All Creatures Great & Small

Fresh out of veterinary college in 1937, James Herriot struggles to find work in his Depression-struck home town of Glasgow. Seeking new opportunities, he pursues a position in the remote village of Darrowby working for eccentric local vet Siegfried Farnon, who is less than impressed by his early efforts. However, a difficult calving gives James a chance to prove his worth.

Tristan sets about collecting debts owed to the surgery and takes a shine to Maggie, the new barmaid at The Drovers. Siegfried hopes to bag the job of Attending Vet at Darrowby Racecourse, by buttering up the head of the race course, General Ransom. When the favourite to win on the race day is diagnosed with a inoperable condition, James has his first painful experience.

Its the Darrowby Show and James is pleased as punch that he has been given the honour of Attending Vet. But Siegfried and Tristan know the job is a poisoned chalice and reckon James wont last the day without throwing in the towel.

James is trying to bury his pain over Helen and has invited his new girlfriend Connie to the annual Skeldale Christmas party. As the house fills with locals, James receives a call from a man who wants help with his dog who is giving birth.

With Tristans encouragement, James asks Helen if shed like to go to the local spring dance. But village resident Geralds arrival with his injured dog, Rock, puts a spanner in the works. Meanwhile, Tristan worries that Siegfried is in danger of losing his edge.

Its an important day for Tristan in more ways than one, as he celebrates his birthday and Siegfried gives him new responsibilities as a vet. Tristan has to withstand the pressure and succeed in the challenge set by his older brother before returning to Skeldale for his birthday festivities. Meanwhile, Mrs Hall reminds James that he needs to tell Helen some home truths.

As Chamberlain heads to meet with Hitler in Munich, James prepares to face his parents and give them some difficult news. Meanwhile, Jamess agenda is derailed by an emergency with the Aldersons pregnant mare, Candy.

It is now spring 1939 and a potential world war looms. Tristan is now a qualified vet, while James enters a new stage of his life with Helen and at the practice. After being made joint business partner by Siegfried, James pushes to take on more responsibility via the Ministry of Agricultures new bovine TB testing scheme, but its unexpected challenges risk pushing him to breaking point.

Siegfried receives some difficult news and becomes even more irascible than usual. The perfect distraction comes along in the form of Major Sebright Saunders, who asks Siegfried to look at a difficult young racehorse called River.

Siegfried and Tristan are left in charge of Skeldale House, when Mrs Hall takes time off to meet up with an important person from her past. Siegfried immediately puts Tristan in charge of housekeeping duties and focuses on running the practice and educating a visiting work experience boy named Andrew Simmonds.

It’s Christmas in Darrowby and everyone is trying to make the most of things while the world is at war. A young guest brings some wonder, mischief and cheer to Skeldale House while everyone waits for important news. When Mrs Pumphrey heralds the arrival of a kitten in need of extra care. Siegfried is asked to pay a visit to an injured River just before a big race.

Siegfried hires an experienced bookkeeper, but her efficient approach doesn’t suit everyone. James and Helen arrive at a big decision, and a ferret presents a challenge for the practice.

James and Helen are keeping a secret, and following a visit to the Crabtree’s Farm, Carmody is challenged with learning how to be a vet outside of his books. The new farmers have a worrying illness amongst their herd and James wants to help them in any way he can.

Helen feels redundant at Skeldale, and buried family secrets threaten to tear their relationship apart as Richard refuses to let her muck in on the farm. Helen notices that calf Smokey seems unwell and tries to help him, but it only makes things worse with her dad.

With World War II underway, Siegfried takes up the slack at the surgery. James faces an uncertain future when he is grounded at the RAF. Mrs Hall and Helen consider their contribution within the community, and Carmody is eager to step up.

Everyone is determined to make Jimmy’s christening day special, while Siegfried is unimpressed when called up to Biggins’ farm.

After receiving outstanding exam results, Carmody is offered a position in a research program in London, but he wants to stay at Skeldale. An exhilarated Mr Bosworth summons Mrs Hall to examine a piece of debris that has dropped from a plane into a remote field.

Mrs Halls world is rocked by bad news. Meanwhile, Tristan is given a special wartime mission involving pigeons, and the house readies to celebrate Jimmys birthday.