Now that Endeavour has ended for good, there are a few obvious places for fans to go in search of more of the crossword-solving, bitter-drinking, classics-quoting Oxford detective. The first are Colin Dexter’s novels, which established the character. The second is the original ITV show Inspector Morse based on those books, which starred John Thaw in the title role for 33 feature-length episodes between 1987 and 2000. Thirdly, there’s sequel Lewis, which continued the story of Morse’s underling Robbie through his own inspector days, and which also ran for 33 episodes, up until 2015. Both are currently streamable on BritBox in the UK and US, as well as Itvx, and PBS Masterpiece.
The likelihood though, is that those three will have already been exhausted by Morse devotees, so here are some recommendations of detective shows with a touch of Endeavour about them, whether it’s a melancholic lead with a brilliant mind,...
The likelihood though, is that those three will have already been exhausted by Morse devotees, so here are some recommendations of detective shows with a touch of Endeavour about them, whether it’s a melancholic lead with a brilliant mind,...
- 7/4/2023
- by Louisa Mellor
- Den of Geek
“Life will divide us into winners and everyone else.” So says Detective Sergeant Endeavour Morse in the 1972-set ninth season of the beloved British crime drama. Played with woeful longing by Shaun Evans, the police detective may not be a victor at life, but the series, which the creative team decided to end after 36 feature-length episodes, delivered labyrinthine mysteries and memorably endearing characters as it navigated a crowded television landscape to find an audience in the U.S. The show is the longest-running current series on PBS’s Masterpiece roster, but its beginnings were modest. It was initially conceived as a prequel TV movie to the popular Inspector Morse series (1987–2000), based on the novels and characters of Colin Dexter. When it was picked up as a series, its stars didn’t expect they’d still be unraveling mysteries a decade later. Along the way, Evans’ younger Morse — an Oxford University...
- 5/28/2023
- TV Insider
Warning: contains spoilers for Endeavour Series 9 Episode 3 ‘Exeunt’.
For the most part, the Endeavour finale kept its feet on the ground and provided answers to long-held fan questions. One scene however, set a new mystery. Why, between saying goodbye to Fred in Radcliffe Square and attending his choir’s Blenheim Palace rehearsal, does Endeavour go alone to a churchyard and fire a gun?
It’s not just any gun, but Fred Thursday’s Webley service revolver, a war memento that’s made various appearances in Endeavour since Series 1, and most recently used in a shoot-out with Di Lott’s goons. Fred didn’t pack it for the removal men with the rest of his belongings, and has it with him when he and Endeavour say an emotional goodbye. “Why don’t you take this,” he asks. “You might need it, if you’re staying.”
Endeavour nods and places the gun...
For the most part, the Endeavour finale kept its feet on the ground and provided answers to long-held fan questions. One scene however, set a new mystery. Why, between saying goodbye to Fred in Radcliffe Square and attending his choir’s Blenheim Palace rehearsal, does Endeavour go alone to a churchyard and fire a gun?
It’s not just any gun, but Fred Thursday’s Webley service revolver, a war memento that’s made various appearances in Endeavour since Series 1, and most recently used in a shoot-out with Di Lott’s goons. Fred didn’t pack it for the removal men with the rest of his belongings, and has it with him when he and Endeavour say an emotional goodbye. “Why don’t you take this,” he asks. “You might need it, if you’re staying.”
Endeavour nods and places the gun...
- 3/14/2023
- by Louisa Mellor
- Den of Geek
Warning: contains spoilers for the Endeavour Series 9 finale and the Inspector Morse finale.
There have scarcely been more elegant TV endings. In its final episode ‘Exeunt’, Endeavour bid farewell much in the restrained and upright manner of its central characters. Like them, it said a great deal without saying too much, and paid purposeful tributes with a light touch.
The finale’s last moments played out dialogue-free with a meaningful passing of the baton. As young Morse drove his black Jaguar Mk 1 out of the Blenheim Palace grounds, he passed a red Jaguar Mk 2 travelling in the opposite direction. Each driver clocked the other in their rear view mirror – the eyes of Shaun Evans in one, and the eyes of Inspector Morse star John Thaw in the other.
That moment was a call-back to almost the very same at the end of the 2012 Endeavour pilot ‘Overture’ in which Thaw’s...
There have scarcely been more elegant TV endings. In its final episode ‘Exeunt’, Endeavour bid farewell much in the restrained and upright manner of its central characters. Like them, it said a great deal without saying too much, and paid purposeful tributes with a light touch.
The finale’s last moments played out dialogue-free with a meaningful passing of the baton. As young Morse drove his black Jaguar Mk 1 out of the Blenheim Palace grounds, he passed a red Jaguar Mk 2 travelling in the opposite direction. Each driver clocked the other in their rear view mirror – the eyes of Shaun Evans in one, and the eyes of Inspector Morse star John Thaw in the other.
That moment was a call-back to almost the very same at the end of the 2012 Endeavour pilot ‘Overture’ in which Thaw’s...
- 3/13/2023
- by Louisa Mellor
- Den of Geek
Warning: contains spoilers for Endeavour Series 9 episode ‘Prelude’.
Anyone who thinks the MCU goes deep with Easter Eggs needs to look to the other MCU: the Morse Cinematic Universe. From Colin Dexter’s novels to the Inspector Morse TV adaptation to spin-offs Lewis and Endeavour, everything really is connected. Characters, place names, and in-jokes for vigilant viewers criss-cross them all, and nowhere more than in Russell Lewis’ reference-packed prequel.
In its ninth and final series, Endeavour is calling back to one of its earliest and most dramatic unresolved cases – the Blenheim Vale child abuse scandal cover-up explored in Series 2 episode ‘Neverland’, and a property conspiracy seeded as far back as Series 1.
Landesman Construction
In the opening episode of Series 9, a murdered body leads Morse and Thursday to a private investigator hired by the dead man. The Pi – former Detective Inspector Ronnie Box played by Simon Harrison – is himself a surprise...
Anyone who thinks the MCU goes deep with Easter Eggs needs to look to the other MCU: the Morse Cinematic Universe. From Colin Dexter’s novels to the Inspector Morse TV adaptation to spin-offs Lewis and Endeavour, everything really is connected. Characters, place names, and in-jokes for vigilant viewers criss-cross them all, and nowhere more than in Russell Lewis’ reference-packed prequel.
