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Column: There’s never been a TV detective quite like ‘Vera’

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Column: There's never been a TV detective quite like 'Vera'

Among numerous British police dramas featuring persistent detectives exploring windswept moors, dense forests, and muddy farms to encounter desperate criminals near cliffs (and many exist), ITV’s “Vera,” accessible on BritBox, stands out as one of the finest.

Let’s toast, whether it’s a drink or a sandwich, in heartfelt goodbye. On Wednesday, American viewers will have to bid adieu to Vera Stanhope, the Detective Chief Inspector of Northumberland Police Department, a character who stands out as exceptional amidst the array of peculiar police detectives that British television offers annually.

Due to her unique combination of being both rotund and formidable, as well as her profoundly human qualities.

For 14 seasons, Brenda Blethyn, who has been nominated for an Oscar, has consistently worn Vera’s dull brown trench coat, wrinkled beanie hat, and ever-present scarf. She then climbs into a very old Land Rover to traverse some crime scene or another, grilling the coroner about the time and manner of death before exclaiming, “Hurry up, dear.

Vera seems to be found in various food items such as potato chips, crisps, cookies, and sometimes even sips whiskey from a teacup. She often consumes her meals in her car and often dozes off while wearing her clothes (and even on chairs). However, she always takes care to elevate her delicate feet for her sergeant to put on the protective booties at a crime scene, and never neglects to inquire about the well-being of those affected.

After urging her team to perform their duties, she frequently forgoes the tradition of celebrating resolved cases to offer practical aid to the bereaved partner or displaced parent instead, consolingly saying, “You’ll get through this, dear,” before departing alone.

She often uses “Pet” and “Love” as affectionate terms, be it soothing a nervous witness, standing firm against an intrusive lawyer, or interrogating a stubborn suspect, even when the latter might already have the required information.

Vera isn’t some sort of intuitive or deductive genius, but rather an exceptional detective who consistently urges her sometimes overworked team to thoroughly examine every banking record and verify each statement.

Vera has a sharp, discerning gaze and emits a surprising, girly chuckle. She’s known for being crabby, quick-tempered, highly secretive, deliberately untidy, and absolutely magnificent.

Television

Moving from the humor of physical comedy to the aloof sophistication, British TV offers a comforting distraction during difficult periods, not forgetting the charming variety of accents it presents.

According to Ann Cleeves’ books, which also serve as inspiration for the more somber, thoughtful series “Shetland,” “Vera” is a crime drama that focuses more on intellect rather than violence or disturbing themes. The murders occur off-screen and the storylines frequently take unexpected twists, often hinging on minor details such as a type of flower, an old photograph, or a historical miners’ strike.

Filled with lively pubs, imposing manors, secluded farmhouses, and a constant stream of vibrant local personalities (each with their distinctive Geordie accents), the show “Vera” is reminiscent of a comforting murder-mystery meal, much like a hearty Shepherd’s Pie – it offers unexpected twists but maintains a sense of familiarity.

However, Vera is much more complex than she appears, and it’s not only due to Blethyn’s ability to portray her as a character who exudes both messiness and meticulousness, grumpiness and compassion.

Beneath the unusual hat and disheveled hair lies a top-tier female police detective, embodying the sexual revolution within detective series that started in America with “Police Woman,” grew with “Prime Suspect,” “Cagney and Lacey,” and “Law & Order: SVU” (to name a few), and has since produced shows like “Happy Valley” and “Mare of Easttown.

In 2011, when the show initially aired, the actress portraying Vera was already past middle age (she was 64 at the time). Remarkably, just like her character, the real-life Vera has persevered through changes as significant as a revolution. The series frequently highlights and the finale emphasizes this point, noting that Vera became part of the police force during an era when women were scarce. She faced skepticism, ridicule, and harassment that often comes with being one of the pioneers, yet she stood firm in her convictions.

Vera’s wisdom and experience are primarily implied rather than explicitly stated, making it all the more impactful. She’s neither resentful nor petty, instead, her age and life experiences have made her wise enough to not tolerate ignorance. Why should she? The only thing left for her to prove is who the murderer is.

Vera, who isn’t married and doesn’t have children, doesn’t spend time longing for what she might be missing or fall into the existential crises that frequently afflict older male investigators. Instead, she derives immense joy from maintaining order in her jurisdiction, helping those in need, and apprehending wrongdoers.

She undoubtedly has her own struggles, yet they are unique and captivating, unlike the typical ghosts that haunt a police officer. Unlike some characters with troubled pasts, she doesn’t carry baggage such as an upset spouse, a distant child, hidden vices like addiction, or scandals long buried. Instead, her upbringing was marked by rural seclusion, having been raised by her father Hector, a bird poacher and ornithologist who made his young daughter, Vera, assist him in his illicit activities after their shared loss – the death of her mother when she was still a child.

I haven’t encountered a TV character who seems genuinely troubled by their parents’ illegal bird hunting activities.

Column: There's never been a TV detective quite like 'Vera'

Television

Even though it’s sunny outdoors, the year 2022 seems to be shrouded in darkness and grime. When you need some respite, here are numerous television series that can serve as your escape.

[Or]

Though the day is bright, the world of 2022 feels dark and grimy. Whenever you need a break, these many TV shows will provide an escape for you.

In the initial season, we encounter Vera at a time when Hector has recently passed away. This leaves Vera in a position where she compels her superior officer, Joe Ashworth (David Leon), to scatter Hector’s remains. A significant part of her emotional arc revolves around confronting her past memories and acknowledging that self-reliance doesn’t necessarily mean maintaining distance from colleagues, even those at work.

Additionally, she instills in her team that women’s care isn’t solely expressed through gentle words and compliments.

Over time, the team associated with that show has undergone numerous changes. Some coroners have left and new ones have taken their place, such as Sarah Kameela Impey from “We Are Lady Parts”. Similarly, various detective constables have come and gone, including Bethany Whelan played by Cush Jumbo. Det. Sgt. Aiden Healy (Kenny Doughty) replaced Ashworth in Season 5 but returned in Season 13. The only constant throughout the series has been the ever-good-natured Det. Constable Kenny Lockhart (Jon Morrison), who’s been there to endure Vera’s jabs since the beginning.

Well, Kenny and the hills, moors, forests, cliffs and beaches of Northumberland.

Vera’s surroundings reflect her unique character, much like how a Mac, hat, and Land Rover do for her. The diverse beauty of her environment matches her own intrigue, which is why productions such as “Downton Abbey,” “Harry Potter,” and “Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves” chose Northumberland to film scenes, though none embraced it as fully as “Vera.” Despite the gloomy skies, each episode leaves you yearning to explore Newcastle-Upon-Tyne, where the show is set, and visit places like Lindisfarne Island, Alnmouth and Amble, Corbridge, Hadrian’s Wall – all gems of Northumberland.

It’s worth mentioning that guided tours around the location are accessible; however, it should be noted that the Dark Wives or the three standing stones prominently displayed in the final episode aren’t natural formations – they were constructed specifically for filming purposes.

Naturally, the conclusion (without spoilers) emphasizes all the elements that made “Vera” a long-running hit for ITV: the enchantment of the scenery, the strength of the team, the delight in uncovering truths about who’s lying and who’s not, and ultimately solving the mystery.

In this scenario, Vera is the one who steps in amidst conflicts and resolutions, predominantly found hurrying about in her worn-out coat and aged vehicle. Her task? To unravel mysteries, turn the tide, and offer assistance to those in need – all for the last time.

You’ll be all right now, pet. Not sure about us.

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2025-01-09 14:34

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