Mind How You Go: Endeavour Morse
The Early Days Of Inspector Morse, TV’s Unmatched British Detective
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Image Courtesy of PBS
Few detective shows are as satisfying as Endeavour, the British murder mystery prequel to Inspector Morse, one of the most memorable detectives in television history.
This series, set in the 1960s and 1970s, follows Morse through the early years of his career as a fledging detective. Morse is played by the charismatic Shaun Evans. He’s accompanied by Roger Allam as Morse’s mentor and superior, Detective Inspector Fred Thursday. The duo, with a brilliant cast supporting them, tells the background of the Inspector Morse we all know and love.
This Inspector Morse is similar in many ways to his older self — well-educated, loves crosswords and the opera — but this younger Morse is also green, and still finding his footing in the Oxford police force, even as he cracks compelling cases with Thursday. He’s dogged and determined, moralistic and dependable, and rarely carries a gun. His cases are so compelling, and his close calls so harrowing, you worry about Morse as you watch him, even though you know he lives to tell the tale. This is all to the credit of Russell Lewis, show creator and writer, who deftly writes by inspiration of Colin Dexter, the original creator of the Inspector Morse detective novels.
Image Courtesy of PBS
Endeavour holds advantages leagues above typical crime shows. A slower pace than most American detective television series works to the advantage of Endeavour; it feels authentic to the character of Morse we know and love. It’s also in keeping with the feel of the original Inspector Morse from the 1980s. The palpable rapport and partnership between Allam and Evans works so well, a scant nine seasons hardly feels like enough. Endeavour is an ideal series for a paced watch, not a binge. This series is, from start to finish, everything you could ask for in a British detective series.
For fans of: Inspector Morse, Inspector Lewis, Sherlock, Midsomer Murders, The Doctor Blake Mysteries
The series ran for nine seasons from 2012 to 2023 on PBS. It’s available on Prime Video and PBS in the States and itvX in the U.K.
The Best Endeavour Episodes
The Pilot, “Girl” (Season One, Episode 1) The sudden death of a secretarial student and the shooting of a doctor appear unconnected, but Morse thinks differently. This is a fine introduction to Morse, his cases, and the chemistry with his mentor, Thursday.
“Trove” (Season Two, Episode 1) This case showcases Morse at his finest as he navigates unexpected twists with some prescient moments that viewers will appreciate more during future episodes. This episode owns the essence of the series with a masterful script and both leads locked in on their characters. If the pilot of the series didn’t grab you, this one will.
“Nocturne” (Season 2, Episode 2) This is universally considered by Endeavour viewers to be the scariest episode of the show1. When an elderly genealogist is murdered, what is the connection between the Blythe Mount schoolgirls and the legend of a ghost?
“Neverland” (Season 2, Episode 4) This immensely popular season finale, considered by many to be the best overall episode, “Neverland” closed the second season with high stakes and a cliffhanger. No spoilers here, but this is a must-watch!
“Ride” (Season 3, Episode 1) While dealing with the aftermath of his last case, Endeavour investigates the case of a missing woman at a funfair — an especially enjoyable episode with The Great Gatsby vibes.
“Coda” (Season 3, Episode 4) This tense hostage situation during a bank robbery is a fan favorite.
“Muse” (Season 5, Episode 1) Morse’s new responsibilities create ripples at the station and in his personal relationships. A murder takes place during a failed theft of a Faberge egg the night before the Oxford college auction.
“Deguello” (Season 6, Episode 4) Details about the case that has haunted the department are revealed.
“Terminus” (Season 8, Episode 3) Morse and Thursday investigate the murder of a college don.
When you’ve finished watching:
Once you’ve fallen in love with the series and want more information about Endeavour and the Inspector Morse legacy, there is no better resource than Kit Sullivan’s comprehensive guide and YouTube channel found here.
Read an interview with the writer of the Endeavour series, the truly remarkable Russell Lewis, here.
Song of the Day - “All Hands on the Bad One” by Sleater-Kinney (Live at KCRW)
According to an unofficial Reddit poll.
Great post, Red. I had such a crush on Shaun Evans in this show. I actually watched the series twice, but so many years had passed in between it was all new to me again. I may do that again in a year or two. I didn't know about this Stack but Brit Mysteries are my fave, so subscribing now.
One of our favorites, have watched it twice. If you are a fan of Roger Allam (Fred Thursday) watch “Murders in Provence”, good show