In its ninth and final series, Endeavour is calling back to one of its earliest and most dramatic unresolved cases – the Blenheim Vale child abuse scandal cover-up explored in Series 2 episode ‘Neverland’, and a property conspiracy seeded as far back as Series 1.
Landesman Construction
In the opening episode of Series 9, a murdered body leads Morse and Thursday to a private investigator hired by the dead man. The Pi – former Detective Inspector Ronnie Box played by Simon Harrison – is himself a surprise...
- 2/26/2023
- by Louisa Mellor
- Den of Geek
Warning: contains spoilers for Endeavour Series 1-8.
What happens to Fred? That question has preoccupied Endeavour fans ever since Di Fred Thursday first took young Constable Morse under his wing in the Inspector Morse prequel. Morse’s mentor and father figure is an invention of Endeavour creator Russell Lewis, and doesn’t appear in Colin Dexter’s novels or the original television series. That explains in real terms why Fred’s never mentioned in the later series, but what might explain his absence in story terms?
The happiest possibility, of course, is that Fred finally gets to hang his Winchester over the fireplace, retires to the seaside with Win, lives to a ripe old age, and sends Morse a yearly Christmas card with news of the grandchildren. In this scenario, Fred’s life would be so content and fulfilled that Inspector Morse simply never thinks to mention him in later years,...
What happens to Fred? That question has preoccupied Endeavour fans ever since Di Fred Thursday first took young Constable Morse under his wing in the Inspector Morse prequel. Morse’s mentor and father figure is an invention of Endeavour creator Russell Lewis, and doesn’t appear in Colin Dexter’s novels or the original television series. That explains in real terms why Fred’s never mentioned in the later series, but what might explain his absence in story terms?
The happiest possibility, of course, is that Fred finally gets to hang his Winchester over the fireplace, retires to the seaside with Win, lives to a ripe old age, and sends Morse a yearly Christmas card with news of the grandchildren. In this scenario, Fred’s life would be so content and fulfilled that Inspector Morse simply never thinks to mention him in later years,...
- 2/15/2023
- by Louisa Mellor
- Den of Geek
It’s finally been confirmed: ITV’s Endeavour will return for another three-episode series, which will be the Inspector Morse prequel’s final outing. It was announced this week that a mutual decision had been made between producers Mammoth Screen, creator Russell Lewis and stars Shaun Evans and Roger Allam to bring the crime drama to a close. The currently filming ninth series will be Endeavour’s last.
Mammoth Screen commented: “Russell always knew where he wanted the series to end, and that Remorseful Day is nearly upon us!” The latter quote was used by Inspector Morse creator Colin Dexter as the title of his final Morse novel, and originally comes from the A.E. Housman poem known as ‘How Clear, How Lovely Bright’. The series nine news from PBS Masterpiece was accompanied by a video of Shaun Evans reciting that poem, which was quoted by John Thaw’s iteration of...
Mammoth Screen commented: “Russell always knew where he wanted the series to end, and that Remorseful Day is nearly upon us!” The latter quote was used by Inspector Morse creator Colin Dexter as the title of his final Morse novel, and originally comes from the A.E. Housman poem known as ‘How Clear, How Lovely Bright’. The series nine news from PBS Masterpiece was accompanied by a video of Shaun Evans reciting that poem, which was quoted by John Thaw’s iteration of...
- 5/25/2022
- by Louisa Mellor
- Den of Geek
Joan Thursday and Endeavour Morse can’t end up together. That’s the unavoidable truth casting a pall over their every encounter. However much chemistry and yearning those two share, when Inspector Morse begins sixteen years down their timeline, Miss Thursday won’t be part of Morse’s life. Colin Dexter’s Inspector is destined to remain unmarried and to live out his days alone, in the very house that Endeavour fans saw him buy in the series six finale.
That house – which, like Morse of late, has been in a bit of a state and requires some work – is destined never to be a family home, just as Morse is destined never to be a husband or father. The destiny of Sara Vickers’ Joan Thursday however, is still to be decided. As Endeavour nears its ultimate conclusion (series nine is likely but yet to be announced), series eight has...
That house – which, like Morse of late, has been in a bit of a state and requires some work – is destined never to be a family home, just as Morse is destined never to be a husband or father. The destiny of Sara Vickers’ Joan Thursday however, is still to be decided. As Endeavour nears its ultimate conclusion (series nine is likely but yet to be announced), series eight has...
- 9/22/2021
- by Louisa Mellor
- Den of Geek
Morse’s plan to transfer to another force has either been scrapped or put on the back burner in series eight, which finds the detective in Oxford and the Castle Gate team tackling “the most challenging of cases so far,” according to the official press release. The three-part new series picks up at the start of 1971, just after series seven’s dramatic conclusion which saw Morse’s latest doomed lover take a bullet for him and die in his arms. He certainly can pick ‘em.
The loss of the scheming Violetta Talenti, and the bad blood between Morse and Thursday have taken their toll on Endeavour in series eight, which will see him “crestfallen and rarely without a scotch in-hand” and once again struggling with his inner demons. Not that it looks like there’ll be much time for Morse to dwell on his guilt, tasked as he’ll be...
The loss of the scheming Violetta Talenti, and the bad blood between Morse and Thursday have taken their toll on Endeavour in series eight, which will see him “crestfallen and rarely without a scotch in-hand” and once again struggling with his inner demons. Not that it looks like there’ll be much time for Morse to dwell on his guilt, tasked as he’ll be...
- 9/7/2021
- by Louisa Mellor
- Den of Geek
Endeavour Morse is back for a seventh season after the period drama starring the eponymous detective was renewed by ITV.
The British commercial broadcaster handed Mammoth Screen-produced Endeavour, which airs on PBS in the U.S., a new set of films. It is likely to return for four new episodes.
The show, which charts the early career of the young Endeavour Morse, played by Shaun Evans, alongside his mentor Di Fred Thursday, played by Roger Allam.
Creator Russell Lewis, who has penned all of the 27 Endeavour screenplays to date, continues in this role. The new series, which will air in 2020, will be set in 1970 and production will take places later this year in Oxford. Mammoth Screen’s Damien Timmer and Helen Ziegler will exec produce Lewis and Wgbh’s Rebecca Eaton. ITV Studios Global Entertainment distributes.
Lewis said, “We’re thrilled ITV has asked #TeamEndeavour to continue to add...
