Miss Scarlet - Season 6 (2026) TV Series Review: A Masterclass in Character Evolution and Period Procedural Charm on PBS Masterpiece

After the seismic shift that saw the departure of Stuart Martin’s "Duke" last season, many feared that the Victorian world of Eliza Scarlet would lose its spark. However, the sixth season of Miss Scarlet, which premiered on PBS on 11 January 2026, serves as a definitive rebuttal to those concerns. Created by Rachael New and produced by Element 8 Entertainment, this latest six-episode run proves that while the partnership with William Wellington was a fan favorite, the true heart of the series has always been its titular protagonist. Now firmly established under its shortened title, the show continues to blend crime, period drama, and a touch of romance with a confidence that only comes from a series that has fully found its voice.

The ensemble is led once again by the incomparable Kate Phillips as Eliza Scarlet. She is supported by a rich cast of regulars and newcomers, including Tom Durant-Pritchard as Inspector Alexander Blake, Ansu Kabia returning as the fan-favorite Moses, Cathy Belton as Ivy, Simon Ludders as Mr. Potts, and Sam Buchanan as the ambitious new Detective George Willows. Set against the grimy yet vibrant backdrop of 19th-century London, this season finds Eliza not just surviving as a female detective, but thriving. It is a significant milestone in the show's history, moving past the "will-they-won't-they" friction of the past and into a more mature, though no less complicated, phase of Eliza's life and career.

Narrative Arc and Pacing: Balancing Hearts and Homicides

The seasonal storytelling in Season 6 is arguably the most cohesive the show has ever produced. Rather than relying on a singular, looming conspiracy, the writers use a series of individual cases to explore the overarching theme of Eliza's new status quo. The premiere episode, "Secrets and Lies," sets the tone perfectly by examining the dark history of psychiatric treatments in Victorian London. This investigation serves as a mirror for Eliza’s own internal struggles as she attempts to balance her professional ruthlessness with a blossoming, secret romance. The episodic structure remains firmly procedural, yet each mystery feels deeply connected to the characters' emotional journeys, ensuring there is zero "filler" across the six episodes.

The pacing is brisk and energetic, avoiding the mid-season slump that often plagues longer seasons. By focusing on Eliza and Alexander Blake's effort to rediscover their footing as co-workers while being romantically attached, the narrative maintains a constant forward momentum. There is a palpable sense of risk in their interactions, as they navigate the professional dangers of their secret being discovered by Scotland Yard. While the resolutions to some individual mysteries occasionally feel a bit rushed to make room for character beats, the trade-off is worth it. The show delves into themes of childhood trauma, mental health, and the restrictive nature of Victorian societal roles with a nuance that elevates it above a standard police procedural.

Character Evolution and Performances: A Softer Side of Steel

Kate Phillips delivers what is unquestionably her strongest work to date. In previous years, Eliza was often defined by her air of defiance and the need to constantly prove herself in a patriarchal society. This season, Phillips allows us to see a softer, more joyful version of the character. It is refreshing to watch Eliza be flirtatious and excited, holding onto her core intelligence while embracing a sense of personal happiness that previously felt out of reach. This evolution doesn't make her "weak"; rather, it adds a layer of vulnerability that makes her successes in the field even more rewarding to witness.

The chemistry between Phillips and Tom Durant-Pritchard is a standout feature of the season. Alexander Blake is a very different foil than the Duke; he is attentive, righteous, and genuinely respects Eliza’s eccentric techniques. While some fans might miss the explosive friction of the Martin years, the "safe" and mutually respectful nature of the Eliza-Blake partnership feels like a natural progression for a woman who has already fought enough battles. The return of Ansu Kabia as Moses is another highlight, providing some of the season's most poignant moments as he protectively sizes up Blake. Even the supporting players, like the newlywed Ivy and Mr. Potts, are given meaningful arcs that provide a sense of warmth and community amidst the cold London streets.

