Origins

Although a likable series and this episode has an interesting plot, two things in this flash back episode clash with the current story line:

1) In the first series Eliza and William act as if they have never met before. Complete strangers to each other.

2) the original Duke as in the title makes a reappearance after being out of the series since season 2; the original Duke was the financial benefactor for Miss Scarlet in the first series.

It was really odd when the inspector was addressed three times in a short time near Scotland Yard as "the Duke" in an episode; as if every one knew his nick name and always addresses him with that nick name.

Wish they did not make those stupid changes, make you cringe, really annoying,

So here you have a pilot within a show for season 5: the prequel series, much in the spirit of when Barney Miller piloted Fish and Happy Days piloted Mork & Mindy and Joan & Chachi. Very popular device in the 70s and they're bringing it back. Either the actors are going on to other things or they want too much money and they can get other actors for a dime on the dollar. You love the characters, so you'll love them when they were younger and they can shoehorn in every 2024 talking point making the rounds like every other show on the airwaves and interwebs. It already has enough of those, but why not more? It's been a winning formula so far. Or so they tell themselves. If it's the same writers, it could stand a chance. If not, thpht!

I have to say that this is the best casting of younger versions of characters I've ever seen. Both actors had the energy, subtle mannerisms, and speech patterns nailed without coming across as caricatures. The younger Duke was a particularly good visual match in every way. I would love to see a prequel, and will be interested in seeing these two actors in other works.

As for the story line itself, it provided important back story: how long they've known each other, how they met, the role they've played in each other's lives and the dynamics of their relationship.

This is one of my favorite episodes.

The younger actors playing Eliza & The Duke nailed their performances. Great to get William's backstory and how surprising it was.

Also loved seeing Mr. Scarlet in action prior to his days as a police detective for Scotland Yard.

Hope that another opportunity may arise to visit this past life as it definitely was a plus in a season that's been lagging a little without the tension and variety of characters in season 3.

I'm really missing Solomon this season as he was a great antihero and I always enjoyed when he and Duke were in thee same room.

This episode brought back some of season ones spark and Great performances by all.

I knew in the first 5 minutes this would be one of my favorite episodes of this delightful show. It was such a joy to see tge back story, and the actors and acting couldn't have been better. The actors cast as young Eliza and you d William were spot on with the mannerisms and speaking, and I could really believe they were younger versions of hr beloved characters. Well done! I also really enjoyed the introduction of Eliza's father; his character was written into this episode in a thoughtful way. How delightful to have been given the insight into the initial meeting of these characters. The writing, too, was excellently done. Higly recommend this episode, and the series in general.