Endeavour #TVreview #BriFri
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Last week, I reviewed the second season of The Crown. Heather reviewed the alternate history novel That Inevitable Victorian Thing. Sim shared her life experiences about Queen Elizabeth. Tina discussed both the book and movie of How I Live Now. Becky reviewed a mystery set during the Regency, Murder, Magic, and What We Wore, and the children’s book Mr. Pusskins.
I recently watched all the available episodes, three seasons worth, of Endeavour. Endeavour Morse is the young man who will grow old and become Inspector Morse. Inspector Morse was a show I planned my week around when it aired on PBS long before the advent of digital recording or streaming.
A 4th series of Endeavour premiered on ITV in Britain this month.
Since Inspector Morse was set in contemporary Oxford of that time (1987-1993, plus annual specials from 1995-2000), naturally Endeavour has to be set decades earlier — the mid-to-late 1960s. I feel like I’ve been getting quite an understanding of Britain in the mid-20th century with Endeavour alongside Call the Midwife and Grantchester.
Oxford, of course, is one of the main draws of both of these series and the other spin-off, Inspector Lewis. I love the long shots of dreaming spires, the walks across and around quads and under cloisters. and the moments outside the Bodleian Library. Sometimes, there are even scenes in the Bodleian Library — that’s always very exciting for a librarian! In Endeavour, I keep being constantly amazed how well it puts me into Oxford from another time period with old-fashioned cars and clothes, and not a cell phone in sight.
It’s been a long time since I’ve seen Inspector Morse. I feel like I get some, but not all, of the references from the prequel. The love of music is definitely there. Also, treating a case like a puzzle to be worked out. I’d love to see Inspector Morse again, but as far as I can tell, no one is streaming it.
Have you seen this show? What did you think?
Like you, I have thoroughly enjoyed these series. A new series 5 of Endeavour will air on British TV in February, so should be in the US soon afterwards.
I have not seen this but I like the sound of it. You always alert me to new British series that I want to try. Thank you!
It might amaze you to learn that I have never watched Inspector Morse; I think I was too busy running a business when it was popular. I know it’s still available on DVD, if you’re interested – though that’s probably yesterday’s technology for you? But I do like catching the odd episode of ‘Endeavour’ – it’s relatively light-hearted and has a pleasant nostalgic feel, as though something VERY BIG is about to happen and the players don’t know yet. Oxford, I love – a great place just to wander in, dipping in and out of the pubs. Happy New Year!
I loved Morse so I watched Endeavour. I enjoyed it but he always seemed so troubled/sad that I never understood his inner conflict.
I had no idea Endeavor was about Inspector Morse back in the day! Loving Inspector Morse, I’ll now have to hunt it down. I didn’t see where you watch it, Netflix always seems like a good place to start.
As far as the Bodleian goes, you must be looking forward to A Discovery of Witches too. Lots of scenes shot in and around the library from what I gather.
I’m loving the Morse versions – they are on their second (or third) run here in Atlanta – And Inspector Lewis is wrapping up it’s final (for the second or third time, again) here as well – PBS. I’m looking forward to the 2nd season of Victoria as well… I’m not so patiently waiting for yet another Grantchester – and I’m on the waiting list at the library for the Cadfael series – although now that Brit Box seems to be available to stream here – I may go for that!
I love British shows but have only watched one episode of Inspector Morse. Luckily there’s quite a few to catch up on!
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