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James Herriot, MRCVS, a newly qualified vet, arrives at Skeldale House for a job interview. It is the mid-1930s, and work is hard to come by. While James waits for Siegfried Farnon, his potential employer, he meets Mr Biggins for the first time. James has to earn his money even before securing employment. Siegfried takes James to see Mr White's lame horse and lets him both evaluate and treat it, before they venture on to Barrow Hills to see Bert Sharpe's cow, Violet, which makes its mark on James. After meeting a few locals in the pub, James is hired. James treats Phineas Calvert's cow, which has developed sunstroke, and decides - under the watch of the difficult Mr Soames - to euthanise Lord Hulton's valuable horse after he diagnoses that it is too far gone with an agonising torsion.

Characters: Mrs Hall, Bert Sharpe, Diana Brompton, Mr Biggins, Mr White, Ted (barman), Soames, Phineas Calvert, Mrs Calvert.

Siegfried settles James' nerves by confirming that he acted correctly with Lord Hulton's horse. James picks up Siegfried's brother Tristan from the station upon his return from veterinary college in Edinburgh, having failed pathology and parasitology. At first Siegfried sacks Tristan, but then decides to put him to work by collecting payments on market day. He misplaces the receipt book, however. James has his first encounter with Mrs Pumphrey and her pampered Pekingese pet dog, Tricki-Woo, who has developed "flop-bot". He calls again a few days later when another ailment is reported — this time "crackerdog". James visits Mr Dean and his 13-year-old dog, Bob, which has developed a cancerous growth in his abdomen. James decides it is best to put the animal down. Dean later gets a puppy and names it after his recent departure. Tristan plays a phone prank on James, pretending to be farmer Sims, of Beal Close. James exacts revenge by calling Tristan, pretending to be the farmer whose calf bed the duo put back in earlier in the day, saying the same thing has happened again.

Characters: Arthur Handshaw, Tommy, Reynolds, Smedley, Hodgekin, Mrs Pumphrey, Mrs Hall, Mr Dean, Soames, Diana Brompton.

With paperwork becoming out of hand, Siegfried decides to employ a secretary, a Miss Winifred Harbottle. The result is not quite what he intended. On a call to her father's Heston Grange farm in Ellsdale to treat a calf with a fractured leg, James meets Helen Alderson for the first time since they were on the bus together. Miss Harbottle arrives. She is immediately put out by the slipshod administrative set-up at Skeldale House. She puts in place a change in their working methods, starting at 9.00 AM sharp the following morning. Miss Harbottle gets Mrs Hall's back up early on in their relationship by asking her not to touch any of her paperwork while she undertakes her duties. James coaxes Mrs Pumphrey into letting the vets look after Tricki-Woo at the surgery for a week so that they can give him the care he needs. Mrs Pumphrey finds it difficult to cope with the thought, while Hodgekin is beside himself with joy. Miss Harbottle starts to inflict her professionalism on the vets. Siegfried retaliates by regularly emptying out the petty cash box. Mrs Pumphrey sends James an expensive and elaborate gift basket. She also holds a "welcome home" party for Tricki-Woo. James attends an early-morning call and on his way back, and still in his pyjamas, he stops in to check on the Aldersons' calf. Siegfried takes Miss Harbottle to task about the fact that the cash box was empty when Siegfried needed to give change to two clients. Also, it is the tenth of the month and still the accounts have not gone out. The secretary storms out.

Tristan uncovers James' interest in Helen when mentioning he saw her in Richard Edmundson's Bentley. James is called out late to Dan Cooper's cow, which is stuck in a bog. Tristan, meanwhile, stays out all night drinking with the bell ringers. In an attempt to sneak in, he is caught by Siegfried, who comes to the conclusion that his little brother has too much time to spare; as such, since Siegfried thinks he is "fast becoming a drunken, idle shirker," he puts Tristan in charge of his new piglets. James checks up on Tricki-Woo, who has a clean bill of health for once. Mrs Pumphrey reveals her new arrival: Nugent, a piglet. Siegfried reaches breaking point with Miss Harbottle. She presents him with paperwork to look over, which, much to her distress, he decides to tear up and throw the pieces over her head. At breakfast, Tristan reads out a piece of mail he has received: a letter of resignation from Miss Harbottle. Siegfried cannot contain his excitement. Albert Crump calls the surgery about his mare, which has Monday morning disease. Tristan dispatches James, but not before he lets on that he's been putting out delicate inquiries about Helen. She is, he reveals, a member of the Darrowby Music Society and every Tuesday attends their evenings in the village hall. He suggests James signs up too. At Mr Crump's, James samples some of his homemade wine. He gets sloshed, but then has to drop in on the teetotal Bamfords, who live at nearby Holly Bush Farm. James attends his first Music Society meeting and makes a point of assisting Helen with the washing up. He asks Helen out on a date on Saturday, and she accepts.

Driving along the moor tops, James comes across a black Labrador stuck in the mud. He rescues it and decides to take it to Sister Louisa Rose to see if she can find it a home. James does not seem to be getting anywhere in his pursuit of Helen. Tristan convinces him take her to the ritzy Reniston hotel for dinner, but the date does not go well. To compound matters, Tristan suggests that he try seeing a different girl. He arranges a double date at a dance, with local girls Connie and Brenda, but things take a turn for the worse when Helen shows up with Richard Edmundson. James and Siegfried treat a pony of gypsy family the Myatts.

Characters: Mrs Hall, Sister Louisa Rose, Mr Plenderleith, Mrs Plenderleith, Connie, Brenda, Jess Myatt, Mr Worley (barman), Richard Edmundson.

