The 3rd Season of Endeavour has just finished airing on PBS. For those in the U.S. who can hardly wait to watch season 4 (anticipated Summer 2017), re-watching "Morse" on Netflix streaming may help to satisfy the cravings.
In my opinion, "Morse" is the best television detective series of all time. There are many reasons for this. First and Foremost is John Thaw's performance as the irascible investigator. The influence of the character can be seen on Hugh Laurie's "House" and both current television versions (Cumberbatch and Lee Miller) of Sherlock Holmes. If you are like me, you have been comparing Thaw's Morse to the younger version played by Shaun Evans. There are many differences between the two. Sure, both characters are highly intelligent and love opera and crosswords, but the similarities sort of stop there. They do not have similar voices, speech patterns, or facial expressions. And the differences are more marked than can be explained by the effects of age or alcohol. Mr. Evans has stated that he made no attempts to imitate the senior actor's portrayal. A wise choice, because an imitation could only pale in comparison to the original. Rather, he has brought his own interpretation to the role with stellar results. I find it incredible that two actors have so successfully portrayed the same character at different stages in life. The only other example I can think of would be the Two Professors X.
The two series, although very different in style, are immensely entertaining. Endeavour viewers unfamiliar with Morse may find the storylines too "slow burning" and lacking in action in comparison (don't expect to see any man-eating tigers), but I would urge anyone to give it a chance. It is often in the quiet, relatively calm scenes where Thaw reveals his mastery.
Endeavour does benefit from the stylish setting of 1960's Great Britain. Every episode, I looked forward to seeing the swinging mod ensembles the female characters got to wear. It seriously made me want to go on a Boden shopping spree and start snapping up tweed minis and colorful wool sheaths. Spoiler alert: the navy and red minidress Joan Thursday wears during the bank robbery is adorable. The floral shirt she picks to run away in, not so much. Girl, if you are only taking one suitcase, do not take that blouse. End of spoilers.
The thing that I find most striking about both shows is that even though I am well aware he will end up alone, I get my hopes up each and every time Morse (both the younger and the elder) encounters a new potential romantic interest. This is a testament to how compelling the character is. As a viewer, you can't help but sympathize with him and ache for his solitude. The saving grace, of course, is his trusty side-kick Lewis. It is the kind-hearted and earnest Lewis who comes to form the closest bond with Morse.
Speaking of Lewis, the most recent seasons have begun airing on PBS. And while I have enjoyed "Lewis" too and appreciate the talents of Laurence Fox as Hathaway, let's be honest, they simply can't match up to Morse.
For a bit of fun, do investigate the link below. the talented artist behind "What a Kerfuffle: An Art Blog" has imagined what Endeavour would look like as a graphic novel. I say, yes please! If BBC's Sherlock can have a comic why not Morse?
http://whatakerfuffle.blogspot.com/2013/10/endeavour-cartoongraphic-novel-page.html
