MORSE WOED
Endeavour’s personal problems are affecting his work as the detective show returns
We last saw DS Endeavour Morse cradling his dying lover, Violetta, in his arms, after she took a bullet for him. And as the eighth series of the detective drama opens, it soon becomes clear that these events have taken their toll.
“This new series begins two months later and Morse is suffering,” says 41-year-old Shaun Evans, who plays the sleuth.
“He is drinking too much, not coming into work, phoning in sick quite a bit. But a drink problem is only a manifestation of something else. It’s actually about not being able to cope with life on life’s terms.”
While loyal colleague DI Fred Thursday tries to cover for him, it becomes clear Morse’s behaviour is affecting his work.
Roger Allam, 67, who plays Endeavour’s long-time partner, reveals, “Thursday is always defensive of Morse and perhaps tries to put to the back of his mind any concern, anxiety or worry about how he is.
“But, as the series progresses, it just becomes too much to ignore.”
In the first outing of this new run of three films, a beleaguered Endeavour investigates a killing in an explosion at an Oxford college, alongside an IRA threat against a local football star.
And the crew found post-pandemic filming presented certain challenges – particularly in this episode, directed by Shaun, which required crowds of spectators at a football stadium.
He said keeping things safe was a priority, adding, “It was great to be back. We have all known each other such a long time, both the cast and the crew.”