Siegfried is under the cloud of a cold, leaving James to carry the burden of the visits. Helen brings her Border Collie, Dan, to the surgery. James is embarrassed by his performance when he saw her at the dance, but he finally manages to make a date with her. They go to the Darrowby Plaza with the intention of seeing a film about the Hebrides but it is changed without notice to a Western, Arizona Guns. James visits Isaac Cranford, who tries to coax James into fraudulently reporting that the farmer's cow died from a lightning strike instead of acute heart failure. Tristan decides to bring the legend of the Raynes Abbey ghost to life. It is Siegfried's turn to visit Cranford, this time to treat his boar. Before he leaves, Siegfried reminds Cranford about the state of his account. James gets a lift back to Darrowby from P.C. Blenkiron. En route, they see the "ghost" and promptly give chase. Back at Skeldale House, Tristan is forced to reveal himself. Tristan is asked to post a faeces sample to the laboratory and a bottle of ointment to Cranford. He mixes them up, which results in Cranford smearing an undesirable product into his boar's skin. To Siegfried's obvious glee, the mistake results in Cranford terminating their services.

James drives by the funeral of Billy Dalby. After informing Siegfried of the news, he visits Mrs Dalby to pay his respect. The hard-of-hearing Joe Mulligan brings his "womiting" dog, Clancy, into the surgery. James is finally beginning to make real progress with Helen, who invites him to Sunday tea at the Aldersons', but ends up treating one of their cows that falls ill. The cow dies before James' treatment has a chance to work. After Siegfried buys a new Rover, James inherits his old one. When Tristan was up on a fell drinking Theakston's Nutty Brown Ale with James, he accidentally releases the handbrake. The pair watch as the car careens into the new shelter on the golf course. It is an incident that Siegfried just happens to read about in the morning paper. The duo's silence speaks volumes. Tristan blames the broken headlamp on an accident with a farm gate. With his car in being fixed, and James' brakes not up to standard, Tristan asks Siegfried if he can borrow his Rover to get to a call in Sorton. Tristan, of course, crashes it into a wall after swerving to avoid a flock of sheep in the road and has to break the news to his brother.

Tristan and Siegfried have to treat Mr Mulligan's giant dog, Clancy. However, they are all somewhat concerned over the sheer size of the animal. Siegfried, Tristan and Mrs Hall all give James some advice regarding Helen. James takes her to Bolton Castle, where he proposes to her. She accepts, and then James has to face the task of asking Mr Alderson for his permission to marry his daughter. Egged on by Tristan, Mr Biggins entertains the regulars at the Drovers. Mrs Dalby is worried about her cattle, and James struggles to find a diagnosis until he realises that the cows have rings around their eyes, as if they are wearing spectacles.

Siegfried is invited to the Brawton races. He knows the circuit is looking for a new vet, but his chances fade after meeting up with fellow vet Stewie Brannan whom he has not seen for several years. The Ministry of Agriculture requires the practice to undertake tuberculin testing the same week that James and Helen are on their honeymoon. James proposes a solution. James and Helen are married.

James and Helen are on a working honeymoon, carrying out tuberculin testing. They are staying at Carperby's Wheatsheaf, an inn with an overly-doting landlady. Siegfried decides that it is time Tristan did some serious work for his examinations. James meets local vet Angus Grier and his student, Clinton. He invites James along on a call and provides him with a peculiar change of clothes. Siegfried hires student Richard Carmody while Tristan is away for exams.

A local smallholder, Frank Metcalfe, has spent all of his savings on new livestock. When the animals become seriously ill with brucellosis, the vets have their work cut out trying to save the day. Tristan returns from veterinary school in Edinburgh and confides in James that his exams may not have gone all that well. Tristan takes a dislike to Carmody and convinces James to let him see what real work feels like. The vets and the village doctor, who has set up practice next door to Skeldale, see an opportunity to teach Gobber Newhouse, a locally bully and wife-beater, a lesson when he steps on a rusty nail.

Tristan receives confirmation that he has failed his exams again. To butter Siegfried up, he begins a strict tee-total, smoke-free, healthy lifestyle, but confides the truth in James. James has to deal with Mrs Donovan, a self-educated animal healer whose dog is killed in an accident, and with Angus Grier, who has a broken arm. When Siegfried brings everyone together in the Skeldale living room to toast Tristan and his new way of life, Tristan has to come clean. It leaves Siegfried in a fit of rage.

Foot-and-mouth disease strikes in the Dales. As a precaution, Siegfried confines himself to Skeldale House. Dealing with a very sick animal, James administers a large dose of anaesthetic. He expects the animal to quietly pass away, but is amazed to find that it makes a complete recovery. He repeats the treatment with Mrs Flaxton's pet poodle.

The practice is going through a very busy time. It is raining cats and dogs - literally! - when James comes face to face with Mrs Bond's cat, Boris, which James describes as a miniature puma. After initially scoffing at their colleague's story, the Farnons experience it for themselves. James agrees to care for Mr Dean's dog after he passes away. He also treats a farmer's newly acquired bull calf, but struggles to come up with a diagnosis and appropriate treatment. Siegfried wants James and Helen to move out of their cramped living quarters and into the suite at the top of the house. He is also growing tired of his brother's aptitude of pretending to look busy.

Characters: Mrs Hall, Mr Bond, Mrs Bond, Harry Sumner, Mr Dean, Joe Mulligan.

It is lambing time again in the Yorkshire Dales. Siegfried and Tristan treat Mr Benson's flock of sheep, several of which are suffering from a severe calcium deficiency. Others have become victims of a dog. Siegfried has to make a late-night call to Harold Ingledew, who is less than helpful after an evening of drinking at home. Much to Siegfried's chagrin, he repetitively sings "(You're My Heart's Desire, I Love You) Nellie Dean" and "Lily of Laguna". James is still confined to the surgery because of a sore ankle. He meets loner Roderick Perowne, a hatter who can't abide much. His dog, Sligo, has been injured, and Peter Marston, whose dog, Jack, appears to have been caught up in some wrongdoings.

Characters: Mr Benson, Mrs Hall, Roderick Perowne, Peter Marston, Mrs Marston, Harold Ingledew.

Tristan is faced with a lawsuit after treating Albert Skerry's bloated cow at the same time as Mr Skerry lights a match. Ewan Ross, a vet in nearby Scarburn, asks Siegfried for some help. Siegfried suggests James gives him a hand. Ross turns out to be a formidable character whose expertise in horses is tempered by his fondness of alcohol. Siegfried buys a flock of guinea fowl and charges Tristan with keeping them. After feeding them, however, someone forgets to close the gate.

