♪ ♪ The practice is a state.

We're really struggling without Mrs.

H. TRISTAN: The old goat's lost his marbles.

He needs help.

We wouldn't ask if it weren't desperate.

SIEGFRIED: She left us!

What was I supposed to do, pretend to be happy?

(train whistle blows) I drove her away.

There's still time.

SIEGFRIED: No one could ever work because they're not you.

MAN (on radio): Victory-- the end of the war in Europe.

♪ ♪ ♪ ♪ ♪ ♪ ♪ ♪ ♪ ♪ ♪ ♪ ♪ ♪ ♪ ♪ Dad!

Dad, Dad.

Aw, thank you, Jimmy.

It wouldn't do to forget Tricki's birthday.

Tell your mum and Rosie I said bye.

(car door opens and closes) (engine starts) (gear shifts) ♪ ♪ ♪ ♪ (brakes squeaking) (groaning): Oh, God.

(sighs) (gear shifts) What are you doing?

(engine stops) Bloody car wouldn't start.

Where've you left it?

Up at the Marshams'.

I thought Ronnie Marsham died.

Mrs.

Marsham was hosting a bridge game.

Till this time in the morning?

An all-night bridge session is nothing out of the ordinary.

♪ ♪ Could you not have called someone to pick you up?

I had to leave in something of a hurry.

Where's your other shoe?

I mislaid it.

At the bridge game?

Get in.

♪ ♪ And don't sit on Tricki's birthday card!

Well, don't leave it on the seat, then.

(engine starts, gear shifts) (door closes) TRISTAN: Oh!

(exhales) Five miles done, and not a bit of it between the Drovers snug and the Drovers bar.

(chuckles) And all before you've had your breakfast.

(both chuckle) Could you not sleep?

(door opens) Military training, Mrs.

H. Disciplined body, disciplined mind.

(door closes) Is that bacon?

Think you can make it the rest of the way now?

I could've got here quicker walking.

What've you done to yourself?

Why've you only got one shoe?

Bridge.

Nothing one of your restorative breakfasts couldn't fix, Mrs.

Hall.

I've got to go-- I'm late for Mrs.

Pumphrey now.

Mrs.

Pumphrey?

I've just had Sister Rose on the telephone.

She reckons you're due there half an hour ago.

Sister Rose?

(Tristan chuckling) Nice knowing you, old chap.

I don't have an appointment with her.

Uh, worried about one of her rescue dogs.

Said she called yesterday.

Who did she speak to?

Is there any more marmalade?

We can't afford to get on the wrong side of Sister Rose.

Every time she rehomes a dog, she tells the new owners to bring it here.

We've lost enough business lately.

Off you go to Sister Rose-- I'll deal with Tricki.

(stammers): Why do I get Sister Rose?

(with mouth full): It's not my fault if you can't organize yourself.

♪ ♪ (starts) That's my bacon!

(calling, with mouth full): And I'll need the Vauxhall!

(exhales) (door closes) (people talking in background) (dog barks) Oh, sorry, excuse me.

♪ ♪ ♪ ♪ Morning.

Don't mind me, Mr.

Herriot.

You turn up whenever you fancy.

I'm only late for my shift.

Sorry, Sister Rose.

And my dogs are used to being abandoned, so why worry?

There was a mix-up with the appointments, but I'm here now.

Shall we take a look at this dog?

Uh-uh.

You've heard of "ladies first," haven't you?

Of course-- sorry.

Mm.

After you.

Your poor, poor wife.

(Clive barking) Even one unwanted dog is too many.

Hush now.

Clive.

(barking) SISTER ROSE: Clive!

Down!

You think people want to adopt a badly behaved boy?

(Clive barking) (chuckles) SISTER ROSE: And I'll tell you something else-- I have not received the flea powder I requested.

Three years I've been with you.

I shouldn't have to chase it up.

Again, I can only apologize.

What seems to be the trouble?

(Geoffrey whimpering) It's Geoffrey here.

(whimpering) He hasn't been right for the last few days.

Up all last night vomiting.

He does look weak.

Where did you find him?

Side of the road, on my way to the hospital, curled up on a bit of muck.

(Geoffrey whimpering) Soon as I saw him, I knew he was a Geoffrey.

(chuckling) (chuckling): You certainly have a way with names.

I like my dogs to have real ones, like people.

Do their new owners keep them?

Why would you ever change a good name like Geoffrey?

Uh, no reason at all.

Hm.

