156. Television series – Inspector Morse, Lewis and Endeavour

Having watched Inspector Morse and Lewis, I had to watch Endeavour.  Inspector Morse started in 1987 and ended in 2000.  Lewis started in 2006 and ended in 2015.  As I have already mentioned, the full name of Morse is Endeavour Morse.  The Endeavour series is set in the 1960’s and 1970’s and depicts Morse’s early days while working as a detective.  The series started in 2012 and is still continuing.  So, for the last 33 years, this detective series is being shown and the reception has been too good!

Each episode is of about 1.5 hours and can be taken to be a complete movie in itself, based on runtime alone!  Inspector Morse has 33 episodes and an approximate total runtime of about 50 hours😊!  Lewis has also 33 episodes totaling to about a runtime of same 50 hours😊.  Endeavour so far has a pilot movie and an episode count of 30 making it a total of about 47 hours.  For the last 50-60 days I have spent about a total of 147 hours (96 movies😊) in seeing all these 3 series😊.  This is in addition to seeing other stuff as well!!  All the 3 series have been extraordinary and worth watching.  And the actors too are a treat to watch.  No wonder, only British Television is able to produce such high-class series!!  In fact, I have lined up these other British detective series for watching and you can expect my reviews on these sometime in the future – Father Brown, Grantchester, DCI Banks, Jonathan Creek, Shetland, Spooks, Suspects and Vera😊!!

Endeavour – Set in the 1960s & 1970s in Oxford, England, the series centers on the early career of Endeavour Morse (Shaun Evans) after he has left Lonsdale College of Oxford University, late in his third year without taking a degree, spent a short time in the Royal Corps of Signals as a cipher clerk, and then joined the Carshall-Newtown Police.  Working alongside his senior partner DI (Detective Inspector) Fred Thursday, Morse engages in a number of investigations around Oxford.

After a pilot episode in 2012, the first series was broadcast in 2013, and six more series have followed, with the exception of 2015. The fifth series with six episodes was set in 1968, and the sixth series picked up eight months later, set in 1969. Series seven, set in 1970, was premiered in February 2020.  In August 2019, ITV announced that the series has been recommissioned for an eighth series.

Abigail Thaw, daughter of the original Inspector Morse actor John Thaw, plays the part of Dorothea Frazil (the name is a pun on Frazil ice vs. Thaw) as the editor of the Oxford Mail newspaper.

Following is the review from one of the reviewers (phantom_fan89) from www.imdb.com

Considering that detective procedurals populate the British television landscape perhaps more than any other genre, one might lament at the prospect of not only another crime drama, but a prequel to one of the most beloved shows, mystery or otherwise, to ever grace the small screen, Inspector Morse. Those who might dismiss Endeavour as just another generic addition to an already overcrowded marketplace, however, would be making a grievous error.

The year is 1965 and an eccentric young Detective Constable, Endeavour Morse (Shaun Evans), is making waves at the Oxford City Police with not only his unorthodox but brilliant methods of deduction, but for his refusal to tow the line in order to please the upper echelons of both the Force and society. Under the steadfast guidance of the seasoned and similarly incorruptible, Fred Thursday (Roger Allam), Morse finds himself embroiled in a number of complex cases that expose him to the darker side of life and human nature.

Although the series will naturally draw comparisons to its popular predecessor, thanks to the show's gripping narratives, vibrant swinging sixties backdrop and perfect blend of light and dark overtones, Endeavour is easily able to distinguish itself by its own considerable merits.

Much of the show's success can be attributed to the ingenious casting of Evans, who puts his own unique stamp on the iconic role. Of course, there are parallels to the world-weary DI so expertly embodied by John Thaw, but Evans wisely avoids imitation, as the twenty-year age difference between the two interpretations allows the actor to create something fresh. The addition of the character of Fred Thursday is inspired. The street wise, war veteran is the perfect mentor for the idealistic Morse and their relationship is one of the highlights of the series. Fantastic entertainment on every level!

Cheers till next time😊!!

Today’s Observation

There is a good time coming, but it will be a good time coming!