Siegfried treats a stallion belonging to Walt Barnett, a nasty and demanding client. James and Helen visit Jack Gilling's farm, where Helen spent a lot of time in her youth. She is saddened by the decline in the use of farm horses but is pleased to see Badger, the only remaining horse on the farm. When Badger falls ill, Mr Gilling has a tough decision to make.

Mrs Bond pays a visit to the surgery with Boris. James is on the receiving end of the cat's claws. To Helen's dismay, James gets lumbered with the difficult job of being Duty Vet at the Darrowby and Houlton Show. At the show, Tristan tries to woo Beryl, a pretty barmaid in the beer tent, but finds out the hard way that she is spoken for. Mrs Hall enters her preserve in competition against the perennial victor.

Helen, James, Tristan and Siegfried have lunch at a swank French restaurant, where Tristan meets Julia Taverner. Taken by her, he gets a chance to woo her when James is called out to treat her father's dog. Mrs Pumphrey visits the surgery and passes on some advice to Tristan in his pursuit of the object of his affection. James has to contend with the Bellerby family, of Haldon. He offers to give them a lift back to Darrowby to attend a performance of Handel's Messiah at the church, but the family's lunch appears interminable. James also has to treat Tim Alton's prize pig who has gone off her feed, the Taverners' dog, Dilly, and he faces a dilemma when Mrs Tompkins' budgerigar dies in his care.

Helen is away caring for her sick aunt. On his way across the moor tops, James finds a stray black kitten. He brings it to his next client, Mrs Butler, who names the kitten Moses and says she'll look after him. James and Tristan visit Mr Wilkinson's White Cross Farm to look at his "colt" Dancer, which turns out to be a six-year-old stallion. James meets Granville Bennett and ends up feeling the worse for wear. Siegfried has to follow up with Dancer, and is on the receiving end of the stallion's anger. Siegfried sets about collecting some outstanding debts, with his crosshair set firmly on Dennis Pratt.

Characters: Mrs Hall, Granville Bennett, Dennis Pratt, Mrs Barker, Zoe Bennett, Mrs Butler, Mr Wilkinson, Mr Wellerby, Mr Dawson, Charlie Ormonroyd, Boy, First Nurse, Second Nurse, Fred.

James uses a hormone treatment on Roland Partridge's dog, Percy, with interesting results. His client's talent with a paint brush convinces James to arrange for his next subject to be Bill Ogilvie's prize bull. Ogilvie, however, loses faith when his bull appears to be uninterested in performing his duties. He is proved wrong. James visits Birch Tree Farm to see Charlie Rudd's new cow, Strawberry, with amusing results. Tristan treats Angela Farmer's dog, but he accidentally injects her instead of the patient.

The annual cricket match between Rainby and Hedwick is a fixture that Siegfried and Tristan have learned to avoid. This year, it is James who gets conned into playing. James treats the Dimmocks' new puppy with all of the children in close attendance. He decides to call in Granville Bennett to assist, but is worried that he will only get into trouble, so he asks Siegfried to come along as well. Granville persuades both of them to stop in at his "branch surgery," with predictable results.

Characters: Mrs Hall, Granville Bennett, Zoe Bennett, Mr Blenkinsopp, Mr Dimmock, Mrs Dimmock, Mrs Pounder, Betty, Tom Willis, Tagger Hird, Hodgekin, Len, Nellie, Fred.

James and Tristan drive through the night back from a conference in London. Tristan displays his lack of sleep by driving the car through the back of the garage. Alice McTavish visits Skeldale House from Edinburgh with "wee Tristan". James treats the Barratts' sick dog. The couple are having marital problems to boot.

Alice is still visiting. She joins Tristan on a call to treat a choking nanny goat, which has eaten something unusual. Always nervous speaking at public events, James has to make a speech to the Darrowby Youth Club.

The vets must deal with Kit Bilton, a friendly farmer who grows too attached to the beasts. Siegfried falls foul of the law due to an expired tax disc. James treats the pet of a cantankerous lady. After an early-morning job, Farmer Horner invites James to stay for breakfast. James is horrified when the farmer's mother serves him a large helping of bacon which consists almost entirely of fat. Helen is away visiting her sick Aunt Lucy, so Tristan tries to coax James into going on a pub crawl. Siegfried gets on rather well with Tristan's friend Daphne.

Characters: Mrs Hall, Miss Dooley, Mr Horner, Mrs Horner, Daphne, Kit Bilton, P.C. Leach.

Guest appearance: Norah Fulton (as Mrs Horner), Gorden Kaye (as Kit Bilton)

James has to deal with a difficult calving. He has an audience which includes the farmer's brother, who provides a non-stop critique of James' performance. Helen returns to Darrowby after the funeral of her aunt, but when she and James try to spend some time together, the inevitable phone calls come in.

Characters: Mrs Hall, Mrs Pumphrey, Mr Gilling, Jess Myatt, Mr Hewison, Mrs Hewison, Mr Mallock. Uncredited: Margie Myatt.

James deals with tuberculin testing. He is summoned to the Min of Ag by Charles Harcourt when the test results cause confusion. Siegfried has to deal with Murray, a dog owner who only believes in the strictest of discipline for his charge. He also has to deal with dying sheep on the grouse moors, a result of louping ill. Helen gets a job as a secretary, but James is not sure he approves. Siegfried, meanwhile, thinks it is a wonderful idea; Tristan less so, when he realises he will have to pick up the administrative slack in the partnership. Mrs Hall tells Siegfried she has to leave to help her brother, who is now working his farm alone.

Siegfried runs into Ronald Beresford, the manager of the local bank, whose dog behaves badly in the car. Tristan woos Marjorie Simpson, and Siegfried meets Sarah Raworth. James treats Mr Bailey's dog, which has developed a case of bronchitis. Siegfried chastises James after he waives the veterinary fee. Siegfried proves, once again, that he has problems heeding his own advice. Tristan rescues a severely injured cat and convinces James to try to save him rather than put him down. With surgery a success, Helen decides to adopt the socially-inclined feline and nurses him back to full health. She is later distraught when she learns that the cat belongs to the Gibbons family.