The British commercial broadcaster handed Mammoth Screen-produced Endeavour, which airs on PBS in the U.S., a new set of films. It is likely to return for four new episodes.
The show, which charts the early career of the young Endeavour Morse, played by Shaun Evans, alongside his mentor Di Fred Thursday, played by Roger Allam.
Creator Russell Lewis, who has penned all of the 27 Endeavour screenplays to date, continues in this role. The new series, which will air in 2020, will be set in 1970 and production will take places later this year in Oxford. Mammoth Screen’s Damien Timmer and Helen Ziegler will exec produce Lewis and Wgbh’s Rebecca Eaton. ITV Studios Global Entertainment distributes.
Lewis said, “We’re thrilled ITV has asked #TeamEndeavour to continue to add...
- 3/4/2019
- by Peter White
- Deadline Film + TV
To mark the release of Endeavour on 12th March, we’ve been given one boxset of Season 1-5 to give away on DVD, with a boxset of Season 5 available for 1 runner up on DVD.
Set in Oxford during the 1960s, against a backdrop of revolutionary social change, Endeavour chronicles the early criminal casebook of a young detective who will grow to be Colin Dexter’s immortal Inspector Morse. Together with friend and mentor, the gruff yet kindly Detective Inspector Fred Thursday, the crime-solving pair investigate murder and dark deeds in the eternal city of dreaming spires. As Oxford’s Finest unravel a collection of unique and thrilling cases, writer Russell Lewis continues to reveal the hidden and secret history of Endeavour Morse.
As 1968 dawns, a year of change promises to challenge the private and professional lives of Endeavour and his colleagues. Endeavour’s recent promotion leads him to reluctantly mentor new recruit Fancy,...
Set in Oxford during the 1960s, against a backdrop of revolutionary social change, Endeavour chronicles the early criminal casebook of a young detective who will grow to be Colin Dexter’s immortal Inspector Morse. Together with friend and mentor, the gruff yet kindly Detective Inspector Fred Thursday, the crime-solving pair investigate murder and dark deeds in the eternal city of dreaming spires. As Oxford’s Finest unravel a collection of unique and thrilling cases, writer Russell Lewis continues to reveal the hidden and secret history of Endeavour Morse.
As 1968 dawns, a year of change promises to challenge the private and professional lives of Endeavour and his colleagues. Endeavour’s recent promotion leads him to reluctantly mentor new recruit Fancy,...
- 3/13/2018
- by Competitions
- HeyUGuys.co.uk
Gem Wheeler Jan 10, 2017
Morse prequel Endeavour returns to ITV with what promises to be a richly rewarding fourth series...
This review contains spoilers.
See related Legion: Marvel shares cryptic logo for X-Men series What can Fox learn from the previous X-Men TV series? 50 upcoming comic book TV shows, and when to expect them New TV 2016: 28 Us shows for this autumn
4.1 Game
It’s the summer of 1967, and we rejoin Endeavour Morse and his colleagues only a fortnight after the dramatic events of series three’s finale. The aftermath of that episode’s bank robbery casts a long shadow over Game. Joan Thursday, traumatised by her experience as a hostage, has abruptly departed Oxford for pastures new, leaving her parents bereft. For Morse, who’d realised his love for her too late, the suffering’s just as acute. He gets no comfort from Fred Thursday, who’s sunk into a...
Morse prequel Endeavour returns to ITV with what promises to be a richly rewarding fourth series...
This review contains spoilers.
See related Legion: Marvel shares cryptic logo for X-Men series What can Fox learn from the previous X-Men TV series? 50 upcoming comic book TV shows, and when to expect them New TV 2016: 28 Us shows for this autumn
4.1 Game
It’s the summer of 1967, and we rejoin Endeavour Morse and his colleagues only a fortnight after the dramatic events of series three’s finale. The aftermath of that episode’s bank robbery casts a long shadow over Game. Joan Thursday, traumatised by her experience as a hostage, has abruptly departed Oxford for pastures new, leaving her parents bereft. For Morse, who’d realised his love for her too late, the suffering’s just as acute. He gets no comfort from Fred Thursday, who’s sunk into a...
- 1/10/2017
- Den of Geek
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Inspector Morse prequel, Endeavour, will return to ITV for a fourth series, due to start filming in Spring 2016...
In the wake of its ratings-hit third run, sixties-set Inspector Morse prequel, Endeavour has been renewed for a fourth series.
ITV will welcome Shaun Evans back to the role of the young Endeavour Morse for series four, alongside co-star Roger Allam as Detective Inspector Fred Thursday, and more from the Cowley Police Station team.
The new series, set in 1967, is due to go into production on location in Oxford in late Spring of this year, with Endeavour creator and Inspector Morse writer, Russell Lewis, back on scripting duties. Morse novelist, Colin Dexter, will remain a consultant on the series.
Find our series two and three Endeavour reviews here, and see if you agree with our pick of the top ten episodes of the series that started it all, Inspector Morse,...
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Inspector Morse prequel, Endeavour, will return to ITV for a fourth series, due to start filming in Spring 2016...
In the wake of its ratings-hit third run, sixties-set Inspector Morse prequel, Endeavour has been renewed for a fourth series.
ITV will welcome Shaun Evans back to the role of the young Endeavour Morse for series four, alongside co-star Roger Allam as Detective Inspector Fred Thursday, and more from the Cowley Police Station team.
The new series, set in 1967, is due to go into production on location in Oxford in late Spring of this year, with Endeavour creator and Inspector Morse writer, Russell Lewis, back on scripting duties. Morse novelist, Colin Dexter, will remain a consultant on the series.
Find our series two and three Endeavour reviews here, and see if you agree with our pick of the top ten episodes of the series that started it all, Inspector Morse,...
- 2/9/2016
- by louisamellor
- Den of Geek
Gem Wheeler Jan 10, 2017
To mark 30 years of Inspector Morse on television, here are 10 of his most complex, macabre and memorable cases...
Warning: contains spoilers.
See related Legion: Marvel shares cryptic logo for X-Men series What can Fox learn from the previous X-Men TV series? 50 upcoming comic book TV shows, and when to expect them New TV 2016: 28 Us shows for this autumn
Beer, Wagner, a red Jaguar, and Barrington Pheloung’s haunting theme. Those images conjure up one of the most memorable characters in British television. Inspector Morse’s final episode aired in the UK over fifteen years ago, yet the impression left by the hugely popular drama remains indelible. Its popular spinoff, Lewis, finished only two years ago after nine successful series, while a prequel, Endeavour, has just started to air its fourth run. The appeal of Morse and his Oxford is clearly as strong as ever.
