Vera on trail again
WITH online streaming becoming the default option of most viewers, traditional TV shows are clamouring for attention, too. That said, favourites like which returned last week, don’t have the same struggles as it has managed to sustain a loyal fan base for nine seasons.
It may not be as slick as some of the new shows. But its rustic charm coupled with the ingeniously-penned story arcs makes it a rather engaging crime drama.
Let’s not forget about Brenda Blethyn as the protagonist, DCI Vera Stanhope. Her innocuous personality splendidly conceals her sharp skills of detection and her doggedness in seeing the ends of justice met.
On continuing to breathe life into this character, Blethyn said: “Before I took on the role of Vera I first read the novel The Crow Trap by Ann Cleeves, because that is where the character is introduced. I then read the script for Hidden Depths, the first of Ann’s books to be adapted – it was a pilot.
“The story was a skilfully crafted mystery, a real page-turner full of high emotion, and ITV were thrilled with the results. As a consequence, three further episodes were commissioned and put together with the pilot, which then aired in 2011.
“It didn’t enter my head that I’d still be filming Vera nine years later. It’s marvellous.
“I know the character pretty well, and as different writers come on to the show, all first-rate, I strive to keep Vera’s character as Ann Cleeves created her. The costume designers liaise with me when buying or making new costumes but they’re as in tune with the character as I am.”
As with the previous seasons, the cases are most compelling.
Blethyn revealed: “We have four really emotional stories in series nine. In Cuckoo, episode two, a teenage boy is found dead in a coastal town far from his home.
“Vera and the team are faced with the body of a partygoer who is found drowned in episode three, Cold River, and in the final story, adapted from Ann’s latest novel of the same title,
The Seagull, a skeleton is discovered during some building excavations of a notorious nightclub and the team discover a link to a recent murder.”
The stories are shot against the most picturesque landscapes.
“I can honestly say I love the beauty of Northumberland, whether it’s a seascape, landscape, the moors, or the city, is stunning,” said the seasoned actress.
“There’s another landscape which took my breath away when I was filming A River Runs Through It. We went on a trip to the Rockies and the friends we visited lived in a fantastic chalet overlooking The Beartooth Trail, Montana. We were surrounded by cascading waterfalls, alpine lakes, towering peaks and lush forests.
“It rendered me speechless, which is not an easy feat!”
This whodunit is guaranteed to leave viewers wanting more. ■ Vera airs on ITV Choice (DStv channel 123) on Wednesdays at 8pm.