Mind How You Go: Endeavour Morse

The Much-Loved Prequel Comes To A Close

OMITI will never contain spoilers, so read on and enjoy.

Few detective shows are as satisfying as Endeavour, the British murder mystery series that ran for nine seasons from 2012 to 2023 on PBS. Endeavour is prequel to, and the first name of, the beloved Inspector Morse, one of the most memorable detectives in the history of television. Set in the 1960s and 1970s, Endeavour follows Morse through the early years of his career as a fledging detective. Morse is played by the charismatic Shaun Evans, and accompanied by Morse’s mentor and superior, Detective Inspector Fred Thursday, played by Roger Allam. The duo, with a brilliant cast supporting them, tells the background of the Inspector Morse we all know and love.

Photo Courtesy of PBS

This younger Morse is dogged and determined, moralistic and dependable, rarely carrying a gun. You fall into the storylines so easily, 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.

A slower pace than most American detective television shows works to the advantage of Endeavour; it feels authentic to Morse’s experience. 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

When you’re done 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,

https://morseandlewisandendeavour.com

An interview with the writer of the Endeavour series, the truly remarkable Russell Lewis, https://www.radiotimes.com/tv/drama/meet-endeavour-writer-russell-lewis-a-real-man-of-mystery/

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