be with me whether on screen or off.”
Audiences have continued to heap praise on the series online, with one IMDb user writing: “Majestic. Miss Scarlet is one of those programmes that begins well and just gets better and better. All in all a programme not to be missed.” Another viewer remarked: “Exceptional. Intense with steamy romance, and very well written,” while a third declared: “The very best series on TV. Miss Scarlet is head and shoulders above the rest. Total masterpiece.”
A fourth fan shared similar praise, commenting: “Totally hooked! Fresh look, captivating plot, beautifully portrayed characters, real feel of old atmosphere, close attention to detail. The best period drama yet.”
Someone else added: “Great masterpiece. The tension between the lead actors keeps me coming back for more. In this Downton Abbey meets Sherlock Holmes drama, each episode brings a more compelling reason to keep coming back for more. The costumes, the casting, the settings, all are top shelf.”
Miss Scarlet is available to stream on U
SOURCE: EXPRESS