CODA: A concluding event, remark, or section. Origin: Mid 18th century: Italian, from Latin cauda ‘tail’. (OED definition)
Well, here we are at the final post on the connections between Endeavour and the Morse and Lewis series’. All good things must come to an end but hopefully you will enjoy the forthcoming posts I have planned.
Before I continue I would just like to write that I have added a new ‘page’ at the top of the blog alongside ‘About me’, ‘About this blog’ etc. That new page is a contact form. So if there is something you would rather convey to me personally rather than using the public comments section at the end of each post please use the contact form.
Meanwhile, back to the matter at hand. Not only the final episode of the current series of Endeavour but the last post on the subject of connections.
As always let’s start with the man who made the Endeavour series possible,
Russell Lewis who wrote and devised the Endeavour series.
He has also written the following Lewis episodes;
Lewis (TV Series) (screenplay – 4 episodes, 2010 – 2012) (story – 1 episode, 2006)
– Fearful Symmetry (2012) … (screenplay)
– Old, Unhappy, Far Off Things (2011) … (screenplay)
– Falling Darkness (2010) … (screenplay)
– The Dead of Winter (2010) … (screenplay)
– Reputation (2006) … (story)
He also wrote the Morse episode, ‘The Way Through the Woods’.
CHARACTERS
So apart from the usual suspects, Max De Bryn who plays the pathologist and James Strange the DS there is a character who appeared in this episode who also appeared in an episode of Morse; Jerome Hogg.
Richard Pearson as Jerome Hogg in the Morse episode, Greeks Bearing Gifts (Series 5, Episode 4)
Kevin Trainor as Jerome Hogg in the Endeavour episode Coda (Series 3, Episode 4)
Of course we have a few other characters who were either shown briefly or only mentioned in the original Morse series; Peter Matthews and Kenny Stone.
Tom Mothersdale as Peter Matthews in the episode Coda.
The Peter Matthews character was mentioned in the Morse episode, Promised Land. In fact, like this episode, Promised Land began with a funeral, but it was that of Peter Matthews. Peter had died of AIDS in prison.
The character of Kenny Stone is also mentioned in this episode but only seen in a film shot by the police.
The character of Kenny Stone also turns up in Promised Land but he is never actually seen. In Promised Land Kenny Stone and his family were given new identities and moved to Australia. In Promised Land Kenny Stone was referred to as a ‘supergrass’ having given evidence but why would he need to give evidence when it should have been a airtight case if this Endeavour episode is to be believed. The only unknown was who shot the police officer while sitting in the getaway vehicle.
Tommy Thompson in the Morse episode Promised Land.
Jimmy Walker as Tommy Thompson in Coda.
Now strangely in the Morse episode, Morse states that Peter Matthews was driving the car but not necessarily the one who pulled the trigger on the gun that killed the officer. But in this episode Peter Matthews is INSIDE the bank and not the getaway driver. It’s possible I am missing some information that makes sense of it.
Also in the Promised Land episode we see Bernie Waters at the funeral.
Unknown actor as Bernie Waters in Promised Land.
Bronson Webb as Bernie Waters in Coda.
At the funeral in Coda we see some young children so one has to assume that one of those children is Peter Matthews’ brother Paul Matthews who goes to Australia in the Promised Land episode to kill Kenny Stone.
Con O’Neill as Paul Matthews in the Morse episode, Promised Land.
Actors who appeared in the Endeavour Series 3, Episode 4, Coda and/or Morse or Lewis.
First up is the above mentioned Bronson Webb as Bernie Waters.
Bronson Webb as Bernie Waters in Coda.
Bronson Webb as Silas Whittaker in the Lewis episode, Fearful Symmetry. (Series 6, Episode 3)
Coincidentally, Con O’Neill who played Paul Matthews in the Morse episode, Promised Land, also turns up in the Lewis episode, Fearful Symmetry.
Con O’Neill as Dr. Bob Massey in the Lewis episode, Fearful Symmetry.
MUSIC
The first piece of music is played at the beginning of the episode; Rachmaninoff’s Prelude Op. 3 No. 2 in C# Minor.
Next up is played at 14 minutes and 25 seconds; Debussy’s String Quartet in G Minor.
The Debussy piece was also used in the Morse episode, A Way Through the Woods and the episode was coincidentally written by Russell Lewis.
LITERARY REFERENCES
At 15 minutes and 23 seconds Endeavour, on hearing a clock chime, says to
Felix Lorimer “The chimes at midnight”. This is a quote from Shakespeare’s Henry IV Part 2. It is said by Falstaff to Shallow, “We have heard the chimes at midnight, Master Shallow“.
