Endeavour (2012–2023) User Reviews

Great entertainment that deserves to be judged by its own merits

[phantom_fan89 · 10/10 · 22 July 2013]

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!

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A show that proves TV dramas can beat movies any day.

[Sleepin_Dragon · 10/10 · 26 July 2018]

As a Morse addict I was sceptical about a prequel, prequels are very much in vogue, not always successful, the likes of Prime Suspect flopped, but Endeavour has continued to exceed my expectations. The devastation I felt when Morse went, then Poirot, then finally Foyle's War was pretty big, three of the best shows from the last twenty years in my opinion, but Endeavour has taken the mantle.

Morse had a unique quality, different to all others, I truly feel that all those behind Endeavour have managed to capture that DNA and bring it to life. Shaun Evans is magical in the role, as the show goes on I feel that he's really managed o capture the essence of John Thaw, he'd have been proud. Roger Allam was the perfect actor to cast as Thursday, he is consistently superb, a joy to watch. I also love the fact that Abigail Thaw was given a recurring role, respectful. That also extends to the appearances of Colin Dexter, until his death in 2017.

The Morse series was so rich in detail that Endeavour could well run for several years, the content is so deliciously high in quality that there's plenty to draw from.

So many brilliant episodes, favourites of mine include Quartet, Icarus and Neverland, but how do you chose?

Please let this run for many years, viewing at its best. 10/10

Fantastic and surprising in the good sense, despite my initial doubts as a Morse's fan

[maria-ricci-1983 · 9/10 · 25 January 2017]

I deeply love Morse's series, and I deeply love Lewis sequel, each in its own different way. They are two extraordinary detective shows, which I strongly recommend.

So I gave Endeavour a try, both with curiosity and with fear that the experience would ruin my memories of the two shows I liked so much.

Also, Shaun Evans is physically very different from John Thaw, so this made me cringe even before the start.

Having said this, I fell for it from the very first episode.

I was surprised to find out that Shaun Evans is a terrific actor, who plays an entirely credible Morse, if not physically, in a seamless psychological continuity which makes you feel the smooth way in which this young Morse would become the older Morse 20 years later, the incipient causticity, the noticeable anger, the budding low-key self-confidence--- This is very skillfully done in the prequel.

Both Thaw and Evans play the magic of giving a sexy twist to an unsexy character, without flashing the sexy card or even circumventing all attempts to look hot.

Allum plays a marvelous D.C. Thursday and the interaction between them, mentor-pupil, is instrumental to explain how this young Morse ends up being that later Morse.

The 60's atmosphere is a plus in the show, very well portrayed and recreated. I'd say that the linking common trait between Morse, Endeavour and Lewis is, yes, their tremendous atmospheric virtue which sets you right on «in that particular place in that particular time».

If you like detective stories, you will not be disappointed at all, and even if you are not a Morse or Lewis fan, you will find this show entertaining, alluring and deeply satisfactory by its own right.

Endeavour Magic

[chasfrost · 10/10 · 23 April 2013]

Well I have just watched the second episode in the new series and was captivated again. As soon as I had finished watching I watched it again taking in all the things I had missed the first time, I have my dictionary/computer on hand to research some of the phrases and words which adds to the enjoyment. I do not listen to opera or classical music but yearn to know what the wonderful soundtrack comprises of. The characters and relationship of Morse and Thursday is captivating. This is British TV drama at its very best. I just hope it is kept real and Oxford does not become more infamous than 'Denton Woods'! The props and vehicles used during the show are amazing and really create a super feeling for the time.

A more than worthy, and almost as good, prequel series to Inspector Morse

[TheLittleSongbird · 9/10 · 13 August 2015]

Not just a more than worthy prequel series to one of my favourite detective dramas of all time and goes very well with it, but it is a great series on its own as well, one that got off to a good start, though some of the pilot and the first episode had a still-finding-its-feet-feel (understandably), and just keeps getting stronger. It maintains everything that makes Inspector Morse so good, while also containing enough to make it its own.