(Geoffrey whimpering) Can I have a look at you, Geoffrey?

(Clive barks) All right.

All right.

I know you learnt not to trust, but Mr.

Herriot means no harm.

(panting) Now, there could be a few things causing it.

He might have gastritis.

We'll try stomach powders first.

Oh, what if it's not gastritis?

Well, he might have swallowed something.

I couldn't feel anything inside, but I can't be absolutely sure.

You don't have a X-ray machine yet?

There are other vets I can go to, you know.

I've been discussing it with my business partner.

We're ironing out the details.

The hospital have just got a new one.

The old one is for sale.

Oh, well, I, I could certainly take a look.

It's a X-ray machine.

What, you want it to match your wallpaper?

(laughing): No, no, not at all.

Good.

When shall I say you'll be picking it up?

(Clive barking) ♪ ♪ (car door closes) MRS.

PUMPHREY (from inside): Tricki, here, here!

Here, boy!

Tricki!

Tricki, come on.

Yes!

Come on!

Come on!

(knock at door) Birthday boy!

(door opens) Tricki, come... Oh, Tricki, what on earth is the matter?

(door closes) Morning, Mrs.

Pumphrey.

Oh!

Uncle Farnon is here at last.

Everything will be well.

I brought him a little present.

Bless you.

Oh!

(laughing) It's not in the diet plan, but as it's his birthday... Tricki!

Birthday bacon!

Oh, yes, I see.

(sniffing) You'll come for Uncle Farnon.

It's me you've taken against.

This does not sound like the happiest of birthday celebrations.

He refuses to follow any of my instructions.

He, he won't come, he won't sit, he won't roll over.

Oh?

(sighs): Why is he being like this?

(softly): Do you suppose I've said something to offend him?

Surely not.

(calling): Tricki?

He can drift into unsavory moods from time to time, but this is altogether different.

(calling): Tricki?

Well, or perhaps he's simply grown tired of me.

One does have to wonder if... (claps loudly) (yelps): Ooh!

Or perhaps he can't hear you.

What?

Can't hear?

(calling loudly): Tricki?

(snuffling) I don't think he can hear a thing.

He came because of the smell of the bacon, not because I called him.

(moaning): Oh, Tricki.

Uncle Farnon will take care of it.

(loudly): Uncle Farnon will take care of it!

(exclaims softly) Yes, they smell a bit infected.

Bring him in for a good clean.

(cooing): Oh, sweet boy.

Oh.

(inhales sharply) JAMES: I feel like I've been hit by a tractor.

Oh, you'd have stood more chance with a tractor.

(laughs) She has this way of making you do things whether you want to or not.

Walkies, James.

Good boy, James.

(chuckles) I think she sold me an X-ray machine.

(coughs) What?

I mean, I've agreed to go and see it.

James!

Well, it's not like I hadn't been thinking about it.

The benefits would be enormous.

And also, Sister Rose told you to do it.

Sorry.

She's my new hero, though.

I bet she don't take any messing about from her patients.

(both chuckle) We've got to think about the future.

I've worked in a modern practice, the one in Glasgow.

That's how we should be thinking.

But what will Siegfried say?

Siegfried may be happy to let things slide.

I'm not.

Well, I look forward to his reaction.

Although we'll probably hear it from the farm.

(James and Jenny chuckle) He can say what he likes.

I can actually stand up for myself, you know.

(door opens) ♪ ♪ You got a bad back or summat?

(door closes) Me?

Aye.

I was wondering if that's what's stopped you getting a brush and sweeping up this mud you've walked in.

I've not walked it in.

Well, it's not me.

So, unless bloody cows are wearing these size tens and treading it in, it's you.

It's not my mud.

And it's not mine, neither.

I'll brush it.

No, you'll not.

He will.

♪ ♪ TRISTAN (softly): Makes no sense.

Must be Siegfried.

You're a braver soul than me.

I've been putting this off ever since I got back.

As I said, military discipline.

You learn to keep things organized.

You know, some of these are no longer strictly legal.

Are you bored?

Being on leave?

(chuckling) What, a comfortable bed?

Home-cooked meals?

Oh, yeah, dreadfully bored.

Well, it's just, you haven't sat still for five minutes.

Wanting to be on the go all the time.

When my Edward came home injured, he said the worst thing were not having anything to distract him.

Distract him?

Mm.

From remembering, I suppose.

Ah, well, truth be told, Mrs.

