Endeavour: what can we expect from the last 3 episodes?
The third series of Morse prequel Endeavour is off to a strong start after last week’s episode “Ride”. We were relieved to see DI Thursday back to good health and grateful that Endeavour was able to reunite the dream team and regain his position at Thursday’s side.
The first case was a triumphantly complex and intriguing tale which kept us gripped and guessing for all 2 hours of the programme – which is a mean feat.
So, what can we expect in the next three episodes of the programme before we have to part ways? We make our predictions.
Gloriously vague episode titles
The series opened with “Ride” which retrospectively fits as the initial murder victim disappeared from a ghost train at a funfair. If this is the common theme then the titles may just refer to a-thing-that-crops-up-at-some-point-in-the-episode.
Episode two is mysteriously named “Arcadia”. First theory squashed, the term arcadia is a nice abstract concept which refers to a vision of harmony with nature. Often a popular subject for artists, this one probably refers to our initial muder victim: Simon Hallward, an artist killed in a house fire.
“Prey” and “Coda” are the titles for episodes three and four respectively. Whilst “coda” is pretty self-explanatory (and a tad lazy), “Prey” serves as the more intriguing of the two. Who will be the prey? Please be Endeavour, we love a good chase.
Snapshots of the 60s
Setting your drama in 1967 gives a fantastic opportunity for eye-catching costumes and sets. If the first episode is anything to go by, we’re going to be treated to some gorgeous images throughout the series.
Why use a studio when you’ve got Oxford as a backdrop?
Whilst we’re praising the aesthetic, the clichéd “other character” in Endeavour has to be the city of Oxford a.k.a. the film/TV set to every quaint British murder that has ever occurred. Providing stunning locations for every important conversation and/or murder suspect revelation – we’re sure we’ll see a lot more of those historic buildings.
Inspector Morse clues for the eagle-eyed
Everybody loves feeling like they’ve spotted something no one else has, and the producers of Endeavour love putting in things for us to spot. Series one and two gave us plenty to obsess over with Endeavour’s taste for opera and even an appearance from Abigail Thaw (daughter of Morse actor John). In a deliciously indulgent scene for the real Morse geek she asked Endeavour if they’d met before, eventually resigning to the idea that it “must have been in another life”.
“Ride” has joined in on the fun with a brief appearance of Morse’s former roommate who ends up under the pathologist’s knife in an Inspector Morse episode. Car fans will have enjoyed a nod to the detective’s beloved Jaguar.
Good Sunday night drama
When you’ve retired to the sofa and know that there’s no sign of movement for the rest of the evening due to your roast dinner coma, Endeavour provides the perfect entertainment. Gripping and intelligent, it is enough to challenge us intellectually whilst remaining engaging with real emotional drama.
Watch a preview of the next episode, “Arcadia” below and see Morse impressed with new WPC Shirley Trewlove (Dakota Blue Richards).
Endeavour airs on ITV 1 on Sundays at 8pm.
