Endeavour Season 1 Review: A gripping British police procedural

3.5/5

Story: Set in 1965, the show follows the early career of a young Detective Constable Endeavour Morse as he tackles various murder investigations around Oxford, England.

Review: British investigative dramas often showcase distinguishable qualities that set them apart from their American counterparts. From *Sherlock* to *Happy Valley* and *Line of Duty*, these British shows share a few minor similarities that certify them as ‘very British’ but also feature remarkable and unique qualities that elevate them to the very top of the television landscape. *Endeavour* falls into the same category as the aforementioned titles and it has the added advantage of a unique visual flair thanks to its ‘60s setting.

The series is based on the characters created by Colin Dexter for his novels, and the first season of *Endeavour* follows the life of a young Chief Detective Constable Endeavour Morse. It depicts the origins of the popular fictional character Inspector Morse. The series focuses on Morse’s challenges to fit in with the rigid environment of the police department and, of course, the various cases he helps solve. Each case in season one delivers captivating mysteries that do not indulge in gore and violence to showcase sinister crimes. The writing, the performances by the cast, and the eerie soundtracks accompanying the rustic visuals add to the overall quality of the narrative.

Lead star Shaun Evans slips into the role of the titular character with aplomb and delivers a nuanced performance that showcases his character's awkwardness, warmth, and supreme intellect with great subtlety. Endeavour Morse in Endeavour can be described as a mix of popular fictional detectives such as Sherlock Holmes and Patrick Jane. Veteran actor Roger Allam plays the role of Morse’s boss and senior partner, Detective Inspector Fred Thursday, and delivers a performance that perfectly complements the lead character. Their dynamic serves as one of the most pivotal aspects of the story. There is also excellent character development for Morse as each episode carefully peels away at the layers of his character to offer insights into his backstory.

While the characters and mysteries are certainly gripping, there are more than enough conventional TV tropes for the audience to solve the mysteries. In other words, the mysteries lack an ‘Agatha Christie-style’ intrigue that will keep one guessing until the climactic sequences. However, the episode that ticks all the right boxes for a riveting mystery is episode two, titled "Fogue." It is one of the only episodes that challenges Morse physically, mentally, and emotionally.

Verdict: Endeavour perfectly combines rich character development, a nostalgic 1960s setting, and intriguing mysteries to deliver a compelling investigative TV series. Shaun Evans excels as the young Endeavour Morse, supported by Roger Allam’s outstanding portrayal of Detective Inspector Fred Thursday. While some of the mysteries are predictable due to the narrative’s reliance on a few familiar tropes, the first season is a captivating glimpse into Morse’s origins and some of the most challenging cases of his career.