“Vera.” / “Shetland.”

“Vera” (Amazon Prime) Season 14 (only 2 episodes), British crime drama series based on the Vera Stanhope series of novels by Ann Cleeves. Stars Brenda Blethyn as the principal character, Detective Chief Inspector Vera Stanhope. 

       I was hooked to this series for its non-bombastic structure, small-town intimacy, and Ms Blethyn, whose infectious grandmotherly aura kept the series to last this long. 

       Premise by way of Wikipedia: Vera is a nearly retired detective chief inspector of the fictional Northumberland & City Police, who is obsessive about her work. She plods along in a dishevelled state but has a calculating mind and despite her irascible personality, she cares deeply about her work and colleagues. She often proves her superior skills by picking up small errors in her team members' thought processes.

       I don't need to add to that. In case you are looking for a “wholesome” police procedural family viewing, “Vera” is it. 🎥💻📽

“Shetland” (BritBox) Season 9, Scottish crime drama, originally based upon the novels of Ann Cleeves.

       The first seven series starred Douglas Henshall as DI Jimmy Pérez, whilst Ashley Jensen stars as DI Ruth Calder from the eighth series. The cast also includes Alison O'Donnell as DS Alison "Tosh" McIntosh and Steven Robertson as DC Sandy Wilson, as well as Lewis Howden and Anne Kidd. 

       The introduction of Ms Jensen in the series didn't really affect the sylvan allure and witty charm of this series. But, I feel, the chemistry between Mr Henshall and Ms O'Donnell was what kept “Shetland” an entertaining ride. Of course, without undermining Ashley's fine performance. 🎥💻📽