Mr Biggins tells James about his cowhand, Ned Finch, who goes drinking every night and is drawn to the bright lights of "big city" Briston. All James sees, however, is an amiable worker having a quiet drink in his local. Mrs Hall is all aflutter after a visit from Mr Barge, the practice's pharmaceutical rep from Messrs Cargill and Sons. James has to treat Mrs Pumphrey's new boxer, Cedric, which has a case of flatulence.

Tristan and Siegfried meet a tramp named Roddy Travers and his dog who are passing through the area. Mrs Hall has gone to Brawton to visit her sister, Dorothy, whose husband is sick and has been told he cannot return to work. Tristan reluctantly agrees to take over the household chores and duties in her absence. Siegfried is less than sympathetic when his brother starts to complain. Granville Bennett stops in, hoping for someone to take a look at his dog, Phoebe, who needs a minor operation. He invites James and Siegfried to lunch the next day. The former over-imbibes yet again.

Tristan has a late night, which leads to his brother taking him to task about his bad habits. A young delinquent, Wesley Binks, is persuaded to change his ways when his dog gets distemper. Tristan has designs on young Deborah Mount, but her father does not approve. The Weeting brothers, Brian and Dennis, leave town to enlist in the military.

Characters: Mrs Hall, Mr Mount, Mr Scargill, Deborah Mount, Wesley Binks, Mrs Binks, Mr Jenkins, Mr Weeting, Brian Weeting, Dennis Weeting.

"Robert Hardy did such lovely things with his performance," remembered Paul Clayton, who played Brian Weeting. "I can remember him giving us that look after we tell him that we are off to war. He had a line, but he chose not to say anything. He just paused. What I learned from him was he always used this pause, which gave his scenes breathing space, which in turn gave the editors choice on which character is telling the story at that moment."

It is James and Helen's anniversary and he's planning a special celebration. The evening, at the highbrow Harlequin restaurant in Bickershaw, is nearly ruined when a goat eats his cheque book. Siegfried starts dating Margery Egerton. Tristan, meanwhile, thwarted in his attempts to see Deborah Mount, turns his attention to previous conquests. James has to pay several visits to Mr Bailes, whose dog has an affinity for scaring the wits out of visitors. Mrs Hall over-imbibes at the Women's Union sherry party.

War is becoming a distinct possibility, so Helen stocks up on food, while Tristan, at the request of his brother, puts tape on the windows in an attempt to minimise the chance of them shattering if the bombs arrive. Siegfried decides that Skeldale House should conserve its food supply by having its occupants eat together. Mrs Hall takes his instructions to economise a bit too seriously. James treats Miss Westerman's dog, Hamish. During the dog's recovery, however, Tristan manages to lose it. Siegfried tries to pair his brother up with the dour Deirdre Headingley, but he manages to wriggle his way out of it. The vets forego a soiree with the Headingleys in order to treat a stray dog that has been in an accident.

James and Siegfried get to see a modern milking parlour when they attend a calving. There are problems when the milkman's horse has to be taken off the road for treatment. Miss Westerman returns with Hamish. Tristan tries to avoid her, given that he misplaced the dog last time he was put in his care. She is concerned about the rumours that dogs will need to be euthanised in the event of war, but Tristan puts her mind at ease. The vets agree to spay a cat for a minimum fee, thanks to Tristan, but find they may have been taken advantage of. Siegfried treats Herbie Hinchcliffe's aging horse, Dolly, and becomes emotionally involved in the case when it comes to putting her down.

Characters: Mrs Hall, Herbie Hinchcliffe, Mr Blackburn, Mrs Beck, Miss Westerman, Mrs Bravington.

After his recent experience with Dolly, Siegfried has become somewhat shy around horses. James has to deal with the unfriendly Ralph Beamish, an arrogant horse owner who continually ignores his advice. The vets have to deal with an outbreak of Foot and Mouth Disease on Duggleby's farm. War is declared.

Characters: Mrs Hall, Ralph Beamish, Duggleby, Mrs Beck, Mrs Bailey, Mr Bailey.

"When you think we made ninety episodes, I have very few actual recollections of scenes that I played," recalled Robert Hardy. "Though one of my favourite ones — because it was so true, I think — was my scene with Peter when war is declared, and we were sat at the top of a ridge, looking around at this wonderful Yorkshire countryside."

With Mrs Hall away visiting a cousin, Tristan tries his hand at doing the cooking again. Siegfried, however, wishes he had not bothered. James fills in for Stewie Brannan while he's on holiday. He and Helen visit the dog track when he has to act as Duty Vet. The vets have to deal with a dog that has been hit by a car.

There is an outbreak of unexplained dog poisonings in the Darrowby area. Siegfried decides to investigate. Tristan has a farewell evening out with the local bell ringers. James and Tristan go to the bell tower. As can be expected, things do not go smoothly. Siegfried treats Joan Clifford's dog, Saxon, but the case has specific implications for her. James, meanwhile, treats the inexplicably-loud Len Hamson's pigs.

Characters: Mrs Hall, Joan Clifford, Rob Benson, Len Hamson, Elijah Hamson, Nathaniel Adamson, Bert Bartle, George.

James visits Lord Hulton's stately home. Hulton has taken a liking to a horse that has wandered onto his property from the nearby military barracks. At the Billings' farm, James finds young calves who are emaciated. He thinks they have ingested an irritant of some kind, but the vets cannot isolate the source. Mrs Hall selects one of Siegfried's finest wines — a 1928 Oublion — for the Herriots to enjoy on their evening alone. Siegfried begrudgingly agrees to the pairing, even though it means he's missing out on one of Mrs Hall's steak and kidney puddings. James fails to save a dog belonging to Paul Cotterell. He's devastated to hear that Cotterell committed suicide upon losing his canine companion.

