All Creatures Great & Small

    It has been a long time since I’ve fallen in love with a TV show.  Oh, yes, there are plenty I enjoy.  But a show where I like nearly every part of it, and look forward to each and every episode, is rare.  All Creatures Great & Small is one of those shows.

    The funny thing is, I wasn’t planning on watching All Creatures (which is what I call this show for short).  I only did because someone else wanted to watch it.  Now I am glad I did.

    Recent veterinary school graduate James Herriot (Nicholas Ralph) is desperate to find a job.  If he does not find a veterinary position soon, he will be forced to work on the docks of his hometown, Glasgow, Scotland.  Thankfully, a request for an interview comes just in time.  The only problem, James must make it to Yorkshire for the chance to realize his dream.

Gateway to the Future/Artwork by Kate Dorsey

    James’ interview does not get off to the best start.  He gets off the bus at the wrong time.  Surrounded by dales, James’ only option is to take a long, wet walk into town.  He arrives late, upsetting the veterinarian’s housekeeper, Mrs. Hall (Anna Madeley).  The veterinarian himself, Siegfried Farnon (Samuel West), isn’t upset about James’ lateness.  He didn’t even know James was coming.

    The interview was arranged by Mrs. Hall.  She is tired of seeing Siegfried run ragged from doing everything himself.  It’s not that he hasn’t interviewed or had assistants before.  Everyone just doesn’t seem to work out.

    That’s because Siegfried isn’t the easiest man to work for.  He can be fine one minute, then start screaming about something the next.  He is also on the perfectionist side.  Those he works with cannot say “I think”.  It must be “I know.” 

    To a point this is understandable.  If you are going to treat an animal, you must be certain you’re doing the right thing.  If there is any doubt, irreparable harm could be caused.

    After going on rounds, James convinces Siegfried to hire him.  Through his work, James gains Siegfried’s loyalty.  It is not the easiest job working in the dales and for Siegfried, but James has realized his dream.

    The thing is, while Siegfried does get crazy, he is also a good, kind, caring man.  I think it is part of the reason he does blow up as he does.  The weight of the world is on his shoulders.  Most of the animals he cares for are farm animals.  Their health and wellbeing are directly related to the livelihood of their owners.  He, and who he works with, have to be right about everything they do.  If they’re not, Siegfried, and the animal’s owner, could lose everything.           

    Now, does Siegfried need to blow up so much or so quickly?  No.  Which is where Mrs. Hall comes in.  An endlessly patient woman, Mrs. Hall lets Siegfried have explosions.  She also sets him straight when he gets out of line or too rigid about things.  Mrs. Hall is the person who helps ease the conflict between Siegfried and his brother Tristan (Callum Woodhouse), as they butt heads far too often.

    Tristan has also studied to become a vet.  He just didn’t pass his exams.  A partier who’d rather spend his days having a good time, Tristan does not take studying seriously.  Something that does not go over well with the very series Siegfried.  It doesn’t help Tristan is always getting into some sort of trouble, which makes it hard for Siegfried to see when Tristan does something good.

    Because when Tristan wants to do something, he is very good at it.  His research helped James save a cow’s life.  When he had to take the clinic over for the day, he may have had to refer to a lot of books, but he helped each animal that came in.  Siegfried knows Tristan has the ability to do these things.  Which is probably why he gets driven crazy when Tristan does the opposite.

    James is the quiet man of the household.  He doesn’t say much, but he’s not cold.  Simply quiet.  He’s also very honest.  When local landowner, Hugh Hulton (Matthew Lewis), asks James to lie about the condition of a bull for sale, James refuses.  He has to be honest, even if it risks upsetting the woman he loves, Helen.

    Helen Alderson (Rachel Shenton) is one of the first people James meets in Yorkshire.  He ran into her and her sister, Jenny (Imogen Clawson), as he was getting off the bus before his interview.  Since then, James has gotten to know Helen more and fallen in love.  The problem is, Helen is romantically involved with Hugh.

    As I said, I have fallen in love with this show.  There are not any bad characters.  Some may be irritating at times, but no one is bad.  Plus, there are animals!  There are animals all over the place.  The scene with the newborn calf learning to walk was especially endearing to watch.

    While I really like James, I have to say I adore Siegfried.  Yes, I could do with less tantrums.  But when Siegfried shows he cares about someone or something, he cares more than anyone I’ve ever seen.

    This is especially true with Mrs. Hall.  When she’s upset about the lack of communication from her son, Siegfried is right there offering whatever he can to help her.  Whether it’s an offer to go look for her son, or his hand to hold, Siegfried is there.

    Siegfried’s deep care and concern for Mrs. Hall is why I have to wonder how long his pursuit of her friend, Dorothy (Maimie McCoy), is going to last.  I have nothing against Dorothy.  She seems like a lovely woman.  She just doesn’t seem to be the right woman for Siegfried.  With her, Siegfried tries so hard to be perfect.  With Mrs. Hall, Siegfried can be himself.  In turn, Mrs. Hall makes him a better man.

    I also have to wonder how Dorothy would like living in a small village.  Or how much would she like her husband coming home smelling like livestock every day.  Siegfried’s way of life is not for everyone!

    Another problem in Siegfried and Dorothy’s relationship is I believe Siegfried is truly madly in love with Mrs. Hall.  It is something he may not know himself.  But Siegfried watches Mrs. Hall all the time.  Also, with her, his most kind and gentle side comes out.  That definitely looks like love to me.  Although, I suspect Mrs. Hall is very unaware.

    A second season of All Creatures Great & Small is already planned, and I am very excited to see what happens next.  I am also curious to see what will be done with the characters Mrs. Pumphrey (Diana Rigg) and her dog Tricki Woo (Derek).  They only had two episodes, but they were big characters in them.  Sadly, Ms. Rigg died after filming season one.  What they will do with these two characters now, I do not know. 

    The show itself does have some sad parts, but it is not a sad show.  There is sadness, humor, anger, and happiness.  Pretty much it has all the emotions, as does life.  And animals.  You cannot forget the animals.  Without them, there would not be a show.