Inspector Morse...
To mark 30 years of Inspector Morse on television, here are 10 of his most complex, macabre and memorable cases...
Warning: contains spoilers.
See related Legion: Marvel shares cryptic logo for X-Men series What can Fox learn from the previous X-Men TV series? 50 upcoming comic book TV shows, and when to expect them New TV 2016: 28 Us shows for this autumn
Beer, Wagner, a red Jaguar, and Barrington Pheloung’s haunting theme. Those images conjure up one of the most memorable characters in British television. Inspector Morse’s final episode aired in the UK over fifteen years ago, yet the impression left by the hugely popular drama remains indelible. Its popular spinoff, Lewis, finished only two years ago after nine successful series, while a prequel, Endeavour, has just started to air its fourth run. The appeal of Morse and his Oxford is clearly as strong as ever.
Inspector Morse...
- 2/8/2016
- by louisamellor
- Den of Geek
Dakota Blue Richards has joined the cast of ITV's Endeavour as a regular character.
The former Skins and Golden Compass star will play Wpc Shirley Trewlove in the Inspector Morse prequel series opposite Shaun Evans as the title character.
Trewlove is described as a "thorough, determined and forthright" officer, who becomes a valuable member of the force and attracts the admiration of Endeavour.
Creator Russell Lewis said of the character: "Bright, capable and brave, Wpc Shirley Trewlove is a very welcome addition to the ranks of Oxford's Finest. While very much a young woman of the 1960s, Trewlove also evokes a very particular kind of timeless British heroine.
"The sort of clear-eyed, resourceful young woman one wouldn't be surprised to find behind the wheel of the ambulance in Ice Cold in Alex or keeping Robert Donat company across the moors in The 39 Steps. In Dakota we have found our perfect Trewlove.
The former Skins and Golden Compass star will play Wpc Shirley Trewlove in the Inspector Morse prequel series opposite Shaun Evans as the title character.
Trewlove is described as a "thorough, determined and forthright" officer, who becomes a valuable member of the force and attracts the admiration of Endeavour.
Creator Russell Lewis said of the character: "Bright, capable and brave, Wpc Shirley Trewlove is a very welcome addition to the ranks of Oxford's Finest. While very much a young woman of the 1960s, Trewlove also evokes a very particular kind of timeless British heroine.
"The sort of clear-eyed, resourceful young woman one wouldn't be surprised to find behind the wheel of the ambulance in Ice Cold in Alex or keeping Robert Donat company across the moors in The 39 Steps. In Dakota we have found our perfect Trewlove.
- 5/20/2015
- Digital Spy
Inspector Morse prequel Endeavour will return for a third series on ITV.
Again written by Lewis creator and Inspector Morse writer Russell Lewis, the show will pick up from series two's cliffhanger which saw Endeavour Morse framed for a murder he did not commit, and Di Fred Thursday being shot in the chest.
"I'm really excited to be revisiting the '60's as young Morse," said star Shaun Evans.
"The audience reaction to Endeavour has been fantastic and this series promises to be the best we've made so far. It'll be well worth the wait!"
Creator Lewis added: "Endeavour '67... Pepper - Piper - Purple Haze...
"As 'Oxford's finest' encounter friends and foes both old and new, our next quartet of mysteries will take the audience on a psychedelic Summer of Love fairground ride, filled with twists and turns, shrieks and scares. For something wicked this way comes..."
Director of...
Again written by Lewis creator and Inspector Morse writer Russell Lewis, the show will pick up from series two's cliffhanger which saw Endeavour Morse framed for a murder he did not commit, and Di Fred Thursday being shot in the chest.
"I'm really excited to be revisiting the '60's as young Morse," said star Shaun Evans.
"The audience reaction to Endeavour has been fantastic and this series promises to be the best we've made so far. It'll be well worth the wait!"
Creator Lewis added: "Endeavour '67... Pepper - Piper - Purple Haze...
"As 'Oxford's finest' encounter friends and foes both old and new, our next quartet of mysteries will take the audience on a psychedelic Summer of Love fairground ride, filled with twists and turns, shrieks and scares. For something wicked this way comes..."
Director of...
- 9/24/2014
- Digital Spy
So apparently summer's over for another year - but there's no need to stand outside brooding in the wet weather like a moody, mercurial TV anti-hero!
Come indoors, settle down in front of the telly and watch some cracking shows - the Tube Talk Q&A is back with all the latest scoop on when and where you can expect to see your favourite TV programmes.
Have any of the new season shows been picked up yet? Digital Spy used to have a planner which highlighted what had been picked up and by whom.
...and now we do again!
Yes, the Us TV Acquisitions scorecard is back and revamped for the 2014-15 television season. It's early days, so the whole thing's pretty much a sea of red right now, but that'll change as more and more UK channels announce which fresh Yank hits they'll be airing.
For the record, right...
Come indoors, settle down in front of the telly and watch some cracking shows - the Tube Talk Q&A is back with all the latest scoop on when and where you can expect to see your favourite TV programmes.
Have any of the new season shows been picked up yet? Digital Spy used to have a planner which highlighted what had been picked up and by whom.
...and now we do again!
Yes, the Us TV Acquisitions scorecard is back and revamped for the 2014-15 television season. It's early days, so the whole thing's pretty much a sea of red right now, but that'll change as more and more UK channels announce which fresh Yank hits they'll be airing.
For the record, right...
- 8/14/2014
- Digital Spy
Review Gem Wheeler 1 Apr 2014 - 07:00
The new series of Endeavour maintains the tricky balance between satisfying Morse fans and drawing in new viewers...
This review contains spoilers.
2.1 Trove
Behind each of the cases solved by the young Endeavour Morse in 1960s Oxford lies a bigger mystery, one that taxes the audience’s puzzle-solving skills even as the detective remains blissfully unaware of the need to crack it. It is, of course, the enigma of Morse himself. John Thaw’s iconic portrayal of Colin Dexter’s dour, embittered yet thoroughly decent detective needs no real introduction, but Morse’s past exists for us only in outline: a broken engagement, a difficult Oxford career, an abiding resentment of the top brass who obstructed him at every turn.
