Endeavour Series V: Cast Interviews - Shaun Evans

From the Endeavour V Press Pack

Filming for this new series started just after the death of Morse creator Colin Dexter. He must be much missed?
“It was very sad to lose him. But Colin was still in our thoughts as we made this series. We want to try and stay as true to his original vision as possible while also taking it in new directions.

“There was something brilliant about having Colin on hand. When we first started he’d go through all of the scripts with a fine-tooth comb, not unlike myself. And he wasn’t backward in coming forward about expressing his opinions. We were very fortunate to have that.”

There are six feature length films in this series, which makes it the longest to date. What does that mean in terms of the story?
“It gives the writer and, therefore, the cast and production the opportunity to tell the story over a longer period of time. To look at it more fully and really have a trajectory for those at the police station and for the other characters as well.

“You really see what’s going on and don’t feel as obliged to shoehorn bits of character stuff around the plot. Six films gives you breathing space to do a little bit more with that.”

Is it fair to say there is a sense of endings and new beginnings in this series?
“That’s absolutely right. There is a sense of endings and new beginnings. We’re now in 1968 and Oxford City Police is going to be amalgamated as part of Thames Valley Police. So Cowley Police station, as we know it, is threatened with closure when all of the officers would go off in separate directions.

“There are also changes in the wider world. 1968 was such a fertile year for that. There are so many relevancesto today as well.”

Where do we find Endeavour Morse when we return to his world?
“He’s finally been promoted but he is dissatisfied. It hasn’t been anything he thought it would be. There’s a line Morse says to Dorothea Frazil, ‘It’s just the same but more work.’ Belligerent to the end. Morse asks a lot of himself and also of others. He has high expectations.

“He’s living with DS Jim Strange. It’s a terrific idea and gives so much to play with. There’s something rather funny about Morse sharing with Strange.”

How would you describe the relationship between Morse and DCI Fred Thursday in this series?
“With the new rank there’s new responsibilities for Endeavour. So he’s less in Thursday’s pocket and we, sadly, don’t spend as much time together. But that relationship is still, I think, the lynchpin of the whole story. Thursday is such an experienced police officer and a very clever man.

“Morse is a reluctant mentor himself, at least initially, to a new character DC George Fancy. That’s part of his new job after promotion.”

Does this series reveal more about Morse and his relationships with the opposite sex?
“There’s a little bit of action. Not before time, if you ask me. It’s interesting as well. It shows you another side of the character. He is a young man in 1968.

“Joan Thursday is still part of the story. His involvement with other women is a subconscious knee-jerk reaction to the history between him and Joan. He’s trying to find his place in the world and who he’s going to spend it with. “His relationships with other women show a slightly more rounded version of the character. I think it’s OK to surprise people.”

One character tells Endeavour he would be a spectator at his own funeral. What do they mean?
“That’s about getting involved. Sometimes your intellect can stop you doing things. That’s how I take what she is saying. That it takes bravery to get involved and be open.”

What happens when the Robbery Squad arrive at Cowley Police station to take part in a joint investigation?
“That really signals how things are changing. They say they are the future and Oxford City Police is the past. It’s quite brutal. Old style policing versus the future. They come in and shake things up.”

Endeavour returns to London in one of the new stories. Where did you film?
“We filmed outside the Albert Hall and at a tube station. It was great to film scenes in London. All of the work we do is location based. So each time it changes. It’s not the first time we’ve filmed in London but it was really interesting to be at the Albert Hall.”

Some viewers have become fascinated by the contents of the sandwiches Win Thursday makes for her husband Fred Did that come as a surprise to the cast?
“I didn’t know the sandwiches had such a following. That’s really funny. But I’m delighted the audience gets so involved in it. It just shows how much they care about the show.”

How do you reflect on the fact the audience really do love this series?
“It’s testimony to all of the people who make Endeavour, the writer Russell Lewis and all of the actors involved. Also the producers, directors, costume, make up and the guest artists. Everyone brings their top game to Endeavour. We’re very lucky. I’m glad people love it because that’s our intention.”

What is the future for Endeavour?
“This series definitely sets up more for a return. There are lots of questions to answer, but there are lots of factors involved so you just take this job one day at a time.

“I’ve been very lucky to play this role. I’m amazed we’ve done so many so far. I feel very grateful that Endeavour is still popular and doing well. I’m also very grateful to have the opportunity to work with some incredible people.

​“We’ve made six feature length films this time and kept the quality of the work up. That, in itself, is cause for celebration. If we’re lucky enough to do some more, and we all want to, that’s great. But, if not, we’re all very proud of the series.”