Siegfried takes Tristan to task for not mending a hole in the fence. Tristan, in response, announces that he is going to make a stand against the tyranny. Tristan tries to get James on his side, but James will not get involved, until his hand is forced. James operates on a sick calf, but those assisting him are worse off than the animal. James also has to tell a neurotic dog-owner that his pet is going blind. In Margery Egerton, Siegfried is having woman trouble.

Characters: Mrs Hall, Andrew Vine, Margery Egerton, Mr Sowden, Mr Abbott, George Hindley, Alice Temple.

Mrs Hall gets a proposal of marriage from Harold Carter. With his time at home with Helen at a premium, James is frustrated at the number of call-outs he has to deal with. Tristan takes up the slack so that he can spend the night with Helen. Tristan gets word that he has finally passed his veterinary exams and, thus, has joined the ranks of MRCVS. James and Siegfried enlist in the RAF and leave Darrowby for the duration. Siegfried leaves first, with James following a little while later, on Easter Monday. In her final scene, Mrs Hall sees James off from Skeldale House. On his way out of town in a taxi, several locals bid their farewells to the vet.

Characters: Mrs Hall (final appearance), Harold Carter, Arnold Summergill, Dr. Raczinski, Emma Tanner, Wilf Henderson, Miss Thompson, Simon Tanner, Fred, Suzie Clark.

"The last episode of the third series, while maybe less amusing than others, contained some of my favourite scenes," recalled Peter Davison. "The final shot was James driving away from Darrowby, and the first two people he waves to are Olive and Charles Turner, the owners of Cringley (Skeldale) House, which they had recently sold to be turned into an old people's home."

The war finally over, James returns to Darrowby to rejoin his partners in veterinary practice. He is having trouble readjusting to civilian life, however. His first call, of course, is to Mr Biggins, who has not changed and does nothing but complain. Relations are also strained with Helen: James is short-tempered and cannot open up to her. A new housekeeper, Mrs Hubbard, is hired to replace the late Mrs Hall. Her culinary skills prove to be severely lacking compared to her predecessor's. Tristan, older but not necessarily wiser, is back with the Darrowby bell ringers. Siegfried meets an old flame, Caroline, who has returned after living in America. They later marry and have children, as mentioned in the series 7 episode "Hampered".

James comes to the aid of Sister Rose when she finds a dog stuck in a peat bog. He takes a liking to the animal and takes it home. Helen disapproves and thinks he's raising the children's hopes about its condition. Tristan is now working for the Ministry of Agriculture. He's also reconnected with Debbie Mount and, in turn, her abstemious father. Siegfried, now sporting a moustache, treats a cat that has taken up residence in Walt Barnett's scrapyard. Someone is clearly abusing the animal, but the irascible Barnett seems to have developed a soft spot for it. James and Tristan are on the receiving end of Mr Ripley's patchwork gate. With their wedding anniversary soon upon them, Helen is after James to get a haircut, but he's afraid of the rough and tumble barber.

Siegfried decides the time has come to hire a full-time assistant, and Calum Buchanan, with whom Tristan attended veterinary school in Edinburgh, fits the bill. Tristan is now a full-time employee of the Ministry of Agriculture, where he sets his eyes on Deirdre McEwan. James tries to get a bank loan, joins the Milk Sub-Committee and pays a visit to Tricki-Woo. Another vet, Hilary Mottram, claims that Siegfried is stealing his clients.

Tristan is named the Min of Ag's "Fertility Adviser for the North Riding of Yorkshire". He's responsible for promoting the use of artificial insemination to some skeptical farmers. James shops for a new radiogram, but is reluctant to let anyone else use it. Rosie joins her father on his rounds, but nearly has a serious accident with a bull. Siegfried treats the Whithorns' pair of spoiled dogs. James enlists Tristan's help to check some sheep that are being exported to the Soviet Union. Calum takes up residence at Skeldale.

Tristan begins work as a Fertility Advisor. He conducts an informal seminar in the beer garden of the Drovers. At a dead end with Deirdre, Tristan accepts Calum's suggestion that he invite her to dinner, for which Calum will prepare his speciality: roast duck. As it turns out, the two Scots discover they have a lot more in common. James tries unsuccessfully to save Tom Maxwell's sick cow and is concerned that the farmer will take legal action against him. He also has to treat Humphrey Cobb's pregnant dog, but discovers that it is the owner who needs more attention. Siegfried thinks that Calum is introducing too much wildlife into Skeldale House.

Siegfried deals with two brothers, Rupe and Will, who are constantly bickering. He also treats the wealthy Seth Bootland's sick horse and receives an interesting proposition. Lionel Brough decides to buy a pig farm, but runs into problems when his stock falls ill with what James suspects is swine fever. When Tristan finds himself on the end of Mr Stott's practical joke, he decides to exact revenge. Tristan is almost ready to admit defeat in the fight for Deirdre's heart after Calum is chosen to look after her Dobermans. When Mrs Dryden lets slip that she is selling her house, James sets his sights on buying it at auction.

Siegfried takes Tristan to task when the bus Little Brother was travelling on hits and kills one of Lord Brawton's stags. Soon after, venison mysteriously becomes available on the market. Tristan and Calum are still vying for Deirdre's affection, but the former seems to be making slow progress, despite his attempts to appreciate all things Scottish. The vets have to deal with an outbreak of fleas and are busy preparing for a bank holiday event intended to raise money for a new church roof. James tries to perform a caesarean section on a cow. Mrs Westby's dog is suffering from a severe bout of pneumonia. Calum provides the solution.

Siegfried deals with a sheepdog who never barks. James has problems with miserly Mr Biggins, who blames the vet for the death of his cow. Calum is on the receiving end of another of Siegfried's rants. This time it is telling clients that they can call at any hour of the day or night. Tristan becomes an overnight expert on goats in an effort to impress Jean Derrick, a beautiful young married woman whom Tristan thinks has an elderly husband. Helen takes a liking to a stray cat and its kitten when they wander into the garden.

