All Creatures Great and Small

It is Easter 1940 and without Tristan’s help while he’s away serving, Skeldale House is busier than ever. James and Helen dream about the future, hoping that James won’t be called up to serve. When Mrs. Hall takes a leap of faith, Siegfried offers his support.

Siegfried has the bright idea of bringing in an experienced bookkeeper, Miss Harbottle, to bring method to their madness. James and Helen take inspiration from Siegfried’s ‘Carpe Diem’ approach and make a long-awaited decision.

Busy and exhausted, James and Helen can’t get any time together. James thinks he’s found a solution when he hires a new trainee vet, Richard Carmody, but things don’t quite work out as he expects. Mrs. Pumphrey also has a new canine member of her household who has an antisocial problem that she needs addressed urgently. Mrs. Hall takes a big step forward in her relationship with Gerald.

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 rallies the community to help the newcomers whilst she waits for some personal news.

With the war feeling closer to home, James desperately wants things in order and Carmody trained up to support Siegfried. Carmody and Mrs. Pumphrey clash because he can’t see her dogs the way she does. A dinner with Gerald leaves Mrs. Hall with a dilemma but watching James and Helen brace for their future gives her a new perspective.

When Richard Alderson needs some help, Helen returns to Heston Grange. Buried family secrets threaten to tear their relationship apart as Richard refuses to let her muck in on the farm. Gerald’s beloved dog, Rock, needs veterinary help, but he is too worried about the operation. Mrs. Hall pushes him to do the right thing.

James tries to get home for Christmas and Skeldale House prepares for a new arrival.