TV SERIES · 2012–2023 · UK
Endeavour
- Seasons
- 9
- Episodes
- 36
108 archived facts 7 topics 1 source Last reviewed Nov 2026
108 Interesting Facts About Endeavour
Interesting Facts (24)
- #001
Colin Dexter decided to write his first detective novel whilst on holiday in Wales. He decided to name the character after his close friend and 'the cleverest man he had ever met', Sir Jeremy Morse, the Chairman of Lloyds Bank. Initially, he never gave Morse a first name but, in an episode when the character is in hospital, the name E. Morse is on the bottom of the bed. After being pushed to give him a name, Colin Dexter and his wife looked up the names of the people who sailed to America on the "Mayflower" and found that there was one Endeavour Jones. They also liked it as it was the name of Captain Cook's ship.
- #002
In the original Inspector Morse series Chief Superintendent Strange's office is full of naval memorabilia (a model of a sub, photos etc.) as if he has a previous connection with the Royal Navy (his use of the word matey to Morse is naval slang as well). Curiously, no such connection has so far been presented in Endeavour.
- #003
Although Endeavor Morse is portrayed as an inexperienced novice recently graduated from colleg, the actor portraying the policeman, Shaun Evans, was already 32 years old when the first series was broadcast in 2012. While filming the eighth series of Endeavor in 2021, Evans was 41 years old. John Thaw began playing Morse in 1987 at the age of 45, although a heavy smoker and drinker with considerable gray hair, he looked much older than this actual age.
- #004
- #005
In February 2016, ITV announced that a fourth series of Endeavour had been commissioned, which Roger Allam confirmed to the Oxford Mail,[13] with filming to begin in late spring 2016. To mark the 30th anniversary of Morse on television, the series features several early Morse characters and cameos by actors from the original series. The fourth series debuted on 8 January 2017, and the fifth series began on 4 February 2018.
- #006
- #007
- #008
- #009
- #010
It was announced on 5 June 2013 that due to the success of series 1, including consistently high ratings, ITV had commissioned a second series of four episodes. Filming commenced in Oxford in September 2013. On 24 September 2014, ITV confirmed that a third series of Endeavour had been ordered.
- #011
Colin Dexter decided to write his first detective novel while on holiday in Wales. He decided to name the character after his close friend Sir Jeremy Morse, Chairman of Lloyds Bank, whom he called 'the cleverest man I have ever met'. He initially gave Morse no first name, but in an episode in which the character is in hospital, the name E. Morse appears at the foot of the bed. When Colin Dexter and his wife were asked to give him a name, they researched the names of those who sailed to America on the Mayflower and found an Endeavour Jones. They also liked it because it was the name of Captain Cook's ship.
- #012
- #013
In the original Inspector Morse series, Chief Inspector Strange's office is filled with nautical mementos (a model submarine, photographs, etc.), as if he had a prior connection to the Royal Navy (his use of the word matey for Morse is also nautical slang). Interestingly, no such connection has been presented in Endeavour so far.
- #014
- #015
Although Endeavour Morse is shown as an inexperienced rookie fresh out of university, Shaun Evans, the actor who plays the character, was already 32 years old in 2012 when the series first aired. In 2021, while filming the eighth season of Endeavour, Evans was 41. John Thaw began playing Morse in 1987 at the age of 45; despite being a heavy smoker and drinker and having quite grey hair, he looked much older than his real age.
- #016
- #017
- #018
In February 2016, ITV announced that a fourth series of Endeavour had been commissioned, which Roger Allam confirmed to the Oxford Mail, and filming would begin in late spring 2016. To celebrate the 30th anniversary of Morse on television, the series features several early Morse characters and cameos prepared by actors from the original series. The fourth series began on 8 January 2017, and the fifth series on 4 February 2018.
- #019
- #020
- #021
- #022
- #023
On 5 June 2013, it was announced that ITV had commissioned a second four-episode series, following the success of the first series, which included consistently high ratings. Filming began in Oxford in September 2013. On 24 September 2014, ITV confirmed that a third series of Endeavour had been ordered.
- #024
Production Story (32)
- #025
- #026
- #027
- #028
The title of Pilot (2012) was revealed as "First Bus to Woodstock" by Damian Michael Barcroft on his website during an interview with actor Shaun Evans and another with writer Russell Lewis. This title references "Last Bus to Woodstock", which was the first Inspector Morse novel written by Colin Dexter, published in 1975. Originally a standalone TV-movie, it has since been rebroadcast on ITV3 as part of series 1, and could be counted as either episode 0 or episode 1.
