'Masterpiece' inspects 'Morse' prequel

Shaun Evans stars in PBS' 'Endeavour' episode, which will air in 2012.PBS anthology "Masterpiece Mystery" will air a prequel to "Inspector Morse," with Shaun Evans playing the title character.The single-episode "Endeavour," a reference to Morse's first name, will air on PBS in 2012 to mark the 25th anniversary of the "Morse" premiere (written by Anthony Minghella). ITV1 will also air the prequel in the U.K."Inspector Morse was one of my favorite detectives," said "Masterpiece" exec producer Rebecca Eaton. "Shaun Evans has a similar depth and quiet charm. I can't wait to see his Endeavour."In all, 33 previous installments of "Morse," with John Thaw starring, have been made. All but five aired from 1987-93, with nearly annual specials following from 1995-2000. Thaw passed away in 2002.The prequel will be set in 1965 and takes place in Oxford, the setting for current spinoff series "Inspector Lewis," which will have four new episodes on "Masterpiece" beginning Sept. 4. Russell Lewis, creator of the spinoff, is writing "Endeavour."Novelist Colin Dexter created the Morse character. Michele Buck and Damien Timmer of Mammoth Screen are exec producing "Endeavour," with ITV Studios and Masterpiece co-producing. Contact Jon Weisman at jon.weisman@variety.com