Top 9 Iconic Vera Moments
There'll be spoilers ahead, so shake a leg, and get caught up if you haven't already!
Were there any moments that you think should have made our list? Sound off in the comments below!
Top 9 Iconic Vera Moments
Welcome to WatchMojoUK, and today we’re counting down our picks for the most memorable, intriguing; iconic moments that have come from the world of ITV’s adaptation of Ann Cleeves’ DCI Vera Stanhope book series.
There’ll be spoilers ahead, so shake a leg, and get caught up if you haven’t already!
#9: Beginning with a Ending
ITV’s pilot episode of “Vera” was an adaptation of the character’s third novel: “Hidden Depths.” Understandable, as the show needed to establish the titular character as a hardened–albeit unconventional–detective early; foregoing elaborate introductions. Subsequently, Brenda Blethyn’s first scene as the cranky DCI Stanhope has her literally, and microcosmically, dealing with death. Vera asks–or, rather, guilt-trips–DS Joe Ashworth to scatter some ashes over the Shields’ ferry. The ambiguous set-up implied the urn probably contained remains of a cherished pet, getting a meaningful send off. However, we quickly learn that it was actually Vera’s Father’s ashes being dumped into the river Tyne. Unconventional, unceremonious, and with sentimentality reserved for people post-mortem; this was already classic Vera, and we’re only minutes in.
#8: Mark's First and Action Vera
As actor Riley Jones filmed his final scenes for Vera’s run, he couldn’t help but feel emotional. After all, Jones’ Detective Constable Mark Edwards appears in 44 of the 55 episodes aired to-date, the third-most of the cast. Edwards’ first–and intended to be only–episode was the fourth: “Little Lazarus,” considered by fans to be one of Vera’s best. Still a uniform, Edwards reports stumbling across his first dead body–a boy, in a river. However, Vera spots something, and in a spontaneous act that throws caution to the freezing wind, she jumps into the icy water and rescues the child, who is actually still alive. Blethyn’s versatility is on full display here–showcasing action and acting chops, all in one scene.
#7: Gorgeous George
The wry smile says it all! Our next entry isn’t necessarily a big dramatic moment; more comical, but very intrinsic to the chemistry shared amongst the show’s ensemble cast. In asking for help from PC George Wooten of ‘missing persons’, Vera is given a quick overview of the suspect’s online habits–going so far as to call him a ‘diamond’. His shy reaction, and his reluctance to leave, give the team cause to childishly mock that ‘Gorgeous George’ is somewhat keen on the boss. Of course, Vera’s quick to shut them down, with a very motherly “grow up, will ya!” But we can’t help but notice that subtle little smirk, that even Vera can't completely hide. He’s sweet on her… but is she sweet on him?
#6: The First Victim is a Brit Award Winner
Whilst “Vera’s” Northumberland & City Police is fictional, the North East setting is very real. Yes, the shooting locations are quite literally all over the place–defying logic in continuity. No, we don’t care. Using a historically overlooked setting, “Vera” made use of many local talents, some of them before they made it… although perhaps none as surprising as singer-songwriter Sam Fender. In addition to holding two Brit Awards, Fender has the unique distinction of being Vera’s very first murder victim on-screen. Blink-and-you’ll-miss-him, but “Hidden Depths” dead teenager Luke Armstrong is the pre-rock music icon. Looking back, Vera was home to a few stars in their earliest days… but no-one could have predicted this extra’s meteoric rise!
#5: "Because when I called you just now, you answered the phone."
Although Vera’s initial impressions were cold to the people around her, by series three, we’d gotten to see much more of the veteran DCI’s humanity. Her actions in “Little Lazarus” demonstrated her soft spot for kids, but we’d not gotten to see her negotiation skills in full use by now. Switching gears completely, Vera has to talk down the suspect… who’s holding her children close to the edge of her rooftop. After clearing the children from harm, Vera still has to ensure that the suspect descends safely… and speaks to her not as though she’s a criminal, nor someone in distress, but appealing to her as a mother.
#4: "The Guv'nor"
This isn't a moment from the show itself, but iconic all-the-same. In 2019, ITV commissioned a series of ads, focusing on the channel's great characters. There was “The Patriarch” with Roger Allam's Fred Thursday from “Endeavour,” Brenda Blethyn's Vera in “The Guv'nor,” and… that was it. Presumably, ITV either only has two shows, or Covid put paid to more ads being produced. Despite it's unusual non-Geordie title, (Guv’nor it never gets used in the North East) the minute-long monologue captures the series feel perfectly. But it's the script and performance that earned this moment into the list; Blethyn, as Vera, challenging the concepts of what makes people tune in, why her presence is the antithesis of that… and showing precisely why she deserves our attention.
#3: "So, what happened, love?"
No TV series is devoid of episodes that don’t quite hit the mark for everyone. Series eight’s “Darkwater,” is just that, a rare dip in Vera’s consistently high standard. It’s not terrible by any means, but it doesn’t stand out. Yet, it ironically provides two moments that are right up there amongst Vera’s best. We’ve already covered Gorgeous George, but for this entry we have another wonderfully played scene of Vera having to talk someone away from the edge. Whilst the journey was a little dull, the destination was electric–as Vera approached the situation without pity, but empathy for the victim turned suspect. Nothing is as it seems, but we’re treated to a masterclass in acting from Blethyn; a true pay-off.
#2: "We're too late..."
In what is considered by most fans to be Vera’s best episode, we have one of its worst–yet iconic–moments. “Dark Road,” began Vera’s sixth series somewhat atypically–the discovery of a murdered Grandmother in the Northumberland moors, and the subsequent investigation. The subplot revolves around DC Bethany Whelan, played by Cush Jumbo, and her passing-over for promotion… as well a suggestion that she could become the next Vera. But just like that, Whelan is in a perilous situation, face-to-face with the killer, preventing him from abducting a little girl, at the cost of her life. And so, the series opened with the death of a major character, proving that no one is safe in what had been a comfortable Sunday night watch.
#1: Ending with a Beginning?
After 14 years, and as many series, ITV’s “Vera” will end production. Although the premise of the character is that she is perpetually near retirement, the idea that she actually would seemed unimaginable. However, at a respectable 78 years old (though she could’ve fooled us) Brenda Blethyn feels it’s time to hang up the hat. But will that be it? Audiences were surprised when David Leon’s now-DCI Joe Ashworth returned for series 13, bringing with him that great double act that he and Blethyn began the show with. So… spin-off, yeah? The precedent is there; another Cleeves’ adaptation, “Shetland,” did exactly that. Perhaps Leon’s return was more layered than we thought… They might have to change the show’s name, though.
Were there any moments that you think should have made our list? Sound off in the comments below!