Endeavour’s first series established Shaun Evans as a fine Morse, well able to capture the character’s established idiosyncrasies while making the role his own.
The new series of Endeavour maintains the tricky balance between satisfying Morse fans and drawing in new viewers...
This review contains spoilers.
2.1 Trove
Behind each of the cases solved by the young Endeavour Morse in 1960s Oxford lies a bigger mystery, one that taxes the audience’s puzzle-solving skills even as the detective remains blissfully unaware of the need to crack it. It is, of course, the enigma of Morse himself. John Thaw’s iconic portrayal of Colin Dexter’s dour, embittered yet thoroughly decent detective needs no real introduction, but Morse’s past exists for us only in outline: a broken engagement, a difficult Oxford career, an abiding resentment of the top brass who obstructed him at every turn.
Endeavour’s first series established Shaun Evans as a fine Morse, well able to capture the character’s established idiosyncrasies while making the role his own.
- 4/15/2014
- by louisamellor
- Den of Geek
Endeavour: ITV, 8pm
This week's case concerns a murder of a woman in her own home, a lady strangled with a pair of stockings - the third such incident in recent weeks. Oxford City police are on edge and under a thick fog, as they take an interest in a local department store. Di Thursday reveals a skeleton in his closet, when an Italian lady working in the hosiery department recognises him as "Fredo".
No married woman is safe, and there are more emotional struggles for Morse and Thursday as they narrow down the suspects. Colin Dexter, the author of the Morse novels, makes a cameo appearance.
Dirty Weekenders in France with Richard E Grant: Channel 4, 8pm
Richard E Grant explores his love for spending weekends scouring France for old antiques. He harbours an "insatiable desire for beaten-up old stuff", and often takes weekends away in France,...
This week's case concerns a murder of a woman in her own home, a lady strangled with a pair of stockings - the third such incident in recent weeks. Oxford City police are on edge and under a thick fog, as they take an interest in a local department store. Di Thursday reveals a skeleton in his closet, when an Italian lady working in the hosiery department recognises him as "Fredo".
No married woman is safe, and there are more emotional struggles for Morse and Thursday as they narrow down the suspects. Colin Dexter, the author of the Morse novels, makes a cameo appearance.
Dirty Weekenders in France with Richard E Grant: Channel 4, 8pm
Richard E Grant explores his love for spending weekends scouring France for old antiques. He harbours an "insatiable desire for beaten-up old stuff", and often takes weekends away in France,...
- 4/13/2014
- Digital Spy
Endeavour co. ITV
Filming has commenced on season two of ITV’s hugely popular Inspector Morse spin-off Endeavour. Kristoffer Nyholm (The Killing) is directing the first episode which has the working title Trove. The tale involves a missing girl, a beauty queen and Anglo-Saxon treasures. Trove will be broadcast as the first of four 120 minute films some time next year. The new episodes are written by Russell Lewis while Morse creator Colin Dexter continues to act as a consultant for the show. Cast regulars including Shaun Evans, Anton Lesser and Sean Rigby will also be returning for the new season.
Click here to friend Best British TV on Facebook or here to follow us on Twitter. You can also find us on Google+ by clicking here.
Filming has commenced on season two of ITV’s hugely popular Inspector Morse spin-off Endeavour. Kristoffer Nyholm (The Killing) is directing the first episode which has the working title Trove. The tale involves a missing girl, a beauty queen and Anglo-Saxon treasures. Trove will be broadcast as the first of four 120 minute films some time next year. The new episodes are written by Russell Lewis while Morse creator Colin Dexter continues to act as a consultant for the show. Cast regulars including Shaun Evans, Anton Lesser and Sean Rigby will also be returning for the new season.
Click here to friend Best British TV on Facebook or here to follow us on Twitter. You can also find us on Google+ by clicking here.
- 9/22/2013
- by Edited by K Kinsella
Sean Rigby in Endeavour. co. ITV
By Kieran Kinsella
The Inspector Morse prequel Endeavour has been a huge success on both sides of the Atlantic. The show has reintroduced us to many beloved characters and it’s given a new platform to a host of household names such as Shaun Evans and Roger Allam. Among the many familiar faces, a new star has emerged – Sean Rigby. The young actor has received rave reviews for his portrayal of Strange. Sean, kindly agreed to talk to Best British TV about the show, his role and his plans for the future.
When did you first decide you wanted to be a professional actor?
“It was when I was about 17 or 18 while I was studying performing arts at sixth form college. It had never been presented to me as a viable career option prior to that. I began to find out about the drama schools down in London.
By Kieran Kinsella
The Inspector Morse prequel Endeavour has been a huge success on both sides of the Atlantic. The show has reintroduced us to many beloved characters and it’s given a new platform to a host of household names such as Shaun Evans and Roger Allam. Among the many familiar faces, a new star has emerged – Sean Rigby. The young actor has received rave reviews for his portrayal of Strange. Sean, kindly agreed to talk to Best British TV about the show, his role and his plans for the future.
When did you first decide you wanted to be a professional actor?
“It was when I was about 17 or 18 while I was studying performing arts at sixth form college. It had never been presented to me as a viable career option prior to that. I began to find out about the drama schools down in London.
- 8/8/2013
- by Edited by K Kinsella
Endeavour, Season 1, Episode 1: “Girl”
Written by Russel Lewis
Directed by Ed Bazalgette
Endeavour, Season 1, Episode 2: “Fugue”
Written by Russell Lewis
Directed by Tom Vaughan
Airs Sundays at 9pm (Et) on PBS
Television is flush with mysteries, quirky detectives who don’t play nice with authority, and period dramas. So how is that a show which mixes all three of these themes works so exceptionally well? For one thing Endeavour takes a beloved character, cranky opera loving Detective Inspector Endeavour Morse (Shaun Evans), and imagines him as a young handsome, brilliant but sometimes sullen character that’s frequently squeamish at crime scenes.
Based on a series of books by Colin Dexter it is a prequel to the wildly popular long running Inspector Morse series. After a successful one episode run that aired in 2012 the series was commissioned for a first season currently airing on PBS’ Masterpiece Mystery for the next four weeks.