Direction and Production Value: Victorian London in High Definition

Under the guidance of showrunner Rachael New, the visual identity of Miss Scarlet remains one of the most polished on television. The cinematography makes excellent use of light and shadow, contrasting the opulent reception rooms of the wealthy with the damp, crowded slums where Eliza often finds herself. The color palette is rich and evocative, leaning into the period’s textures without feeling like a dusty museum piece. There is a consistent directorial hand across the episodes, ensuring that the shift from high-stakes action (like Eliza’s opening drugged-room gambit) to quiet, fireplace-side conversations feels seamless.

The production design and costuming continue to be top-tier for a television budget. Eliza’s wardrobe remains iconic, reflecting her professional status while maintaining a distinct Victorian elegance. The world-building is particularly effective this season as it expands the scope of Scotland Yard and the British Embassy. The introduction of Detective George Willows adds a fresh perspective to the investigative scenes, and the attention to historical detail—from the use of lock picks to the depiction of early forensics—adds a layer of authenticity that grounds the more "modern" sensibilities of the lead characters.

Trailer Miss Scarlet - Season 6 (2026) TV Series

Soundscape and Atmosphere: The Music of Mystery and Romance

The atmosphere of the show is significantly bolstered by its sound design and score. The theme music continues to evoke a sense of adventure and curiosity, but the incidental music this season takes on a more romantic, sweeping quality during the intimate moments between Eliza and Alexander. The soundscape of London—the clatter of horse-drawn carriages, the distant whistles of the docks, and the bustle of the street markets—is layered expertly to create an immersive experience.

The use of sound to build tension is particularly notable in the investigation scenes. In the premiere, the clinical, quiet atmosphere of the psychiatric facility creates a sense of dread that contrasts sharply with the lively, flirtatious banter found in Eliza’s home. This balance of tone is a difficult tightrope to walk, but the audio-visual team manages it with grace, ensuring that the show never feels too grim nor too light.

Strengths and Weaknesses

• Kate Phillips’ Performance: Phillips navigates the transition from "defiant detective" to "happy professional" with incredible nuance.
• Ensemble Chemistry: The easy, comfortable rapport between the entire cast makes the world feel lived-in and authentic.
• The Return of Moses: Ansu Kabia’s presence adds a layer of street-smart grit and emotional depth that was missed in his absence.
• Engaging Procedural Hooks: The cases, particularly those involving Victorian social issues like mental health, are intellectually stimulating.
• Rushed Resolutions: Some mysteries are solved a bit too conveniently to ensure the romantic subplots get enough screen time.
• Lack of Antagonistic Friction: Without a gruff foil like Detective Phelps or the immovable views of the Duke, some workplace scenes can feel a bit "too easy".
• The "Safe" Nature of Blake: While charming, Alexander Blake lacks the complex, unresolved history that made previous dynamics feel more high-stakes.

Final Verdict: A Triumphant New Chapter

Rating: 4/5 stars

Miss Scarlet Season 6 is a resounding success that proves the series is far more than just its original "and the Duke" gimmick. It justifies the time investment by offering a rare commodity in modern television: a character-driven procedural that respects the intelligence of its audience while providing genuine emotional payoff. This is a show that understands the value of creativity and bold narrative decisions, avoiding the "dumbing down" or heavy exposition that plagues many contemporary dramas.

This season is a gift for long-time viewers who have waited for Eliza to find a measure of peace and recognition. While the mysteries provide the structure, it is the vulnerability and growth of the characters that provide the soul. It is a compelling, thoughtfully engaging ride that manages to feel both like a potential conclusion and an exciting new starting point for the future of the agency.

Who should binge-watch it: Fans of period dramas, procedural enthusiasts who prioritize character arcs over "shock" twists, and anyone who enjoys watching a brilliant woman outsmart everyone in the room.

Who might skip it: Viewers who strictly preferred the combative friction of the earlier seasons or those who find the lack of a primary antagonistic presence in the police force to be a drawback.