07x01 - Back to School

[bunniefuu]

Just here, cabbie.

Thank you, son.
Thank you.

The truth is
there's a lot in rural practice

for which no amount of training
will prepare you.

You can be rolling about
on cobbled floors all night,

fighting with a tough calving
to the point of exhaustion,

kicked, trodden on,
sprayed with muck.

And just as you're about to go home,

the farmer asks, could you take
a "quick look" at his pig,

which turns out to be covered
in blisters,

and suddenly,
you suspect foot and mouth.

Most of it, you learn on the job
from hard experience.

I'll never forget what I was told
on my first ever day in Darrowby.

"You won't learn owt in there
you can't learn out there."

LAUGHTER

Sometimes, I think it might be
the best advice I ever got.

I just don't know how they can
charge that much

for a glass of lemonade
and a glass of wine.

Could you be a bit more Yorkshire, please?

Oi, I'm no bumpkin!

Hey, when you moved down,
it were me showing you what's what.

Now I'm climbing out the window of
the nurses' quarters to go dancing.

Jenny, you'll get the boot!

Don't worry, I've got Matron
wrapped around my finger.

And the doctors love me.
Oh, I'll not tell my dad that, eh?

Oh, go on,
give him something to worry about.

Oh, he doesn't need owt else.

Nothing ever changes up there, eh?

Not if we can help it.

But the rules they make for us
down here, they change all t'time.

And it's always about more for less.

It's no wonder so many
are going over to Friesians.

Friesian cows?
You wouldn't do that, though.

You always said quality
over quantity is what matters.

Then again, you said you were
gonna marry Hugh Hulton, so...

Jenny!
JENNY CHUCKLES

I'm thinking about it, that's all.

It's probably daft.

BELL DINGS Come on, we're here.

Oh!

Thank you for the lecture, Sir.
Yes, thank you, Mr Herriot.

Not at all. Please tell Mr Carmody
I hope he's better soon.

Sorry I missed him.
Course, Sir.

James!

I thought you were meeting Jenny?

All I see is this
sophisticated young woman.

Oh, he's still so smooth.
THEY CHUCKLE

How'd it go?
I think I managed to give them

an idea of what it's really like.

You didn't put them off for life?
They seemed pretty keen.

I got chatting to a few afterwards.

The things they're learning now,
quite incredible.

Yeah, like medicine, in't it?

All the new drugs and techniques
they've learnt from the w*r.

Sometimes, it's like us younger ones
are talking a different language

to the older staff.
And how old are these older staff?

About our age?
No, not that ancient.

Excuse me, less cheek for
your elders and betters, please.

I don't believe it,
he's gone Yorkshire an' all!

THEY CHUCKLE

I hope them two are being good
for Audrey.

I hope Jimmy's been practising
his laces.

I told him he can't be starting
school not knowing how to do laces.

Aw!

ENGINE REVS,
HORN PARPS

HORN PARPS

Oh.

SHE TUTS

HORN PARPS

It's not a race!

BLEATING

I'm sorry, you'll have to move.

Mrs Hall, might I have tea?

I don't know where you got this idea
I like coffee - it's awful stuff.

Well, I'll swap you for a lamb.

I'm trying to keep him warm.

And is that more important
than my beef stew and dumplings?

Nothing is more important
than your beef stew and dumplings.

CHILDREN GIGGLING

Jimmy,
I've got my laces wrong again.

Can you help me practise, please?

Uncle Tristan!
Oh, I know.

Mum! Dad! They're back!
Mummy!

Come here, you two!

Hey!
Oh!

Hello!
You've grown half an inch!

You've got that uniform on again,
it'll be worn by the time you start.

I'm sorry, I did try!

Good lecture, Jim?
I'm sure the students were grateful

for a chance to catch up
on their sleep.

At least they came -
it's one more than you ever went to.

LAUGHTER

Dad!
Very good.

Thanks for letting us go, Siegfried.
We had a great time.

Well, you've missed the latest.

New practice opening in Brawton.
Mm. Chap has a fantastic car.

Fast, little, red, sporty number.
Oh, we've seen it. He's a vet?

I've heard he gets his books done
over here, so he's back and forth.

I don't care what he does,
as long as he keeps out of our way.

Dad, come and see!

What is it? What is it?!

Come on, then!

HE GRUNTS,
LAUGHTER

BLEATING

Yes, I know. Coffee.

Why are we going into Uncle Tris's?

Surprise!

SHE GASPS

These are our things.
We changed it over!

Me and Rosie have got our own room!

Oh, my goodness!
Look what you've done.

It's lovely!
WHISPERS: Thank you.

