Those of you who frequent the Cozy Mystery site’s TV & Movies page know how much I enjoyed the Inspector Morse mystery television series – which was then followed by the Lewis television series. Well, Endeavor is the prequel to the Inspector Morse series. The Morse shows are based on the mystery books written by Colin Dexter.
Endeavor is played by Shaun Evans, and he does a wonderful job. When the show begins, Endeavor is a detective constable – who went to Oxford on a scholarship. Luckily he has the very capable Detective Chief Inspector Fred Thursday (the excellent Roger Allam) as his immediate superior. For some reason, Thursday’s immediate superior doesn’t like Morse. (I suppose there always has to be a jerky boss!) And there’s a lot of professional jealousy among Endeavor’s peers because DCI Thursday seems to prefer working with Morse. (That’s the problem of being so much better at your job than anyone else!)
The show is set in the 1960s – way before a lot of things that we take for granted these days were invented… no cell phones, internet access for background checks, etc. Instead, these are back-to-the-basics, hitting-the-pavement types of cases. For those of you who haven’t watched Endeavor yet, you’re in luck. There are eight seasons. (Seasons 1-7 are available to watch on Prime.)
Shaun Evans (Endeavor) does a great job replicating a lot of the original Morse’s (John Thaw) mannerisms. And, as an added bonus, Abigail Thaw (the daughter of the original Morse – John Thaw) portrays the journalist from whom Endeavor gets a lot of his background information.
The relationship between Endeavor & DCI Thursday is terrific. DCI Thursday is not only Endeavor’s mentor, but also seems to be very fatherly toward Endeavor. Both Roger Allam & Shawn Evans are excellent!
My husband and I enjoyed the original Inspector Morse shows very much. So much so that I doubted I would enjoy Endeavor. Boy, was I wrong! I think we actually enjoy Endeavor more! These mysteries set in 1960s Oxford are a real treat to watch. The scenery, acting, writing, depiction of the class differences (snobby upper vs. working class), wardrobe, actually everything makes Endeavor a must-see for mystery buffs.
PS: Don’t expect long car chases, female detectives in their stilettoes running after criminals, or shoot-outs! Endeavor is available on Amazon Prime Video (seasons 1-8 as of the time of this writing).
Also, if you’re interested in taking a look at some other good mystery shows, make sure to go to my Cozy Mystery TV and Movies page.
Zarayna Pradyer says
As a Brit, I am so glad you enjoyed both Morse and Endeavour – and thank you so much for saying so.
They are both quality productions and it shows. We can’t expect such eye for detail and loving attention in all TV shows but can appreciate such when they occasionally appear.
Whilst here, I must mention one of my favourite American TV shows – although not a mystery it glowed with quality – Frasier = every episode brilliant.
Danna - cozy mystery list says
Zarayna, both are definitely great shows! I’m also a fan of Frasier as well, though I don’t generally write about my love of ’90s sitcoms.
GH says
Danna–I agree about liking Endeavor more than the Inspector Morse series. There is an intensity to Endeavor’s character and his interactions with others that I find fascinating. His struggle with having a foot in both camps (the snoobbish and the working class) leads to interesting approaches to cases and characters. Thanks for highlighting the series–I’ll need to see it again!
Danna - cozy mystery list says
GH, you’re welcome – I hope you enjoy it again as much as the first time!
Elise says
I am on my 2nd go round of streaming Endeavor, Lewis, and Morse! But if I remember the killers I can’t watch it again. Other than that, I love these shows so much and there just aren’t enough quality mystery shows with the artistic and musical beauty these have. Midsomer Murders definitely falls in this category though which I am also re-watching! Have you seen it Dana?
Danna - cozy mystery list says
Elise, yes, we’ve definitely seen Midsomer Murders! It’s also great, though with wildly differing qualities based on season.
Elise says
Danna, so sorry I spelled your name wrong. I hate it when someone does that to me! Lol
Danna - cozy mystery list says
Elise, that’s quite alright!
Brenda Seabrooke says
We all loved Morse in its time. I was with a group of writers in Oxford visiting all the places in the series, especially the pubs! Going back though, Morse’s prickliness was bothersome especially his sarcasm to Lewis. We then loved Kevin Whateley in Lewis and were happy to have Endeavor but I hoped he would be his own character and not turn into Morse with his sarcasm and drinking and ultimate loneliness. I’ll miss all three but at least I can rewatch them, and have Endeavor, Morse, and Lewis festivals at home!
Danna - cozy mystery list says
Brenda, it’s definitely fun to have so many interconnected series with similar-yet-different takes on the same characters
Lydia M says
I watched Endeavor before I watched Morse. I can see how they link together, but I have to say that I enjoyed Endeavor more than Morse. I haven’t seen Lewis yet, but I’m looking forward to it. I think Endeavor is excellent as a stand-alone series, if you don’t want to watch Morse.
The acting, setting, and mysteries are outstanding, in my opinion. It looks like the final season (9) with three episodes will air this year. I understand why it has to end, but I’m sorry to see it end. It’s hands-down one of my top favorite mystery series.
Danna - cozy mystery list says
Lydia, it’s always sad to see a series go – but sometimes it’s the right decision. Still, I wish there were more coming indefinitely.
Ian Jopson says
I’m pleased to hear that you enjoy Endeavour. The 9th, and final, series is due to start on UK ITV in the next couple of weeks. For those who remember that era, the writers have written into the scripts a number of references to TV programmes of the time (look out for mention of the Crossroads Motel, one of the well loved soaps known for its wooden acting, pathetic dialogue and shaky sets).
Danna - cozy mystery list says
Ian, I hope it’s as good as the previous seasons!
Ron Manager says
All 8 series are free on ITVX. Don’t waste money on Amazon Prime. What is it with these snakes trying to sell a TV series which is free elsewhere.
Danna - cozy mystery list says
Ron, that is possibly a good tip for UK residents, but as far as I can tell, ITVX is not available on streaming devices here in the United States.
Sharon Williams says
I agree I’ve got the full set of Morse Lewis and Endeavour, though I much prefer Endeavour. Shaun Evans is one fine actor, I’ve cried he had to work so hard to get his 3 stripes, just looking forward to finally see the ending but I’m sure my daughter will get me the last series. I’m going to miss Endeavour and I’m sure I will cry 😢
Danna - cozy mystery list says
Sharon, I’m not looking forward to the end either – except that it will mean at least a few more episodes for the new season!
PamB says
Thank you for writing about this show. I’ve not seen it and do have prime. Over the years I’ve enjoyed several mystery series you’ve written about which otherwise I would have missed. So appreciate the site and blog!
Danna - cozy mystery list says
Pam, you’re welcome! I hope you enjoy it.