Can't tell you the amount of joy felt hearing that 'Endeavour' was going to return. Have loved the series since it first started, and have always felt that it goes wonderfully with both 'Inspector Morse' (one of my all-time favourites) and 'Lewis' (also really like it, if not as much and more the earlier seasons than the later ones). It is a prequel series that treats 'Inspector Morse' with immense respect and love while with enough of its own style to set it apart and not be too derivative.
So far, Season 6 has been very interesting and mostly solid with many exceptional qualities and a lot to recommend. Although this is probably not a popular opinion, for me there has yet to be a "bad" episode of 'Endeavour', although am aware that a few have been divisive, all ranging from solid to outstanding. At the same time, there has been a personal feeling of slight disappointment with Season 6 compared to the first three seasons especially, the cases not being as strong or focused and the atmosphere not quite as evocative. Had reservations with the season's first episode "Pylon", but found it a promising start with a lot to like about it as well, reasons that are pretty much the same as all the previous episodes especially the production values and acting.
"Apollo" is interesting for being directed by 'Endeavour' star Shaun Evans, although this is his first time directing an 'Endeavour' episode he has done he has had experience directing three episodes of 'Casualty'. This experience does come through, but this time with the darker and more melancholic approach Season 6 has so far shown Evans' directing definitely feels a lot more mature here. Generally he acquits himself well, with some nice touches throughout, visually and dramatically. As an episode, "Apollo" felt a step down from "Pylon" and, although still a well above average episode, it to me was lesser 'Endeavour' and had more room to be much better.
Thought that "Pylon" could have done better with its storytelling and been more consistent. Feel the same about "Apollo" and actually more so. The story here would have benefitted from having fewer characters, not as much going on and things gone into more depth, because some of it did feel over-complicated to the point of causing confusion. Also thought more thought could have gone into the denouement, which could have been explained with more clarity and felt less rushed. Credit is due that it is more surprising than that of "Pylon's".
Despite appreciation for Led Zeppelin and "Whole Lotta Love" is fun, again their inclusion on the soundtrack felt like a strange out of place one that was at odds with the style and mood of the episode's story. Personal opinion of course.
On the other hand, "Apollo" scores highly in many areas. Nothing can be faulted with the production values. It is exquisitely filmed, muted in use of colour yet never cheap as it is a perfect look for a mystery/thriller set in post-war Britain, and the idyllic and atmospheric setting is beautifully evoked. There is something very nostalgic and charming about the atmospherically evoked 1960s period detail and the Thunderbirds puppetry (the visual standout here) was superbly rendered and really took me back. As always, the rest of the music is hauntingly beautiful with the way it's utilised never in question, the iconic 'Inspector Morse' theme will forever be immortal and it has always been a genius move to use it for 'Endeavour'. The writing is intelligent and thought-provoking, with some nice tension and moments of welcome and not jarring levity. The academic wine and cheese line was priceless. The story did have its merits in way of mood and characterisation.
The dark elegiac atmosphere carries over from "Pylon" here and it is effective, the slow-burning tension and poignancy too, even if the subject matter isn't as bold this time. Really like the effort to make Strange more interesting all the time and Bright has nice moments too. Personally thought the dramatic highlight, was the beautifully acted and directed scene between Thursday and Bright, the scene was not a large one but it definitely made its mark because of those reasons and its melancholic edge. As ever, the chemistry/dynamic between Morse and Thursday really shines. The main cast are on top form. Shaun Evans' Morse is ever charismatic and committed that shows loyalty to the incomparable one of John Thaw in 'Inspector Morse' while not making it too faithful that it becomes an impersonation. Roger Allam is on usual wonderful form, being both firm and sympathetic and wholly succeeding in making Thursday interesting. Anton Lesser also does a lot with Bright, while Simon Harrison does capably, if not always subtly, as Box, and not making him pantomimic while making it clear that he is not a character to get on the wrong side of.
In summary, well above average but considering that 'Endeavour' has shown frequently a significantly better standard than that it disappointed somewhat. Did have serious problems with it, but cannot bring myself to hate it because there is a lot done right. 7/10
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