Brenda Blethyn's beloved detective, Vera Stanhope, has officially hung up her trench coat as ITV's long-running crime drama, Vera, concluded its final episode after 14 successful years. The series, which has captivated audiences since its premiere, wrapped up with emotional scenes on January 2, leaving fans and the cast alike reflecting on the memorable journeys and mysteries they witnessed.
After the series aired its last episode, Blethyn took to X to share her heartfelt gratitude with the show's dedicated audience. "A heartfelt thank you to everyone who sent such warm messages about the winding up of Vera. I loved every minute of working on the series and I will miss it. The warmth and generosity of fans worldwide made it even more special. Thank you from the bottom of my heart," she wrote, echoing the sentiments of so many who cherished the character and the stories depicted over the years.
The finale, which centered on Vera's quest to find a missing girl, dove deep not only on the case at hand but also explored Vera’s own recollections, creating a poignant farewell for both her and the viewers. Fans were presented with Vera’s nostalgic memories, including touching moments from her past, such as helping her father build a fence when she was younger.
Blethyn’s departure from the series was not taken lightly. She expressed how significant her role as Vera was and shared the difficulty of saying goodbye. "It was a hard decision and come March when I would normally be getting ready to go back up there, I'll probably be crying," she remarked last month, indicating the strong bond she formed with the character.
Although Blethyn is walking away from Vera, she clarified she is not stepping back from acting entirely. She disclosed to her fans, "I haven't retired. I've just come south!" Despite her initial hesitation about taking on new projects, the actress has already been approached for roles, and she revealed having accepted one involving noted actress Andrea Riseborough. "Oh, it is with Andrea Riseborough... I said, 'Oh, well, I’d rather have just unpacked my bag,' but I liked it, so I did it. It's called Dragonfly," Blethyn mentioned, hinting at her continued passion for her craft.
The discussions among fans and critics alike are already buzzing with thoughts about the future of the franchise. While many wonder if there might be spin-offs or prequels, Blethyn herself is less optimistic. "Personally, I don't think they ever work. I loved Morse and I liked Endeavour (its prequel) but I didn't see any connection between the two shows... It was just an excuse to make a period set piece," she stated, conveying her preference for preserving the artistic integrity of the original series.
With the show's conclusion, Vera marks the end of an era, one enriched with gripping storytelling and stellar performances. The connection fans felt to Blethyn’s portrayal of the astute detective is undeniable, and the emotional farewell reflects the significant impact the series had on viewers worldwide. Blethyn’s insights and reflections reveal not only her dedication to her character but also the cherished bond formed between her and her audience over the years.
Previous episodes of Vera remain available for fans to relive the captivating stories on ITVX and through platforms like Amazon Prime Video, ensuring the legacy of Vera Stanhope will not soon be forgotten. Though 'Vera' has concluded, the echoes of its impactful storytelling and the legacy of Brenda Blethyn’s memorable performance will undoubtedly continue to resonate among viewers for years to come.