At 21 minutes and 56 seconds Endeavour says to Lorimer,
“Like innocence and hope for all mankind, I number it now among the lostings”. This sounds almost Shakespearian but for the life of me I can’t pin it down.
In the back of Cedric Clissold’s car Endeavour and Trewlove find ‘Stag’ films. Hold on I hear you say, I thought this was the literary section? It is and here is the literary references: two films are mentioned, Hedda Gobbler and Moaning becomes Electra. Hedda Gobbler is a reference to Hedda Gabler a play written by Norwegian playwright Henrik Ibsen. Moaning becomes Electra is a reference to Mourning Becomes Electra a play by the American Eugene O’Neill. As Endeavour quips to Truelove, “Only in Oxford”.
FILM REFERENCES
As in the previous episode Prey this episode references Clint Eastwood’s Dirty Harry character. Endeavour claims that Cole Matthews has shot six bullets not five because he lost count in all the excitement. As Cole is dragged away he shouts out to Endeavour and Thursday that he has to know, was it six or five shots he fired.
WHERE’S COLIN?
I don’t know is the honest answer. I just can’t find him in this episode. Of course if any of you out there do spot him let me know.
MISCELLANEOUS
At around 40 minutes when Endeavour bumps into Jeremy Hogg at the university, Jeremy says goodbye to a chap who he was talking to and says to Endeavour, “I think he prefers oysters even with all my blandishments”. Snails or Oysters? This is a question regarding one’s sexual orientation, male (snails) or female (oysters). This question was famously used in the Stanley Kubrick film, Spartacus. The scene this phrase is used within wasn’t used in the original cut but was included in the later, director’s cut. It is said to the Tony Curtis character by Lawrence Olivier.
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In the Endeavour episode when Thursday and Strange return to the station after the funeral, Endeavour asks how it went. Thursday replies,
“You know what they say about funerals. There’s always someone catches their death“.
This exact phrase is used by Chief Constable Strange to Lewis in the Promised Land episode of the original Morse series at 5 minutes and 45 seconds.
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At 12 minutes and 30 seconds into the Coda episode Max DeBryn tells Endeavour he heard that he had sat his sergeant’s exam. Max goes onto to say, “Not going to be room for two sergeants at Cowley“. So if this is true does that mean we won’t be seeing DS Strange any more as I’m assuming Endeavour won’t be moved to a different station.
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When Endeavour is asked to call into the bank to discuss his overdraft the manager mentions that Endeavour has written cheques to a G. Morse and a bookmaker called Robie. G. Morse is we can assume Gwen Morse, Endeavour’s step mother. Are the cheques to a bookmaker Endeavour paying off his father’s debts?
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It would appear that the poster behind Endeavour alludes to a real place. James Asman’s shop near Leicester Square has now sadly closed down.
So, all you lovely people we come to the end of posts about connections of Endeavour to Lewis and/or Morse. But, the posts will restart once the new series starts in January 2017. I hope you have all enjoyed this series of posts and going by many of your comments, you have. Thank you all for taking the time to read and participate in my blog. Until the next post, take care.
Chrisxxxxx
Thank you, Chris! I don’t know how you do this. 🙂
A lot of grit, determination and strong black coffee. 😉
Hi Chris, great blog post as usual. My assumption after seeing the episode was that this bank raid was not the same as the one referenced in Promised Land.
Thank you Mark, I’m glad you are enjoying my blog. Regarding the bank raid, I’m assuming that since the characters names are all those used in Promised Land that they are referring to the same robbery. The timeline does also suit as the bank raid took place in 1967 and Peter Matthews died in 1990/1991. So, Peter’s sentence for armed robbery and the killing of the bank teller would be at least 25 years. However, there are a few inconsistencies that that make me think that the writer Russell Lewis used the characters but decided not to adhere to the Promised Land storyline in its entirety. Thanks for commenting Mark.
We’re absolutely astonished and very very touched ’cause is the end; but nit for ever. We, MOrses, Lewis, endeavour’s fans will pursue to mantain these all characters so much alive for us, our relatives, friends and in my own case to all my children ( three girls and one boy) all of them young adult peole, whom had been watching and enyoing this Mom’s fan attitude since ever. My best regrads to you and, of course God Blessed you¡¡¡¡
Thank you Maria and I hope you continue to enjoy my blog.
Quite apart from the Dirty Harry tribute there seems to be a nod to Die Hard with Joan Thursday taking the Mrs McLane role (trying not to let on she’s related to a cop) and her cocky young colleague thinking he can negotiate with the robbers and coming to a sticky end. Although it might be my over active imagination !
