Vera - Season 13 Episode 2 Tender
Overview: DCI Vera Stanhope is on track to uncover an intriguing yet puzzling case when the body of a sickly young girl is discovered in a railway siding. Found in the middle of nowhere she could be anyone but the investigation soon turns up twists and turns that makes Vera question who this girl actually was. A vulnerable young person with a serious health condition, has her weakened state allowed someone to take advantage of her? And how does the family dynamic work when she’s not truly part of the family? A tale of intrigue, betrayal and blurred lines, Vera’s investigation questions the meaning of family, care and accountability. And with eroding trust, does care come at a cost?
Comment
This series would have been a lot more likeable were it not for a thread of, at times, waspish, establishment political correctness. Dear old working class bobby Vera isn't quite what she seems. In spite of her salt of the earth pretensions, she's a vehicle for some often pretty blatant establishment rhetoric. In one instance she scolds two hard up young boys for illegally sub letting their flat. Vera opines about the the "poor tax man" not getting his cut. All of which, ignores the abject poverty in the UK and the incredible waste of public money, on things like military spending. On the upside this series is competently produced and capably acted. Stories are your standard Brit crime fare. Nothing special but moderately watchable. In summary, "Vera" would have worked a lot better without the establishment pandering but still has enough on offer to represent a reasonable watch.