Detective Chief Inspector Vera Stanhope isn’t like many other TV detectives, but she fits right in on VisionTV’s lineup of whip-smart female sleuths. As an older woman calling the shots and hunting down criminals, Vera holds her own and commands respect from her colleagues, all while being a comforting presence for the families of the victims.
“It was a surprise when the part came in my direction,” says actress Brenda Blethyn. “I wouldn’t have thought I would spring to mind for the role of a hard-hitting detective with a brilliant mind. But I read on and loved the character, and could see that, as well as the seriousness and gravitas of this woman, there was the possibility of humour.”
What makes Vera stand out among a sea of hard-boiled detectives? Here’s how we see it.
Enjoy our encore of Vera, seasons 2 and 3, Thursdays at 8pm ET on VisionTV through June 3, 2021.