Vera - General Discussion

[laredhead]

Loved the new episode of Vera.  As always, the case consisted of many interwoven twists and turns.  This is a series that will be on my rewatch list in the future.  I've watched Morse, Midsommer Murders, and Lewis twice so far.  

[MMEButterfly]

Vera and Joe were fun to watch. 

[dramachick]

I was so happy to see Joe again! Aiden was OK, but he was no Joe. 😘

[Daff]

On 12/27/2023 at 9:48 AM, mledawn said:

If "over here" is North America - it's here. It's on Britbox.

It’s still there, on Britbox, last episode of season 12. Watched 13.1, then came here. I wouldn’t have known about it if you hadn’t been discussing it, so thanks for that. 
On a side note, someone mentioned that there might be a new Cleeves series in the works: based upon the Three Rivers mysteries. I’ve read the first two books and I like the characters and the setting. I find the pairing of the policeman and the community center director to be intriguing-total opposites. I almost like the community center characters/action as much as the mystery/policing.

[krankydoodle]

The Long Call is the adaptation of the Two Rivers book series. There's only one season. It's on Britbox in the US.

I've been rewatching some of the early episodes of Vera and had forgotten that the lead from that show, Ben Aldridge, was in the Sundancers episode from season 2. It's also funny how quite a few of these episodes have other characters comment on how good looking Joe is.

[Daff]

10 hours ago, krankydoodle said:

The Long Call is the adaptation of the Two Rivers book series. There's only one season. It's on Britbox in the US.

I've been rewatching some of the early episodes of Vera and had forgotten that the lead from that show, Ben Aldridge, was in the Sundancers episode from season 2. It's also funny how quite a few of these episodes have other characters comment on how good looking Joe is.

I didn't know they actually made a video, thanks for that, too. As I typed 3 rivers above, I thought maybe it was only 2, but trying to get a post done before the darn reload made me not care. Anxious to check it out. 

[Daff]

On 3/3/2024 at 7:30 PM, krankydoodle said:

The Long Call is the adaptation of the Two Rivers book series. There's only one season. It's on Britbox in the US.

I've been rewatching some of the early episodes of Vera and had forgotten that the lead from that show, Ben Aldridge, was in the Sundancers episode from season 2. It's also funny how quite a few of these episodes have other characters comment on how good looking Joe is.

Watching now, and I’m amazed at how these characters look exactly as I pictured them as I read the book. That never happens to me as I don’t have facility with faces/physical descriptions. The only exception was Matt’s mother-I pictured her much larger, stern-looking, yes, but with the potential for the severity to soften. Sad that there’s no forum for it here, and wondering if there will be more seasons.

[mledawn]

12 minutes ago, Daff said:

Watching now, and I’m amazed at how these characters look exactly as I pictured them as I read the book. That never happens to me as I don’t have facility with faces/physical descriptions. The only exception was Matt’s mother-I pictured her much larger, stern-looking, yes, but with the potential for the severity to soften. Sad that there’s no forum for it here, and wondering if there will be more seasons.

Unfortunately (for me) I found the characters didn’t match mine at all! Jonathan in particular was way off - not enough contrast between him and Matthew. There was some discussion of the show when it was released in the “Detective and Mystery Shows” forum.  

[Suzn]

On 3/5/2024 at 12:46 PM, mledawn said:

Unfortunately (for me) I found the characters didn’t match mine at all! Jonathan in particular was way off - not enough contrast between him and Matthew. There was some discussion of the show when it was released in the “Detective and Mystery Shows” forum.  

I wanted to like the show because I am such a fan of Ann Cleeves, but the characters just didn't grab me.  I do hope there will be more though - a mediocre Ann Cleeves is still better than most stuff.

Edited March 9, 2024 by Suzn
Correcting spelling of Cleeves!

[Daff]

21 hours ago, Suzn said:

I wanted to like the show because I am such a fan of Ann Cleves, but the characters just didn't grab me.  I do hope there will be more though - a mediocre Ann Cleves is still better than most stuff.

All of the characters in this storyline are grappling with a great deal of internal angst. Not a lot of that comes through in the screenplay dialogue. However, plot wise, it follows the book closely.

[krankydoodle]

I really liked episode 2, especially the scenes between the team members like when Kenny and Joe discuss Vera or Joe giving Steph a chance to sit in on an interview. Vera's toothache was a nice callback to the early seasons and how much Joe used to worry about her health. I'm enjoying seeing how their relationship has changed. I laughed when Joe balked at buying someone a tea, so Vera grudgingly agreed to do it instead but still asked him for the money.

