Recently I had the pleasure to visit my parents in The Netherlands. It’s always great to be home and catch up on what is new around there. One of the things I like to catch up on is some new and interesting TV shows we can’t watch in Canada.
One of the shows that got me immediately hooked was the British detective series “Vera”.

English detective series “Vera” picture credit to: http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1693592/?ref_=rvi_tt
Detective Inspector Vera Stanhope, played by Brenda Blethyn is based on the crime novel “The Crow Trap”, a book written by Ann Cleeves.
The series’ first release was in 2011 in the UK, since then it has been released in several European countries, a total of 8 so far, like Germany and France. It is filmed on location in England, which is set in the breathtaking surroundings of Northumberland and Newcastle.
Brenda Blethyn,



Brenda Blethyn picture credit to: http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0000950/?ref_=rvi_nm
who plays Vera the Detective Inspector, is outstanding in her performance, with her witty remarks and crusty demeanor, she manages to hide her brilliant analytic mind and so fools many into believing she is just a harmful cranky old lady you can easily fool and who is fairly harmless. While playing the motherly type to criminals, she is thus able to extract many a confession, which enables her to piece together the events of crimes that otherwise would have been left unsolved.
Together with her partner Detective Sargent Joe Ashworth (David Leon)



David Leon as partner Detective Sargent Joe Ashworth picture credit to: http://www.imdb.com/name/nm1952567/?ref_=rvi_nm
they face many murder mysteries. Joe is as much her friend, colleague and protégé and together they are invaluable in exposing pieces of the crime scene puzzle.
The series has won several awards in the UK.
While watching a few episodes back in Holland, I was totally entailed with Brenda Blethyn, who in my opinion plays Vera as no other would be able to.



Brenda Blethyn as Vera picture credit to: http://www.imdb.com/media/rm3292054272/tt1693592?ref_=ttmi_mi_all_sf_18
The dry witty humour and the sharp intelligence of Vera, set against the British landscape are a potent combination for anyone who likes detective series. I love how she can portray an almost uninteresting façade while in the next moment she shows a very motherly and caring, vulnerable side.



Vera: picture credit to http://www.digitalspy.com/tv/poldark/news/a643919/what-to-watch-tonights-tv-picks-tatau-poldark-vera/
Together with her partner Joe Ashworth they form an unbeatable team. A must see for anyone who values British humor.
Tell me which TV shows do you like!