Vera - Season 13 Episode 3 Salt & Vinegar
Overview: DCI Vera Stanhope investigates when the body of the co-owner of a chip shop is found in his own freezer. A seemingly successful entrepreneur and dedicated family man, Vera uncovers secrets, lies and some unforgivable behaviour as she tries to unwrap the case. Once the investigation begins, it soon becomes apparent that our enigmatic entrepreneur has left behind debts, broken promises, ruined lives and seriously interfered in family business that was not his own. Who is responsible for this unsavoury chip shop assault and battery?
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.