Ep 0. Pilot

Endeavour season 1 episode 0, also known as the Pilot episode, takes us back in time to 1965 in the city of Oxford. The episodes start with a radio broadcast announcing the beginning of a new year, and the celebration continues in the streets. It's in this festive scene that we meet young police officer Endeavour Morse (Shaun Evans) for the first time.

Endeavour is a bright and sensitive character. He has a knack for solving puzzles, a love of music, and a shyness that often sees him as an outcast among his peers. In the Pilot episode, we see him struggling with the death of his father and the oppressive nature of his superior officers. Despite this, he proves himself as a valuable member of the team, always using his keen eye for detail to uncover new clues and solve cases.

At the start of the first episode, we are introduced to the case of a missing girl named Mary Tremlett. Inspector Thursday (Roger Allam) is leading the investigation, and he's quick to dismiss Morse's insights about the case. Thursday is a hard-edged cop who is not fond of the young officer's probing nature, and he brushes off Morse's suggestions. However, things change when Morse uncovers a connection between the disappearance of Mary Tremlett and the death of a wealthy businessman.

As the story unfolds, we are taken on a journey through 1960s Oxford, including its picturesque parks and historic buildings. Viewers are given a glimpse into the lives of both Endeavour and Thursday, who are both dealing with their personal demons. Thursday has a rocky relationship with his wife while Endeavour's father is still weighing heavily on his mind.

The Pilot episode of Endeavour is an intriguing introduction to the young detective. Shaun Evans delivers a powerful performance, portraying Morse as a complex character with a sharp mind and gentle spirit. Russell Lewis's writing offers glimpses of the darkness that will haunt Morse throughout the series, but it's balanced with the levity of the era.

As the story progresses, we see how Morse's music and intellect provide him with a unique perspective that allows him to solve the case. Through his insights, he uncovers a web of secrets and lies that lead to the killer, and he proves himself a valuable member of the team. The episode concludes with a revelation that leaves us wanting more and cementing the series as a must-watch for fans of mysteries and 1960s-era dramas.

Overall, the Pilot episode of Endeavour sets the stage for an exciting series that follows the early years of one of British fiction's most beloved detectives. With its combination of excellent performances, intriguing mysteries, and nostalgic charm, the show is a must-see for fans of crime dramas and historical fiction.