Hall, um, while it is a relief to see my brother making someone else's life a misery-- I know what James is going through-- I'm not gonna stand around and do nothing.

I can see Siegfried's handwriting hasn't got any better.

Boric acid.

Ah, boric acid.

♪ ♪ (bell rings) Hello, can I help... (shoe clatters) ♪ ♪ (door closes) SIEGFRIED: Mrs.

Hall, we seem to be out of coffee-- do you... Is this yours?

One shoe looks rather like another to me.

Well, what were that lady doing with it?

And why's she throwing it at me?

If only she'd stayed, we could have asked her.

♪ ♪ Siegfried.

Remember, I was talking to you about bringing in some modern equipment?

What have I done with the other one?

And we discussed X-ray machines?

Ah, yes, marvelous things.

Well, an opportunity has arisen.

Where on God's earth is it?

And I thought it too good to refuse.

Aha!

I'll be having it delivered this week.

(grunts) Which one of you is the culprit?

(whimpers) So that's all good with you, is it?

What?

Yes!

You don't need to trouble me with every little thing.

X-ray machine?

Bet that's not cheap.

I didn't hear Siegfried argue.

Mm.

And I'm sure he gave it his full and careful consideration.

It's for the good of the practice.

Whether he knows it or not.

♪ ♪ (birds chirping) ♪ ♪ Who's bloody well moved everything?

(door opens and closes) Surely it must be clear to everyone by now that there is a precise order to the dispensary, and it mustn't be meddled with.

Oh!

(sighs) I'm popping to the shops.

Is there anything you want?

Sardines?

Sardines we have.

Right, well, I shan't be long.

I'm just nipping to the greengrocer.

The greengrocer?

Yes.

Is that all right?

Yes.

Yes, of course, why wouldn't it be?

(people talking in background) (door opens) It's here.

Is it supposed to be this big?

Are you ready, Tris?

Well, I mean, I know that I'm made of muscle, Jim, but even for me, uh... JAMES: We'll manage between us.

No bother!

Okay.

Two bob they can't budge it.

(chuckles) Right?

No chance.

(chuckles) (straining) (grunting) (chuckling) (both panting) Up.

Okay.

(straining) (panting) (men murmuring, chuckling) I think it's, uh, it's caught on something.

(men laughing) I don't suppose you'd mind lending us a hand?

For a discount on your next bill, obviously.

(men murmuring) Yeah.

I mean, come on.

All right.

You got it?

JAMES (straining): That's it, easy.

Easy, lads.

That's... (exhales): Thank you so much.

Right you are.

We'll take it from here.

MAN: Okey doke.

JAMES (breathlessly): Right.

(door closes) SIEGFRIED (faintly): But as I say, it's nothing to worry about.

(straining) SIEGFRIED: Keep a close eye on it... Yes?

SIEGFRIED: Try not to let him... No, it's caught on something again.

We'll see him again in a few day... What the hell's that?

The X-ray machine.

SIEGFRIED: I... Mrs.

Jenkins, would you mind going out through the back way?

It's down here.

Thank you.

I told you all about it?

You did no such thing.

You said they were marvelous.

SIEGFRIED: Even if I did, where in that statement can you hear the words, "Please go out and buy yourself a bloody big X-ray machine"?

How much is it costing us?

Well, it'll pay for itself within six months.

We're still rationing, man.

Locals can't afford X-rays.

And in any case, it'll only help with the small animals.

We're going to be seeing a lot more of those, now we're coming out of the war.

People want their companions again.

You know, like rats.

Our primary business is agricultural.

Always has been, always will be.

Modern equipment like this is essential now.

Like it or not, domestic pets are the future.

Not if they can't get in the bloody door, they're not.

(door closes firmly) All right.

JUBB: You have a lovely day now.

Thank you.

Morning.

Just a lettuce, please.

Farnon account?

Yes, that's right.

Is it... Is that the, that the best one you got?

Give him my regards, won't you?

♪ ♪ ♪ ♪ JAMES: Yes!

(both grunting) (door closes) SIEGFRIED: So sorry to have to bring you the back way.

Lucky Tricki, not having to hear this.

Yes, your other uncles did forget your birthday.

Oh, I have a card!

Somewhere.

(Tricki whimpers) (sighs) Look, I, I think it's jammed now.

(crate banging in hall) Just finish this up... (James grunting) TRISTAN (straining): Come on!

Finish this up.

Good boy, Tricki-- you're being such a good boy.

He can't hear you, Mrs.

