Ep 4. Little Lazarus

In Vera season 1, episode 4, titled "Little Lazarus," DCI Vera Stanhope (Brenda Blethyn) and her team investigate the murder of a well-regarded social worker, found dead in his own home. The case becomes increasingly complicated when it is discovered that the victim had secretly been working for a troubled youth named Little Lazarus (Harry Connick), who was recently released from a psychiatric facility.

As Vera and her team dig deeper, they uncover a web of secrets, including the victim's involvement in a controversial child protection case and the circumstances surrounding Little Lazarus's institutionalization. Vera struggles to connect the dots as the case takes unexpected twists and turns, leading her to question everything she thought she knew about the victim's life and those around him.

With the clock ticking and pressure mounting from the victim's colleagues and the community at large, Vera must unravel the truth and identify the killer before they strike again. As always, Brenda Blethyn delivers a nuanced performance as the determined and intuitive Vera, who refuses to give up until justice is served.

"Little Lazarus" is a gripping and emotionally charged episode of Vera, with themes of trauma, mental illness, and the complexities of the child protection system. The episode is notable for its strong character development, particularly in the case of Little Lazarus, who is portrayed with sensitivity and authenticity by Harry Connick.

Overall, "Little Lazarus" is a standout episode of Vera that showcases the show's strengths in crafting intricate and compelling mysteries while exploring the human stories behind the crimes. Fans of the series will not want to miss this thought-provoking and engaging installment.