Written by Russel Lewis
Directed by Ed Bazalgette
Endeavour, Season 1, Episode 2: “Fugue”
Written by Russell Lewis
Directed by Tom Vaughan
Airs Sundays at 9pm (Et) on PBS
Television is flush with mysteries, quirky detectives who don’t play nice with authority, and period dramas. So how is that a show which mixes all three of these themes works so exceptionally well? For one thing Endeavour takes a beloved character, cranky opera loving Detective Inspector Endeavour Morse (Shaun Evans), and imagines him as a young handsome, brilliant but sometimes sullen character that’s frequently squeamish at crime scenes.
Based on a series of books by Colin Dexter it is a prequel to the wildly popular long running Inspector Morse series. After a successful one episode run that aired in 2012 the series was commissioned for a first season currently airing on PBS’ Masterpiece Mystery for the next four weeks.
- 7/16/2013
- by Tressa
- SoundOnSight
Shaun Evans in Endeavour. co. ITV
B Van Heusen
The first full series of Endeavour (Morse) made its PBS Masterpiece debut tonight with a complex mystery involving, blackmail, family secrets and a whole slew of murders. Girl began with two seemingly unrelated murder cases. Chief Superintendent Bright (Anton Lesser) felt things could be wrapped up quickly with some good old fashioned police work. Endeavour had other ideas and used his cryptanalytical skills to nail the real killer. He was the only police officer to connect the dots between the drug dealer, the secretly gay vicar and the rash of Post Office burglaries.
The great thing about Endeavour is that you get to see the future Inspector Morse in his formative years. He has a gift for detective work but he makes the kind of rookie mistakes that would make the average bobby blush. He unashamedly carries a huge chip on his shoulder.
B Van Heusen
The first full series of Endeavour (Morse) made its PBS Masterpiece debut tonight with a complex mystery involving, blackmail, family secrets and a whole slew of murders. Girl began with two seemingly unrelated murder cases. Chief Superintendent Bright (Anton Lesser) felt things could be wrapped up quickly with some good old fashioned police work. Endeavour had other ideas and used his cryptanalytical skills to nail the real killer. He was the only police officer to connect the dots between the drug dealer, the secretly gay vicar and the rash of Post Office burglaries.
The great thing about Endeavour is that you get to see the future Inspector Morse in his formative years. He has a gift for detective work but he makes the kind of rookie mistakes that would make the average bobby blush. He unashamedly carries a huge chip on his shoulder.
- 7/8/2013
- by Edited by K Kinsella
From Downton Abbey to Mr. Selfridge to Broadchurch, the UK’s ITV has been enjoying a successful run of original drama series. Looking to continue the trend, the network has just ordered a second four-part outing for Inspector Morse prequel Endeavour, starring Shaun Evans and Roger Allam. A feature-length first episode of the crime drama debuted on ITV in 2012 and was co-produced by Masterpiece in the U.S. The film was one of ITV’s highest performing dramas of the year. A first four-part series then aired in 2013 and consistently won its time slot for ITV, averaging 7M viewers and a 25% share. The new series will be a quartet of 120 minute films set in 1966. Evans plays a young Morse and Allam is Detective Inspector Fred Thursday. Russell Lewis writes the series and novelist Colin Dexter, who created Morse, is a consultant to producers Mammoth Screen. Lewis will also exec produce...
- 6/5/2013
- by NANCY TARTAGLIONE, International Editor
- Deadline TV
Shaun Evans will be returning for a second series of Inspector Morse prequel Endeavour, it has been confirmed.
Evans took on the role of young Morse in a feature-length special in 2012 and was a ratings hit. The first full series aired earlier this year and regularly drew over 5 million viewers.
Shaun Evans stars alongside Roger Allam (The Thick of It, Parade's End), who plays Detective Inspector Fred Thursday.
ITV's director of drama commissioning Steve November said: "The audience's response to the classic crime partnership of Endeavour and Thursday has been incredible and we're thrilled at the prospect of more Endeavour stories written by Russell Lewis and produced by Mammoth Screen."
Series two will start production in Oxford later this year. The second run will feature four 120-minute episodes.
"We're truly delighted by the audience's reaction to the first quartet of Endeavour stories, and very grateful to ITV for the opportunity to further embellish the legend,...
Evans took on the role of young Morse in a feature-length special in 2012 and was a ratings hit. The first full series aired earlier this year and regularly drew over 5 million viewers.
Shaun Evans stars alongside Roger Allam (The Thick of It, Parade's End), who plays Detective Inspector Fred Thursday.
ITV's director of drama commissioning Steve November said: "The audience's response to the classic crime partnership of Endeavour and Thursday has been incredible and we're thrilled at the prospect of more Endeavour stories written by Russell Lewis and produced by Mammoth Screen."
Series two will start production in Oxford later this year. The second run will feature four 120-minute episodes.
"We're truly delighted by the audience's reaction to the first quartet of Endeavour stories, and very grateful to ITV for the opportunity to further embellish the legend,...
- 6/5/2013
- Digital Spy
Lewis is the original spin-off from the original Inspector Morse detective series which first appeared on UK TV sets in 1987 and starred John Thaw as the complicated and often unconventional detective. After a very successful run the series ended in 2000 with the demise of Inspector Morse in “The Remorseful Day” and that was sadly followed by the death of John Thaw who played the opera-loving detective two years later.
Morse’s legacy was too strong to fade entirely though and the pilot for Lewis hit TV screens in 2006 and this latest series is the seventh and quite possibly final one, depending on which news source or interview you choose to believe.
For my part I’m a dedicated Morseophile and as I write this my DVD collection of the entire Morse episodes plus all of the original Colin Dexter books sits comfortingly on the shelf across the room. By my reckoning it would be difficult,...
Morse’s legacy was too strong to fade entirely though and the pilot for Lewis hit TV screens in 2006 and this latest series is the seventh and quite possibly final one, depending on which news source or interview you choose to believe.
For my part I’m a dedicated Morseophile and as I write this my DVD collection of the entire Morse episodes plus all of the original Colin Dexter books sits comfortingly on the shelf across the room. By my reckoning it would be difficult,...
- 2/19/2013
- by Colin Hart
- HeyUGuys.co.uk
While we pore over the details of the allegations against Jimmy Savile, we turn a blind eye to other forms of exploitation
Christopher Marlowe's most quoted exchange comes in The Jew of Malta when Bernardine, a friar, tries to accuse the antihero Barabas of murder. "Thou hast committed…" he begins. "Fornication?" interrupts Barabas as he deflects attention from a capital crime to a charge too footling for serious people to care about. "But that was in another country, and besides, the wench is dead."
