Angel of Inferno – The show begins with Eliza Scarlet (Kate Phillips) and Ivy (Cathy Belton) discuss discussing Mr. Barnabas Potts (Simon Ludders). Eliza asks her to speak to Potts about making the City Mortuary accessible to her. After assuring her that they are mere friends, Ivy says she can’t ask “Barnabas” to amend his rules. When Eliza sarcastically mocks her, Ivy says she is going shopping in the opposite direction. Eliza suggests she is getting a new hat to impress Potts. Ivy says she hasn’t the time for it before rushing away. A man looks up from his newspaper as she glances at him.
Mr. Doyle (Pal Aron) tells Eliza that Doctor Flint (Granville Saxton) is in need of her services. He says they were informed by an anonymous letter that a bottle of poisoned Dr. Flint’s Universal Elixir had been discovered in one of their stores. He claims the elixir was determined to contain the poison “Angel of Inferno.” Eliza reads the ransom note, which demands 1,000 pounds or another bottle of elixir will be poisoned, and the ransom increased. After discovering the ransom deadline had expired, she questions why they didn’t reach out before now. Doyle admits they wanted to keep it from going public before requesting her signature for a confidentiality agreement.
She tells him the document will need to be read thoroughly. While questioning if she wants the job, Dr. Flint addresses her as a “young lady.” After he tells him her birthname, he becomes more hostile. She initially rejects their case until Doyle gives her a wad of cash.
Detective Fitzroy (Evan McCabe) joyfully sings while neatening up the records room. He immediately withdraws when his father, Police Commissioner Fitzroy (Michael Simkins) enters the room. Raising his voice, Commissioner Fitzroy scolds him for being a disappointment as William “The Duke” Wellington (Stuart Martin) passes by in the hallway. He enters the room to get a tongue lashing for his failure to teach his son the ropes. He stresses the importance of his son learning the job from the ground up. Once Commissioner Fitzroy learns his son didn’t request to work in records, he orders him to be reinstated.
The Duke relays the news to Police Superintendent Monro (Ian Pirie). He explains how Commissioner Fitzroy demands his son be turned into a man who makes the family proud. Monro assures him Commission Fitzroy will get whatever he wants. He warns him of the dangers Detective Fitzroy poses if he returns to work. Monro says Detective Fitzroy will be put under DS Phelps (Tim Chipping) to prevent him from tarnishing his reputation.
Eliza visits Potts to inquire about a poison. Potts suggests she use the library. After she gets his attention by the mere mention of Ivy, she offers him a deal. Potts points out that a man with a newspaper may be watching her from across the street. She takes off after the man.
Detective Fitzroy has a black eye when he approaches The Duke to discuss his being placed under Phelps’ charge. He reminds him of how Phelps detests him before calling him a “thug.” The Duke demands that he show Phelps respect as his superior officer. He questions why he isn’t permitted to remain under his command. The Duke orders him to return to work.
Eliza spies on the unknown man as he enters Nash & Sons. Walking into the firm, she demands to know why she is being followed. He suggests detective work is a hobby to her. Snickering, he claims his men wagered on how long she would stick with it. She asks what he wants with her. After describing her as ambitious and hungry, he offers her a job. She informs him of a rumor that claims Nash & Sons utilizes blackmail to solve cases. He questions if she believes rumors. She rejects his job offer before ordering him to stop following her. He claims Dr. Flint consulted with him and other firms before hiring her because she has the lowest rate in London.
She assures him that her rates are none of his business. He admits his firm will take on Dr. Flint’s case for free if necessary to undercut her. Smiling, she says, “May the best man win” before walking away.
Eliza visits The Royal Botanical Society as an alias, Mrs. Belfry. Mr. Humphries (Tim Steed) assures her the society is open to new memberships. She claims to be intrigued by the Angel of Inferno’s poisonous properties. He sensuously admits being intrigued by her. She asks if society has the species. After informing her the plant is only accessible to members, he offers to add her to their “long” waiting list. After informing her of his position, the society’s “curator,” he suggests he push her name up to the top of the list. She asks to see the society’s member list. When he suggests returning tomorrow, she pricks her finger on a rose thorn. Pretending to feel faint, she asks if it would be all right to utilize his office to treat her wound. He agrees to put his appointment on hold.
