THE STORY
In June 1859 the body of a young married woman was found by the Oxford Canal. In the present day, whilst recovering from an operation, Morse becomes engrossed in a book on the murder. Morse becomes convinced that the wrong men were convicted and goes about proving it.

(Source: DVD cover)

BRIEF SUMMARY by Elaine H.
While attending a lecture in Oxford, Inspector Morse (John Thaw) collapses and is taken to the hospital where he awaits the word on his condition from the Consultant, Mr. Benfield (Philip Quast).

Dignified, but with a slightly dry wit, (is that a twinkle we see in his eye?) Mr. Benfield informs the irascible Morse of his chances for survival if he does not give up his favorite beverage - booze! Morse is stunned by the revelation that he must change his lifestyle of heavy drinking; but his ever-active mind keeps him from completely resting, for while he is confined, he decides to disprove the conclusions to an Oxford 'Canal Murder' of 1859.

Morse harasses everyone he can to help him find the evidence to the murder, but underneath he is very concerned for his own health, for it is difficult for him to realize what is happening to him. He refuses to give up or give in to the persuasion that he retire.

Philip as the Consultant who confronts Morse -- no easy task here! -- is firm with the ever-crusty Inspector and in a rather amusing scene when he has to perform a biopsy on Morse, he shows him who is boss!

Morse does 'solve' the murder case to his satisfaction, but his health is still the issue and he wrestles with the unthinkable idea that this may well be his last case. In the touching ending a sympathetic Mr. Benfield decusses briefly what will no doubt be the end of Endeavour Morse's long and amazing career as Chief Inspector of the Thames Valley Police.

Detailed synopsis ('The Wench is Dead' microsite)