Endeavour returned to our screens last night for the first episode of series five. Newly promoted Detective Sergeant Endeavour Morse tackled a good old Oxford mystery, with a number of dons losing their lives at the hands of a mystery killer.

There was also a posthumous cameo from Colin Dexter, who regularly appeared in Inspector Morse and Lewis as well as earlier series of Endeavour. This series is the first since he died last year.

thisisoxfordshire:

Colin Dexter makes an appearance in the 'Oxford Mail'. Pic: ITV.

We wrap up five talking points from the first episode:

1- What is going to happen in Morse's love life?

Any fan of Colin Dexter's novels or the original Morse series will know that the temperamental sleuth is rather unlucky in love. In series four his marriage proposal to Joan Thursday fell flat, but now she is back in Oxford might there still be a possibility for romance to blossom between them? 

On the other hand WPC Shirley Trewlove may catch Morse's eye, after all she did give him a red rose in last night's episode (in a strictly professional capacity of course).

thisisoxfordshire:

Morse and WPC Trewlove share a moment together in the great hall of Exeter College. Pic: ITV.

2- What will the creation of the new Thames Valley Constabulary have in store for Morse?

The episode began with a plaque bearing the crest of the new force being unveiled at Morse's station. But as DCI Fred Thursday points out, it is unusual for one station to have two detective sergeants. Now that DC George Fancy has arrived on the scene are Morse's days at Cowley CID numbered? 

thisisoxfordshire:

DCI Thursday and Superintendent Bright examine a model of the 'new' Thames Valley Constabulary headquarters to be built at Kidlington. Pic: ITV

3- How will DC Fancy fit into the team?

It's fair to say that the newest addition to Cowley CID did not make the best impression on Morse. While DCI Thursday was more positive, a typically grumpy Morse seemed rather put out by the arrival of the new officer. WPC Trewlove also wasn't impressed by his attempted flirting. Will he grow into the role and ultimately become a popular officer in the mould of DS Jakes from earlier series, or will he continue to rub Morse up the wrong way?

thisisoxfordshire:

DC George Fancy. Pic: ITV.

4- What does Joan's return mean for Thursday?

Last night's interactions between father and daughter showed that, despite Joan's return to Oxford, things are still frosty between the pair. Thursday was visibly put out by Joan's decision to take a flat in Park Town with her friends, especially when he saw the problems other young women in the episode were facing. Joan's relationship with her father may prove critical to Thursday's career, and Morse's position as his sergeant.

thisisoxfordshire:

Joan and her father have a frosty exchange outside her flat. Pic: ITV.

5- Will Morse's friendship with DS Strange survive? 

Perhaps not the most pressing concern, but now that Morse and Strange have moved in together, will they manage to continue to be friends. If Strange keeps slurping his tea, then perhaps not. On the other hand, it's only for a year to allow them both to save up for a place of their own. Years later, we know that Strange and Morse have a combative but strong relationship as DCI and Chief Superintendent respectively. Perhaps their time together will reveal more about their later interactions.

thisisoxfordshire:

Strange settles into life living with Morse. Pic: ITV.

Plus... 

Did you spot the Oxford Mail's small role in last night's episode?

thisisoxfordshire: Leading the news agenda in 1968. Pic: ITV.