Well, this pair thought it'd be nice
for you to come home to.

Course, they had to drag me
kicking and screaming

to my private attic suite.

You're going to love it up there.

SHE LAUGHS

Yes. I think this will do.

Whoa!

CHUCKLING: I can't breathe!
I can't breathe!

Whoa!
I can't breathe!

LAUGHTER Oh, my legs!

My legs!

Oh, James, Geoff Hatfield's been
after you while you've been away.

Right.
Ticka-ticka-ticka-tick!

Oh, I might just catch him
before he closes.

Come on, you two.

Ah!

I don't suppose anyone wants
to come to the sweet shop with me?

CHILDREN: I do!
We do!

Yes? Yeah! Yes!

Was your lesson like
my school's going to be, Dad?

A little bit.

Did you have a sing-song?

There was no time for a
sing-song, unfortunately.

There'll be sing-songs in my school,
Auntie Audrey said.

I think, Mrs Moffatt, you're
speaking of a Russian caramel,

not a treacle toffee.
Oh.

The full three ounces, is it?
Right as always, Mr Hatfield.

Hello, Alfred.
I'm starting school next week.

Hello, Geoff.
Cough drops, is it?

How do you always know before I ask?

Oh, it's not me, Mr Herriot.
It's Alfred who knows.

Don't tell him - it's not true.
Alfred's only a cat.

They keep him going,
them cough drops.

We're glad you didn't close during
the w*r, cos we'd never have coped.

Well, to my mind, people come here
for a little bit of happiness.

That's not a luxury,
it's an essential.

So we had to stay open.

That's what Alfred says, anyway.

Come on, you two,
choose your sweets.

Good boy, Alfred.
Auntie Jenny sent you some coupons.

Look at them!
So, I believe you rang the practice?

Yeah. How's he been
since I last saw him?

Well, I'm slightly concerned.

The minerals you gave him don't seem
to have perked him up at all.

I examined him, what, two weeks ago?

There was nothing wrong
that I could see.

He's just not quite himself.

He looks healthy enough.

What is it that's troubling him?

It's hard to say. He's off his food.
Not quite as lively as he was.

Seems to have lost some weight, too.

He may be a bit run down,
though he doesn't look it.

I'll take him in,
check him over again.

Maybe a tonic will perk him up.

What's that you say, Alfred?

SOFT MEOW

"Nothing to worry about."

GEOFF CHUCKLES

Lemon sherbets and sugar mice.

ALL CHUCKLE

Come on!

Excited to get back
to their new room.

Come on, Rosie!
Mrs H is a wonder, eh?

Oh, I don't know what I'd have done
without her lately.

You'll have a wee bit more time
once he starts school.

I will.

Well, there's a lot I want to do
up at Heston.

Maybe now's the time.

Is this about the cows again?

Jenny thinks I should do it.

What do you think?

I think it's about
more than just a breed.

It's saying goodbye
to a whole way of life,

starting a new one.

But you wouldn't be considering it
unless you needed to.

If we have another winter
like the last one,

I'm not sure the Jerseys will cope.

Friesians would definitely stand
a better chance.

It's a roll of the dice,
I can't say it's not.

But it might be one
you have to take.

And I know you,
you'll make it work. Mm.

Now all you have to do
is persuade your dad.

THEY CHUCKLE

Afternoon.
Afternoon.

Have you brought park in again?

That baker on the square,
he's very good.

Not as good as you, of course.

CHUCKLES Quite right.

We can decide
what we're seeing tonight.

Brief Encounter's on, finally.

Oh, yes.
I've been looking forward to that.

Dorothy.
LAMB BLEATING

I have my hands full, I'm afraid.

It's my friend I've come to see,
not you.

We're thinking Brief Encounter.

Oh, don't I get a say?

If we leave it to you,
it'll be Henry V again.

Yes, wonderful adaptation.

Olivier has a tendency to rant,
but he's fairly good.

You're lucky Audrey and I
let you come at all.

Ah, I know better
than to get between you two.

BLEATING CONTINUES
Oh, what's all that noise about?

He's hypothermic,
and he has a broken leg.

He's a pet lamb, I'm afraid.
He's someone's pet?

It means he's been orphaned.
So you have to hand-rear them.

You find they become very tame
and friendly as a result.

And very attached to the person
that's nurtured them.

Well, I like him.
Yes, he's rather...

What the bloody he...?

Sorry, Dorothy.

Actually, would you mind?

Hello.
James!

Have you seen this?
Free consultations.

This is the new man with the car.

What's this Granville Bennett
trying to do,

put us out of business?

I can't see us losing much business
to anyone over in Brawton.

