Uniform – The episode opens with a skit on Detective Superintendent Jolyon Jolliphant/Kenny (Kevin McNally). Frederick Mulcaster (Jake Kenny-Bryne) rums up votes for Raphael “Raph” Damon (Milo McKenzie). In a time jump, Raph dresses for a formal event hosted by the Debonairs. An artist sketches in the square. Frederick warns of what will happen if Raph doesn’t win the vote. A masquerade mask and brass knuckles appear on the screen.

A group of men wearing masks beat a homeless man, Hugh Sellers. DS Endeavour Morse (Shaun Evans) studies invoices and other documents for Landesman Construction. Brenda Lewis’ 1963 missing person case is stamped “Closed.”

DS Jim Strange (Sean Rigby) tells DCI Fred Thursday (Roger Allam) and Morse that the homeless man was discovered after 6. Dr. Max Debryn (James Bradshaw) says the victim was stabbed with a broken bottle. A burnt 20-pound note is discovered next to the body.

Brass knuckles sit in a bowl of bloody water. Frederick bangs cymbals together before announcing Raph won the election.

Fred informs Chief Superintendent Reginald Bright (Anton Lesser) of the dosser’s murder. Bright gives a rundown of recent crimes in Oxford. Fred informs him of his decision to apply for the Carshall superintendent position. In a graveyard, Sam Thursday (Jack Bannon) guzzles a bottle of alcohol. Morse investigates the crime scene when a woman approaches. He later tells Fred that the woman describes the suspects as “devils, in the shape of men,” similar to that of Fred Astaire. She identifies the victim as “Hugh.” Fred warns that vagrants make “unreliable witnesses” before suggesting talking to Ronnie Box (Simon Harrison) again.

Holding out a newspaper featuring Sellers’ murder, Archibald “Archie” Ormsby-Gore (Bill Skinner) suggests relaxing their crime spree. Frederick assures him that the police won’t invest too much time investigating the murder of a “filthy old man.” Raph suggests he is becoming afraid. Archie denies the allegations.

Dr. Debryn says Sellers’ jugular vein and carotid artery were punctured with the jagged end of a broken bottle. He tells Morse and Fred that there were about four assailants involved in the murder. Searching through Sellers assets, Fred discovers a wedding band and photos of children. A beret validates the victim is a vet.

Freya Baynard (Ayesha Antoine) tells Morse that her father, Paul Baynard that her father never returned home last night. She says Paul is an illustrator. He explains the requirements for being declared missing. Pulling back a tarp, Archie exposed a red car with a damaged front bumper. Morse discovers a puddle of blood on the roadway and a headlight in the brush.

Thames Valley Police Castle Gate Police Station – Bright announces the potential murder of a police officer. He orders the detectives to produce a suspect within 24 hours if foul play is validated. Dr. Debryn investigates the officer’s death when Fred, Morse, and DS Jim Strange (Sean Rigby) arrive at the scene. He says the evidence points to a fall at 12:05am. He points out the victim’s broken fingernails. They do not recognize the victim’s collar number, CM-824. Morse discovers an empty “Old Soldiers” pack, cigarette butts, and a condom wrapper. He identifies the abandoned building as being a popular rendezvous spot. Strange says the abandoned vehicle belongs to Lady Mayoress. Morse removes an Oxford City Public Library novel, “Just for Joy” by Ken Finn from underneath the vehicle.

Librarian Miss Hatch (Shaheen Khan) informs Morse of David Astin (Michael Keane) being the last patron to check out the novel.

Mr. Cheeky’s Joke Shop – Morse informs a clerk of David Astin’s death. The man believes his brother Ray Astin is playing a trick on him because he is David Astin. Four men wearing masks and Revolutionary War uniforms walk down the street. Fred tells Bright that the victim, Raymond Swann has a role, PC Constable Banks, in the “Jolly for Short” “Repeats” film. David claims to have not used his library card since he was a child. He says Raymond Swann is really Raymond Astin. He lives in Jericho and drives a Fiat.

Producer, Mike Gatwood (Paul Bazely) claims Raymond spent most of his time off-set and rode the minibus to the studio with Kenny. He invites them to meet the cast and crew at the Poor Moor Hall tomorrow. Morse discovers a “Pay Dead” ticket stub in Raymond’s wallet and several Kent Finn novels in his Fiat.

Fred and Win Thursday (Caroline O’Neill) have dinner with Strange and Joan Thursday (Sara Vickers). When Strange brings up Lady Mayoress’ stolen vehicle, Win gives him a stern look. Sam arrives home intoxicated. Fred helps him to his feet.

Pool Motor Hall – Richard/DI Chance (Leo Staar) informs Fred and Morse of vagrants causing a stir at the catering truck. Ted/Sergeant Wilkins (Richard Hope) produces a pack of “Old Soldiers” cigarettes during his interview. He tells them that he is being cut from the film.

Two fishermen discover Paul Baynard’s body in the water. Dr. Debryn explains his injuries, none of which point to drowning. Morse asks if the injuries may be consistent with a collision. He says Freya claims to have last seen him riding his motorcycle. He discovers a piece of white mask in the brush. Freya tells Morse that her mum committed suicide. They briefly discuss the buildings Paul embedded into the background of his art. She claims Paul feared someone was after him. Morse studies Paul’s “The Downspout Club” membership card. While scanning the membership book, he discovers several familiar names – Chief Constable Clive Deare and Josiah “Joe” Landesman.