The case was good too. There were a lot of suspects but it was easy to keep track of who was who and it kept my interest even though there weren't a lot of surprises.

[Milburn Stone]

On 3/8/2024 at 4:04 PM, krankydoodle said:

I laughed when Joe balked at buying someone a tea, so Vera grudgingly agreed to do it instead but still asked him for the money.

And there's the difference between Joe and Aiden. Aiden would have balked, Vera would have cut him to the quick, and Aiden would have gone to get the tea like a sad dog.

This relationship is far more interesting.

[Mittengirl]

Are there only 3 episodes in Season 13?

[isalicat]

1 hour ago, Mittengirl said:

Are there only 3 episodes in Season 13?

Apparently. They were good though!

[krankydoodle]

I thought there would be at least 4 episodes this season. I still liked it, but Episode 3 felt a bit unfinished. I didn't understand why some characters acted the way they did, and the subplot with Joe's father didn't get as much time as I expected. It was nice of Vera to call and check on him, though, since she's generally bad at that sort of thing.

The good news is that there will be a season 14, but it will only be 2 episodes: Vera season 14: Release date speculation and latest news.

 

[UsernameFatigue]

On 2/7/2023 at 4:34 AM, LisaM said:

I watched Episode 2 tonight and liked it - even though I immediately knew the identity of the killer. 

Watching Aiden running after Tony - in multiple locations - and failing to catch him - cracked me up. 

I have just subscribed to Britbox, watched the first episodes of the current season and now am working my way through S12. (I have watched earlier seasons in previous years, love Vera).

There was one glaring mistake in this episode, which is very unusual for this series. The coroner would have known right away when she did the DNA test on the scarf that the killer was a female. Of course Vera would have been able to rule out all the male suspects right away and the episode would have been half an hour long rather than an hour and a half. So of course that detail was not mentioned. But still a glaring error (or omission, as the case might be). 

[enoughcats]

Vera introduced me to the statue "Angel of the North" overlooking the countryside on what I thought was a summer day.

Tonight I saw it in black and white in winter and from the behind the statue overlooking it's domain.

[catrice2]

Loved the new series. I always preferred Joe to Aiden, so I was happy to see him back! 

[LisaM]

Just finished Episode 2 of the latest season. Very happy to see Joe back. I always preferred him to Aiden. As soon as I saw Shawn Dooley, I knew that he was the killer. He is recognizable British actor so...

I miss Jac but Steph works just fine too. Was glad that Joe backed off of being called "Sir" by Kenny.

[mledawn]

Brenda Blethyn has announced that S14 is her last. It would seem by extension that the series will also end.

[enoughcats]

Here's a depressing read about the looming end of the Vera episodes.  It talks about the signs that the series was ending, who left and who came back, and how few episodes will be in the next, final year.  There is also a great picture of the star as a person in real life as well as many photos as Vera. 

I can understand their reasons, I continue to appreciate the series, and I am definitely going to miss the thrill of anticipation of additional episodes.

 

https://www.dailymail.co.uk/tvshowbiz/article-13336515/ITVs-Vera-AXED-14-years-schedule-shake-ups-cast-quitting-did-spot-clues-iconic-series-ending.html

[TaraS1]

I reject this news.  It makes me too sad.  But thank you for all these wonderful years, Brenda!!

[mledawn]

 

[enoughcats]

The latest Vera Stanhope Novel, The Dark Wives, ia  long, complex read that I enjoyed immensely. The Three Wives  are standing stones above the town.  There are the characters we love and recognize as well as a huge supporting cast. 

I didn't read it in a single sitting, it's too long and it was more fun to try to guess where it was going.  I even got the previous ebook from the library to review something that happened then that was referenced fairly often. 

If you find yourself missing the TV series, this one is well enough painted to let you see it unfold in your mind's eye.

[Writing Wrongs]

I just started Season 13 and hate that bowlegged Joe is back. I prefer Aiden. And I still can't stand that coroner lady. I also miss Jac.

Edited December 7, 2024 by Writing Wrongs

[Maren]

On 12/7/2024 at 12:15 PM, Writing Wrongs said:

I just started Season 13 and hate that bowlegged Joe is back. I prefer Aiden. And I still can't stand that coroner lady. I also miss Jac.

Man, ditto so much. Joe is even more awful this season, more self righteous. And I consoled myself when I heard Aidan was gone that at least we had Jaq still and then 😔

[mledawn]

Brit Box has announced the final season will premiere on Jan 2
https://www.instagram.com/reel/DDpe3TvvdRd/

[Writing Wrongs]

I'm gonna miss that Defender.