While Eliza searches Humphries’ office, he rushes in to alert her of the police being there. Eliza tells Nash that in all her experience with Scotland Yard, she has never heard mention of him. Nash suggests she doesn’t look like someone who would break the law. Humphries questions here connection with Scotland Yard. She says her uncle is employed at the home office. Nash asks for her uncle’s name. When she identifies him as Fenchurch, he claims to be acquainted with him. Nash asks them to step out of the office.
Eliza informs The Duke that she is being undercut cut Nash. When she requests his assistance, he assures her that his life isn’t all about her. Handing him a bottle of Dr. Flint’s Elixir, she warns that a poisoned duplicate will be released if the blackmailer isn’t located. He asks if there is a police report. She says the case is confidential. He explains the importance of getting the police involved when there is a threat to the public. She promises to deliver it to his office later. After he accuses her of contemplating a coverup, he gives her until the end of the day. She celebrates as he walks out the door.
Ivy delivers supper to Eliza’s office. Eliza tells her that she believes the person behind the pointed elixir is associated with The Royal Botanical Society. Ivy suggests she should be on route to Scotland Yard. Eliza tells her that she doesn’t mind sharing the credit for solving the case with Scotland Yard as long as it doesn’t go to Nash. Ivy suggests getting Moses involved. When Eliza broaches the subject of Potts, Ivy admits to loving Dr. Flint’s Elixir. Eliza describes it as “flavored water.” Ivy reminds her of how she found excuses to get some of Flint and Doyle’s Magic Medicine.
Dr. Stanhope (Johnny Phillips) informs Dr. Flint of his lungs have crackles. Eliza confronts Doyle about the former name of Dr. Flint’s Elixir. Doyle explains how his father and Dr. Flint met in India, they became partners, and his father changed his last name. As he starts to explain what happened after his father’s death, she says Dr. Flint omitted his name from the elixir. She questions if he has animosity toward Dr. Flint. He assures her that he doesn’t.
Eliza watches Doyle enter The Royal Botanical Society. While walking in the direction of the society, she accidentally bumps into the Lady with Purse (Jovana Balasevic). The lady alleges Eliza stole her purse. Denying the allegations, Eliza slips her hand into her pocket and pulls out the lady’s purse. A policeman (Stefan Miloradovic Wayne) standing nearby orders her to accompany him. She looks around to see Nash watching from a short distance away.
The Duke explains to Ivy that Eliza failed to deliver documents to his office. Ivy says Eliza is out. He suggests he wait for her. Ivy says it is suppertime as he invites himself inside. While eating, he voices his frustration over Eliza’s behavior. Ivy’s attempt to defend Eliza falls on deaf ears. He reminds Potts of what he said about Eliza being “unchristian” and “untrustworthy.” Under the watchful eye of Ivy, Potts agrees with Ivy that Eliza is just trying to find her way. The Duke tells him to admit that he loathes her. Potts changes the subject to Ivy’s beans.
Phelps arrives to release Eliza. He claims to have been unaware of her being locked up all night. She promises to mention it to The Duke when she thanks him for bailing her. He informs her that it wasn’t The Duke. As she prepares to leave the police station, she encounters Basil Sinclaire (Oliver Chris). She asks if he bailed her out. He offers her a seat while he explains the reasoning behind his decision to take care of her bail. She questions if he is interested in writing a story about her. He says it would be a tale about “witchcraft,” “poison,” and “blackmail.” She denies witchcraft has anything to do with her case. He threatens to make Nash the hero in his story if she refuses to be the heiress. She accuses him of blackmailing her.
The Duke overhears Phelps verbally scold Fitzroy for his clumsiness. Intervening, he informs Phelps that Fitzroy is needed for one of his cases.
Eliza speaks with Humphries about membership with the society. He offers to push her name up to the top of the waiting list if she will go to dinner with him. She utilizes her infected finger as an excuse to get out of the dinner. He goes on a rant about the society raising funds for the poor. When she requests a copy of his book, he claims to have sold the last one to Nash. She inquires about the title of his book. He hands her a copy of the announcement for his fundraiser. She reads the title “Kill or Cure? Poisonous Properties of Plants.” As he turns to get his date book, Eliza quietly slips away.
Eliza reads Humphries’ “Kill or Cure?” book when The Duke enters the room. She assures him the documents would’ve been on his desk last night if she wasn’t in jail. Frustrated, she tells him to take the “damn case.” He agrees to partner with her on the case.
