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Endeavour
Endeavour is a popular British crime drama series aired on ITV. Acting as a prequel to the long-standing Inspector Morse series, the show revolves around the early career of a detective named Endeavour Morse, played by Shaun Evans. Starting off as a constable and later becoming a sergeant in the Oxford City Police CID, the series follows his journey through investigations and personal growth.
The show consists of nine seasons, spanning from 1965 to 1972. Initially, a pilot episode was broadcast in 2012, establishing the storyline in 1965. The first season, also set in 1965, aired in 2013. The second season took place in 1966, while the third and fourth seasons were both set in 1967.
With six episodes, the fifth season delved into the events of 1968, and the sixth season continued the narrative eight months later, in 1969. The seventh season, set in 1970, premiered in February 2020, with the first episode showcased in the United States on Masterpiece Theatre on August 9th of the same year.
In August 2019, ITV announced the renewal of the series for an eighth season. Production for the eighth season, set in 1971, commenced in March 2021 and concluded in June 2021. Filming for the ninth and final season, set in 1972, began on May 22nd, 2022. The following day, it was confirmed that this season would mark the end of the series. Filming wrapped up on August 26th, 2022, and the final season aired between February 26th and March 12th, 2024. In the United States, the first episode was broadcast on June 18th, 2024.
Endeavour Series 9 Ending Explained
The ninth season of Endeavour reaches its satisfying conclusion with the series finale. This episode ties up loose ends and provides a fitting conclusion to the prequel season. The story begins with the discovery of the bodies of Josiah Landesman and Brenda Lewis, Landesman’s former secretary, on the premises of the deserted Blenheim Vale boys’ school. Detective Constable Morse suspects Landesman of also being responsible for the disappearance and presumed death of student Peter Williams. Determined to find Williams’ remains, Morse makes a promise to his former colleague, Detective Sergeant Peter Jakes.
Unraveling a Mystery
Amidst their investigations, the police come across an intriguing case involving victims whose obituaries appeared in the newspaper prior to their deaths. While Morse manages to solve this case, it serves as a subplot that runs parallel to the primary narrative that requires resolution.
Threats and Personal Stakes
Detective Inspector Thursday encounters a former colleague who warns him to abandon the Blenheim Vale investigation. Thursday realizes the potential danger to his family and takes measures to secure a transfer for Detective Superintendent Jim Strange to Kidlington. Meanwhile, Morse persists in his search of the school grounds, determined to locate Peter Williams’ body.
Family Troubles
Converging Clues
The tension between Thursday and Morse remains palpable as they are assigned to a case at a bar where a patron, Raymond Kennet, is discovered dead with a knife lodged in his chest and a bag of drugs in his pocket. Morse stumbles upon a military jacket button at the crime scene that matches the one on Sam’s jacket.
Culminating Events
As Chief Superintendent Bright prepares for retirement, Morse attends the wedding rehearsal of Jim and Joan, only to find Joan alone and no sign of her father. Meanwhile, Thursday meets his brother, Charlie, who warns him about the Blenheim Vale investigation. Police Inspector Arthur Lott appears on the scene and menaces Thursday and his family before firing his gun and fleeing.
Closure and Uncertainty
In the final moments, Morse uncovers Peter Williams’ body, finally bringing resolution to the case. Joan departs town with Jim Strange, and the ultimate fate of Thursday is left uncertain as he is revealed to have been shot in the climactic scene. This series finale provides a befitting conclusion, tying up loose ends and offering closure to the beloved characters of Endeavour.
Endeavour Series 9 Plot Summary
The ninth and final series of Endeavour is set in 1972 and comprises three gripping episodes, bringing the prequel series to a close.
Episode 1: Prelude
The series kicks off with ‘Prelude’ as Endeavour Morse gradually returns to Castle Gate. The episode begins with the homecoming of Sam Thursday, who has just completed a military tour in Northern Ireland. However, their reunion is marred by a grim discovery: two bodies are found within the Oxford Concert Orchestra. Additionally, another murder victim is uncovered in an abandoned warehouse. This perplexing case sets the stage for the dramatic events that follow.
