The Lasting Appeal of Chief Inspector Morse

Inspector Endeavour Morse, created by novelist Colin Dexter (who like Alfred Hitchcock, always made a silent cameo appearance in each episode), was an Oxford-based fictional detective, known for his intelligence and quirks.

Morse stands out from most detectives because he often lets his emotions guide him. Born into a Quaker family (hence his hidden first name – Quakers often call children after aspirations – Hope, Faith, Charity etc), he became the most popular TV detective in the 1990s.

He loves opera, enjoys crossword puzzles, and rarely shares much about his past. These layers give him depth and make him hard to pin down, adding to his appeal. He never marries, but is a hopeless romantic.

The Inspector Morse TV series first aired on ITV in 1987, running for thirty-three episodes until 2000. John Thaw played Morse, capturing the detective’s mix of prickliness and humanity.

Handsome John Thaw looked older than he was due to his white hair (he was 44 when filming began, and only 60 when he died).

When the series ended, John refused the offer of the famed red Jaguar, saying ‘it was too slow and terrible to drive!’

Shows like these, prove that kindness sells (think of Sir David Attenborough’s shows). Real talent and personality – means bullying, nastiness, ghosting and gossip are never needed, to entertain.

Once upon a time, we solved crime with a brain and a notebook. These days it’s pie charts and a notebook. The romance is gone. Chief Inspector Morse