Endeavour looks great, the series throughout is exquisitely photographed and there is something very nostalgic and charming about the atmospherically evoked 1960s period detail. It was also a genius move to keep Barrington Pheloung on board, with his hauntingly beautiful scoring and immortal Inspector Morse theme, while the classical music and operatic excerpts are delightful to hear and fit perfectly (a notable example would be in the Fugue episode, the music having a beautiful and frightfully ominous effect).

The series is also every bit as intelligently written as Inspector Morse, it's every bit as entertaining and also every bit as tense. Not all the story lines are very original, but they are always incredibly gripping with the mysteries not being too complicated or the identities being too improbable or obvious, Morse and Thursday's father/son relationship has a lot of warmth, is so well written within the stories and is a large part of the series' appeal and there is some good suspense (chilling in fact in the case of Fugue). Pacing is restrained, but that allows the atmosphere to come through, and pretty much all the same it excels in that aspect. The characters are interesting, and are evolving more and more with every episode, Morse's familiar characteristics are becoming more obvious as the writing develops and Morse and Thursday's relationship more entertaining and heartfelt.

Shaun Evans does some powerful, charismatic work as younger Morse, and is getting more and more confident with every episode, showing enough loyalty to John Thaw's iconic Morse while making the character his own too. Roger Allam is also superb, his rapport with Evans always compels and entertains but Thursday is quite a sympathetic character, as well as loyal and firm, and Allam does a lot special with a role that could have been less interesting possibly in lesser hands. All the acting is very good, as is the controlled direction, but it's the performances of Evans and Allam that will always be remembered most vividly.

All in all, a more than worthy (if not quite as good, only because I love Inspector Morse with a passion) prequel series and also a great series on its own that keeps getting stronger. 9/10 Bethany Cox

Best Ever!

[xanadu-75602 · 10/10 · 4 January 2016]

In my opinion they are the best English series ever! Absolutely great story lines, great actors... The Pilot episode is just wonderful.

I have already seen both series 1 & 2 and cannot wait for series 3. You can watch each episode separately without following the order of episodes.

I recommend it to those who love English series and not just those... also who ever likes a good thriller!

It's very difficult to figure out who is the killer and that's what I like about those series too.

Those series give you some explanations to Inspector Morse and his behavior.

Stellar TV

[kikkapi20 · 9/10 · 21 April 2015]

High quality television, with its strength being the re-creation of the 1960s, but with 2010s cinematic advances. The main characters are interesting and well-acted, although if you are a steady mystery viewer, you will figure out the ending very soon, which does take away from the suspense.

Sean Evans presents the shy, taciturn Morse in his younger days as a detective. He is fetching and keeps his own counsel as to personal matters, and we can see him developing into the ascerbic, driven chief detective we've come to love and respect. Colin Dexter's brill writing launches us here in ENDEAVOR into a seamless transformation into the mature Morse with promise of excellent episodes to come. I'd like to see more of the young Morse and hope this is only one segment of what will surely be a superior backstory for the series. Beautifully written and paced, ENDEAVOR presents a cast of appealing faces and splendidly low key criminal pursuits. Highly recommended. I loved it, am clamoring for more.

The difficult first of the 'real' series is an amazing success

[simonv-648-292176 · 9/10 · 15 April 2013]

After the surprisingly well handled one-off prequel, Shaun Evans is back as the young detective Endeavour Morse. Just like the original series with John Thaw, its success hinges on the charisma and personality of the lead character. Here Evans excels and carries the whole thing off handsomely. His performance portrays obvious knowledge and classical moral values but also an eager curiosity, drive and a naive humility which reminds us throughout this episode that he is a new recruit of sorts. The only issue I could find to quibble with is the almost Sherlockian mythology that has been added. In the original he was a knowledgeable and sharp police detective whereas here he is very much the deductive crime-fighter. As a Conan Doyle fan I do approve a little of the mythologizing but it needs to keep its roots with the original and down to earth.

