Millions of crime drama enthusiasts exhaled with relief as ITV's beloved detective series Vera concluded its run with DCI Vera Stanhope walking off happily, ensuring the character’s survival. The finale, aired as part of the fourteenth series, served as both the act of closure for fans and as the culmination of 14 years of storytelling rooted deeply in the North East of England. Brenda Blethyn, the iconic actress behind Vera, shared her sentiments on the show, recounting her emotional response to the end of the series, her struggles with confidence, and her thoughts on the character’s legacy.
After the final episode, titled Inside and based on Ann Cleeves’ novel The Dark Wives, fans everywhere were abuzz, grateful to see beloved character Kenny Lockhart, played by Jon Morrison. After surviving the dramatic events of the previous episode, Kenny's return was met with cheers online. His return to the team symbolized continuity and hope as Vera’s loyal colleague. One fan tweeted, "It's Kenny!!!" expressing relief and excitement over his inclusion.
Brenda Blethyn, 78, reflected on her long tenure as the formidable Vera, admitting how deeply the character resonates with her. Discussing her character's fate, she revealed, “I didn’t want Vera killed off because I suspected she’d be living on in the books.” Blethyn’s desire for the character to continue reflects not just her attachment but also the impact of Vera on viewers. She noted how she felt emotional during the final shooting day, stating, “On the last day I felt very emotional... It’s so bittersweet because I’ve loved every minute of this job.” Her sincerity drips from these reflections, showing how Vera had become more than just another role for the actress.
The final scenes of the last episode showcased Vera strolling down the beach, filled with serenity juxtaposed against the show’s tumultuous themes of crime and loss. The emotional charge of the moment was encapsulated by crew reactions and laughter, punctuating the bittersweet finale with the beauty of the character’s peace.
Vera’s relationship with her team, particularly DS Joe Ashworth—played by David Leon—has always been pivotal to the storyline. Their dynamic provided both tension and comfort as viewers regarded them as surrogate family members. Leon shared, “The two of them are like a surrogate mother and son,” highlighting the affection underlying their often tumultuous interactions.
Leon’s character, who had departed the series back in 2014, returned to close out the show, much to fans' joy. He described the difficulty of leaving the series previously but expressed gratitude for the opportunity to return. “It was a privilege to be able to come back and finish the show,” he stated, encapsulating the appreciation from both cast and audience for the series' conclusion. The calls for potential spin-offs following his character’s promotion to lead resonate with the depth of connection fans had with the original cast.
Jon Morrison, known for portraying DC Kenny Lockhart, reflected on his time on the show, stating, “These people are my friends, they are not my colleagues.” Emphasizing the bonds formed over the years, Morrison’s words resonate with the familial atmosphere shared among the cast. Brenda praised Morrison’s authenticity, stating, “He’s just so good. I love him,” reinforcing the show's central theme of loyalty and teamwork.
Directly addressing her worries about fully portraying Vera’s accent, Blethyn found humor as she reflected on her method of cultivating the character's distinctive northern voice. “I don’t think actually I have ever cracked it,” she admitted lightheartedly, portraying the everyday vulnerability she felt even as she was recognized for her role.
Closing the chapter on Vera was not just about the end of the story; it was also about celebrating the camaraderie and the shared journeys of its characters. The behind-the-scenes documentary Vera: Farewell Pet dives more deeply, capturing the joy of shared experiences and the unified objectives of the production team and cast members alike.
This closing scene, as DCI Vera walks toward the horizon, allows fans to hold onto the character, not bound by the show's end but by its enduring narrative. Fans clamor for more stories, demonstrating how impactful and beloved the series has been. Brenda Blethyn echoes this sentiment as she said, “It’s quite thrilling to be in something so popular.” The legacy of Vera continues to linger long after the last credits roll, bridging connections formed over countless episodes and mysteries solved.