Inspector Morse is back

The young Inspector Morse, that is. For thirteen years and thirty-three episodes, the Detective Inspector was played by the one and only John Thaw, so it’s safe to say Shaun Evans (Ashes to AshesBeing Julia), the actor tapped to play the young Morse back in his Detective Constable days, has big shoes to fill.

ITV has only ordered one episode – so far. But seeing as that’s exactly how they kicked off Inspector Lewis (the Morse spin-off that’s now in its sixth season) back in 2006, I think it’s safe to say that if this episode does well, it won’t be the last. The series will be called Endeavor – which is Morse’s first name – and fittingly enough, the episode will air on the 25th anniversary of the very first episode of Inspector Morse (which first aired back in 1987). And seeing as Endeavor was written by Russell Lewis – the writer who created Lewis and worked on the Morse mothership – we can all rest easy; Colin Dexter’s beloved character will most assuredly be done right.

Set in 1965, the episode will follow the hunt for a missing schoolgirl, which will draw Endeavour Morse back to the place which will ultimately shape and define his destiny – Oxford.

Deep in a full-blown murder investigation and led by Detective Inspector Fred Thursday, Endeavour finds himself side-lined, discredited and at a dead end. Facing down the demons of his past, Endeavour begins his own quest in pursuit of justice, risking all in the hunt for a truth that will haunt him for the rest of his days.

(And yes, I think it’s safe to say that PBS will welcome Morse back with open arms…)