Ep 3. Zenana

Endeavour season 7 episode 3 titled "Zenana" follows the Endeavour Morse and his team as they investigate a series of murders that are connected to an Indian restaurant. The restaurant belongs to Jammu Gupta, a wealthy businessman and a respected member of the Indian community in Oxford. He is also a close friend of the Indian High Commissioner and Oxford's Chief Constable.

The case is fraught with complications as the murders are committed in a style that resembles the work of a notorious killer known as the "Oxford Canal Killer" who has been at large for over a decade. Moreover, the victims are all members of the same family and Jammu Gupta is the prime suspect in the eyes of the public.

As Endeavour digs deeper into the case, he discovers a web of secrets and lies that will challenge his perceptions of justice and morality. He must also confront his own biases and prejudices when he is introduced to the zenana, a secluded area of the restaurant where women are not allowed to interact with men outside of their family.

The exploration of the zenana is a particularly intriguing subplot of the episode as it delves into issues of gender, tradition, and cultural clash. The investigation, which is already complicated, becomes even more intricate as the social norms of the zenana make it difficult for the police to access the women who might possess critical information.

As the investigation progresses, it becomes clear that there are political and personal motivations behind the murders. The Indian High Commissioner's role in the case is especially ambiguous, as it is revealed that he has a personal vendetta against Jammu Gupta that runs deep.

As Endeavour unravels the mystery, he begins to see that the case is not simply a matter of solving a string of murders, but rather a battle between different worlds and ideologies. The tension between the British and Indian communities in Oxford adds to the complexity of the case, and Endeavour must navigate these cultural differences with care.

The episode is filled with the classic elements of the Endeavour series, including the sharp detective work, the well-crafted dialogue, and the intricate plot twists. However, the exploration of cultural differences and the role of women in traditional societies adds a new layer of depth to the show.

Overall, "Zenana" is a captivating episode that will keep viewers engaged from start to finish. The case is complex, the characters are well-developed, and the exploration of cultural differences is both engaging and thought-provoking. Fans of the series will not be disappointed with this latest installment and newcomers will find themselves quickly drawn into the world of Endeavour Morse and his team.