Miss Scarlet season 5 episode 3 ending explained: Who is the Thames Reaper?

Bailey (Image via Youtube / MASTERPIECE PBS)
Bailey (Image via Youtube / MASTERPIECE PBS)

Miss Scarlet season 5 episode 3, titled The Thames Reaper, aired on PBS on Sunday, January 26, 2025, keeping fans hooked. In this exciting episode, Eliza Scarlet got caught up in a risky mystery while dealing with her changing relationships with Ivy, Mr. Potts, and Detective Inspector Blake.

The episode started with Eliza trying to balance her detective work and home duties as Ivy got busy with her new office job at Scotland Yard.

But things took a dark turn when a scary letter is sent to The Morning Herald, signaling the return of the Thames Reaper, a serial killer who had scared London with a series of murders months earlier.

This letter pulls Eliza into a dangerous world of lies.

The Thames Reaper was thought to have killed four people in three months. Each murder was carefully planned, and the killer sent mysterious letters to the press to announce them. Now, the killer seems to be back, bringing more death and confusion.

As Eliza investigated further, she uncovered surprising facts about who the killer could be and why the crimes were committed.

As Eliza dug deeper into the mystery, she discovered that the Thames Reaper was not a real serial killer but a made-up story to help sell newspapers.

Eliza (Image via Youtube / MASTERPIECE PBS)
Eliza (Image via Youtube / MASTERPIECE PBS)

Miss Scarlet season 5 episode 3: The return of a serial killer?

The Thames Reaper, a terrifying figure in London’s crime history, was believed to have disappeared after four brutal murders months ago. These killings were linked to strange letters sent to The Morning Herald, which revealed the victims’ names and where they would be found before anyone else knew.

The victims, all healthy people, were discovered drowned in the Thames, with no signs of a struggle.

In episode 3, the fear returns when the Reaper sends a new letter announcing the death of Caleb Hunt, a young clerk at Scotland Yard. Unlike the earlier victims, Caleb had a head injury, and his death looked like it was set up to look a certain way.

The timing of the letter was also suspicious as it arrived on the same day his body was found, which was different from the Reaper’s usual way of sending warnings before the killings.

Alexander Blake (Image via Youtube / MASTERPIECE PBS)
Alexander Blake (Image via Youtube / MASTERPIECE PBS)

Eliza’s investigation uncovered important clues as Caleb was connected to mistakes in reports about the earlier victims, and he shared a safe deposit box with someone else.

The Reaper’s true identity seemed to be coming to light, but the story took a surprising twist. This episode skillfully showed how the Thames Reaper’s story was not just about murder but also about lies and manipulation, blurring the line between myth and reality.

Also Read: Miss Scarlet Season 5 Episode 2 ending explained: What happened to Edmund Fletcher?


Miss Scarlet season 5 episode 3: Who is the mastermind of the scam?

The scam relied on Caleb Hunt, who secretly gave inside information to The Morning Herald while pretending to be the Reaper. This plan turned random drownings into sensational news and saved the struggling paper from going out of business.

The person behind the scam was Bailey, the journalist who had first reported on the Reaper. He used his job at the paper to create the fake story, sending letters with made-up details about the victims.

Bailey (Image via Youtube / MASTERPIECE PBS)
Bailey (Image via Youtube / MASTERPIECE PBS)

Caleb’s part in the plan was to share information about the victims before it became public. However, when Caleb threatened to expose the truth, Bailey killed him and made it look like a Reaper murder.

Bailey’s role in the scam was revealed when Eliza noticed his key to the safe deposit box used to pay Caleb. She pretended to meet him for dinner and set a trap, leading to his arrest by Detective Inspector Blake.

Bailey’s actions not only exposed the truth about the Reaper but also showed how far people would go for fame and money.

Also Read: Miss Scarlet Season 5 Episode 1 ending explained: Who is Jonathan Harbourne?


Other highlights of Miss Scarlet season 5 episode 3

Miss Scarlet season 5 episode 3 mixed its dark mystery with strong character moments. Ivy’s new job at Scotland Yard tested her relationships with Eliza and Mr. Potts.

Her hard work caused some tension, but Blake’s decision to make her his personal assistant gave her a more manageable workload and helped bring balance back to her relationships.

Eliza (Image via Youtube / MASTERPIECE PBS)
Eliza (Image via Youtube / MASTERPIECE PBS)

Eliza’s growing connection with Bailey brought both intrigue and humor. Their partnership, which started as professional, showed hints of a possible romance, ending with a dinner invitation.

However, Eliza’s quick thinking and strong morals reveal Bailey’s true character, proving her to be a clever and principled detective.

The funny moments between Eliza and Mr. Potts also stood out, especially as he used his scientific methods to teach her how to cook. This lighthearted subplot added humor to the intense story and highlighted the bond between the characters.

Episode 3 of Miss Scarlet season 5, blended mystery, humor, and emotional moments, leaving fans eager for the next chapter.


Fans of the franchise can watch Miss Scarlet season 5 episode 3 on PBS and Amazon Prime Video.

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Edited by Prem Deshpande
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