Pumphrey.

(rumbling) Yes.

As suspected.

It's an infection.

Mm?

Not to worry, antibiotics will clear it up.

Incredible things-- don't know how we got by without them.

(chuckles) You hear that, Tricki?

Uncle Farnon will make you better, won't... (stammering) How did this come to be?

Well, it's quite common as dogs get older.

Just a symptom of his age.

Excuse Uncle Farnon, Tricki.

He can't hear you.

Just as well.

Old age, indeed.

Well, we have to be realistic.

These infections will become more frequent.

Along with other ailments.

(Tristan and James grunting in hall) He may not be quite as young as some other dogs, but he's been far better looked after.

None of us can escape the inevitable.

(James and Tristan straining) (grunts) (straining): Yep.

Come on!

(straining) (panting): Oh, God, I'm absolutely done in, Jim.

(scoffs) Are those the words of a fighting soldier?

Well, we weren't fighting X-ray machines out there.

(door opens) One little nudge!

JENNY: Lucky me dad's not seeing this.

(door closes) We've almost got it.

He sent me to get that ointment for the cows.

I told him I would bring it home tonight!

Just... Sorry, come in.

Squeeze past, if you can.

(door opens) Thank you.

SIEGFRIED: Thank you, Mrs.

Pumphrey.

MRS.

PUMPHREY: Come along, Tricki dear.

JAMES (calling): Oh, Mrs.

Pumphrey!

I'll go and get his card!

(James gasps) TRISTAN: All right, come on.

Put your back into it.

More likely putting it out.

(chuckles) Right, come on.

Oh, God-- you are aware that I'm on leave?

JAMES: Yep!

It's arrived, then!

Sister Rose!

Oh, Sister Rose!

I've heard so much about you.

I can well imagine.

JAMES: Do you want to come through?

Just here-- here.

You don't own a tape measure?

Well, it looks a lot bigger outside of the hospital, Sister.

Two educated men.

(chuckles) Are you any good at taking out walls, Sister Rose?

I would just take it out of the crate, what with it being on wheels.

(softly): I'll get the crowbar.

(Sister Rose chuckling) There we go.

(sighs) What are we going to invent next, Jim?

Fire?

(laughing) I came to collect my flea powder.

Just as well.

How's Geoffrey getting on?

Well, he seems an awful lot better.

Your medicine must be doing its job.

That's good to hear.

And we could always give him an X-ray, just to be sure.

If you mean will I show you how to do it, I don't think so.

I have enough animals of my own to house-train.

I'll get you your flea powder-- on the house.

Thank you, Mr.

Herriot.

Clive's infested and sharing it with the rest of the pack.

Maybe it's his goodbye gift to our Carol.

She's found a home now.

That's wonderful news!

Mm, a couple on the other side of Darrowby.

She'll be happy there, I have no doubt.

(chuckling) 'Twill break the others to lose her, though.

They've grown close.

It must be hard on you, as well.

Oh, no.

They're all still with me up here.

I know they're going to leave me from the moment I take them in.

They depend on me for a while, but sooner or later, they have to stand on their own.

It's the natural order of things.

Flea powder.

Mm-hmm-- please and thanks.

(murmurs): Mm, dear.

Have you grown again lately?

You're nearly as tall as me.

HELEN: Oh!

Audrey.

(exhales) Hello.

Do you want to play marbles?

(Helen chuckles) I'd love to.

You go and set them up.

I'll be with you in two ticks.

Oh, you're just in time.

I'm losing an argument with a fruit loaf.

Oh, we can't have that.

Just wanted to use it all up.

I don't suppose rationing will end anytime soon.

Look!

Now, hm... Have you been shopping in the village lately?

Mm.

Has everyone been all right with you?

'Cause I've been feeling about as welcome as a pig in a pantry.

You?

Well, nothing I could put my finger on.

I didn't... It were like... It's happened in a few places.

It were like I'd done something to offend.

I don't think it's you that's offended anyone.

Oh.

Chances are Siegfried's either sacked 'em, shouted at 'em, or done something to upset 'em.

Well, he is quite skilled in that department.

(chuckles) I don't know how you cope with him, honestly.

James has got all these big ideas, and Siegfried don't want to know.

(footsteps approaching) Hello!

(chuckling, kissing) Are you ready?

(marbles rattle) (Helen and Mrs.

Hall laughing) Here you go-- I think you're winning.

Thank you.

Maybe one more.

Oh.

