A TV survivor ends a 26-season stay

The TV world has plenty of shows that vanish in an instant.
Paula Poundstone’s variety show lasted two episodes; the Osbournes’ variety show lasted one. Brian Bosworth and Glenn Frey had detective shows that each lasted one. “Turn-On” lasted one … but a Cleveland station dropped it after the first commercial break.
Given that, we should pause to admire “Endeavour” (shown here). When it ends its run (9-11 p.m. Sunday, July 2, on PBS), it will be part of a 26-season stretch.
Yes, there were gaps here; we’re talking three different shows, stretched over 36 years. And some of the seasons were tiny; this last one has only three, movie-length episodes.
Still, it’s a tribute in longevity. “Inspector Morse” went nine seasons; when its star (John Thaw) stepped down, Morse’s colleague was promoted and we had nine seasons of “Inspector Lewis.” Then came nine more, this time a prequel; we saw Endeavour Morse as a young police detective.
This final season has found Morse even more despondent than usual. His lone romance – with the daughter of his police mentor, Fred Thursday – crumbled. As he returned from alcohol rehab, he learned she’s marrying his colleague.
Thursday (shown here with Morse) has also been grimmer than usual. His son, an ex-soldier, has been distant; there’s also something else that viewers (and Morse) don’t quite understand.
Most of that is settled in the final episode – a good one despite some flaws:
— There are two false notes in the final minutes. One is a gunshot-sound that is meaningless; the other has one person handing another some money (we won’t be more specific) much later than it would logically happen.
— And the main case is, as usual, solved way too conveniently, complete with gushing confession.
Still, that leaves much more time for FredThursday’s story, which is a good one. By the end of the episode, viewers can sense genuine emotion from two stoic men. After 26 seasons, that’s enough,