Ep 4. As the Crow Flies

In Vera season 11 episode 4, titled "As the Crow Flies," Detective Chief Inspector Vera Stanhope (portrayed by Brenda Blethyn) is called to investigate the mysterious death of an environmentalist. The victim, a young woman named Mia Hinkin, was found dead in a remote Northumberland bird sanctuary – a location she was passionate about due to her work in the environmental activism field.

As Vera delves deeper into the case, she discovers that Mia's death may have been a targeted attack. As she interviews people close to the victim, including her colleagues and estranged family members, she begins to uncover secrets and rivalries that could have played a role in Mia's death.

With her signature tenacity, Vera follows a trail of clues that takes her through the beautiful yet treacherous landscape of Northumberland. As she gets closer to the truth, she comes up against those who would rather the truth stay buried. Nevertheless, Vera remains undeterred, and with the help of her team, she faces down a growing number of suspects and dangerous situations in her pursuit of justice.

As always, Brenda Blethyn delivers an outstanding performance as Vera Stanhope. The character's unflappable exterior is juxtaposed with her razor-sharp intelligence, making her an arresting and intriguing figure to follow. Blethyn is supported by a talented cast, many of whom are familiar faces from previous seasons.

The episode also showcases the stunning beauty of Northumberland, with sweeping shots of the rugged coastline and the haunting call of seabirds punctuating key scenes. The remote bird sanctuary where Mia was found dead provides another memorable setting for the action, with its wild beauty and the remote isolation of the sanctuary playing a key role in the plot.

Overall, Vera season 11 episode 4 "As the Crow Flies" is a compelling and atmospheric addition to the series. With a finely crafted mystery, an accomplished cast, and breathtaking scenery, it is an excellent example of the high-quality drama for which the series is known.