Ep 2. Cartouche

Endeavour season 5 episode 2, titled Cartouche, opens with the discovery of a body in the Oxford Canal. As the investigation gets underway, Detective Endeavour Morse (played by Shaun Evans) finds himself drawn into a world of secret societies, coded messages, and ancient Egyptian artifacts.

The victim, a young man named Marcus Xerxes, appears to have been a member of the "Order of the Golden Dawn," a mysterious group that mixes elements of the occult, Freemasonry, and ancient mythology. Morse and his colleagues begin to unravel a tangle of clues and red herrings, following leads that take them from Oxford’s dreaming spires to the seedier corners of the city's underworld.

Along the way, they encounter a cast of shadowy characters, including a wealthy art collector, a glamorous femme fatale, and a spurned lover seeking revenge. Perhaps the most enigmatic figure of all is a man known simply as "Cartouche," who seems to be pulling the strings behind the scenes.

As the investigation intensifies, Morse becomes increasingly obsessed with unraveling the mysteries of the Order. He pores over books on alchemy, deciphers cryptic texts, and seeks guidance from a grizzled antiquities dealer. Meanwhile, his relationships with his colleagues are put to the test, as tensions simmer over past conflicts and perceived slights.

The tension mounts as the investigation heads towards a dramatic climax, with Morse risking life and limb to uncover the truth behind the Order and its connection to the murder. In the end, he is forced to confront his own demons and make a choice that will have profound implications for his future.

Cartouche offers a compelling blend of mystery, intrigue, and historical esoterica. Its plot is heavily influenced by the legacy of the Golden Dawn and other secret societies that flourished in Victorian England, as well as by the symbolism and mythology of ancient Egypt. With its atmospheric cinematography, evocative soundtrack, and strong performances from the cast, the episode is a standout installment in the Endeavour series.