Episode 2: Uniform
In the penultimate episode, ‘Uniform,’ Endeavour notices a connection between a woman’s disappearance and her former employer, demanding his undivided attention. Simultaneously, reports flood in regarding a wave of stolen cars and acts of vandalism committed by a group of troublesome undergraduates. As Endeavour delves deeper into the investigation, he unravels a complex web of secrets and intrigue, leading him closer to the truth.
Episode 3: Exeunt
The final episode, ‘Exeunt,’ marks the conclusion of Endeavour’s journey. His last investigation takes him to a series of funerals, adding an air of mystery and somberness to his final case. Meanwhile, DS Strange ties the knot with Joan Thursday and transfers to Kidlington for a fresh start. Fred Thursday, concerned for his family’s safety, makes a transfer to a faraway location.
Chief Superintendent Bright anticipates a well-deserved retirement. Bright informs Morse that Cowley station is likely to reopen and suggests that Morse considers a transfer to become the bagman for DCI McNutt. This decision brings the story full circle, connecting it to the beginning of the original Inspector Morse series.
Endeavour Series 9 Cast
Actor |
Character |
|
Shaun Evans |
Endeavour Morse |
|
Roger Allam |
Fred Thursday |
|
Anton Lesser |
Reginald Bright |
|
Sean Rigby |
Jim Strange |
|
James Bradshaw |
Dr. Max DeBryn |
|
Abigail Thaw |
Dorothea Frazil |
|
Caroline O’Neill |
Winifred ‘Win’ Thursday |
|
Sara Vickers |
Joan Thursday |
|
Jack Bannon |
Sam Thursday |
|
Danny Webb |
Arthur Lott |
|
Richard Riddell |
Alan Jago |
|
Alison Newman |
Viv Wall |
Endeavour Series 9 Review
The review of Endeavour Series 9 highlights the finale’s exploration of mortality and the symbolic departure of a character. The episode creates a sense of impending tragedy through funereal imagery and hints at Fred’s potential death. However, the show defies expectations by sparing all the characters and offering glimpses into their promising futures.
The review suggests that the true victim of the finale is Endeavour himself, as the episode signifies the transition from Endeavour Morse to Inspector Morse. The significance of the gunshot in the churchyard, the choral requiem, and the crossing of two Jags on the bridge allude to the exit of one character to make way for the other.
The ending also embraces its fictionality, with an epilogue from The Tempest read by Anton Lesser and a montage that pays tribute to the show’s origins. It acknowledges that Endeavour has always existed within someone else’s creation and offers a graceful farewell.
The review expresses appreciation for the dream sequence kiss, describing it as pure indulgence and a moment that would have been cherished and rewatched repeatedly if the show aired in 1987 when Inspector Morse began.
Regarding the characters, the finale assures viewers that Joan has made a positive choice in marrying Jim Strange, who consistently demonstrates his adoration and kindness. It contrasts Endeavour’s inability to prioritize relationships over his work. The departure of Joan leaves Morse standing alone, emphasizing the loneliness he will experience.
The review praises Shaun Evans’ exceptional performance as Endeavour, highlighting his attention to detail in posture, facial expressions, and voice. Evans’ talent, combined with the writing and score, contributes to a supreme portrayal of the character.
Roger Allam’s portrayal of Fred Thursday is also applauded, citing memorable moments that showcase his range and skill as an actor. The loss of DCI Thursday on Sunday nights is acknowledged as a significant loss for the show.
Fred’s story is described as a testament to a man’s determination to protect his family. The revelation that Peter Williams, the boy they had been searching for, became a violent killer complicates Fred’s heroism. It showcases the show’s ability to explore social issues, drawing connections between bigoted opinions voiced in the 1970s and similar sentiments post-2016.
The review acknowledges that the case of the week serves as a backdrop to the emotional farewells in the episode. It highlights the well-crafted plotlines involving Jakes, Lott, and Blenheim Vale, but ultimately praises the touching moments of goodbye.
The review concludes by appreciating the thoughtful details and visual nods to Inspector Morse in the finale, commending director Kate Saxon for her elegant execution. It characterizes the farewell as generous and bids farewell to Endeavour while leaving the audience with a sense of longing for more.
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