Wow, wonder2wonder, you ARE a wonder. I don't recall the scene you quoted in which Morse's first name was revealed, so my [wrong] guess (in reply to genplant29) would've been that we never learned it during the Inspector Morse series. Was that the only time it was mentioned?

While you were at it, you cleared up my question about whether or not he was a regular or cryptic crossword aficionado. Thanks!!!

@merryapril said:

While you were at it, you cleared up my question about whether or not he was a regular or cryptic crossword aficionado. Thanks!!!

I've added an extra remark to my side notes that may clarify a bit more the choice of the name Morse.

I recorded Deguello earlier and just now had a chance to watch it. Brilliant! I think it is the best episode of all six seasons!! I'm sure my comments don't need a SPOILER ALERT on this thread. I hope!!

The scene where Bright, Thursday, and Strange arrive to help Morse rescue the M.E. reminds me so much of Tombstone, where the Earps and Doc Holliday approach the OK Corral. Almost the same scenario.

But I do have questions. With ACC Bottoms taking retirement, Bright said he is taking overall command of Castle Gate. What is that? Will he still be in Morse's (et al) chain of command? Maybe with a promotion to ACC or Chief Constable?

@lima-2 said:

Will he [Bright] still be in Morse's (et al) chain of command? Maybe with a promotion to ACC or Chief Constable?

That's pretty much the conclusion I reached. I was (mainly because I'm newish to the series, therefore never have actually been entirely clear on specific positions, or various characters' ranking in pecking order) a little unclear on the particulars of that portion of the end of the episode.

Thanks, genplant29! I never watched the original source series, Inspector Morse. Well, that's not true. I tried and didn't care much for it. But I did look into its cast, just to see if any charcaters crossed over. I know Strange eventually moves into Bright's position as Chief Super, over Morse. Didn't see Thursday or Bright, probably long gone by then. I always liked Bright's character ever since the escaped tiger incident.

Hi, lima!

I like Bright a whole lot, in fact think he's perhaps my fave character on the series.

The only two Morse characters that I had been aware crossed over to the Lewis series (that carried things in the opposite direction than does Endeavour) are Morse's assistant (the spin-off's title character) Robbie Lewis and forensics pathologist Dr. Laura Hobson - who eventually, late in the spin-off, winds up Robbie's wife.

As entirely different characters than in the original (the Morse) series, I know that quite a number of guest "stars" appeared in both series. I believe that various of the same actors/actresses may have also appeared on Endeavour - again as different characters.

Between that combination of three series, it's been like a Who's Who of the UK's best t.v. character actors of recent decades. Always is neat spotting familiar faces!

Re-watched Deguello once more. Such a good episode! Not re-hashing my favorite scenes, but now I really am puzzled. In the last scene, before everyone walks out, Strange answers his phone, "Castle Gate CID." While Morse answers his, "Thames Valley." Any enlightenment would be appreciated. Thanks!

@lima-2 said:

Re-watched Deguello once more. Such a good episode! Not re-hashing my favorite scenes, but now I really am puzzled. In the last scene, before everyone walks out, Strange answers his phone, "Castle Gate CID." While Morse answers his, "Thames Valley." Any enlightenment would be appreciated. Thanks!

As you know, Castle Gate Station is one of the police stations of the Thames Valley Constabulary (later named Thames Valley Police).

If one wants to be complete, in this scene, one could answer the phone with: "Castle Gate Police Station, Thames Valley Constabulary, Criminal Investigation Department."

Strange and Endeavour answered the phone in their own way. Strange, with the name of the station and department, and Endeavour with the name of the police force, which, by the way, is the largest non-metropolitan police force in England and Wales.

Thanks wonder2wonder. No, I did not know the difference between Castle Gate and Thames Valley. Your reply also shed light on my original post, above, from July 24 of this year. Bright's statement from this episode makes much more sense to me , now, and answered some lingering questions. Thanks too for the information about the relative size of the police forces.

@lima-2 said:

Thanks wonder2wonder. No, I did not know the difference between Castle Gate and Thames Valley. Your reply also shed light on my original post, above, from July 24 of this year. Bright's statement from this episode makes much more sense to me , now, and answered some lingering questions. Thanks too for the information about the relative size of the police forces.

You're welcome. As I've seen "Inspector Morse (1987-2000)", the name of Thames Valley Police has popped up often enough.

I like British detective series and after a while you get accustomed to things like location, ranks and procedures. So I usually don't pay much attention to it anymore. It's then just the case and some light humour that makes it an enjoyable evening of telly.

For example in "Endeavour (2012-)", I always wait to see if there's a scene where Endeavour will guess what sandwich Fred is eating.

I'm re-watching the show from the beginning and I've just started a thread with questions about one of the early episodes, Trove, Season 2, Ep. 1 (in which Endeavour does indeed guess what kind of sandwich Thursday's ready to eat). I wonder, wonder2wonder, if you would check it out since you're so knowledgeable about Morse trivia and details?

@merryapril said:

I'm re-watching the show from the beginning and I've just started a thread with questions about one of the early episodes, Trove, Season 2, Ep. 1 (in which Endeavour does indeed guess what kind of sandwich Thursday's ready to eat). I wonder, wonder2wonder, if you would check it out since you're so knowledgeable about Morse trivia and details?

Here is an article you might find interesting? As for your question, it was 'Ham & Tomato'.

https://morseandlewisandendeavour.com/2016/01/28/endeavour-di-fred-thursdays-sandwiches/

Actually at the end of Trove, the sandwich in question was luncheon meat, and so according to your link bratface, it must've been a Tuesday!

Wow bratface, that link is invaluable. The blog's author has an encyclopedic knowledge about all things Morse! Thanks for bringing it to our attention!

You are welcome.

Some people consider 'sliced ham' a luncheon meat.