Anyhow another great post Chris.
Thanks
Hi Edward. That is an interesting comment about the Die Hard connection. To be honest Russell Lewis the writer of the series makes frequent allusions to films that it wouldn’t surprise me if the Die Hard connection was done purposefully.
Put together, “innocence”, “mankind” and “lost” (“lost things”, not “lostings”) sound Miltonic, but the matter-of-fact and personal way in which Endeavour speaks the line doesn’t suggest that it’s an allusion he’s recalling. I think that he’s simply dismissing the thought of a university degree as something now lost, “like innocence and hope for all mankind” (doesn’t the older Endeavour normally look at the ceiling, close his eyes, and stress most syllables when reciting a famous quote, esp. when it’s verse? 🤓).
First, I do so enjoy this blog. Mighty fine work you’ve put in.
Second, thank you for all the connections to “Inspector Morse” and “Inspector Lewis” (as PBS called the series in the United States). I find these the most enjoyable bits of information, as it ties the universe together.
Finally, I believe that the best way for Series Four of “Endeavour” to deal with the series, knowing what we know about the future, etc., is this:
(1) Oxford City Police and Oxford County Police become Thames Valley Police.
(2) After the Blenheim Vale business at County, and the larger department, this will allow two “sets” of detectives, i.e. two Detective Inspectors, two detective sergeants (and maybe even a detective constable or two).
(3) Thus, DI Thursday remains with DS Strange as his bagman; DI McNutt is finally revealed with DS Morse as his bagman. The four work together or separately on cases, etc.
My two cents.
Hi Gene.Thank you for your knid comments. I think you are absolutely correct in the way series 4 should proceed. It would certainly, as you wrote, allow Strange to still be a part of the series and allow the introduction of McNutt.
So delightful to read all these connections! Thank you
You’re welcome and thank you for commenting.
Hi! Enjoying your blog. I wanted to mention a film reference that I noticed. Not sure if it’s just me but the relationship between Endeavour and the professor’s wife was very similar to the one in the movie Vertigo by Hitchcock. ****spolier alert***** their hair color is very similar, the way they put it up is similar as well. Both Endeavour and James Steward’s character were asked to follow these women but were deceived by them. What do you think?
Hi Karl. Firstly, I love your choice of film reference. Hitchcock is one of my all time favourite directors and Vertigo one of my all time favourite films. I certainly think you are on to something especially as it a rather subtle reference. Knowing the writer Russell Lewis’s penchant for referencing TV and film it wouldn’t surprise me if you are correct. Well spotted Karl.
ABSOLUTELY; the thought struck me immediately when Nina was revealed during the house visit!
I’m wondering if Colin Dexter wasn’t in Coda. I just rewatched Coda and then, as always, came to read your wonderful blog post on it. You mention not being able to find Mr. Dexter. So I went back and watched again in 10 second intervals, still no Colin Dexter. We know for sure he isn’t in season 4 because of his health. My theory is he was already not doing well when they were filming Coda, but writers hadn’t come up with the catchy photo or bust or such to represent him. Just a thought, but I can’t find him either!
I was just watching “the Promised Land” made in 1991.The story goes that Peter Matthews died after 10 years in prison so that would make it 1981.I have also watched the Endeavour CODA episode and it appears to be pre 1981.There seems to be a discrepancy.
Thursday’s sage advice to Truelove from his Sergeant, is a reference to Terry Pratchett’s Discworld. Sgt. Sam Vimes (later Sir Sam Vimes) starts his career as a copper at Cable St. Nick.
The reference to Vimes goes even deeper than a passing reference. In the novel Night Watch Vimes has to teach his younger self (time travel!) the rules of good coppering as he learned them from his own mentor (his own Thursday, in other words). Deeply important to Vimes is not crossing the line into being a bad copper just because he is angry or because he believes the criminal deserves what’s coming to him–the exact situation Thursday is in as he is tempted to shoot the bank robber. Morse tries to convince him not to cross the line just as Vimes’ mentor had told him and as he is telling his younger self. Morse is therefore trying to teach Thursday to be a good cop just as Thursday has taught Morse to be a good cop, in different ways. Russell Lewis must be a real Terry Pratchett fan!
A Cable Street-like situation involving barricades makes up the plot of Night Watch, so the reference to Cable Street is a double one; the real Cable Street and the Cable Street riots mentioned in Night Watch.