The thing with Mr.

Farnon is... Come on!

...there's only one way, and it's his way.

(Jimmy whining) MRS.

HALL: And the worst of it is, he's not always wrong.

Come on, then.

♪ ♪ (cart rolling) Of course there's no room.

I could have told you this would happen.

(music playing on radio in background) TRISTAN: It's beautiful, Jim.

Aye.

Beautiful.

Come on, then, let's give it a test run.

Make sure it's shipshape.

Uh, all right.

Put your hand in, then.

What, this hand?

Either hand is fine.

Why not your hand?

I'll be operating it.

Well, I can operate it.

How hard can it be?

Uh, it's my machine!

And these are my hands-- fighting hands!

Hands that are required to protect the free world.

Yeah, but these hands are paying for this thing.

Is it safe?

One X-ray's not going to do much harm.

Hm-- get on with it.

(radio continues in background) (switches and knobs clicking) (radio continues in background) Oh.

Hm.

(fuse pops) (radio stops) SIEGFRIED (bellowing): Herriot!

♪ ♪ JAMES: It could be the fuse.

Where on earth did you get it?

Little closer, please.

SIEGFRIED: So now we're broke, and so is the machine.

There we are.

Hey!

Let there be li... (fuse clicks) Oh.

Oh, I take it all back.

The man's an electrical wizard!

It's clearly too much for a domestic circuit.

We'll have to rewire a new board.

SIEGFRIED: Why don't we send out for someone who knows what they're doing?

Oh, no, of course, we've no money left.

Who knows what we have left, since every invoice and receipt gets stuffed into the nearest vase?

Which works perfectly well, unlike that.

Again, you said they were "marvelous things."

Well, they are.

But if you asked me properly, I might have suggested not buying the first one you saw.

♪ ♪ Nothing to see here, George.

(birds chirping) (sighs) (engine revs) ♪ ♪ MRS.

HALL: Why are the electrics off?

It's nothing to do with me.

And James walking out like that?

Is that nowt to do with you, either?

Did I stake the practice on a defunct X-ray machine?

An X-ray machine?

Exciting.

It's useless.

A blind mole rat would have more chance of seeing through things.

Well, that's frustrating.

I imagine it could be of great benefit to the practice.

I'm sure you told him so.

Mrs.

Hall, I have my ways.

I do them because they work.

You're very lucky to have someone who puts up with your ways.

It's all very well, people coming in and out, telling me what to do-- I'm here!

I'm the only one who bloody well has been!

I know it's not been easy for you these last few years.

But it might be wise not to get on the wrong side of everyone you meet.

I beg your pardon?

Well, talk about a blind mole rat.

Digging his tunnel in a temper.

No idea it's falling in behind him.

And God help anyone who happens to be in the way.

Did you just call me a mole rat?

This is a village.

And if you go around upsetting people, they can make it difficult for you.

They can make things difficult for me.

I don't know what you mean.

Mr.

Jubb, the greengrocer.

Well, it's not so much him as his sister.

Oh, good grief!

(stammers): No, she... She's one of your successors.

I gave her the job in good faith.

But honestly, how many times do you have to say "soft-boiled"?

There is a limit.

How long was she here?

Three-and-a-half days.

(inhales) I know you don't mean to hurt anyone.

I know it'd upset you to think that you had.

But you just don't realize.

If people misunderstand me, there's very little I can do about it.

(loudly): Mr.

Farnon, it's not the worst thing in the world to admit you're wrong!

♪ ♪ It's almost like you've done it on purpose.

I'm not doing it at all.

What you should do is get your own house.

That way you can tread in as much mud as you like.

JENNY: Chuffed to bits I got to meet Sister Rose.

They should have sent the nurses out to fight the Germans.

War would have been sewn up in no time.

HELEN: Mm.

So you got your X-ray machine, then?

Aye, and there were some teething problems, but it still doesn't justify the way Siegfried spoke to me-- in front of clients.

When you stood up to him.

Jenny, eggs.

She says you struggled to get the thing through the door.

(softly): And then it blew the electrics.

ALDERSON: Should count myself lucky it's only mud you're treading in.

If it was his idea, it'd be the best thing ever.

But when it comes from me... You know, going out, buying a whopping great machine without discussing it is a very Siegfried thing to do.

What do you mean by that?

I mean one of him is quite enough.

Right, get a broom.

Sweep it up!

♪ ♪ (knob clicking) (knobs clicking) (footsteps approaching) It is rather a good investment, you know.