Excellent, but Allam steals the show

[herlathing · 8/10 · 4 May 2014]

While it is enjoyable in its own right, this series has not yet turned out to be a relative of Morse except in name. No stunning secrets are revealed for the fans of Morse. There are the little clues for the over-involved, but to be honest it's best enjoyed for its own sake. The most interesting character in it is Fred Thursday, and his fatherly care for young Morse is quite touching. The last episode of season 1, "Home" illustrates this quite nicely. Roger Allam steals the show every time! Otherwise it's pleasant to see that television is beginning to feel some nostalgia for the sixties, which are more realistically represented here than in "Heartbeat".

Magnificent TV!

[npvarley · 10/10 · 28 March 2023]

Well, it's now all over. Endeavour has ended it's 11 year, 9 season run. The finale was beautifully crafted into one of the greatest final episodes of any series, ever.

This series has given us wonderful stories, great scripts, superb acting and wonderful Oxford backdrops. It has managed to weave an intricate web that keeps everything on track to lead into the original Morse series.

All the main cast were fantastic, but special mention to Shaun Evans, Roger Allam and Anton Lesser, who were standouts. It's scandalous that Evans and Allam didn't receive a single BAFTA nomination for their work in Endeavour.

The series will be sorely missed, but we have a great body of work to revisit.

Every episode an evening well spend.

[edwinvanboekel · 10/10 · 12 February 2017]

I have always been a great fan of the original series, featuring John Thaw as Morse. I always thought the stories were well written and televised. Which is as important. These series have me in awe. I am completely blown away. I am a great fan of the Montalbano character in the RaiUno-series. Also well written. And well televised. But this is something different. There is suspense. There is character. And there is life. I don't know how to put it otherwise. Of course we know how Morse became in his later life, but there was no history, no growing- up. These series show the growth of the character, by an actor who seems to be raised to do this. Shaun Evans does a masterpiece. I am afraid he'll be Endeavour Morse for the rest of his life.

Homages

[gilesg1 · 14 April 2013]

Just finished watching the "Girl" episode, and found the overall ambiance of the program very convincing. I don't think that Shaun Evans looks much like a young John Thaw, and the voice also is not even close, but by and large, it works.

The Jag still looks like the nicest saloon car ever built, and I can understand Morse's falling for it at this stage of his career, even if it would have taken quite a few years to be able to afford to buy one on a constables salary.

Lots of homages already noted and reported in the pilot reviews, but has anyone picked up on Roger Allam's nod to Rupert Davies' Maigret portrayal?

Great show takes wrong turn

[dl-51550 · 7/10 · 22 July 2022]

"Endeavor" has consistently been one of those British productions that instructs America how the "whodunnit" is done. Season 8, though, is falling short, so far coming across like a cheesy "CSI" spinoff, where an overbearing synthesized soundtrack and weird camera angles are no replacement for a good script and solid production. The magic of "Endeavour" has always been more about the splendid cast taking us into the varied and often poignant lives of post-war "coppers", and less about the crimes they resolve. Not so this season. Perhaps it is budget cuts, or that the creative well is running dry. Whatever is going on with "Endeavour" it is clear that Morse, Thursday and the viewers deserve better. If the show runners and writers can't produce it, then pull the plug on season 8. They, and the fans, can bask in the glow of 7 seasons of a series that set the standard for what a Masterpiece should be.

Charming drama

[mb-155 · 9/10 · 8 November 2013]

Love this drama. Like the whole idea of a young Morse. Endeavour certainly has his detractors which have the scope to needle him because he is so junior. I suppose this is why he is so grumpy when he is older - getting his own back as it were. So plenty here to allow viewers to hark back to the original drama but also a huge amount of good coming from the new actors. From the use of typewriters to seeing lots of letters. A lack of overt violence, sex and swearing plus excellent story lines. What more can we ask?