Fitzroy says for the past few years, Dr. Flint has been on a land search for a new factory. He outbid a charity to acquire some wasteland. She suggests After discussing their findings, The Duke and Eliza believe Doyle is the blackmailer. When they arrive at Doyle’s office, he is unconscious and barely breathing. The Duke questions what she is doing as she stares at Doyle’s glass. She suggests someone poisoned him.
Dr. Fitch assures Eliza that he will be the next to be poisoned before handing her a letter. She questions what is in the letter. Irate, he tells her it is unopened. He breaks down crying about what happened to Doyle who is described as being like a “son.” Dr. Stanhope tries to convince Dr. Fitch that Doyle will recover.
Eliza confronts Stanhope about Dr. Flint’s condition. He voices his concern about his health and safety. When The Duke tells her about a list for the foundation, she claims to know who had done it.
Eliza discusses the case with Basil. She tells him that Humphries has access to the Angel of Inferno plant. He asks her about Dr. Flint’s sealed ransom letter. She suggests telling his readers the female detective had so much faith in her conclusion that she refused to open the ransom letter. He praises her ability to twist a story. After opening the sealed letter, she compares it with the first letter. She points out that both letters have a unique “X.” He suggests the letters were written on Humphries’ typewriter. They discuss the acquisition of cheap land meant for a hospital but later utilized for a factory. He assumes witchcraft wasn’t involved. She invites him to join them at The Royal Botanical Society for Humphries’ arrest.
Eliza walks into Humphries’ office to find Nash already there. He tells Dr. Flint that the blackmailer is Humphries. She accuses Basil of being involved with Nash the entire time. He admits Nash is one of the paper’s most liberal advertisers. She accuses him of sharing her evidence with Nash. Humphries tells her it is a terrible mistake as he exits the room with the others.
Eliza tells Mr. Flint that she was aware of Basil double-crossing her, which is why she told him a lie. She assures him that the culprit isn’t Humphries, but Stanhope.
Dr. Flint demands Stanhope to explain why he deceived him. Stanhope explains how it took years to find affordable land only for him to buy it. Dr. Flint asks Eliza how she determined Stanhope was the blackmailer. She says he was aware of the ransom amount without unsealing his ransom letter. He asks about the poisoning. She assures him that Stanhope had not intended to kill Doyle, just to render him unconscious.
Dr. Flint informs Doyle that his father’s name has been restored to their elixir. He tells him that they are now partners. Doyle suggests the foundation acquire the land to ensure poor people have access to a hospital. Dr. Flint says they will donate it in his father’s honor.
Eliza assures The Duke that she will never trust Sinclair again. She praises him for helping Fitzroy. He tells her that Potts appears to be taken by Ivy. As she prepares to leave, Fitzroy greets her. The Duke gives him a task to do when Monro approaches to inquire about his decision to remove the young detective from Phelps’ control. The Duke describes Fitzroy’s talent as an “encyclopedic knowledge on poisons.” Monro says, “Impressive.” When Fitzroy is out of earshot, Monro scolds The Duke for disobeying his orders once again. Monro immediately turns his attention to Commissioner Fitzroy as he enters the police station.
Nash congratulates Eliza as she prepares to enter her home. She sarcastically reminds him that Basil’s story is on its way to readers. She says they will devour the story only to find out later Nash isn’t the genius. Shrugging it off, he promises to give Humphries a public apology in the next edition. She rejects his job offer once again. He says blackmail is out of the question. She warns him that he doesn’t want to be on her bad side as the episode comes to an end.
Miss Scarlet and the Duke Review
A unique crime, with a unique plot twist. I Googled Angel of Inferno only to determine it is a fictional product of the show. Creative to say the least.
Outstanding performances, cinematography, directing, and writing resulted in this memorable work of art.
Basil and Nash believe they have ambushed Eliza only to discover they have been tricked. The finger is temporarily pointed at Humphries while the real perpetrator, Stanhope believes he escaped fate. Of course, Eliza has evidence that will blow the case wide open.
It turns out that Dr. Flint acquires land initially meant to be the site of a new hospital for the impoverished. It took all this to make him realize what he did was wrong.
Patrick Nash was an excellent addition to the cast. Felix Scott did an outstanding job bringing his character to life. Even better, he makes him calculating and ruthless.
The episode deserves a 6.5. Get more Miss Scarlet and the Duke recaps here. Support Reel Mockery by clicking the link.