James deals with a sick cow, an injured dog, and a box full of kittens. He is also annoyed at Siegfried, who has purchased a second car while he has to deal with an aging vehicle. James is also asked to judge the dog competition at the Darrowby Show. Mrs Pumphrey subsequently informs him that she plans to enter Tricki-Woo. Siegfried visits a farmer who has installed a modern milking parlour. He's dismayed, however, when he investigates a suspected case of Foot and Mouth disease. Calum is puzzled by Herman, a sick dachshund that has developed difficulty walking.

Siegfried hauls Calum over the coals about his wasting medical supplies. Calum is tickled when Siegfried, once more, fails to take his own medicine. He also treats a flock of sick turkeys whose owner is convinced that the vets are out to cheat him of his hard-earned money. James has to treat a cat with a shattered jaw. He calls on Granville Bennett to help. Granville offers him a share of his practice. Tristan is having trouble keeping pace with his tennis-playing sweetheart, Rachael Bosworth.

James is still thinking over Granville Bennett's offer of a share in his practice. An old school friend, Andrew Bruce, who is thinking about taking up farming, pays a visit. James and Siegfried give him a lesson in the realities of a farmer's life. Siegfried visits Mr Dumbleby, a demanding farmer who rarely pays his bills.

Characters: Calum Buchanan, Andrew Bruce, Mr Pickersgill, Mr Dumbleby, Walter Hugill, Thomas Hugill, Fenwick Hugill, William Hugill, Terry Watson, Mrs Watson, Jimmy Herriot, Rosie Herriot, Albert Kenning, Henry Dickson, Dick Dunning, Gordon Unwin, Cyril, Mr Atkinson.

James and Helen are proud parents when Jimmy is asked to play in his piano teacher's music recital. James becomes fed up when his car breaks down. It may convince him to accept the partnership offer from Granville Bennett. The time has come again for Kit Bilton to slaughter his pig. As usual, he has grown so attached to the beast that he cannot bear to see it die. Siegfried has a bad day, thanks in large part to the Hardwicke family. Calum gets trapped in a tree by a bull, so he misses Deirdre's arrival at Mannerton.

Helen is bedridden with a slipped disc. Tristan has left his job at the Ministry of Agriculture and wants to join the practice. Siegfried and James string him along. The younger Farnon also tries to dupe Calum into partaking in a double date, with the latter having to partner up with Prudence Barraclough. The Dales are several feet deep in snow, so James takes to his skis in an attempt to reach the Maxwells. Calum has to go off to do some tuberculin testing in Ireland.

Characters: Calum Buchanan, Mrs Pumphrey, Tom Maxwell, Tess Maxwell, Verity Barraclough, Geoffrey Barraclough, Hodgekin, Edna, Clayton, Downs, Prudence Barraclough.

James visits the Trenholms, whose dog, Tip, chooses to sleep outside in a barrel in all weathers. Meanwhile, one of their cows has suffered a vaginal hemorrhage. Tristan, woken from a slumber by Mr Busby, puts off his visit in favour of returning to bed, a move that frustrates both the client and James, who has to take Busby's irate phone call while caring for his incapacitated wife. A delivery courtesy of Mrs Pumphrey, while meant specifically for Helen, pleases all at Skeldale House. Mrs Pumphrey holds a black tie birthday party for Tricki-Woo, with James as the guest of honour. Tristan ducks out for a swift lunchtime pint at the Drovers, only to be disturbed by a call from Helen. Busby has been on the phone again. Irked at having his session cut short, Tristan exacts some revenge on Busby.

Characters: Peter Trenholm, Mary Trenholm, Mr Busby, George (postman) (uncredited), Mrs Pumphrey, Hodgekin, Edna, Jimmy Herriot, Rosie Herriot, The Bourbon Ensemble.

Calum returns from Ireland and is excited to hear that Deirdre will be spending a week in Darrowby. Siegfried treats Sir Robert's horse after it suffers a fall in the care of Kate Ingram. James is introduced to a family of cat-lovers. Tristan treats a dog who takes pleasure in biting him. Siegfried tells Tristan that he'll have to do the next round of tuberculin testing in Ireland.

Helen is still laid up with a slipped disc. With Siegfried in London at a conference, James' friend Andrew Bruce comes to stay again. James has to deal with Jack Scott's horse and Mr Wiggins' bullocks. Calum takes delight in tormenting a straight-shooting farmer. Ireland-bound Tristan tests everyone's patience with his limited culinary skills. James panics when he realises he has not got Helen an anniversary gift. Andrew saves the day.

Helen is on her feet again. James finds a new house and has a meeting with Mr Gregson, his bank manager. Siegfried is thinking of changing his drugs rep, until the current one, Mr Barge, helps to cure a nasty case of white scour. Calum treats a flock of sheep with an everyday remedy.

Characters: Calum Buchanan, Aloysius Barge, Mr Gregson, Mr Hartley, Mr Clark, Jeff Mallock, Jonathan Dixon.

James attends a Northern Veterinary Society lecture with Granville Bennett. They arrive late, but Granville is not too concerned: apparently he only attends for the post-lecture food and drink. James ends up very much the worse for wear, as usual, but this time food poisoning is the culprit. While James is away, his dog, Dan, suffers a heart attack. Calum tells Helen about some Border Terrier pups for sale and she decides to buy one. James and Helen move into their new house, Rowangarth.

Calum falls for a beautiful girl named Molly, whom he met while tuberculin testing in Ireland. Deirdre pays a surprise visit in order to rekindle their relationship while Molly is staying at Skeldale House. Calum is torn at first but realises he has always been in love with Deirdre. James receives an invitation to examine Lord Buttermere's new stallion.

With Tristan still away in Ireland, Siegfried hires young vet Willy Bannister to help them out for a couple of weeks. To Calum's dismay, Mr Bannister is a teetotaler who is fond of opera. He is excited, however, by the rumour that Willy is a good cook. James treats a dog that was run over. Calum cooks a meal for James and Siegfried, but it takes so long to prepare that his guests have drunk too much and decide to go to the kitchen to see how it's coming on.

Siegfried is determined to get payment of outstanding bills from the local farmers. James is given the virtually impossible task of getting payment from Mr Biggins. The worst offender, Major Bullen, is given too much benefit of the doubt by Siegfried.

