ITV ‘flashback’ to young Vera in crime drama finale

Brenda Blethyn as DCI Vera Stanhope pictured with Marley Emma as young Vera…

The final episode of ITV’s long-running drama Vera offered viewers a rare glimpse of the detective’s formative years, providing new insights into the life experiences that shaped her.

“It felt extra special filming these final two films. We are all pretty close. Jon Morrison (DC Kenny Lockhart) has been there since the second episode of the first series and Riley Jones (DC Mark Edwards) came in on the fourth episode. It’s been a big part of their lives too.

“It’s sad saying goodbye to people in the cast and crew because they are so good, professional, and talented, and I love working with them. I wish there could have been an episode where I stayed at home in Kent: ‘Vera Goes South’. But, of course, the series is dyed in the wool Northumberland and the North East and I understand that’s where it has to be.” – Brenda Blethyn

The investigation, centred around a missing teenager named Chloe, led Vera (Brenda Blethyn) and her team to a high-stakes confrontation during a ‘Witch Hunt’ festival in a village from her past. As the team worked tirelessly to uncover the truth, the case intertwined with flashback scenes that explored Vera’s relationship with her father Hector Stanhope (Stevie Raine) and her younger self (Marley Emma), prompting her to reflect on her journey, the choices she has made, and the one final decision that would reshape her future.

For the first time, the series introduced Hector, a man whose deep connection to the Northumbrian landscape mirrors Vera’s own bond with her surroundings.

“Northumberland and the wider North East is so varied and beautiful. It’s not just one thing. It’s the seascapes, the landscapes, the moors, the cities. A lot of them steeped in history. And lively. It’s not for nothing that Newcastle is called the party town.

“I must have travelled tens of thousands of miles over the years going to all of the various locations. If I’d been on holiday that would’ve been great, but as it was, I’d get in the car at some unearthly hour in the morning and my head is in the script. And as I’m in almost every scene, I’m going through what I’m doing that day and then I get out of the car at the other end. So I’m not taking in the joys of sightseeing. But I always love everywhere we film. And the people are so nice.” – Brenda Blethyn

“One scene involved Vera and DC Kenny Lockhart, played by Jon Morrison. It broke my heart when I read the script and it was emotional to film. Jon Morrison rang me up after it was all over. And he said, ‘I just wanted to thank you for giving us 14 years of work.’ What a gentleman. But I thanked him and told him I certainly wasn’t going to do any episodes without him. Which is true.” – Brenda Blethyn

Struggling with grief following the death of his wife, Hector sought solace in alcohol, leaving young Vera to take on a carer’s role within the family. Although Hector’s grief clouded his ability to express affection, his love for his daughter remained evident, adding a nuanced layer to their complex dynamic.

These glimpses into their relationship offered a further understanding of Vera’s steadfast determination and compassion in adulthood. At just 12 years old, young Vera was shown as fiercely independent and mature beyond her years. Balancing her own grief with the responsibility of caring for her father, she displayed the resilience and strength that would later define her character. This final episode highlighted how these early challenges shaped Vera’s drive to protect the vulnerable and fight for justice.

All fourteen series of Vera, produced by Silverprint Pictures, an ITV Studios company, are available on ITVX and STV Player.

“It was very appropriate that the last day of filming was scheduled to take place in the police incident room where so much of the drama has happened. I think our producer Will Nicholson contrived that. (Incidentally that is not where the final scene of the episode takes place). You could hear a pin drop when we were filming. Then when I heard, ‘That’s a wrap.’ I was emotional. As, indeed, Vera would have been.

“There were a lot of people behind the cameras and at the end I thanked everybody. I said, ‘We’re all as important as one another.’ I might be the one playing the title character but it’s only an ingredient in a great big pot. And all of the ingredients are necessary. Everyone contributes to it. And it’s the sum of all of those parts that made Vera a success. And Vera will, of course continue to crack crime in Ann Cleeves’ books – and there will be 56 episodes available to watch on TV repeats.” – Brenda Blethyn

Vera, Farewell Pet, a special celebratory documentary marking the end of the detective drama with exclusive behind-the-scenes access to the final series, airs tomorrow (January 3rd), at 9pm on ITV1 and STV.