It's quite possible to marry the indelible Sixties period to that charming music. Roger Allam is excellent at Fred Thursday and Shaun Evans puts a lot of effort into the young Morse. Anton Lesser as chief superintendent Bright is a prig

The last TV show worth watching

[OoX1966 · 10/10 · 2 February 2018]

With the decline of good TV shows, I will say that Endeavour continues to be the best show I've seen in quite some time. The characters, cast and plots are perfect. As of today, Endeavour is the only TV show that I spare time to watch.

Liked Morse but I really love Endeavour.

[grandmabrat · 10/10 · 4 February 2018]

Inspector Morse was just about the best show on tv but I love Endeavour even more. The character is like Morse but younger, a little bit naive and learning his way around. The ability to see through mysteries is just as good but more characters in the show gives you a better look at the character of Endeavour Morse. I could watch this show every week, if only they could produce them that fast.

ABSOLUTELY BRILLIANT BRITISH DRAMA

[lyninbyron · 10/10 · 21 July 2018]

Endeavour is the young Morse. I've just finished the fifth season and I want more more more please! A BIG well done to all involved. The plots, characters, acting and sets, everything, was spot on and most enjoyable and thought provoking. Thank you ...o....and... more please!

The very best of PBS

[bobbobwhite · 9/10 · 17 February 2017]

Typically great PBS Mystery, but much better than most. Shaun Evans as Endeavour Morse, with his childlike deer in the headlights look as he detects each weekly crime, portrays the young but already very cerebral Morse whom we remember so well as an elder copper from the great 90s PBS show. Evans' as Morse, with his deceptive appearance of innocence and naivete, works through crimes with gentle but bulldog persistence until all is sorted. Roger Allam as his stoic, staid, habit-bound chief detective is also superb in his unwavering, fatherly support of Morse throughout, is always 100% credible as a mid-level Brit copper. Anton Lesser plays his daft martinet of a superintendent as not totally stupid, but he is perfectly underwhelming on purpose as Supt. Bright(hmmm)and is much more consumed with political kissing up than he is with the drudgery of everyday police work. He leaves that to the minions. All in all, great ensemble work, with very individual and unique characterizations in all roles, and I must say that I am so pleased that PBS has not fallen into the common American TV crime show trap of extending one crime into seeming infinity, week after slogging week. Thanks to this Morse, all is saved, and solved, in each show. The gorgeous and dramatic theme and various opera and classical pieces play a significant qualitative part too, as they both did in the original Morse show. Anticipate, then enjoy.

No spoiler here, just an encouragement to embrace "Endeavour"

[tomgoblin-44620 · 10/10 · 11 September 2017]

Evans and Allam stand on the shoulders of giants.

Just as the X-15 and Mercury programs of NASA set the stage for Apollo and its trip to higher levels, "Endeavour" goes to the next heights.

Thaw and his loyal sergeant as portrayed by Whately were the foundation..."Endeavour" is the next phase of this timeless story line.

Let me be so bold as to say I think Thaw would be proud.

The entire series has been brilliant, for so many years. Many thanks to all the people behind the scenes, writers, directors and producers.

They, like Rolls Royce, have kept the highest quality in a time when this is extraordinarily difficult and unique.

I am grateful and more than slightly in awe of this effort.

Series 8 a complete misfire

[rchrdcorteel1 · 6/10 · 8 October 2021]

Have always enjoyed Endeavour. Series 7 hinted at character problems for Morse, and these were expanded on in Series 8. Unfortunately the first two episodes are nowhere near up to previous standards, and thereby do not deliver well on the matter of Morse's growing problems.

Episode 3 is a complete disaster. Incompetent, inane and utter rubbish. A very sad end to what should have been the standout season of this series.

Season 7 has fallen victim to the woke virus. Hope the show can pull through for a healthier Season 8.

