I must admit I love British murder mysteries and Vera is definitely one I enjoy a lot, let me tell you a little bit about it.
Press Release photo (itv.om) adapted by Louanne Cox using Canva |
DCI Vera Stanhope is a middle-aged, blunt-talking woman with a brusque attitude who gets things done. Donning a trench coat, tatty hat and driving her (very old) landrover around the wonderful landscape of Northumberland she hasn't been portrayed as a sex symbol and there's no love interest in the cast. Basically, her team feels like 'real' people which means you can concentrate on the crime at hand and trying to solve it .... along with the panoramic shots of the area (British tourism must appreciate this series).
I love her down-to-earth mannerisms, her use of the words love and pet just really consolidates her character. She gets frustrated with her team on occasion, but you can tell they have respect for her and the unit is very cohesive.
I haven't watched Vera from the beginning, I stumbled across it one evening as it was about to start so watched it, then I found another episode a few weeks later. It was a few seasons in before I started to watch every episode, I have since watched older episodes so I think I'm completely up to date now and eagerly awaiting Season 11 to be aired.
I mention this because you could easily watch just an odd episode and enjoy it without needing to start from the beginning. In fact, some critics have panned the first series (even though it continually ranks well in the countries it's shown) so maybe it was good that I saw a couple of later episodes first.
If you are like me and get invested in characters you will get a shock in one of the episodes in season 6 (I won't ruin it by telling you which one) as something happens which almost made me cry. For the record, I rarely cry over television shows or movies.
If you have heard of the novelist Ann Cleaves you may have heard of Vera as this drama series has been based on her novels: Hidden Depths, Telling Tales, The Crow Trap and Silent Voices.
If you want to watch Vera you can see her for free on the ITV in the UK and ABC in Australia, you can also watch her on Prime Video in other parts of the world or purchase her DVDs. Each series has four episodes in them, but according to the latest information Series 11 which is being filmed as I write this should be having 6 episodes, two being filmed in 2021 and four in 2022.
If you enjoy series such as Broadchurch, The Stranger, Endeavour or Shetland (also written by Ann Cleaves) then you should really check out this series.
Sounds really interesting, Lou. My daughter and son-in-law love British mysteries and this looks like it would fit right into that category. Fascinating review. Thank you for the introduction to Vera.
ReplyDeleteAwesome! I am ready for a new TV series to watch. I like to have them playing while I am working on bookkeeping stuff or other mundane things online. They keep me working without being bored out of my skull. Thank you so much for this review and recommendation. I'm sure I will love Vera, Pet!
ReplyDeleteMy husband and I have enjoyed several episodes of Vera, but we never got hooked on the series, perhaps because they were all from season one. Sounds as though we need to give it another shot! Thanks for the recommendation.
ReplyDeleteWhen I get that itch to watch TV I will look up this series. I think I would enjoy this very much. Thanks Lou for the heads up!
ReplyDeleteI have never seen this TV drama and I do like murder mysteries. Northumberland has really gorgeous stunning countryside and beaches, we have had many wonderful holidays there so I may recognise some of the scenes.I will look out for this series now.
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