Brenda Blethyn, the iconic actress behind the popular ITV detective series *Vera*, has expressed her reluctance toward the idea of a prequel for the show, comparing it unfavorably to the success of *Endeavour*. While *Endeavour* has enjoyed success as a prequel to *Inspector Morse*, Blethyn feels that such prequels don’t always resonate in the same way. In a recent interview, she shared her thoughts, stating that she doesn’t believe a prequel would be beneficial for *Vera*. She feels that the charm of the character and the dynamics of the show are deeply rooted in the present day, and exploring a younger version of Vera may not be as compelling or meaningful.
Blethyn’s concerns are understandable, especially in the context of *Vera*, where her portrayal of the sharp, yet emotionally complex, detective has been central to the show’s success. The relationship between Vera and her colleagues, along with the show’s setting in the North East of England, gives the series a unique and grounded feel. Blethyn’s portrayal of the character, with its mix of vulnerability and strength, resonates deeply with viewers, and she believes this would be difficult to replicate in a prequel format. The intricacies of her current performance might be lost in an exploration of Vera’s backstory.
Furthermore, Blethyn acknowledged the challenges of creating prequels that work well. While *Endeavour* has managed to carve out its niche as a prequel to the iconic *Inspector Morse*, the actress remains skeptical about whether a similar success could be achieved for *Vera*. She pointed out that many prequels fail to live up to their predecessors, often due to the absence of the same chemistry and development that made the original series so beloved. Given *Vera*’s strong standing and devoted fan base, Blethyn is cautious about tampering with what already works so well.
