Vera: Set Eight (DVD)

Every new season of "Vera" is a joy, because you don't know if it will be the last one. Brenda Blethyn, who plays Vera, is in her 70's, and after season 7 she said she didn't know if she'd be able to continue. The schedule for making a series can be brutal.So sit back and enjoy another set of murders in Northumberland. The "Vera" mystery series has been overall serious, almost grim, from its very first season. But also excellently plotted, with good supporting staff. D.C. Kenny Lockhart (older and tired) and D.S. Aiden Healy (young and married) have had their own conflicts over the years. But they are loyal to DCI Vera Stanhope, who can be a curmudgeon but knows her stuff. As Healy says in episode 3, "You've got a tendency to think the worst of people, you do know that."Vera: "Yeah? Well, it stops me from being disappointed."...1... "Blood & Bone" The incinerator at the Brenkley Abattoir (butcher shop) is meant to burn body parts and did a good job on the last batch. Except the wedding ring didn't melt. Vera: "Right. Meantime, I want your team all over this. Prints, bloodstains, the lot."Marcus, the pathologist: "Uh, ma'am, it's an abattoir."Vera: "Think of it as a challenge, Marcus."...2... "Black Ice" Roderick "Roddy" Maplin, once a taxi driver, is being laid to rest. His equally gray-haired buddies give him a proper send-off. Has somebody got it in for taxi drivers?..3... "Home" Ten year-old Elliot Glenn hops out of bed in his neat and tidy house in a neat and tidy suburb. Except this morning, his mom, still dressed in her robe and pajamas, is lying in the back yard. Not alive....4... "Darkwater" Up at Byre Crag, a lake formed by a dam, the sluice gates are opened to drain excess water. There's a problem with one gate, though. It's a body, of someone who's been dead less than 24 hours, even though he was reported missing 3 days ago.The four episodes of Set 8 total 350 minutes. That's over 80 minutes each, which is just one reason why people like me love British mysteries. English subtitles are available. There are no Bonus Features, which is just a shame for a long-running series.Happy Reader

One of the best series that sed to be on tv.

Vera is a really good series, which is still in production. I have the first 8 to get through. As other reviews have mentioned it is a well written, acted, photographed series. A lot of twists and turns coming and going every which way - keep us on our toes.In future Brenda the star may choose not to continue with the series. After all she is getting older - and may want to retire. At the moment we enjoy the series as it is.

This is a really great British detective series. I can say that I have enjoyed every episode. The character of "Vera is solid and great. I love the series so much that I am trying to purchase a "VERA HAT". Can't find one so I guess a lot of people like Vera.

Vera is exciting in her plight for justice. A lot of dead bodies though and Vera catches the killers each and every time and you always wonder how she will catch the killers, exciting to watch her and her team work. Very well written.

A fine series continues. Excellent cast and interesting characters. The detectives get their man, but though I pride myself on figuring out who the perp is before it's revealed, I often don't succeed with the Vera series - which is why I keep watching it.

Brenda Blethyn is fantastic as Detective Chief Inspector Vera Stanhope of the fictional 'Northumberland & City Police'. I love the series, they're very well scripted and acted.

all of the vera series is quite good. they get better with each season. i have eight so far. vera is a curmudgeonly senior officer in the northumberland disctrict. i love the beach, rain, fog, wind, etc. the scenery is lovely. the mysteries are engaging and not always solvable ahead of time. for anyone interested in british mysteries this is one to watch and enjoy. give it at least two episodes as they are slow to start. by the end of the second episode you should be hooked. brenda blethyn is a very good actress as is her supporting cast. the back stories of the characters is also well done.

The quality pf the DVD was excellent and Amazon's delivery of the product exceeded expectations. My wife enjoyed the episodes so much that I ordered Vera 9, which arrived Dec.31st.

Four very good stories. I found the the show titled "Home" on the second disk the best.

This was for my own personal use. Arrived in excellent time, in very good condition..

Great

This is a very good series. Actors remain true to character. Story lines are good. Scenery is beautiful. We have all of the Vera Series now.