Ep 2. Parent Not Expecting

The episode, "Parent Not Expecting," is the second episode of the 10th season of the British crime drama television series, Vera. Set in Northumberland, England, the show follows the life and work of Detective Chief Inspector Vera Stanhope, played by Brenda Blethyn.

In this episode, Vera investigates the death of a social worker, named Jenny Lister, who is found dead at a children's playground. It seems that Jenny was stalked and attacked, and it quickly becomes clear that there is more to her death than first appears. It is soon discovered that Jenny was investigating a case of a drug addict mother, named Amy, who had her children taken away from her by social services.

As Vera digs deeper into the case, she discovers that there is a complex web of relationships and secrets surrounding Jenny's death. She is met with resistance from some of the people she interviews, including Jenny's boss, her colleagues, and the mother of the children, who is trying to get them back. However, she is able to uncover some clues that lead her to believe that Amy's estranged husband, Gary, might be involved in Jenny's murder.

Vera enlists the help of her team of detectives, including her trusted sidekick Sergeant Aiden Healy, to follow up on the lead. They soon track down Gary and bring him in for questioning. However, as they dig deeper into his alibi and his relationship with Jenny, they realize that he might not be their prime suspect after all.

Throughout the investigation, Vera's formidable intellect and intuition are on full display, as she uses her years of experience and sharp wit to unravel the complexities of the case. She is also shown to be fiercely protective of the children involved, especially when it becomes clear that they may be in danger from whoever killed Jenny.

As the episode comes to a close, Vera and her team finally uncover the truth behind Jenny's death, and the real perpetrator is brought to justice. The episode ends with Vera reflecting on her own personal demons and the challenges she faced as a woman in a largely male-dominated field, as she continues to serve justice and protect the most vulnerable members of society in her own unique way.

Overall, "Parent Not Expecting" delivers all the suspense, intrigue and complex plotlines that fans of the Vera series have come to expect. It is a strong entry in the show's 10th season, and a testament to the strength of Brenda Blethyn's performance as the iconic Detective Chief Inspector Vera Stanhope.