Season 7 brought the series into the 1970's with a string of murders and a thematic focus on women's rights, bringing the historic Women's Liberation Movement conference into the story. Looking forward, season 8 will likely latch onto a historical moment of its chosen year — most likely 1971 or 1972 — to incorporate into the story surrounding Morse and his colleagues.
Lewis said to RadioTimes he's "unhealthily obsessed with that early 70s aesthetic" including "the jump to decimalization and intimations of our joining the European Community." For those who aren't British, 1971's Decimal Day marks when Britain switched over their currency to a base 10 system — effectively turning Britain's notorious great train robbery into a pointless endeavor. Lewis also said there will be plenty of Easter Eggs and references to era-relevant media in season 8: "I'm glad to report that there is a fair bit of that type of mischief waiting in the wings [for series eight]. A little more sunshine across the board. Heaven knows we'll all be ready for it by then."
Ultimately, however, he knows where the story is going. Endeavour is a prequel, so fans can count on the story inching its way closer to the Morse of Inspector Morse. Lewis said in August 2020, "Everything is in the planning stage. We know the cards that remain in our hand, and it's very much a case of arranging the order in which they're played in order to bring about the desired 'grand slam.'"
