Hello to all you stars of the Morse universe and welcome to an occasional break from me ranting on and hogging all the limelight. For the first time I am happily posting something by someone else, Cheryl Rampley Hume. I am sure you will enjoy reading the post as much as I did and will give her a huge Morse family welcome. I think most, if not all us, Morse fans will agree with the sentence Cheryl wrote in her post below, “I do not apologize for my affection for a group of people in a made up world, because they communicate to us the reality of hope for us in the real world in finding home.” Well said Cheryl.
So, read on and enjoy.
HOME (season 1 episode 4)
Someone once said home is another word for acceptance. This is not the kind of acceptance that is only the opposite of rejection, but an acceptance that sees and appreciates someone for all they are. I’d like to explore this idea in how it relates to the story played for us in season 1, episode 4, “Home.”
Many elements draw us in to our beloved Endeavor stories; the photography, music, fashions of time and place; and the pitch perfect resonance of characters portrayed by Britain’s gifted actors. But for me the true hook in this story is that it allows us to see our young hero’s absence of a true home and possibilities presented to him to find it elsewhere. The home young Morse once had died with his mother. The awkward relationship with his father is endured but we see its impact. He isn’t welcomed home by his step-mom with much enthusiasm. The scenes with his father are heart breaking because they are so universally representative of families who just can’t receive or give affection. The death of his mom at age 12 wounded the small family and it has never healed. This is again underscored with Joyce and young Morse’s conversation and awkward parting at the train station. Our hearts ache for him.
The phenomenon of how we can become so attached to characters in a make believe world, I believe, is due to the fact that technology allows us to spend much more time with our television families. We feel we know them. It is no surprise that Thursday has become a hero for us because he is the quintessential father. He protects young Morse, sees his gifts, and has deep concern for him. Thursday is home. His family is home for Morse. Thursday is the loving father we can all look up to.
The pen is mightier than the sword because words communicate realities we all experience as human beings. I’m grateful for writers and actors, all artists of any stripe who give their life energy to communicate the reality of the human family. With the heart ache of the loneliness of young Morse, we see the hope of family for him through Thursday. These are the possibilities open for all of us in our realities. I do not apologize for my affection for a group of people in a made up world, because they communicate to us the reality of hope for us in the real world in finding home. I hope our mutual admiration amongst the “Mateys” for the Endeavour family can be a small slice of home for each of us.
Thanks to Christopher Sullivan for allowing me to post my thoughts.
Cheryl Rampley Hume
Beautifully written, and so very true. Though some think Morse is lonesome in his older life, and he may well be sometimes, I also think the home he has made with his music and crosswords and whisky is very cozy and calming. He may not have the traditional wife and children, but honestly his job wouldn’t make that life a very good one. His home comforts and relaxes him so that he may go on with his very difficult job.
Yes, Nan, I think Morse found home/acceptance in his own way. There are many ways to find home even if just within yourself. That may be the most important home. Morse filled up with beauty to face the ugly. Research is showing that singing in choir has health benefits, especially for those with cancer. It strengthens the immune system. I’d love to find a choir to sing in again. Thanks for taking the time to comment. Let’s keep this going.
I like your idea about the father figure as represented by Fred Thursday. But I also think it applies to Lewis as a father figure for James Hathaway even when he tries to convince someone that they are only colleagues. Robbie Lewis and Laura Hobson are a substitute family for Hathaway.
Thanks for sharing your thoughts.
Hi Françoise! I do enjoy the friendship between the three in Lewis. So sweet.
Yes!
Yes, Nan. There are many ways to find home/acceptance even if it is just within yourself. As a matter of fact, that may be the most important home we will find. Research shows that singing in a choir is good for your health. Morse filled up on beauty to face the ugly. We could all learn from that. Thanks so much for taking the time to comment. I look forward to more.