Shaun Evans’ Melancholy Take on Endeavour’s Conclusion

Shaun Evans, renowned for his role as Endeavour Morse in the acclaimed series “Endeavour,” has shared his thoughts on the character’s conclusion and his perspective on Morse’s future. “Endeavour” wrapped up in 2023, but Evans suggests the detective’s journey ahead might be less than rosy.

In a recent discussion, Evans, who is set to appear alongside Anna Maxwell-Martin in ITV’s upcoming show “Before I Kill You,” reflected on the ending of “Endeavour” and its connection to the original “Morse” series that portrays the detective in his older years. He pondered, “We know he does continue, but what shape does the next few years take? And I imagine they’d be pretty depressing.”

He continued, “So I don’t think he is okay. But I also think life’s messy, innit? Life is that way. Sometimes you have moments of real joy and happiness, and then others of not. And I think that’s where we live. And in a way, I think that’s why I feel proud.” Evans seems to imply that the character’s future, though assured, might be filled with sorrow and hardship.

The narrative involving Morse and Joan Thursday, characterized by their unresolved romantic tension, ends with Joan marrying another man, leaving Morse alone. Shaun elaborated, “Do I wish that he would’ve ended up with Joan? Would that have even brought him happiness? I mean—at least this is my interpretation of it—I don’t think that even that would’ve brought him happiness. It may have brought him happiness in the short term, but then what?”

He added, “I think there’s something kind of perfect about the glimmer of hope. Oh, had it worked out, that could have been a wonderful thing. But actually, would it have been a wonderful thing? I don’t know. Do you know what I mean? Because if it would’ve, why didn’t he do it?” This sentiment underscores the idea that Morse’s perceived happiness might have been fleeting and perhaps illusory.

As Evans transitions to his new role in “Before I Kill You,” where he portrays real-life serial killer John Sweeney, the actor shared his enthusiasm for the project. Speaking to ITV, he mentioned, “I’ve previously worked with World Productions and ITV separately, so I’m looking forward to joining forces to tell this story. A story that is quite rightly told through the victim’s lens, Delia.”

Praising the new series, he added, “We have an excellent script from Nick Stevens and I couldn’t be more delighted to work with Anna.” This project promises a gripping narrative, viewed through a new, victim-centered perspective, which Evans seems keen to explore.

The new series has already debuted in several regions, including Canada, receiving positive feedback from viewers. One social media user commented, “Such a good series! Well written and brilliantly acted. Don’t miss it!”

Audiences in the UK eager to watch “Before I Kill You” will need to wait a bit longer. ITV has confirmed that the series will premiere in Autumn 2024. Until then, fans can only speculate about the intense and thrilling journey that awaits.