Well, I can't say, since I can't see it in action.

Mm.

Maybe we could try it on the inside of your head.

Find out what actually happens in there.

(birds chirping) Ah, just in time.

Observe.

(switch clicks) What did you do?

The machine is now on a separate circuit with its own fuseboard.

You learn many different skills in the corps, you know.

Well done!

Don't know what you'll do with all those lamps now.

(chuckles) Hey!

(chuckles) See?

(laughs) SISTER ROSE (outside): Mr.

Herriot?

(footsteps running) Mr.

Herriot!

(door opens) Mr.

Herriot!

It's Geoffrey.

He won't stop vomiting.

Bring him in.

(door opens) (Geoffrey whimpers) SISTER ROSE: You said the stomach powders were clearing it.

He hasn't missed a single dose.

Yeah, perhaps Geoffrey doesn't have gastritis after all.

Well, what else could it be?

Did you check for any foreign bodies?

I couldn't feel one.

But his abdomen was very tense.

(Geoffrey whimpering) What do you think?

(softly): Hey, hey, hey, hey.

(Geoffrey moaning) No, I can't feel anything, either.

Yeah, and the muscles are very tense, so he's guarding his abdomen.

Must be very painful.

(Geoffrey moaning) He was getting better.

JAMES: I'm sorry, Sister Rose.

That can happen while the object makes its way though the system to the bowel.

Helped by the stomach powders, no doubt.

It's possible, yes.

The problem is, there are other potential explanations.

Normally, we'd risk the surgery if we weren't sure, but Geoffrey is so frail.

He was clearly fending for himself for some time before you found him.

But if you don't operate and he has swallowed something... We could lose him, I'm afraid.

(Geoffrey whimpers) (exhales) Thankfully, we don't have to guess.

Tris.

(Geoffrey whimpers, door opens) All right, lad, all right.

That's it.

(Geoffrey whimpering) All right, lad, you're all right.

(switch clicks) Bring it across, please.

All right, Geoffrey.

JUBB: Afternoon.

Mr.

Farnon.

I'd like to speak to you about your sister.

(stammers): It seems I... (calling): Beryl?

(door opens, bell rings) Oh, she's here.

How, how lucky for me.

(curtly): Yes?

I wanted to apologize for anything I may have said or done.

I've not even heard some of those words before.

Uh, the way you were treated was wholly inappropriate, and the blame was entirely mine.

Well.

At least you've had the gumption to admit it.

Right, well, um... Good day to you both.

Your account's still overdue, by the way.

(sighs) (exhales) It's not too clear.

Does that look like something to you?

A stone, maybe?

I honestly couldn't say.

What went wrong?

It's overexposed.

(sighs) I thought that would be good enough as a darkroom, but... Well, should we take it again?

We'd probably get the same result.

I'll have to make a decision without it.

Okay.

♪ ♪ Huh, power's back on.

So I still can't say for sure if there's a foreign body.

It's not a very good image.

I need better exposure.

Our facilities are quite limited.

Take another X-ray.

We can develop it at the hospital.

I think that would be the best course of action.

Like I say, I can't operate on a poorly dog if we're not absolutely certain.

May I?

Vomiting for 48 hours or so, subsided after stomach powders, vomiting again for several hours earlier today.

And you examined him thoroughly?

Of course.

He had a very tense abdomen.

I say operate.

The dog is extremely weak.

He's being nursed back to full health by Sister Rose after living wild.

I'm not sure he survives the surgery.

If he has swallowed something and we wait for better X-rays, he may not make it.

But of course, it's your decision.

(door opens) TRISTAN: James.

(sighs) He's just vomited again.

Mr.

Herriot.

We operate.

SIEGFRIED: Mm-hmm.

♪ ♪ Scissors, please.

Thank you.

All right.

I'm making my way, stomach down to bowel.

There's certainly a lot of gas in the duodenum.

You must be close.

Doesn't seem to be any peritonitis, at least.

Perhaps there's no damage to the bowel.

If there even is a foreign body.

I, I can't feel anything.

Take your time.

He's not well-- we need to get out of here quick.

I've got something.

Could you hold the bowel?

Mm-hmm.

(Geoffrey wheezes) Now... ♪ ♪ (exhales) Got it.

That's the one.

(exhales) JAMES: Let's get it stitched up.

Good work.

Very good work.

He's not out of the woods yet.

There you go.

(exhales) Very kind, Mrs.

Hall.

