For 14 years, 14 seasons and 56 episodes, ITV’s DCI Vera Stanhope was one of British television’s most iconic and trustworthy detectives and detective series. Furthermore, the actress who played her – Brenda Blethyn – was just the perfect fit.
We’ll miss her stoicism, sly humour, sarcastic remarks about the weather and, of course, her Mac, scarf and practical footwear. In tribute to Vera, we thought we’d try to round up our 10 favourite episodes. What do yu think?
1 Dark Road (S6 E1)
So much for comfortable Sunday-night TV. This series six opener provided a shock at the end of the episode when ambitious DC Bethany Whelan (Cush Jumbo) came face-to-face with the killer of a murdered grandmother. After being passed over for promotion, Whelan is murdered, too. Tough day at the office.
2 The Seagull (S9 E4)
Vera must open up a cold case to find the connection between a skeleton discovered underneath the site of a notorious burnt-out night club and a present-day murder. This story is a poignant exploration of family secrets and the devastating consequences of past actions.
3 The Ghost Petition (S2 E1)
Vera Stanhope, Sergeant Stuart Macken, commits suicide at the hospital where his daughter lies critically injured after his home had been firebombed, the investigation leads to a number of suspects: the daughter’s stepfather, a missing protester Sergeant Macken had under surveillance, the protester’s pregnant girlfriend and an art teacher. Furthermore, a senior officer’s affair with Macken comes to light, and a second attempt on the daughter in hospital breaks the case wide open to explain the sergeant’s suicide. This episode features a gripping and suspenseful hotel fire scene.
4 For The Face Of God (S12 E2)
Lance Corporal Conn Burns was a dedicated, diligent and decorated soldier with a loving young family but all of that fell apart when he left the army. Adapting to civilian life was not easy and after a series of bad life choices, Conn found himself desolate, down and out on the streets of Newcastle. Attempting to get his life back on track, Conn had recently been making moves that would see him repay old debts, rebuild relationships and get him off the streets but a dark secret from his past, and betrayal in the present, left his future looking uncertain, and deadly. Vera faces a tense standoff near a cliff edge, leading to a shocking and emotional outcome.
5 Silent Voices (S2 E2)
Social worker Jenny Lister is murdered whilst out swimming. Everybody speaks of Jenny as if she was perfect, arousing Vera’s suspicions, especially when she learns that Jenny was writing a book about some of her cases. Vera’s interactions with a grieving family and the deaf community showcase her deep empathy, balancing her tough demeanour.
6 Tender (S13 E2)
Vera investigates an intriguing and puzzling case after the body of a sickly young girl is found in a railway siding in the middle of nowhere. The case soon produces twists and turns which make Vera question who this girl actually was, and wonder if her weakened state allowed someone to take advantage of her. It’s a powerful and moving episode that tackles the sensitive issue of domestic abuse with sensitivity and nuance.
7 The Darkest Evening (S12 E4)
During a storm, Vera discovers an abandoned car with a baby inside, leading her to her estranged family’s ancestral home and a subsequent murder investigation.
8 Blood & Bone (S8 E1)
Vera is called upon when the charred remains of a body are discovered in an abattoir incinerator. The body is found to be that of DC Harry Fenton, of the Northumberland & City Fraud Unit, who had been on his final day of the job before retirement. After one of Fenton’s colleagues, Jac Williams, gives Vera a useful tip-off, Vera looks into one of Harry’s fraud cases, and uncovers corrupt cops and treacherous friends.
9 Sandancers (S2 E4)
Revenge is behind the clinical murder of Staff Sgt James Deverson, a soldier in charge of a bomb disposal unit, The Sandancers. His second in command, Ollie Barton, who was killed in Afghanistan by an improvised explosive device, was having an affair with Deverson’s wife. The wife, Ollie’s family, and other members of the unit all come under suspicion, and the death of another unit member confuses the investigation, which is not helped by the army closing ranks. In this episode, Stanhope demonstrates her relentless dedication to justice.
10 Salt and Vinegar (S13 E4)
The co-owner of a chip shop is found dead in a freezer, uncovering secrets and lies within a seemingly tight-knit community.