Barabas's cool assertions that no one could prove a sex charge – "but that was in another country" – and no one need care – "and besides, the wench is dead" – have haunted writers and audiences for centuries. Ts Eliot used them at the beginning of Portrait of a Lady to illustrate male indifference to female suffering. Colin Dexter and Pd James wove them into their thrillers.
I...
Christopher Marlowe's most quoted exchange comes in The Jew of Malta when Bernardine, a friar, tries to accuse the antihero Barabas of murder. "Thou hast committed…" he begins. "Fornication?" interrupts Barabas as he deflects attention from a capital crime to a charge too footling for serious people to care about. "But that was in another country, and besides, the wench is dead."
Barabas's cool assertions that no one could prove a sex charge – "but that was in another country" – and no one need care – "and besides, the wench is dead" – have haunted writers and audiences for centuries. Ts Eliot used them at the beginning of Portrait of a Lady to illustrate male indifference to female suffering. Colin Dexter and Pd James wove them into their thrillers.
I...
- 10/7/2012
- by Nick Cohen
- The Guardian - Film News
Murder among the dreaming spires? I explore the enduring charms of Masterpiece Mystery’s Oxford-set crime drama Inspector Lewis, which returns to PBS for a fifth season on Sunday. Over at The Daily Beast, you can read my latest feature, "Morse Code: PBS' Knife-Sharp Lewis Returns," in which I take a look at both Inspector Lewis and Endeavour from within the context of the legacy of Morse and their role within what I'm calling an Oxford crime trilogy. In a television landscape populated by countless iterations of CSI and its ilk—crime dramas where the emphasis is on forensics as crime-solving technology rather than in old school policing—Masterpiece Mystery’s delightful Inspector Lewis may feel like an odd man out. But in the case of Lewis, which returns to PBS on Sunday for a fifth season (or sixth, if you’re going by the U.K.’s numbering system...
- 7/6/2012
- by Jace Lacob
- Televisionary
Here comes another… like a bus.
Slipping seamlessly into the Saturday night slot vacated by The Killing and then Borgen, comes another Nordic thriller, The Bridge.
And if you can’t decide which you prefer of the wave of fiction from those cold, beautiful parts – the Swedish offerings (Stieg Larrson’s offerings, Wallander), or the Danish smorgasbord (The Killing, Borgen, Those Who Kill) – well, in The Bridge, it seems they can’t decide either. The first episode finds a body discovered on the Oresund Bridge that links the two countries, its position on the tarmac exactly half and half in either jurisdiction, meaning a cross-border investigation on screen, and representing a co-production between the two countries off it.
Meanwhile, in cinemas, Jo Nesbo’s Headhunters – which somehow manages to be both a black comedy as well as a gruesome thriller – has seen its initial limited release in the UK extended...
Slipping seamlessly into the Saturday night slot vacated by The Killing and then Borgen, comes another Nordic thriller, The Bridge.
And if you can’t decide which you prefer of the wave of fiction from those cold, beautiful parts – the Swedish offerings (Stieg Larrson’s offerings, Wallander), or the Danish smorgasbord (The Killing, Borgen, Those Who Kill) – well, in The Bridge, it seems they can’t decide either. The first episode finds a body discovered on the Oresund Bridge that links the two countries, its position on the tarmac exactly half and half in either jurisdiction, meaning a cross-border investigation on screen, and representing a co-production between the two countries off it.
Meanwhile, in cinemas, Jo Nesbo’s Headhunters – which somehow manages to be both a black comedy as well as a gruesome thriller – has seen its initial limited release in the UK extended...
- 4/21/2012
- by Caroline Frost
- Huffington Post
Endeavour. ITV
N Conrad
Click here to friend Best British TV on Facebook or here to follow us on Twitter.
ITV have commissioned Mammoth Screen to produce four 120 minute length new episodes of the wildly popular Inspector Morse prequel Endeavour. Shaun Evans played the iconic detective in a one-off special that aired during to winter. The success of that show spurred ITV to resurrect the franchise and Evans will return to play TV’s most popular detective.
Fans in the U.S. will be hoping that PBS picks up the series. The U.S. broadcaster has already acquired the rights to show the Endeavour special that aired in the UK at the start of the year. As ever, filming will take place in Oxford and Morse creator Colin Dexter will act as a consultant for Endeavour.
Recent Articles:
BBC Drama The Syndicate
BBC DVD Releases March 2012
BBC Drama Review White Heat...
N Conrad
Click here to friend Best British TV on Facebook or here to follow us on Twitter.
ITV have commissioned Mammoth Screen to produce four 120 minute length new episodes of the wildly popular Inspector Morse prequel Endeavour. Shaun Evans played the iconic detective in a one-off special that aired during to winter. The success of that show spurred ITV to resurrect the franchise and Evans will return to play TV’s most popular detective.
Fans in the U.S. will be hoping that PBS picks up the series. The U.S. broadcaster has already acquired the rights to show the Endeavour special that aired in the UK at the start of the year. As ever, filming will take place in Oxford and Morse creator Colin Dexter will act as a consultant for Endeavour.
Recent Articles:
BBC Drama The Syndicate
BBC DVD Releases March 2012
BBC Drama Review White Heat...
- 3/12/2012
- by admin
The Pottermore website tells fans far more than they need to know about Harry Potter
Harry Potter is like football. I'm talking about the literary, cinematic and merchandising phenomenon, not its focal fictional wizard. He isn't like football. He's like Jennings after being bitten by a radioactive conjuror. But, as with football, reports of Harry Potter-related events, products and personalities are everywhere. Like football supporters, Harry Potter fans seem to have an insatiable desire for more news, chat and retail opportunities related to their enthusiasm. They're standing in a monsoon screaming: "I feel so dry!" while the rest of us are getting soaked.
It's bizarre. It has the intensity of a fad but it's been going for 14 years. I think I'd find it easier to understand if I hated it. At least that would be an emotion of equivalent strength to the fans'. But, for me, it doesn't conform to...