- #029
- #030
It was announced on 5 June 2013 that, due to the success of series 1, including consistently high ratings, ITV had commissioned a second series of four episodes. Filming commenced in Oxford in September 2013. On 24 September 2014, ITV confirmed that a third series of Endeavour had been ordered.
- #031
- #032
In February 2016, ITV announced that a fourth series of Endeavour had been commissioned, which Roger Allam confirmed to the Oxford Mail, with filming to begin in late spring 2016. To mark the 30th anniversary of Morse on television, the series features several early Morse characters and cameos by actors from the original series. The fourth series debuted on 8 January 2017, and the fifth series began on 4 February 2018.
- #033
Colin Dexter decided to write his first detective novel whilst on holiday in Wales. He decided to name the character after his close friend and 'the cleverest man he had ever met', Sir Jeremy Morse, the Chairman of Lloyds Bank. Initially, he never gave Morse a first name, but in an episode when the character is in hospital, the name E. Morse is on the bottom of the bed. After being pushed to give him a name, Colin Dexter and his wife looked up the names of the people who sailed to America on the Mayflower and found that there was one Endeavour Jones. They also liked it as it was the name of Captain Cook's ship.
- #034
In the pilot, the character Dorothea Frazil, played by Abigail Thaw, on her first meeting with the young Morse says, "Haven't we met before?" He shakes his head and says no. As he walks away, she gazes warmly at him "...maybe in another life..." She's referring to her personal daughter-father relationship with the older Morse, John Thaw.
- #035
- #036
In the pilot episode, Dorothea Frazil, played by Abigail Thaw, says to the young Morse on their first meeting: "Haven't we met before?" Morse shakes his head no. As he walks away, she looks at him warmly: "… perhaps in another life…" This is a nod to the personal father-daughter relationship between Abigail Thaw and John Thaw, who played the older Morse.
- #037
Roger Allam (DI Fred Thursday) and Anton Lesser (Chief Superintendent Bright) appeared in Game of Thrones (2011). The pilot also featured two more actors from the Emmy-winning programme: Patrick Malahide and Ian Gelder. Roger and Anton also appeared together in Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides.
- #038
- #039
- #040
- #041
- #042
In the pilot episode, Dorothea Frazil, played by Abigail Thaw, asks young Morse on their first encounter, "Haven't we met before?" Morse shakes his head and says no; as she walks away, Frazil murmurs with a warm look, "...perhaps in another life..." These words are a reference to Abigail Thaw's real-life connection to her father, John Thaw, who played the older Morse. Abigail Thaw appears as Dorothea Frazil in many episodes of Endeavour; frazil is a type of ice, and combined with the character's initial it can be read as "De-ice," which points to the word "thaw."
- #043
Roger Allam appeared in one of the final episodes of Inspector Morse (1987), in the episode Death Is Now My Neighbour (1997), in which it is revealed that Morse's first name is Endeavour. Among the actors who appeared in other series in the Morse universe are Roger Allam (Death Is Now My Neighbour, 1997) and Caroline O'Neill (And the Moonbeams Kiss the Sea, 2008).
- #044
In the sixth season, Ben Yates plays the 11-year-old Robert Lewis, while Kevin Whately continues to play Lewis 20 years later. In the ninth season of Endeavour, the now somewhat older young Robert Lewis is mentioned again throughout the episodes in connection with the in-depth investigation of the disturbing Blenheim Vale case.
- #045
Roger Allam (Detective Thursday) and Anton Lesser (Chief Superintendent Bright) appeared in Game of Thrones (2011). Moreover, in the pilot episode there were two more actors from that Emmy-winning production: Patrick Malahide and Ian Gelder. Roger and Anton also appeared together in Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides. In the episode Eagle Day (2002), although they never shared a scene, both appeared; ironically, both played the culprit.
- #046
Colin Dexter decided to write his first detective novel while on holiday in Wales. He named his character after his close friend and 'the most intelligent man he knew,' Lloyds Bank Chairman Sir Jeremy Morse. Dexter initially gave Morse no first name, and in one episode showed 'E. Morse' written at the foot of a hospital bed. Under pressure, the author and his wife looked at the list of those who traveled to America on the Mayflower and found the name Endeavour Jones, and they also liked that it was the name of Captain Cook's ship.