Chris this might seem a ridiculous question but I have just bought the entire endeavour, morse and Lewis sets to give to someone for Christmas who has never seen any of the shows but was educated at Oxford. Should I suggest he watch Endeavour first them Morse then Lewis or watch 1 Morse, 2, Lewis, 3 Endeavour ?
Hi Lenore. It certainly isn’t a ridiculous question but it is a difficult one. There are arguments to be made for watching the series in all its six possible variations. However, watching Endeavour first would allow your friend to see Morse in his formative police years but maybe more importantly when watching the original Morse series next he would be able to notice the references and characters from the Endeavour series. (Though of course in reality the Endeavour series was referencing the original series but it can work both ways). Lewis has to be the final series to watch. I envy your friend being able to watch the all series for the first time. I hope that helps.
I’m a bit late, but I think Colin Dexter can be seen (very vaguely!) in the bar, behind Nina at 37,31 minutes.
Thanks Matta, I will have a look when I get a moment.
Well Matta, I cannot decide if it is him or not. The ‘man’ is so out of focus that it makes a determination almost impossible. But it could well be.
Chris:
Love your blog and have never commented before, but is it possible that we are seeing the back of Colin Dexter’s head while he is playing the cello at about 14m25s during the string quartet where Endeavor reacquaints himself with Doctor Lorimer? May be my imagination, but seems to be the only sighting I can find which might be Colin in the episode. Sorry to butt in, but I’m only a recent arrival to the Morse universe.
Hello Albert and welcome. I think the Dexter possible cameo was mentioned before and I believe I wasn’t convinced. But…. Don’t apologise for butting in. The comments section is for all visitors. I hope you find plenty of things to enjoy on my website.
Wondering if the Mathews’ brothers got out of jail for the original bank robbery and then did another robbery. The “friend” that dies….could it be Thursday in this potential upcoming robbery?
There was a third “stag” film mentioned in “Coda” – “Mucky Beth.” That one made me laugh out loud !
My wife and I have had our time in Covid lockdown brightened by watching re-runs of the three series on local live TV in Australia . Last night was Endeavour ep. Coda . It has always been my favourite Endeavour, and close to best of all the series . The plot, the writing and references , and the glorious acting are close to sublime . When Endeavour plays the next to final scene with Joan as she leaves , the acting is magnificent . The emotion wrought in Endeavour , and us in our lounge room was very real . Then the final scene outside Thursday’s home sets up the ongoing relationship as young Morse follows Thursday into his home . When friends ask me about Endeavour , is it worth watching? etc , I usually point them to Coda .
I have been watching the early series of Endeavour for the first time with the Twitch group, so have been trying to avoid coming here prior to that for fear of spoilers. Great to find this post on Coda as I knew you hadn’t done a full review yet.
While watching the post-bank robbery shootout I had a sudden realization of where I had seen the Bernie Waters character. Of course as you note here the same actor played Silas Whittaker in the Lewis episode Fearful Symmetry (screenplay Russell Lewis). Struck me when Endeavour said to Thursday ‘We hold the line.’ In Fearful Symmetry, Silas Whittaker said to Hathaway re: a character in a graphic novel ‘I hold the line. I am the line.’
And for the trifecta…in ITV’s Great Characters promo ‘The Patriarch’, Roger Allum (a thinly disguised Fred Thursday) says ‘You’ll always find me at the front line. I am the line.’
Love finding these little treasures, they’re what turn sequels/prequels into a universe.
You said “Now strangely in the Morse episode, Morse states that Peter Matthews was driving the car but not necessarily the one who pulled the trigger on the gun that killed the officer. But in this episode Peter Matthews is INSIDE the bank and not the getaway driver. ”
My understanding of the Morse episode is that Morse was told by Kenny Stone that Peter Matthews was the driver in order to fit him up for his molesting of Stone’s wife. And that the driver was in fact the big villain’s son-in-law.
Hi Dave and welcome to my website. The bank robbery portrayed in the Endeavour episode and the portrayed in the Morse episode are two different bank robberies.
The name of the bank manager in this episode, Howard Fordyce, is a reference to Peter Cushing’s bank manager character, Harry Fordyce, in the Hammer thriller CASH ON DEMAND (1961).
Which episode?
Howard Fordyce is the bank manager in the episode CODA.
Thank you Sheldon.
Fordyce is the bank manager in CODA.
Thank you Patty.
For most of the episode I was thinking that it was building up to Fred Thursday retiring due to ill-health (with his cough getting worse) or because of the complaints about irregularities, but then he miraculously coughed out the bullet and recovered. I haven’t looked ahead to see how many episodes he was in or how long he stayed in the series.