[mledawn]

BritBox shared a teaser from the upcoming final season
https://www.instagram.com/reel/DECxwnBC4xW/

 

[dleighg]

I've been on a marathon of watching Vera, and I see, over and over, a suspect being gently question (i.e. grilled) by Vera, and the suspect has an attorney by their side, and they start spilling their guts, and the attorney (sorry, solicitor) just sits there mum, sometimes taking a few notes. They never say "stop talking you dummy!"

[Maren]

Just watched the new episode. It was good until like the last 10 minutes. Then it went to crap :-/

Man, Joe is terrible. I cannot stand him. I so regret they brought his whiny, melodramatic, self centered self back. Blah! What a way to ruin the last season.

 

And Kenny better be ok!

[mledawn]

Just watched Ep 1. I wasn't as invested in this storyline somehow. I might have a rewatch as keeping track of all the players was a bit much for me. Might be my post-NYE brain, though!

I can't say that Joe bothered me but I can say that the ME is really growing on me. She's striking a fantastic balance with her personality, I like what the writers have done with her.

I was SO UPSET at the end - KENNY!

[abbyzenn]

Watched the final two episodes  and liked both of them.  Although Joe (who I liked and was glad to see him come back) was a pain thru most of it.

I liked the ending - Vera looked happy.

Sorry to see the show end.  It was one you could always count on.

[mledawn]

Watched the last episode - I did have a wee sniffle at the end. I liked the way it wrapped up but I did find it odd that everyone thought Vera was being extra crotchety when she seemed regular Vera-level crotchety. Also, Vera is old (Brenda Blethyn is 78). She could have easily been overpowered by the suspect, and we all had to suspend disbelief that that didn't happen.

I liked that everyone on the team clearly respected her so much, and only Joe went into her office - which she knew. I thought Vera/Brenda looked much younger at the end, smiling and wearing what appeared to be a lighter-coloured floppy hat.

I'm definitely going to miss this show.

[dleighg]

I enjoyed the last episode. Maybe I'm just dense, but why was Joe (apparently) asking for a transfer? If he (and everyone) thought that Vera was taking the promotion, wouldn't he get her job? Or did he think she was sticking around?

Of course we knew when we saw the stray dog how that was going to end up LOL.

Have we ever seen Vera wear pants before her walk with her dog on the beach?

[laredhead]

I will miss this show, but I thought the way the writers handled the end of the series was perfect.  Her character looked so much younger and happier in he final scene, and the dog was a great addition.  Maybe Vera will become friends with the man who is now a games keeper.  I believe he was a childhood acquaintance.  I realized after the show ended, that the final scene was shot on a sunny day.  Most of the outdoor scenes in the series were always on gloomy, cold days which set a tone for the show. 

[delole]

21 hours ago, dleighg said:

I enjoyed the last episode. Maybe I'm just dense, but why was Joe (apparently) asking for a transfer? If he (and everyone) thought that Vera was taking the promotion, wouldn't he get her job? Or did he think she was sticking around?

Of course we knew when we saw the stray dog how that was going to end up LOL.

Have we ever seen Vera wear pants before her walk with her dog on the beach?

Season 13 episode 3, had scenes at beginning and end with Vera doing yardwork, in work clothes (pants). I remember thinking it what nice to see a personal side of her (not work).

 

[jah1986]

I will miss this show so much. I was irritated with Joe for most of his final episodes, but nice that she left him the note. She knows her team is in good hands and she knows Joe has the support he needs to be successful running his own team.

The show had such a high turn over of actors, I guess that's realistic? But I never liked any of the ME's as much as I loved Marcus. I missed Jac and a lot of the other one season detectives. Never quite got over the death of Bethany and realized that Aiden was actually in more episodes than Joe and I missed him by the end.  Glad Kenny and Mark stayed from beginning to end.

So nice to see Vera happy and at peace with her dog. Well done.

[Ancaster]

On 1/1/2025 at 8:28 PM, Maren said:

Just watched the new episode. It was good until like the last 10 minutes. Then it went to crap :-/

Man, Joe is terrible. I cannot stand him. I so regret they brought his whiny, melodramatic, self centered self back. Blah! What a way to ruin the last season.

 

I like Joe.  Anyone who can put up with Vera, who goes way too far sometimes with her rudeness, is okay by me.  Don't get me wrong, I love the show and Brenda Blethyn is fantastic, but the character Vera can be "a right cow".