An old friend asks Siegfried to show his daughter, Emma, a veterinary student, what a country practice is like. Calum takes a fancy to Emma. After experiencing the resistance of local farmers to female vets, and realising that Calum is getting too keen on her, Emma decides to return home. Jack Sanders' dog does not seem to be recovering from a minor injury.

James has returned from a fortnight's holiday in Scotland. He has trouble readjusting to work, wearing shorts on his rounds, which provides his clients with no shortage of amusement. James talks Siegfried into lending him his car for a few days while the latter is away on holiday.

Calum nurses a young fox back to health, but releasing it back into its habitat proves more difficult than he expected. Dick Fawcett's cat suddenly starts collapsing into unconsciousness. James discovers that the cat has been drinking the liquid painkiller which Dick takes to relieve the pain caused by his cancer. Calum mistakenly thinks he has a rival for Deirdre's affections when she brings Anthony to Darrowby. Calum proposes to Deirdre. Siegfried treats a dog for a weak heart and gets a reputation as a TV repairman.

With their families away in London for the week, Siegfried suggests that he and James move into Skeldale House. Siegfried is excited to re-live yesteryear by spending long evenings talking about all and sundry. Things do not work out that way, of course. James meets Basil Courtenay, a man with an interesting past who is now working as a cowman.

Characters: Calum Buchanan, Deirdre McEwan, Mr Dawson, Basil Courtenay, George Whitehead, Mr Coates, Sam Hall.

After a series of misunderstandings, Calum and Deirdre fall out. Siegfried tries to heal the rift. The couple patch up their differences and become engaged. James meets former client Jim Potts, who is now retired. James vows to visit whenever he's passing, but tragedy strikes. Reigning sovereign George VI dies on 6 February 1952.

Characters: Calum Buchanan, Deirdre McEwan, Jim Potts, Mrs Potts, Mr Bush.

Calum has an article published in the Veterinary Record. Siegfried thinks Calum plans to accept a job in Canada after he chastises him about bringing wildlife into Skeldale. James helps Barbara Hazlitt determine whether her collie has the aptitude to become a sheepdog. Siegfried and Calum visit Mrs Bond to treat one of her many felines, including the son of the late and vicious Boris. Deirdre and Calum get married. Tristan returns from Ireland to be best man.

Characters: Calum Buchanan (final appearance), Deirdre Buchanan (final appearance), Barbara Hazlitt, Mrs Bond, Mr Skipton, George (postman).

Siegfried calls on the Blackwoods to treat a sick dog, but instead tries his hand at diagnosing human ailments. He also has to deal with the very odd Mr Hopps, who's seeking advice on the care of his dog. There is no dog, however, and Siegfried discovers Hopps is hoping to take advantage of the downturn in fortunes at the Blackwoods' farm. James castrates some pigs at Lord Hulton's estate and wins the pools.

With Calum now in Nova Scotia, Siegfried calls on Willie Bannister to help out once more. James meets two brothers who share a cottage but have not spoken to one another for fifty years. Oliver breeds rabbits, while Roland grows cabbage. Now one of Oliver's rabbits is ill and he blames his brother. Mr Hartley ropes Siegfried into speaking to a local farmers group, which meets at the Drovers Arms. Having accepted, Siegfried tries everything he can think of to wiggle out of it again.

James and Helen are worried about David Brathwaite, a local sheep farmer who has recently lost his wife. James deals with confectioner Geoff Hatfield's sick cat. He finds himself pestered by Mrs Pumphrey and Mrs Tibbett, who both want constant bulletins on the cat's progress.

James has to deal with Vernon Harker, a lazy farmer who neglects his stock and the vets' advice. Siegfried treats Lady Hulton's aristocratic feline, Bess. Having made light of small-animal care, Siegfried has to backtrack. James is lumbered with Susie Thornton's monkey, which has a severe case of diarrhoea.

Siegfried has to deal with Jenny Garston and David Rayner, two neighbours who have been feuding for years. Siegfried and James almost fall foul of the law when they have an off-hours pint at the Black Horse.

James is talked into playing in the annual 'Gentlemen v Players' cricket match. He is playing for the Gentlemen, while the Players are being captained by young Freddie Trueman. When James is injured fielding, Siegfried has to take his place at the crease. The Taylors are concerned about Maggie, their lame horse. Siegfried is accompanied on his rounds by young Colin Appleby, who has a sick goldfish.

Itinerant worker Roddy Travers arrives back in Darrowby. There is a sudden outbreak of theft, and Roddy is suspected. Eventually, the real culprit is found to be Roddy's dog, Murphy. Then a local farmer accuses Murphy of killing his sheep and it looks as if the dog will have to be put down.

Siegfried treats an over-active horse owned by the eccentric Darnley sisters, one of whom is quite sure that Siegfried's power over horses borders on witchcraft. James has several encounters with Mr Ripley, whose laziness in getting a new gate causes grievous bodily harm to all those who approach his farm. Bill Ramsey leaves his Great Dane, Henrietta, in the care of the vets. Siegfried tries to introduce greater efficiency into the work of the practice, with mixed results. It is the fifteenth anniversary of James' arrival in Darrowby — an occasion Siegfried is determined to acknowledge.

Old Grandma Clarke has no time for her neighbour, Italian Franco Pedretti. She dislikes him solely because her son died in his homeland during World War II. Siegfried tries to bring about a reconciliation. James works with Bert Longshaw, who is having problems with his imported cows. Tricki-Woo requires surgery, but Mrs Pumphrey opts for a non-invasive medical treatment, with particularly interesting side effects.

After two years in Ireland, Tristan returns to Darrowby and promptly falls victim of James' practical joke which leaves him intent on avoiding Susie Parker at all costs. Skeldale House needs a new housekeeper, and Siegfried wants to give the job to Mrs Alton. He sends Tristan to finalise the arrangements, but he offers the job to the wrong Mrs Alton. James continues to do battle with Mr Biggins, and has to deal with the Birse's neglected and seriously ill dog.

