Shetland/Vera – My ratings 5

Ann Cleeves better on TV

A British friend of mine suggested I upgrade from the TV versions of Ann Cleeve’s Shetland and Vera and read the books. I’ve enjoyed both series on PBS. Both have recent new seasons, though unfortunately now apparently limited to Britbox. After reading the first few books in the Shetland series, I much prefer the TV version and probably won’t dip into the Vera novels. Let me tell you why.

Firstly, I like the scenery showcased in the two series, especially Shetland. As I’ve mentioned before, I’m frequently tempted to travel to the setting of my favorite detective shows. Although the Shetland Islands are a distance off, and undoubtedly somewhat bleak, I have imagined myself there. The landscape appears majestic. Even the Northumberland setting of Vera appeals. But my preference for the shows over the books owes primarily to the writing. Cleeves writes in the tradition of P.D. James, presenting the interior states of her characters. However, she delves into every nook and cranny of even those with peripheral places in the plot. (Does she have to tell us every time someone is making tea that the stove is a Rayburn?) With her main character in Shetland, Inspector Jimmy Perez, she exposes every passing fancy, doubt and desire. In something I’ve never seen before, when Perez is presented as thinking, he actually stops moving, physically lost in thought. At one point, even Perez sees this as strange: “He realized that he must look very odd, just standing there, deep in thought, and roused himself.” This determined deep diving may appeal to some. But I prefer detectives that can walk and chew gum at the same time.

The TV version of Shetland is terrific, as are Douglas Henshall as Perez and Alison O'Donnell as his deputy. The episodes strip down the stories to their essence. Perez is sometimes shown thinking but he manages to walk at the same time. Henshall left after the seventh season but the series carries on with the eight this year.

ITV first broadcast Vera in 2011 and I watched it when it appeared on PBS. It’s now in its 13^th season and headed for at least one more. Brenda Blethyn plays the strong, hard-bitten but soft hearted DCI Vera Stanhope so well that she has become the model used by Cleeves in writing the books. Unlike the Shetland series, the crime is solved in one 90 minute episode. Arriving at a solution seems sometimes a bit rushed and reliant on CCTV, phone records and financial information that comes together quicker than likely possible in real life. Vera pushes her team without regard to anyone’s feelings and is usually quite gruff. But she also tries in the end to mend the broken souls of those affected by the murder. I have not yet read a Vera book but probably would still prefer the TV version.

Shetland and Vera apparently are no longer available on PBS but via Britbox. I rate both shows a solid Five.