Look at me.

You'd think I'd be used to this kind of thing by now.

Oh, well, it's because you care.

It's hard being on the other side.

I'm not used to feeling helpless.

Well, I suppose, as a nurse, you can't let yourself get too close.

(chuckles) I try to be like that with the dogs.

To keep up a wall, you know?

But sometimes they get by.

Like that rascal.

(chuckles) He's cleared the wall.

(chuckles) And how did he manage that?

(blows out) The state of the poor creature when I found him.

♪ ♪ He was at his lowest.

But I could see he had a good heart.

You know, I don't think many people would see what you see.

And sometimes, he will snap at people and growl.

But he is only like that because he was hurt.

Damaged.

He has to learn to trust again.

♪ ♪ What if he can't?

(chuckles): Oh.

I haven't found one that can't, Mrs.

Hall.

They all want the same thing: a home and love.

And also, they need to know they are not the ones in charge.

Oh!

(both laugh) (James clears throat) Sister Rose, he'd swallowed a pebble.

Oh, Geoffrey!

Now, we've managed to remove it.

And how is he now?

He's doing well.

But he's been through the wars.

All we can do now is hope for the best.

(water running) He seems comfortable.

Well, I hope so-- he's had a rough time.

(door closes) Of course, if you'd thoroughly examined the dog in the first place... I told you, he was guarding his abdomen.

There's no way anyone could have known.

I might not have operated if you hadn't given a second opinion.

Well, we always need to take a view.

But maybe, once we've ironed out the problems with that new machine, there'll be less margin for error.

You can wipe that bloody grin off your face.

I've never been against new equipment or ideas.

I just want a say in which ones and when.

Sorry.

Perhaps I should have consulted you properly.

Perhaps I should have let you.

It is an expensive piece of kit.

JAMES: I know.

But the war is almost over.

The world has changed.

We need to change with it.

I think we already have.

♪ ♪ Good news about Sister Rose's dog.

Yes, absolutely.

And you did your bit, I hear.

(chuckles): Hardly.

I wheeled a machine, wiped up some vomit.

It's not exactly stretching my vet skills.

You're itching to get back in there, aren't you?

Plenty to occupy my time.

Plenty.

I've always thought, it's not just about making the animal better, or the owner-- it does you lot good, as well.

Do you think?

Looking after others, takes you out of yourself, don't it?

♪ ♪ ♪ ♪ Get a broom.

This, still.

Your problem is, you take this place for bloody granted.

Not the only one, either.

Jenny's finally applied for nursing college.

JAMES: When did this happen?

HELEN: Sent the letter last week.

We think it were just the war holding her back.

We'll have another Sister Rose, eh?

Don't tell anyone.

She don't want folk knowing in case she don't get in.

Course she'll get in.

(door opens) JENNY: I've put that fence back.

(door closes) Should hold for now, anyway.

What's wrong with you lot?

(Helen and Jenny chuckling) HELEN: Dad, are them your boots?

Granddad said it were the boots make the farmer.

(chuckles) JAMES: Oh, he did, did he?

ALDERSON: I'll, um, get the broom.

(others laugh) (boots stomping) I think these are a bit big for you yet, lad.

Ready?

One, two, three!

(grunts) And you should be in bed, like your sister.

HELEN: Yes.

JENNY: Come on, Farmer Jimmy.

Good night.

(chuckles) Farmer?

He's getting a bit ahead of himself, in't he?

If I, um, get ahead of myself sometimes, it's because I want you to be proud of me.

I want to give you the best life I can.

I've got the best life.

Right now, in this moment.

Best life we could have.

Mr.

Farnon.

SIEGFRIED: Mrs.

Hall.

I trust you met less unpleasantness in the village.

I did get a better lettuce.

I'm glad.

I hope I didn't say too much.

You said what needed to be said.

But if you ever compare me to a blind mole rat again, we shall have words.

Oh, before you light up, I'm afraid that were Mrs.

Pumphrey on the telephone.

(groans): Oh, Lord.

She wants you to call over.

Urgent, apparently.

I told her it would take time to heal.

Well, don't forget Jimmy's card.

Oh, yes.

James said if you're going up there... This'll put him right back at the top of the favorite uncle league table.

Set up the game, Mrs.

Hall.

I shan't be late.

♪ ♪ SIEGFRIED: As I said, the medicine won't work overnight.

Oh, I understand.

He's getting better already.

No, it's not about his ears.

It's not?