Tristan is in trouble after he accidentally injects some anti-abortion vaccine into Nat Briggs's backside. The young farmer in question becomes convinced that Tristan has ruined his chances of having a family, so he threatens violent retribution. Siegfried receives a letter threatening legal action. James tries his hand at carpentry with the hope of a gift for Helen in mind. Helen, in turn, wonders why James keeps disappearing.

Tristan takes a fancy to young Jane Mercer. She belongs to a local choral society, so, naturally, Tristan suddenly displays a keen interest. When his new flame becomes concerned about the aggressive Mr Bullock's donkey, Tristan has to go beyond the call of duty to support her. While the surgery treats his dog, Persephone, Granville Bennett gives Siegfried a lesson in collecting payment of outstanding bills.

James and Siegfried become involved in the Shadwell family's arguments over cattle. Mr Grimsdale's bull has swallowed a metal object, but the farmer will not agree to surgery. Tristan uses a metal detector to convince him that the animal needs urgent treatment.

The vets have problems with Mrs Donovan, who dispenses her homemade animal remedies to anyone who will listen. St. John, one of Tristan's old college friends, needs a bed for a while. Tristan lets him stay at Skeldale House, but he does not want his brother to know. Tristan is head over heels with a female client again. This time it is Rosemary Brocklehurst, whose ailing pet tortoise means Tristan has to do some swotting-up on the subject.

It is Queen Elizabeth II's coronation, and 1953 Darrowby prepares to celebrate. Tristan has gone to London to witness it in person. Siegfried deals with an attack of liver fluke in a sheep with a herbal remedy. James has to tackle Wolfie, a dog with a smelly problem. Rosie is to play a princess in the school pageant, but has come down the flu. Jimmy, meanwhile, who is to play the archbishop, thinks his cloak makes him look like a sissy. Thieves are striking in Darrowby.

Characters: Mrs Alton, Rosie Herriot, Jimmy Herriot, Susie Thornton, Gibson, Mrs Coates, Mr Hart, Mrs Hart, Simon, Paul

Siegfried's old friend Stewie Brannan arranges for Professor Norton to come to a formal dinner at Skeldale House. Just before the meal, Siegfried and Stewie are called out to a calving and eat some food that disagrees with them. While they are on the call, James has to look after their guest, which means he's irreparably late for his anniversary dinner with Helen back at Rowangarth. Bernard Wain, a farm with a sensitive sense of smell, has taken up James' suggestion of wearing a handkerchief around his face when required. This, however, leads to an encounter with P.C. Hicks.

Characters: Mrs Alton, Stewie Brannan, Professor Norton, Bernard Wain, Mary-Jane Wain, Mrs Davey, Mr Smethick, P.C. Hicks.

James and Helen have different ideas about dealing with daughter Rosie's wish to become a vet like her father. Helen wants to encourage her, while James sets out to show Rosie the less pleasant side of the practice. Under Siegfried's watch, Mrs Pettinger's kitten, Prudence, escapes and hitches a ride to Hull. While she is lost, Siegfried tells James and Tristan that it is time — with no concern about cost — to expand the surgery to include an observatory wing; when Prudence is found, however, he conveniently forgets all about it. James wants to put a tennis court in their back garden.

Characters: Mrs Alton, Rosie Herriot, Jimmy Herriot, Mrs Pettinger, Bowling, Keith Lawrence, Angela Lawrence, Jack Hucknall.

When Jacob Pearson's dog is shot, Captain Crawford's son, Hugh, is the prime suspect. James treats old Arnie Braithwaite's dog, which may have diabetes. James and Siegfried are having problems getting payment from Dennis Pratt. Then they resort to a spot of blackmail. After paying a visit to the Hardwickes, Siegfried is unable to get home after losing his car keys.

Characters: Mrs Alton, Captain Crawford, Dennis Pratt, Jacob Pearson, Arnie Braithwaite, Mr Hartley (final appearance), Hugh Crawford, Arthur Hardwicke, Ben Hardwicke.

Siegfried's old university friend, Henry Clintock, moves to the area. Siegfried tries to arrange for his old friend, Ewan Ross, whose veterinary practice has deteriorated since his wife's death, to be Clintock's vet. James has to look after Tricki-Woo while Mrs Pumphrey is in France. The pampered canine disappears, however. James gives advice to a young farmer on the purchase of a flock of sheep.

Characters: Mrs Pumphrey, Hodgekin, Ewan Ross, Henry Clintock, Harold Peart, Mr Lupton, Silas Wenlow.

Siegfried is out of commission with his leg in plaster. Mrs Alton's attempts at taking care of his dietary needs infuriate him. Tristan, back in town after helping Stewie Brannan, is pursuing Mrs Pumphrey's great-niece, Angela Mortimer. He thinks she is perfect until he hears her laugh. James has to act as a judge at the Darrowby Vegetable Show, a choice he soon comes to regret when Hodgekin sweeps the board.

Tristan is on the defensive when his brother accuses him of sleeping in. It transpires that he was out all night with a premature calving followed by a prolapse of the uterus at the Longwall farm. Convinced that he is purposely being given all the difficult jobs, he insists Siegfried swap rounds for the day, including a pig which he suspects is a family pet. But when he's also asked to castrate its litter of piglets, his careless disposal of the 'cut-offs' full of anaesthetic leads to the numerous farm cats eating them and passing out. The vets try to help Mrs Clarke, an old lady who's finding it difficult to keep her farm going as her health is failing. James advises Franco on the local custom when it comes to proposing a hand in marriage.

Christmas 1953 is fast approaching. James and Tristan become involved in a feud between the Bradley brothers, who both want to ring the Christmas bells. A suspected case of foot-and-mouth disease threatens to ruin the festivities. The practice is introduced to Joe Mulligan's successor to Clancy. Tristan's purchase of a new Daimler coupé turns out to be a mistake when he tries to find the money to pay back his brother.

• All Creatures Great and Small (1975)
• It Shouldn't Happen to a Vet (1976)

• All Creatures Great and Small (1978–1990)
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• Young James Herriot (2011)
• All Creatures Great and Small (2020–present)

• The World of James Herriot
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