Harry Potter is like football. I'm talking about the literary, cinematic and merchandising phenomenon, not its focal fictional wizard. He isn't like football. He's like Jennings after being bitten by a radioactive conjuror. But, as with football, reports of Harry Potter-related events, products and personalities are everywhere. Like football supporters, Harry Potter fans seem to have an insatiable desire for more news, chat and retail opportunities related to their enthusiasm. They're standing in a monsoon screaming: "I feel so dry!" while the rest of us are getting soaked.
It's bizarre. It has the intensity of a fad but it's been going for 14 years. I think I'd find it easier to understand if I hated it. At least that would be an emotion of equivalent strength to the fans'. But, for me, it doesn't conform to...
- 8/20/2011
- by David Mitchell
- The Guardian - Film News
Monday morning tidbits from PBS, as their Masterpiece series greenlit "Endeavour," a prequel of the popular "Inspector Morse", to air on Masterpiece Mystery next year, reported by Deadline. The prequel will air on the 25th anniversary of the "Morse"" series 1987 premiere. The prequel, set in 1965, will star British actor Shaun Evans (Ashes to Ashes) playing the younger version of Colin Dexter.s character. Masterpiece executive producer Rebecca Eaton told Deadline. .Shaun Evans has a similar depth and quiet charm. I can.t wait to see his Endeavour.. Watch for another "Inspector Morse" spin-off, series "Inspector Lewis" with Kevin Whately also on Mastepiece, with four new episodes slated to begin Sept. 4. Also of note, Masterpiece...
- 8/8/2011
- by April MacIntyre
- Monsters and Critics
PBS has picked up Endeavour, a prequel of the long-running series Inspector Morse, to air on Masterpiece Mystery next year, which marks the 25th anniversary of the series' 1987 premiere. The prequel -- the title, Endeavour, is a reference to Morse’s first name -- stars British actor Shaun Evans (Ashes to Ashes), who will step into John Thaw’s shoes to play the younger version of Colin Dexter’s iconic character. Set in 1965, the story follows the hunt for a missing schoolgirl, which draws Endeavour Morse back to the place that will ultimately shape and define his destiny: Oxford. “Inspector Morse was one of my favorite detectives,” Masterpiece executive producer Rebecca Eaton said. “Shaun Evans has a similar depth and quiet charm. I can’t wait to see his Endeavour.” Another Inspector Morse offshoot, the series Inspector Lewis starring Kevin Whately in the role he originated in Inspector Morse, also airs on Mastepiece,...
- 8/8/2011
- by NELLIE ANDREEVA
- Deadline TV
Inspector Morse creator Colin Dexter has claimed that ITV plans to produce a new television prequel based on the character. The one-off drama is expected to focus on the detective's early years as a student at St. John's College, Oxford. "I wrote a short story... all about him coming to Oxford to study," Dexter told The Witney Gazette. "Morse did wonderfully at language and literature, but did not very much like philosophy or ancient studies, so he dropped out and joined the police." He continued: "ITV came to me and said it would be marvellous if we could do something with (more)...
- 5/5/2011
- by By Morgan Jeffery
- Digital Spy
Perennially popular crime writer best known for the Inspector Ghote series
The crime writer Henry Reymond Fitzwalter Keating, who has died aged 84, was more than happy to be known simply as Harry, although publishers always billed him as Hrf Keating. Over half a century, he published roughly 50 novels. More than two dozen of these featured his best-known hero, the unassuming Indian policeman Inspector Ganesh Ghote, who also appeared in short stories, and television and film adaptations of Keating's books. Timid, nervous and deferential, Ghote was neither a detective genius like Sherlock Holmes nor a streetwise tough-guy like Philip Marlowe. He was always underestimated by his enemies but his great strength was a combination of integrity, perseverance and an overwhelmingly benevolent interest in people.
Keating wrote several books before creating Ghote. His first novel, Death and the Visiting Firemen, was published in 1959. It was followed by more witty and slightly surreal novels,...
The crime writer Henry Reymond Fitzwalter Keating, who has died aged 84, was more than happy to be known simply as Harry, although publishers always billed him as Hrf Keating. Over half a century, he published roughly 50 novels. More than two dozen of these featured his best-known hero, the unassuming Indian policeman Inspector Ganesh Ghote, who also appeared in short stories, and television and film adaptations of Keating's books. Timid, nervous and deferential, Ghote was neither a detective genius like Sherlock Holmes nor a streetwise tough-guy like Philip Marlowe. He was always underestimated by his enemies but his great strength was a combination of integrity, perseverance and an overwhelmingly benevolent interest in people.
Keating wrote several books before creating Ghote. His first novel, Death and the Visiting Firemen, was published in 1959. It was followed by more witty and slightly surreal novels,...
- 3/28/2011
- The Guardian - Film News
ITV3 is planning a crime drama-themed season culminating in its first Crime Drama Awards ceremony.
In the run-up to the autumn event the channel will air six programmes profiling authors including Colin Dexter, Ian Rankin, Ruth Rendell, Lynda La Plante, Val McDermid and P.D. James.
The shows will be followed by television dramas based on their books, such as Inspector Morse, Wire in the Blood and Rebus.
Viewers will vote for their favourite author while other awards . . .
In the run-up to the autumn event the channel will air six programmes profiling authors including Colin Dexter, Ian Rankin, Ruth Rendell, Lynda La Plante, Val McDermid and P.D. James.
The shows will be followed by television dramas based on their books, such as Inspector Morse, Wire in the Blood and Rebus.
Viewers will vote for their favourite author while other awards . . .
- 5/3/2008
- by Dave_West_imdb_@digitalspy.co.uk (Dave West)
- Digital Spy
LONDON -- ITV said Friday it is planning a two-hour film titled After Morse in order to revisit the territory of Inspector Morse, one of the network's most popular characters, and also has new versions of Rumpole and Sharpe in the works. Inspector Morse, starring John Thaw, started in 1987 and ended with Thaw's death in 2000. Morse author Colin Dexter and Thaw's widow, actress Sheila Hancock have signed off on a new treatment that will center on Kevin Whately playing Morse's sidekick, Sergeant Lewis. Granada drama chief Michele Buck and many of the team who made the original shows, including executive producer Ted Childs and producer Chris Burt, will be involved. BAFTA-winner Albert Finney will take over as author John Mortimer's colorful barrister Rumpole following the death of Leo McKern in 2002. Sean Bean will return as soldier Sharpe in an original story based on the character created by novelist Bernard Cornwell.
- 7/16/2004
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
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