‘Perhaps the end of the beginning’ for Endeavour

Filming has begun on the third series of ITV and Mammoth Screen’s drama Endeavour, starring Shaun Evans.

The Inspector Morse prequel returns for 4 x 120 minute films, written once again by Russell Lewis (Lewis, Inspector Morse), with Colin Dexter continuing to act as as a consultant.

After the shocking and tragic events at the end of series 2, falsely accused Endeavour Morse (Evans) was last seen isolated and alone languishing in prison, framed for the murder of Chief Constable Rupert Standish. Endeavour had unearthed corruption at the very heart of the City Force but his investigation had taken a sinister twist.

Meanwhile, Endeavour’s senior officer, DI Fred Thursday’s (Roger Allam), life was hanging in the balance after being shot in the chest.

Set in 1967, the first of the new stories follows the murder of bus conductress Jeannie Hearne on the night she visited the local fairground. With the backdrop of the fun fair the investigation begins…

Writer Russell Lewis says: “1967 is for Endeavour ‘perhaps the end of the beginning.’ Change is abroad in the world and not even the city of dreaming spires can escape its influence. Change for Endeavour, and those most dear to him – personally and professionally. Departures and arrivals. Entrances and exits. Our next quartet of mysteries will take the audience on a psychedelic Summer of Love fairground ride, filled with twists and turns, shrieks and scares. In particular, one encounter at a certain stately home will echo down the years, and have consequences that not even Endeavour Morse could have foreseen. The only constant is death… And Green Shield Stamps.”

Reprising their roles will be Jack Laskey, Sean Rigby, Anton Lesser, James Bradshaw and Abigail Thaw.