Thanks for all of the info, w2w. I'm so happy the show will continue! Fortunately the writing of Season 8, Episode 1 seemed tighter and more focused than last season, which was a relief. And it all started off with a shocking bang, literally. More later...

Spoiler alert!

Did I miss something in the premier (likely) about Endeavour's eventual transfer to a different precinct, as alluded to (I think) in Season 7? It seemed to me the crew were all carrying on as usual, albeit with a bit of aforementioned strain between Thursday and Morse. Still, I thought they got on well-enough, with no apparent hard feelings. Thursday maintained his usual fatherly regard and concern for his partner, who seems rudderless and lonely in his personal life, drinking too much, etc.

Considering the blurbs posted by w2w and contrary to what was stated about him "struggling with the loss" of Violetta, the previous season's love interest, Morse nevertheless seemed to me to harbor lingering feelings for Joan Thursday. Their encounter was awkward in a way indicative of rejection and hurt feelings. Wait until he finds out she has a date with Strange! Anyway, the characterization of Morse - gradually progressing to the ultimate point of curmudgeonly loner - seems well on its way and well done.

The episode presented us with another oily villain, portrayed by Joseph Millson, a favorite of mine. He does arrogance so well! Woe to the perp like him who thinks he can out-smart Morse. It turned out technology (an audio cassette) foiled the culprits, a prescient plot point. That the don didn't think to erase incriminating dialogue was explained by his earlier admission of being absent-minded. I'm going to watch the episode again, mainly to check out the fashion show. 1970s styles and silhouettes never seem to die, as they've been revived so often as to have become classic. These were the clothes I grew up in and still admire - back in the days when we dressed up for nearly every occasion - and before the aberration of 1980s' big shoulders and big hair. Don't get me started about what constitutes fashion statements today...

Due to the prospect of romance between Joan Thursday and Jim Strange, I tried - but failed - to find out if during the Inspector Morse series, Strange's wife's first name was ever revealed. It would've been quite something to discover her name was Joan, revealing an astonishing bit of plot planning by the writer Russell Lewis if so. No matter though, because in any case it seems Endeavour's feelings for her will remain unrequited, which may be a major basis for the loneliness of his later life. Other paramours notwithstanding, Joan more than anyone represents The One That Got Away.

In the course of searching, it seems a number of fans have been upset about the pairing of Joan and Jim - enough to be the topic of news reports! But Sean Rigby's significant weight loss, apparent this season, may be of even greater interest. Good for him - he definitely looks better.

Episode 3, "Scherzo", was terrific. I thought it was a bit odd though that Chief Superintendent Bright was so unbothered upon discovering his art class model was a porn star. Just a typical world-weary cop???

@merryapril said:

Due to the prospect of romance between Joan Thursday and Jim Strange, I tried - but failed - to find out if during the Inspector Morse series, Strange's wife's first name was ever revealed. It would've been quite something to discover her name was Joan, revealing an astonishing bit of plot planning by the writer Russell Lewis if so. No matter though, because in any case it seems Endeavour's feelings for her will remain unrequited, which may be a major basis for the loneliness of his later life. Other paramours notwithstanding, Joan more than anyone represents The One That Got Away.

In the course of searching, it seems a number of fans have been upset about the pairing of Joan and Jim - enough to be the topic of news reports! But Sean Rigby's significant weight loss, apparent this season, may be of even greater interest. Good for him - he definitely looks better.

Episode 3, "Scherzo", was terrific. I thought it was a bit odd though that Chief Superintendent Bright was so unbothered upon discovering his art class model was a porn star. Just a typical world-weary cop???

Here's one of the many articles about his weight loss. Most do NOT say why & what kind of diet & exercise program he went on (if he did). It's also been a while since he lost the weight, there are articles from back in September of last year referring to it & lots about whether or not he was ill? But that's the UK tabloids?

https://houseandwhips.com/sean-rigby-weight-loss/

First of all, I meant Episode 2, not 3. And after watching it again last night I can understand why Bright was shown to be sympathetic to the porn star, as the way he interacted with her coupled with Thursday's comments to Morse at the very end apparently meant to show their ability, even after years of police work, to nevertheless feel compassion -- in contrast to their younger colleague who's well on his way to hardened cynicism.

I can't recall Morse's stepmother's other appearance in the show but she was in season 1, I guess in the episode when his father died. The acrimony between stepmother and son was especially keen this time but I don't remember if it was as bad in the past. Yowza. It was surprising to me that after their bitter quarreling she bothered to leave the note with her new address. While she's definitely no Shrinking Violet, she must have some sympathetic feelings for Endeavour to have done so. Although, I confess it first occurred to me upon seeing her new address that it could turn out to be a crime scene in a future episode...

bratface, thanks for the link. I think Sean Rigby's weight loss helps the plot point of Jim Strange and Joan Thursday possibly becoming an item, as he's definitely more attractive than before. So I wonder if that's a reason why he slimmed down?

Great season, I only wish it would've gone on longer! The finale had me on the edge of my seat, with its Agatha Christie And Then There Were None vibe at the abandoned hotel site.

Winifred Thursday's outburst was understandable -- Northern Ireland was a treacherous post for a Brit soldier in that period, so her anxiety about son Sam was justified.

I don't see why the show can't go on for a few more seasons - time doesn't have to advance quickly.