Started so well, but increasingly ridiculous plots. I'm used to that from Midsomer Murders and would be worried if it suddenly got serious. The Morse heritage however suggests complexity and depth. Wonderful actors and obvious hard work from everyone involved to create atmosphere and authenticity. The character development doesn't always ring true however and the red herrings far too obvious and conclusions rather daft.

If you're a Morse fan, this is a must watch for you. Elegantly shot and the 60s recreated in Oxfordshire, never have I seen coppers ( separate from their competence) looking so well put together. The actors have also chemistry, whether it's the superiors-reportee-trainee or father-daughter, lover-colleague's daughter entanglement, this series is just beautiful. Also it showed the evolving morals in those times and that there is an impeccable manner of the young Morse. It is also of note that each episode is not dragging, and the reveal is only until each ending. No spoiler, no predictability, just a good pace of timing and evolving characters in a picturesque backdrop. Definitely a favorite .

Spent the whole last episode - Icarus - thinking definite shades of Unwin, Wittering and Zigo and then read it was definitely an influence. Also very "If........"

I have now got up to date with this series. I have enjoyed over time the other offshoot Lewis but must say that my interest has been mostly in Hathaway and hope that it might continue along that path.This prequel has held me almost in that painful nostalgic way of the times long gone when I was just entering the big peoples world. Often anything from the sixties does that to me as I did cross the shuck from Belfast to be a soldier and spend my first months of finding England through North Yorkshire.This has played out for me so well incorporating no doubt many of the tit-bits that may have been mentioned in the Thaw Morse stories. Morse as the younger cop has shown the qualities that we would like most of our police to have yet we see that his friend who will become his 'bumbling boss' is no stranger to that greasy pole the police are accused of climbing.I have no idea if the next series will be seen by me but I have enjoyed Endeavor more than Lewis or Morse. Of course I do enjoy most of the other crime drama offerings and each main character adds their own personality to the tales. Vera, Foyle, Gently, and yes Barnaby although just accusing EVERYONE and eventually getting it right is hardly criminal science.I am sure some might see imperfections but nothing has spoiled my viewing. Well made and well done to all. Of course Allam has shone brightly. I do not think it is a Maigret thing as such. I just think he is so like Michael Gambon vocally.