[altereggo123 · 1/10 · 26 July 2020]

When this sorry period of our history is analyzed by future generations, the latest episodes of Endeavour can be added to the list of television shows hijacked by shallow, preening activists to present trite political messages. Is every show set in a particular period now going to have to be filled with speeches and moralistic lessons about the social inequities of their time? We are going to end up with some pretty awful shows, whether they are set in ancient times, the Middle Ages, the Renaissance or the 1970s. Season 7 depicts quite a few white men who are just awful-violent, lecherous, sexist, sadistic. One professor is so openly and crudely anti-women, he would be rejected by Incel for extremism. Then there's the pseudo-Trump character and his followers in episode two, all hypocritical, crass xenophobes. No spoilers here, but prepare yourself for an incredibly unnuanced treatment, culminating in a scene so simplistic and didactic, it should be part of an after-school TV special for children. A plot-line involving ESP doesn't help. Yes, intelligence agencies did investigate "remote viewing," but the way it's handled here turns this show into an paranormal mystery. The true Endeavour character pokes his head out once or two instances-some opera, a crossword puzzle clue here and there-but this season has been all about the screenwriter's desperate need to be politically relevant, circa 2020. He's made a once smart show quite dumb.

Surprisingly meaty and captivating British crime series

[BeneCumb · 9/10 · 13 August 2015]

/refers to series 1 and 2/ Well, I have always been fond of British crime films, including Inspector Morse and Lewis, but usually I am not into prequels or something new created by virtue of popularity wave... But Endeavour captivated me from the very beginning: solid and distinct performances (particularly Shaun Evans as Endeavour Morse and Roger Allam as Fred Thursday, but also most in minor roles), wise and learned Oxford atmosphere, realistic overview of life in Britain in the 1960ies - to name a few...

True, a few plots are not smooth and the solutions are trivial, but, on the other hand, shooting chases, over-sophisticated events and characters uttering "witty" remarks could be entertaining to follow, but they are certainly far from real life. Thus, if you liked Inspector Morse and Lewis, you will like Endeavour as well - although the title let many shrug their shoulders at first as Morse's first name is not generally known... In my country, for instance, the title sounds as "Young Inspector Morse".

Well done! I am truly looking forward to the next series, especially as Series 2 ended in an intriguing manner...

PS Seasons 3-7 are still catchy, even if some plots are less elaborate. Please continue... And you should watch them in sequence.

PPS Season 8 is still pleasant... I have read that BBC has ordered 8 seasons but the final scenes are not a total closure.

PPPS Season 9 is seemingly the last... Pity, but everybody is welcome to (re)watch Inspector Morse with John Thaw...

Best detective series

[e_dian · 10/10 · 26 February 2018]

One of the best detective that I ever saw and the best that is on television nowadays. You can just feel the old atmosphere through the screen. Amazing actors & music. Feels really authentic. A must watch! ITV please make this series available on bigger streaming platforms like Netflix and Amazon. This masterpiece really deserves a bigger audience!!

Bravo!!

[calvertsl · 10/10 · 8 July 2019]

The ending of Season 6 of Endeavor is stellar!! Too many writers lose sight of the forest for the trees. This episode raises the bar on what good writing is as it addresses the insurmountable spirit of the characters who find their way even in the midst of challenges and temptations. Many do not know how to end a story. This series does. Hats off!!!

If there were 11 stars, I would rate them

[dmacleay-52269 · 10/10 · 24 February 2019]

What is not to like? Great acting, writing and story lines. A great view of the 60's seen from the point of view of the conservative leaning police who are of mixed minds about racial and gender equality as they bridge the post war period and go about their business as England is embroiled in the same social changes that were hitting the US and many other countries. And crime went on of course. In the foreground are very good stories worthy of the best crime dramas. If you liked Wallander, this may be your show. If you liked Inspector Morse, you will enjoy seeing him become the man he would be, but at the same time it is a very original show with a distinct tone and feeling. The story line also digs into the personal lives and emotional challenges of young people at the time and police work in any time. None of it is heavy or pedantic and much value is more in the background as a decent whodunit holds the foreground.