ITV's detective drama was once an addictive anomaly in the era of nordic noir. Now, it's getting stale - and Brenda Blethyn deserves a rest
ITV's detective drama was once an addictive anomaly in the era of nordic noir. Now, it's getting stale - and Brenda Blethyn deserves a restAfter 13 years, 46 episodes and heaven knows how many mysterious deaths, the most famous trench coat-wearing detective this side of Columbo
“I’m sad to be saying cheerio,” announced Brenda Blethyn, aka crime-busting Detective Chief Inspector Vera Stanhope. “Thank you from the bottom of my heart.” She confirmed there would be one final season of the Northumberland-set crime series before Vera took herself and her flapping raingear into retirement.
Blethyn, who has played the character since 2011, deserves a rest. In a crowded field, she was one of the modern crime genre’s most memorable sleuths – no-nonsense but rarely cynical, ruthless in her pursuit of justice yet always optimistic about the innate goodness of her friends and neighbours. She’s done her bit.is coming to an end. However, more than a few may see this week’s news as a mercy.
’s producers tried to compensate for his departure by bringing back an earlier sidekick in David Leon’s DS Joe Ashworth in the most recent series. The move reeked of desperation – Ashworth had returned in the unconvincing guise of a police inspector sent to keep tabs on Vera amid official concerns she and her crew lacked “strategic direction”. Vera was unimpressed – and viewers may have felt likewise at this far-fetched attempt to crowbar in an old character.
With Doughty’s exit, Blethyn appears to have decided her days sniffing out evil-doers in Northumberland were coming to a close. It’s a wise move. The worst thing she could have done was slog on when her heart wasn’t in it. There are only so many ways someone can be murdered in small towns across the North East before it starts to become repetitive. Quitting while she was ahead may prove the smartest surprise Vera ever pulled off.
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