No, perhaps you were right.

Tricki isn't as young as he was.

Time trickles through one's fingers, doesn't it?

Time has a habit of doing that, yes.

I always thought that Tricki would be here long after me, but perhaps I was wrong.

I couldn't bear to be left alone.

I don't follow.

Oh, I'd like to breed from him.

Breed from Tricki?

(stammers) Don't you be offended, young man.

No, no one can replace you.

Not even your own offspring.

Mrs.

Pumphrey... I don't want to waste a moment longer.

You understand that any owner would want to ensure his dog's breeding partner was in good health.

Tricki's fighting fit.

And where do you propose to find this Pekingese partner?

I thought you could help with that.

Me?

Well, you're the only uncle I would trust.

The only one who remembered his birthday.

Oh, uh, but I, I wasn't.

The delay was simply that, um, Jimmy wanted to do the very best job he could.

Jimmy.

(cooing): Oh!

Oh, look.

Isn't that beautiful?

Look, he's drawn you a nice squirrel.

I think that's Tricki.

♪ ♪ ♪ ♪ JAMES: I'm pleased to say he's made an excellent recovery.

And more importantly, he looks very stylish in this.

(chuckles) Mm, best way to stop him getting at the stitches.

Yeah.

And yes, it does suit him.

(chuckles) He's lucky he ran into you, you know.

Not at all.

Thank you for everything you've done for him.

He deserves a happy home.

I hope you can find him one.

Perhaps I already have.

Someone's agreed to take him?

Well, no.

I may hold onto him just a little while longer.

Who says you can't overturn the natural order of things once in a while?

If anyone can, Sister Rose, it's you.

Don't you cheek me, young man.

(chuckles) You're so easy to kid.

(both chuckling) You just make sure you don't run into the same problem again.

Use the hospital darkroom.

I'll arrange it.

No, I couldn't.

The difference between your darkroom and ours might save an animal's life.

I'll tell you what, then.

If you can arrange that, we'll waive the cost of treating your dogs.

Mr.

Herriot, you have a deal.

Deal.

(chuckles) Good boy-- good boy, good boy.

♪ ♪ (calling): James?

It's ready!

(exhales): Smells delicious, Mrs.

H. I hope Helen in't put out, you eating here.

No, she's relieved.

So am I.

(Siegfried chortles) Much deserved after a hard day's work.

For most of us, anyway.

Ah, so I see Jim's turn in the firing line is over, is it?

SIEGFRIED: I just wish you'd find something to do that didn't involve messing up my dispensary.

Our dispensary.

There were former staff in there who didn't know the war was over-- the first war!

(chuckling) TRISTAN: Besides, I was thinking perhaps I might start going back on calls while I'm here.

Are you volunteering for work?

Well, it's unfair, you darting back and forth.

You'll be exhausted, man.

Next thing you know, you'll be buying elaborate machinery from our clients.

(chuckles) Well, only if you're certain.

I'd love to have you back.

Cheers.

Decent timing, as a matter of fact.

James, I've got a new job for you to get your teeth into.

Mrs.

Pumphrey would like you to find a suitable breeding partner for Tricki.

(laughing): What?

Didn't you tell her he's a bit past it?

Oh, I think the old dog's got a few tricks left in him yet.

I'd have taken it on myself, but she was won over by that beautiful card.

Ah, you dropped me in it.

If anyone can find a pedigree Pekingese that meets Mrs.

Pumphrey's high standards, it's you.

I don't have the first clue, I... TRISTAN: Ah, well, when a boy dog likes a girl dog very, very much... (chuckles) Oi!

You'll put him off his cobbler.

Yes, eat your cobbler.

It might be the last decent meal we have now we've bought that bloody machine.

(James and Mrs.

Hall chuckle) Ah, Mrs.

H!

Come on, then.

I want 12 peas, please.

What is a typical Forsyte?

♪ ♪ Brace yourself.

(laughs) You're about to discover.

♪ ♪ Something rather exciting.

(cheering) What more does one need?

♪ ♪ JUNE: How splendid.

♪ ♪ (grunts) ♪ ♪ SOAMES: And it will be all that you've dreamed of and more.

♪ ♪ ♪ ♪ Siegfried!

CHARLOTTE: Captain Farnon?

Morning.

Morning.

That is impressive.

You ask for one Captain Farnon and they provide a spare.

JAMES: Neither of them are back yet!

I promised Helen I'd get up there for lunch.

Come on, Herriot!

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