- #047
The title of the pilot episode (2012) was announced as 'First Bus to Woodstock' in an interview Damian Michael Barcroft conducted with Shaun Evans and writer Russell Lewis on his website. This title is a reference to Colin Dexter's first Inspector Morse novel, 'Last Bus to Woodstock,' published in 1975. Originally a standalone TV film, the production was later rebroadcast on ITV3 as part of the first season and can be counted as episode 0 or episode 1.
- #048
- #049
In February 2016, ITV announced that a fourth season of Endeavour had been commissioned; Roger Allam confirmed this to the Oxford Mail and stated that filming would begin in late spring 2016. To mark the 30th anniversary of Morse on television, the season featured several early Morse characters and actors from the original series as guest stars. The fourth season premiered on 8 January 2017, and the fifth season on 4 February 2018.
- #050
- #051
- #052
On 5 June 2013, it was announced that, thanks to the success of the first season, including consistently high ratings, ITV had commissioned a second season of four episodes. Filming began in Oxford in September 2013. On 24 September 2014, ITV confirmed that a third season of Endeavour had also been approved.
- #053
Musical Morse: when Chief Inspector Morse's surname is rendered in Morse code, the sequence "- - / - - - /. -. /... /." emerges. This code is incorporated verbatim into the theme music composed by Barrington Pheloung; in particular, in the finale of season 1, episode 2 (Fugue), as Morse watches the sunset in the courtyard, after the bells the violins are heard with the melodic equivalent of the letters M.O.R.S.E. through a loop at 329.63 Hz (the note E in music). Considering the content of the episode, this cryptographic salute is integrated with masterful orchestration.
- #054
- #055
- #056
Throughout its entire run, Endeavour is full of surprise references not only to the later-set Morse and Lewis series but also to British-made series and films. These "Easter eggs" extend to BBC and ITV productions that are contemporary with or set in the historical period of the Endeavour universe, and carry subtleties that could escape the notice of an international audience.
Behind the Scenes (8)
Characters & Cast (23)
- #065
Although Endeavour Morse is portrayed as an inexperienced novice recently graduated from college, the actor portraying the policeman, Shaun Evans, was already 32 years old when the first series was broadcast in 2012. While filming the eighth series of Endeavour in 2021, Evans was 41 years old. John Thaw began playing Morse in 1987 at the age of 45, although a heavy smoker and drinker with considerable gray hair, he looked much older than this actual age.
- #066
Contains a major spoiler — show
In series 6 Ben Yates plays the role of the 11 year old Robert Lewis. Kevin Whately went on to play the Lewis of 20 years later. In season 9 of "Endeavour", young, but now slightly older, Robert Lewis was mentioned again throughout the series episodes, in relation to further exploration of the disturbing Blenheim Vale case.
- #067
In series 6, Ben Yates plays the role of the 11-year-old Robert Lewis. Kevin Whately continued to play Lewis 20 years later. In season 9 of Endeavour, a young but now somewhat older Robert Lewis is mentioned again across episodes in connection with further investigation of the disturbing Blenheim Vale case.
- #068
In the pilot episode, Dorothea Frazil, played by Abigail Thaw, asks young Morse on their first meeting, "Haven't we met before?" Morse shakes his head and says no; as she walks away, Frazil murmurs with a warm look, "...perhaps in another life..." These words are a reference to Abigail Thaw's real-life connection to her father, John Thaw, who played the older Morse. Abigail Thaw appears as Dorothea Frazil in many episodes of Endeavour; frazil is a type of ice, and combined with the character's initial it can be read as "De-ice," which points to the word "thaw."
- #069
Colin Dexter, the author of the original Inspector Morse novels, appeared as a guest actor in the first three seasons of this series and in the earlier productions Inspector Morse (1987) and Inspector Lewis (2006). Even after his retirement and his death in 2017, he continued to "appear": as a photograph, a caricature, a statue on set, or a written reference to his name.
- #070
In the original Inspector Morse series, Chief Superintendent Strange's office is full of nautical mementos (a model submarine, photographs, etc.), as if he had a connection to the Royal Navy; his calling Morse "matey" is also sailor's slang. Interestingly, no such connection has been presented in Endeavour so far. Constable Strange's constantly addressing Morse as "matey" is a reflection of Chief Superintendent Strange's frequently calling Morse "matey" in the Inspector Morse (1987) series.
- #071
Although Endeavour Morse is portrayed as an inexperienced rookie fresh out of university, Shaun Evans, who plays him, was 32 in 2012, when the first season aired. By 2021, while filming the eighth season, Evans had turned 41. John Thaw, by contrast, began playing Morse in 1987 at the age of 45; because of heavy smoking and drinking and his distinctly grey hair, he looked much older than his real age.