Morse suggests Paul Baynard was saying something through his artwork. He says there is nowhere in the “Jolly Bad Business” novel that resembles the Blenheim Vale Boys Home. Fred questions why Paul embedded it into his art. Morse suggests he had information about Peter Williams and Brenda Lewis. He stresses the importance of getting excavators and dogs out to the location. Fred warns they will never get it approved. Morse says Paul joined “The Downspout Club” in 1963. He adds other connections to Blenheim Vale were also members. Fred assures him that no one would be that blatant. Morse points out that Paul’s 1964 “Just for Jolly” and “Jolly Bad Business” illustrations featured Brenda Lewis, mother of murder victim, Andrew Lewis. Fred informs him of his decision to transfer to Carshall after Joan and Sam are married.

Ace Private Inquires – Ronnie Box (Simon Harrison) tells Fred and Morse that Andrew Lewis is a former client. Morse asks if he investigated The Downspout Club. Ronnie says Joe Landesman was a member. Morse suggests there is a connection between Brenda Lewis and Paul Baynard. Ronnie claims Mickey Flood was caught up in a criminal enterprise with a London connection.

Joan admits to feeling safe with Strange. Sam asks if it is love before reminding her of life being short. She later invites Morse to meet her at “The Eagle and Child” for a drink. Ronnie is burning a document when he hears a noise. Several gunshots can be heard inside his office. The next morning, Morse is at the Blenheim Vale Boys Home with a bulldozer. Bright is looking at an India tourist brochure when he receives a call. Upon arriving at the scene, Bright announcesa suspension order from the Division but agrees to permit the excavation to move forward until the end of the day. Fred asks if he has thought it through. Bright admits to making several grave mistakes that he will not repeat. Strange warns Morse that he has committed himself to an irreversible action. Morse assures him that evidence is buried there.

Mr. Cheeky’s Joke Shop – David claims a posh student rented uniforms and purchased masks from his shop. He tells Fred and Morse that the costumes were returned on Tuesday in deplorable condition, several shirts were covered in blood. He gives them an invitation from the Debonairs with “Ormsby Gore” printed on it. They confront Raph, Reginald, and Henry Brockhurst (Todd Bell) about their findings. Archie boasts about his father being a member of the Cabinet and the Chief Constable shoots on Shifford Estate. Morse points out that Paul’s body was discovered on the Ormsby-Gore land. Frederick warns it won’t end well for him when the officers arrive with evidence.

Morse and Fred tell Bright that evidence puts Raph, Frederick, Henry, and Archie at three crime scenes. Strange announces the excavation team has reported a development at Blenheim Vale.

The Eagle And Child – Joan arrives to meet Morse. Dr. Beryn informs Morse that the body is that of a man who was shot in the head. He suggests the body was put there between five and 10 years ago. He tells him that his findings validate Paul was still alive when his assailant(s) placed him in the water. Frederick admits they roughed Hugh up but denies killing him. Driving to meet Joan, Morris is pulled over by Uniform Adams and Uniform Stevens (Laurence Spellman). Claiming his car has a busted taillight, Stevens smashes it with his baton. He accuses Morse of drinking which he readily denies. Stevens gives him a breathalyzer. When Morse recognizes Stevens, he punches him. He issues a warning before driving away. Morse arrives at the pub to find Joan left.

Raph claims Henry was driving the stolen vehicle they accidentally hit Paul. He says Archie suggested dumping Paul’s body on his family’s estate. Fred informs Archie of the masks found at the crime scenes. Strange asks about his relationship with Swann. Archie admits to getting rid of the stolen car but denies any involvement in Raymond’s murder.

Dorothea Frazil (Abigail Thaw) informs Morse that Kenneth changed his name to ensure he wouldn’t be confused for Peter Sellers, Hugh Sellers’ brother. Peter claims Hugh recognized him after he and several other vagrants scavenged the food bin.  He says Hugh asked him for 100 pounds. He admits to being more concerned about the press finding out his brother is homeless. They arranged a meeting place where he discovered Hugh had been beaten. Morse tells him that he could have called an ambulance. Peter alleges Raymond tried to blackmail him after seeing him and Hugh together. In a flashback, Peter throws Raymond off one of the upper floors of the factory.

Strange announces the excavation team discovered another body at Blenheim Vale. Dr. Beryn says the bones are that of a female between 20 and 50 years old. The victim was shot execution-style in the back of the head. Morse suggests it is Brenda Lewis. Dr. Beryn tells him that the male victim has been identified as Josiah Landesman. Bright says the Division cannot be permitted to bury the Blenheim Vale crime again. Morse informs Fred of his encounter with Stevens and Adams. He suggests relocating Strange to keep Joan safe.

Ronnie calls Fred to tell him about the unexpected visitor after they left his office. He assures him that it is bigger than “Jago and the Four Winds.” He warns him that anyone involved will not survive. Fred says they can’t drop it when Union Air Flight 714 to Johannesburg is announced.

Morse opens the door to see Peter Jakes (Jack Laskey) standing there as the episode ends.

 

Endeavour Review

The pacing is too slow and episode long-drawn-out. There is no doubt, viewers will surely lose interest before the halfway point. Scenes share similarities and others add nothing to the story. New crimes and characters are constantly added to the point of being bloated.

As the set is in the 60s and 70s, some actors are miscast. While diversity is crucial, the obvious is difficult to ignore. The acting is superb as always. A 4-part 45-minute series would have made for better TV.

The episode deserves 6.5. Get more Endeavour recaps here. Support Reel Mockery by clicking the link. Ask about our onsite advertising to build your brand awareness in Britain, the United States, Canada, and Australia.