Endeavour, Series 1
by Russell Lewis (ITV, 2012-2013)
Four feature-length mysteries (plus pilot episode) establishing the young Inspector Morse as a detective constable in 1960s Oxford. Morse is not yet especially redolent of his older self but Shaun Evans excels with a very expressive line in facially portrayed inner monologues.
George Gently, Series 6
(BBC, 2014)
Six series have taken Inspector Gently and DS Bacchus through to 1969 (with backdrops such as urban renewal and mine closure), their dynamic becoming less edgy but given an extra dimension now by the introduction of WPC Coles across four murder investigations.
George Gently, Series 1
(BBC, 2007-2008)
A serious police drama in three feature-length episodes, notable for its 1960s North-East English setting as much as the criminal investigations depicted. Martin Shaw and Lee Ingleby strike up an immediate and singular dynamic as the eponymous Inspector and his impetuous DS.