- #072
Roger Allam appeared in one of the final episodes of Inspector Morse (1987), in the episode Death Is Now My Neighbour (1997), in which it is revealed that Morse's first name is Endeavour. Among the actors who have appeared in other series in the Morse universe are Roger Allam (Death Is Now My Neighbour, 1997) and Caroline O'Neill (And the Moonbeams Kiss the Sea, 2008).
- #073
In the sixth season, Ben Yates plays the 11-year-old Robert Lewis, while Kevin Whately continues to play Lewis 20 years later. In the ninth season of Endeavour, the now somewhat older young Robert Lewis is mentioned again across episodes in connection with the in-depth investigation of the disturbing Blenheim Vale case.
- #074
Roger Allam (Detective Thursday) and Anton Lesser (Chief Superintendent Bright) both appeared in Game of Thrones (2011). Moreover, the pilot episode featured two more actors from that Emmy-winning production: Patrick Malahide and Ian Gelder. Roger and Anton also appeared together in Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides. In the episode Eagle Day (2002), although they never shared a scene, both appeared; ironically, both played the culprit.
- #075
Colin Dexter decided to write his first detective novel while on holiday in Wales. He named his character after his close friend Sir Jeremy Morse, the chairman of Lloyds Bank, whom he called 'the cleverest man I knew.' Dexter initially gave Morse no first name, but in one episode he showed 'E. Morse' written at the foot of a hospital bed. Under pressure, the author and his wife looked at the list of those who sailed to America on the Mayflower, found the name Endeavour Jones, and also liked the fact that it was the name of Captain Cook's ship.
- #076
The title of the pilot episode (2012) was announced as 'First Bus to Woodstock' in an interview Damian Michael Barcroft conducted with Shaun Evans and writer Russell Lewis on his website. This title references Colin Dexter's first Inspector Morse novel, 'Last Bus to Woodstock,' published in 1975. Originally a standalone TV film, the production was later rebroadcast on ITV3 as part of the first season and can be counted as episode 0 or 1.
- #077
- #078
In February 2016, ITV announced that a fourth season of Endeavour had been commissioned; Roger Allam confirmed this to the Oxford Mail and stated that filming would begin in late spring 2016. To mark Morse's 30th year on television, the season featured many early Morse characters and actors from the original series as guest stars. The fourth season premiered on 8 January 2017, and the fifth season on 4 February 2018.
- #079
- #080
- #081
On 5 June 2013, it was announced that ITV had ordered a second four-episode season thanks to the success of the first season, including its consistently high ratings. Filming began in Oxford in September 2013. On 24 September 2014, ITV confirmed that a third season of Endeavour had also been approved.
- #082
- #083
- #084
Musical Morse: When Chief Inspector Morse's surname is rendered in Morse code, the sequence "- - / - - - /. -. /... /." emerges. In the theme music composed by Barrington Pheloung, this code is incorporated exactly; particularly in the finale of season 1, episode 2 (Fugue), as Morse watches the sunset in the courtyard, after the bells, the violins' 329.63 Hz (the note E in music) cycle makes the melodic equivalent of the letters M.O.R.S.E. audible. Considering the content of the episode, this cryptographic salute is integrated with masterful orchestration.
- #085
- #086
- #087
Throughout its entire run, Endeavour is full of surprise references not only to the later-set series Morse and Lewis but also to British-made series and films. These "Easter eggs" extend to BBC and ITV productions that are contemporary with or set in the historical period of the Endeavour universe, and they carry subtleties that could escape the notice of an international audience.
Easter Eggs & References (18)
- #088
Roger Allam (DI Fred Thursday) and Anton Lesser (Chief Superintendent Bright) have both starred in Game of Thrones (2011). Furthermore, the pilot episode included two more cast members of the Emmy-winning program, Patrick Malahide and Ian Gelder. Also, Roger and Anton starred together in Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides.
- #089
- #090
In the original Inspector Morse series, Chief Superintendent Strange's office is full of naval memorabilia (a model of a submarine, photos, etc.) as if he has a previous connection with the Royal Navy (his use of the word "matey" to Morse is naval slang as well). Curiously, no such connection has so far been presented in Endeavour.
- #091
- #092
Colin Dexter, writer of the original Inspector Morse novels, made cameo appearances in the first three series of this show as well as in the previous shows Inspector Morse (1987) and Inspector Lewis (2006). He continues to make "appearances" even after his retirement and subsequent death in 2017: appearing on the set as a photograph, a caricature, a sculpture, a written reference to his name, etc.
