Ep 1. Game

Endeavour season 4 episode 1, titled "Game," follows the young detective Endeavour Morse as he returns to duty after his four-month suspension. Endeavour is still reeling from the events of the previous season, and is struggling to come to terms with the truth about his father. The episode is set against the backdrop of a high-stakes chess tournament, and Endeavour is tasked with investigating a series of murders that seem to be connected to the tournament.

The episode kicks off with a tense scene in which a young woman is found dead in her hotel room. She was a participant in the chess tournament, and the circumstances surrounding her death are highly suspicious. The hotel staff are tight-lipped, but Endeavour quickly discovers that there are many secrets being kept behind closed doors.

As Endeavour begins to dig deeper into the case, he discovers that the murdered woman was not the first victim. Several other women have been killed in similar circumstances over the past few weeks, and the police are no closer to identifying a suspect. The pressure is on for Endeavour to crack the case and bring the killer to justice.

One of the most interesting aspects of this episode is the way it explores the world of competitive chess. We see glimpses of the behind-the-scenes drama, as players engage in psychological warfare and mind games to gain the upper hand. The tension of the tournament is heightened by the fact that there is a lot at stake for the participants - the winner will receive a large cash prize and the prestige that comes with being a champion.

As Endeavour delves deeper into the case, he finds himself drawn into the world of the chess tournament. He spends a lot of time questioning the players and analyzing their moves, trying to find any clues that might lead him to the killer. Along the way, he meets some interesting characters, including a rebellious young chess prodigy and a wealthy businessman who seems to be involved in some shady dealings.

Throughout the episode, there are many twists and turns that keep the viewer guessing. Every time it seems like Endeavour is getting close to solving the case, something else happens that throws him off course. There are plenty of red herrings and false leads, which makes the eventual resolution all the more satisfying.

One of the strengths of Endeavour as a series is its attention to detail. The show is set in the 1960s, and the production team has clearly put a lot of effort into recreating the look and feel of that era. From the costumes to the music, everything feels authentic and immersive. This attention to detail extends to the writing as well - there are many subtle nods to classic detective stories and films that will be appreciated by fans of the genre.

Overall, "Game" is a strong start to the fourth season of Endeavour. It sets up an intriguing mystery, introduces some compelling new characters, and further develops Endeavour's character arc. Fans of the series will not be disappointed, and newcomers may find themselves drawn into the world of the show by this compelling episode.