I love mysteries, and I love a good detective story, and luckily for me, there is a BritBox app that delivers the most delicious selections of crime. My favorite is the cantankerous Detective Chief Inspector Vera Stanhope, played perfectly my actress Brenda Blethyn.
VERA
Vera is based on the Vera Stanhope novels written by Ann Cleeves. Vera (Brenda Blethyn) knows her job, and we spot this on the first episode, but Vera can be a royal pain in the ass as she constantly reminds her frustrated staff of their little mistakes. Her keen eye, and sharp tongue usually singles out DS Joe Ashworth (David Leon), and DC Kenny Lockhart (Jon Morrison), but surprisingly it’s the coroner, Dr. Billy Cartwright (Paul Ritter) who knows how to successfully yank her chain.
The series began in 2011 and ran until January 2025. I have watched episodes here and there, but this is the first time that I am immersing myself completely in this well-done crime drama. The series is filmed in some beautiful countryside like Newcastle upon Tyne and throughout Northumberland, with scenes from Vera’s farmhouse being shot on the Snook, part of Holy Island. I mention the scenery because it really does add to the mystery of each episode, as do the rather unique murders that take place in the show.
Brenda Blethyn’s Vera is not what you’d expect as the lead of any type of detective series, especially after being raised on American detective shows, but here she is in her frumpy clothes, her worn-out raincoat and hat, and a jeep that is held together by spit and probably lamb shit. But this messy character is what makes the show work. We don’t have to deal with flirtations or love scenes that are shuffled in between crime scenes. We get a female detective who reminds me of a cross between Columbo and Monk: Messy, Critical, Smart.
The show works because the script centers around crime and the solving of the crime. Vera, we learn over the seasons, had a tough childhood, but she still has a soft spot for the victims…although she is tough as nails with her staff. I am surprised that they haven’t killed her yet…lol…especially Kenny (Jon Morrison).
Conclusion
Every night, after climbing into bed, I watch another episode of Vera. There is something very peaceful and mystical about the English countryside and the beautiful and rugged coastline of the moorlands. I can almost imagine a Knight in full armour riding out to greet Vera as she drives that old car back to her farm.
Vera works because it not only deals with the crime, but the family, the community and a devoted staff that has Vera’s back even when she belittles their mistakes. Vera especially works for me because even though it’s about murder, the series has a way of relaxing my mind from the horrors that are taking place here in the United States right now. At night, while snuggled in bed, I have a good 90 minutes where I am not stressing over the next horrid act committed by a leader of the free world.
No matter where you call home, you all need to watch Vera on BritBox and Acorn.