- #093
Throughout its entire run, Endeavour not only includes references to the later-set Morse and Lewis, but also "Easter egg" surprise references to British-made TV programmes and films that some international viewers may understandably miss. The TV series references include series from both the BBC and ITV, either originally made or set in a time period contemporary to the historical setting within the Endeavour story universe.
- #094
In the pilot, the character Dorothea Frazil, played by Abigail Thaw, says on her first meeting with the young Morse, "Haven't we met before?" He shakes his head and says no. As he walks away, she gazes warmly at him and says, "...maybe in another life..." She is referring to her personal daughter-father relationship with the older Morse, John Thaw.
- #095
The inspector's last name, translated into Morse code, reads as "- - / - - - /. -. /... /." Impressively, this code is precisely reflected in theme music written by Barrington Pheloung, and is easily identified at the end of S1 Episode 2 (Fugue). In the final scene, as E. Morse looks on the sunset over the quad, bells begin to chime. Next, violins can be heard beginning a loop of the musical version of the letters M.O.R.S.E., playing on a frequency of 329.63 Hz (tonal E in music). Soon, a masterful orchestration is woven in, diversifying this subtle nod to cryptography. Considering the content of the episode, this thematic and compositional brilliance is perfectly placed.
- #096
- #097
- #098
- #099
Musical Morse: The inspector's last name, translated into Morse Code, reads as " - - / - - - /. -. /... /. " Impressively, this code is precisely reflected in theme music written by Barrington Pheloung, and is easily identified at the end of S1 Episode 2 (Fugue). In the final scene, as E. Morse looks on the sunset over the quad, bells begin to chime. Next, violins can be heard beginning a loop of the musical version of letters M.O.R.S.E., playing on a frequency of 329.63 Hz (tonal E in music). Soon, a masterful orchestration is woven in, diversifying this subtle nod to cryptography. Considering the content of the episode, this thematic and compositional brilliance is perfectly placed.
- #100
Writer of the original Inspector Morse novels, Colin Dexter, made cameo appearances in the first three series of this show as well as the previous shows: Inspector Morse (1987) and Inspector Lewis (2006). He continues to make "appearances" even after his retirement and subsequent death in 2017: appearing on the set as a photograph, a caricature, a sculpture, a written reference to his name, etc.
- #101
Throughout its entire run, "Endeavour" not only includes references to the later set "Morse" and "Lewis", but also "Easter Egg" surprise references to British made TV programmes and Films, that some International viewers may understandably miss. The TV series references include series from both the BBC and ITV, either originally made, or set in a time period, contemporary to the historical setting within the "Endeavour" story universe.
- #102
Contains a major spoiler — show
In series 6, Ben Yates plays the role of the 11-year-old Robert Lewis. Kevin Whately went on to play the Lewis of 20 years later. In season 9 of Endeavour, young but now slightly older Robert Lewis was mentioned again throughout the series episodes, in relation to further exploration of the disturbing Blenheim Vale case.
- #103
- #104
Colin Dexter, author of the original Inspector Morse novels, appeared as a guest actor in the first three series of this show as well as in the earlier shows Inspector Morse (1987) and Inspector Lewis (2006). Even after his retirement and his death in 2017, he continues to make "appearances": as a photograph on set, a caricature, a statue, a written reference to his name, and so on.
- #105
Throughout its run, Endeavour not only makes references to the later series Morse and Lewis, but also includes "Easter eggs" — surprise references to British-made TV programmes and films that some international viewers could understandably miss. The TV series references include shows from both the BBC and ITV, either originally made or set in a time period contemporary with the historical setting of the Endeavour story universe.
Deeper Meaning (2)
- #106
Musical Morse: the inspector's surname rendered in Morse code reads "- - / - - - /. -. / … /." Impressively, this code is reflected exactly in the theme music composed by Barrington Pheloung and is easily identified at the end of Series 1 Episode 2 (Fugue). In the final scene, as E. Morse watches the sunset over the courtyard, bells begin to ring. Then the violins can be heard at the start of one cycle of the musical version of the letters M. O. R. S. E., played at a frequency of 329.63 Hz (the tonal E in music). Soon an ingenious orchestration is woven in that varies this subtle salute to cryptography. Given the content of the episode, this thematic and compositional brilliance is perfectly placed.
- #107
Career & Awards (1)
Sources & editorial notes
Reference databases
- IMDb
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