Brenda Blethyn, the beloved star of ITV's long-running crime drama Vera, has bid farewell to her iconic character Detective Chief Inspector Vera Stanhope after filming concluded on the series' 14th season. This heartfelt send-off was documented in the special program Vera, Farewell Pet, where Blethyn reflected on her emotional experiences over the years with the show and the character she has portrayed since 2011.
Blethyn's final scenes were filmed at the police station, where Vera packed up her belongings, ending her tenure with the Northumberland & City Police HQ. "The last day's filming on set, I have to say I felt very emotional. It's her packing up her stuff and backing out of the office, and I could have cried to be honest," Blethyn recounted, clearly moved by the moment. Director Paul Gay, who has helmed episodes since 2016 and directed the final installment, corroborated Blethyn's sentiments, noting, "I think Brenda couldn't talk for a little awhile" after finishing her last scene.
The final episode of the series showcased Vera on one last case involving the disappearance of a girl and included poignant flashbacks to her childhood. It was the first time the audience glimpsed Vera's early life, exploring her background and past—a narrative choice celebrated by viewers and the crew alike. Gay added, "We've never done this before, going back to Vera as a young girl and seeing her life." The deepest affection from Blethyn for her character was evident as she reflected, “It’s so bittersweet, it really is because I've loved every minute of this job.”
Following months of speculation surrounding Vera's fate, fans expressed relief upon learning she would not be killed off. Instead, Blethyn's character opted to retire, symbolically handing over the reins by clearing her desk and saying goodbye to her colleagues with the note, "making way for others to fly." After remaining loyal to the crime series for 14 years, this decision felt apt to Blethyn, who stated, "I didn't want Vera to be killed off because I suspected she would continue living on in the books written by Ann Cleeves. She's a sensible woman, Vera. She knows when it’s time to call it a day, just as Brenda Blethyn knows when it's time to call it a day."
Blethyn's emotional farewell also touched her fans, with many taking to social media to share their sentiments. One viewer tweeted, "Will miss the show of course but wish there'd been some contribution tonight to #Vera Farewell Pet from Jac, from Aiden," expressing the community's sense of loss. Another acknowledged Blethyn's impact, stating, "Thank you Brenda and all the crew for 14 amazing years of this fantastic show. Vera is easily the best show on television and I'll really miss it #Vera."
Throughout the retrospective documentary, the camaraderie between Blethyn and the cast and crew became evident. She shared with warmth how she always relied on props assistant Geoff Blackburn to help her perfect her Geordie accent. “When I was struggling with something, I would call on Geoff and say, 'Geoff, how do you say this?' But I don't think, actually, I have ever cracked it!” she laughed, endearing herself even more to fans.
Blethyn’s exit from the character she adored so deeply was marked by her final scene: walking along the Holy Island causeway with her newly adopted dog, embracing the warmth of sunshine after years of crime-solving endeavors. The image painted through these moments encapsulated how the series ended on not only her terms but also on a note of optimism.
Despite the bittersweet feelings surrounding the end of Vera, the legacy of the show bears witness to the deep connections it forged with its audience across its 14 seasons. With every twist and turn, the show maintained its charm, and Blethyn's portrayal of Vera Stanhope brought the character to life as no one else could.
Fans can now catch all 14 seasons of Vera and the documentary Vera, Farewell Pet on ITVX, allowing them to relive the moments and memories crafted through the lens of this enigmatic detective.