TV Show review
March 31, 2020 · 45 min · TV-PG · Returning Series · Drama · Mystery · Crime
Based on 7 seasons, 36 episodes · through February 15, 2026
Miss Scarlet is a mystery show set in Victorian London. It follows Eliza Scarlet, a young woman who runs her own detective agency. The series has very visible girl power themes as Eliza constantly fights against sexist rules. It also has storylines about characters dealing with racism and gay identity in the past.
Why 83%? See the score breakdownBreakdown
These are the editorial factors and ratings behind our score for Miss Scarlet.
Woke representation / casting
The show uses modern casting choices, such as Moses, a highly competent Black associate in 1880s London. It also features Rupert Parker, a prominent recurring gay character. In line with scoring guidelines, the inclusion of a recurring LGBTQ+ character adds a significant point increase (+30 points) to this factor, reflecting the production's focus on visible, identity-based representation.
65%
Woke political dialogue
Eliza and other characters frequently engage in dialogue about the systemic limitations placed on women. These conversations use modern-sounding feminist framing to critique historical gender roles. Characters regularly deliver speeches about the struggle to succeed in a white man's world, which makes the political messaging highly noticeable to viewers.
55%
Production
Identity-driven story themes
The plot constantly focuses on Eliza overcoming Victorian sexism to run her business. Subplots also center on marginalized identities, including Moses facing racial prejudice and Rupert Parker dealing with the dangers of being a closeted gay man. The inclusion of these LGBTQ+ themes adds a mandatory point bump (+30 points) to this factor, highlighting the show's focus on identity struggles.
70%
Western institutional / cultural critique
Traditional Victorian institutions like Scotland Yard, marriage, and the legal system are presented as flawed and oppressive. The narrative portrays most male authority figures as bumbling, sexist obstacles, while framing traditional domestic life as a trap. This uses a modern activist lens to critique Western historical norms and values.
60%
Woke character or canon changes
Not relevant
0%
Anti-woke backlash and complaints
Viewers have criticized the series for its "anachronistic feminism" and "girlboss" tropes, arguing that Eliza's modern attitude is unrealistic for the 1880s. Many fans expressed frustration when the male lead, the Duke, left the show, complaining that the writers sacrificed the romance to focus solely on Eliza's independent feminist journey.
45%
Creator track record context
Creator Rachael New (65) is highly vocal about crafting overtly feminist stories focused on career-first female empowerment. Producer Jin Ishimoto (25) also prioritizes multicultural representation. The other key writers and directors have no major activist background, leading to a moderate overall creator influence.
45%