Vets build their reputation
on hard work and word of mouth.

They don't poach clients
with vulgar advertisements.

That's strange.
Bloody mercenary, is what it is.

No, no, the cat.

The owner was right,
he has lost weight.

But no fever,
and he's otherwise fine.

Full armada of tests, then.

I gave him the full armada
two weeks ago.

What's wrong with you, Alfred, eh?

MEOWS SOFTLY

TRISTAN GRUNTS

JIMMY: Bathroom's free!

Morning! Won't be long.

Well, I thought it were very good.

Yes, he's a clever chap,
that Coward.

It was ruined for me
by the toffee rustler behind us.

You'd got yourself in a lather over
that advertisement, is what that is.

We know our clients.
We know their animals.

We're not going to lose them
to a newcomer.

Even so, I shall be driving over
later to put this Bennett straight.

Is that a good idea?

He has to be told.

If he needs to give away
free appointments,

he can't be that good.

Besides which, haven't you got
a lamb wants feeding?

Yes. Yes, I have.

If I see him around,
I'll have a word, all right?

Only if you must.

Good morning.
Good morning, Jimmy.

Jimmy, get this off, you monkey.
But Mum!

Now, then, Jimmy,
think about the dogs.

What do we know about their hair?
They lose it.

They shed. And why do they shed?

Because the old fur gets damaged
and smelly. Exactly.

And we humans change our clothes
frequently for the same reason.

You don't want to start school
smelling like a dog, do you?

No, Uncle Siegfried.
Away and change, then.

Thank you.

I'm off to Heston with Rosie.
Jimmy wants to stay and help you.

Good luck with your dad.

Oh, he'll be putty in my hands.
We're out the bathroom, by the way.

Oh, it's too late. I wanted a soak
before my first appointment.

You have to be quick off the mark
when you're all the way up there.

Ah.

Your grandad loves his old cows,

but I want to buy some nice, new,
black-and-white ones.

What do you think he'll say to that?
"No!"

And they produce a lot more milk.
"No!"

STIFLES LAUGHTER

You've got him down to a tee,
you have.

GIGGLES

DOOR OPENS

You're back, then?

Survive without me, Dad?

I had no choice,

what with my daughters
disappearing off to London.

I see you're in a good mood [!]

ROSIE GIGGLES Now, then.

Lenny, could you take him? Hello!

Hello.
THEY CHUCKLE

I hope not every contractor

gets this type of treatment
when they visit.

Just the vet.
Hm.

Well, be thankful
Siegfried didn't come.

SHE CHUCKLES

Look at this gorgeous creature.
And I don't mean you, Lenny.

LENNY LAUGHS

I've noticed
this one fighting the bit.

Oh, well, I'll check her teeth.

In fact, I'll give them all
the once-over.

And you'll join for tea
when you're done? Yeah.

I must tell you all about
the latest letter from Daddy.

It's all, "How's young Farnon?"
Nothing about how I am!

Well, that's my winning personality,
you see.

I think it was when you used
the magic words "10% off".

Mm, yeah.

Lenny, will you make sure
Captain Farnon gets

everything he needs?

Well, I'll need some hot water,
a gallon of ale,

some of those Lincolnshire sausages
if there's any left from breakfast.

Oh, and could you peel me
a few grapes?

I'll get you a brew, Captain.

CHUCKLING: Yes, all right.

Come on, then, you.
Come on, that's it.

Can I help, Dad?
Course you can.

Alfred might feel more relaxed
if you stroke him.

What's the matter with him?

He's losing weight, off his food,
and he's a little bit lethargic.

Sleepy.

I think there something's wrong,
but I'm not sure what.

Do you have a hippopotamus?

A hypothesis?

Well, my first thought
was a hairball.

But there's no retching, so it must
be some other kind of blockage.

The most likely explanation for that
is what we call a tumour.

That's bad, isn't it?

If we're lucky, it'll be somewhere
where it's safe to take it out.

Alfred says it'll be fine.

Not a word to Mr Hatfield
if you see him.

You or Alfred.

I don't want him to worry.

I know how much he dotes on you,
Alfred.

MOOING

Jenny's looking well.

Oh, aye? Is she courting?

Not that she said.
Good.

These lasses still haven't put their
weight back on after the winter, eh?

Aye, they'll get there.

You start to realise
why so many are buying Friesians.

Some have, aye.

I suppose they just want
to keep their farms going.

These breeds are part
of the landscape.

They've shaped it -
generations of grazing.

But times are changing, Dad.

I tell you what,
you're as well drinking that

as milk from a Friesian,
for all the taste it's got.

LAMB BLEATS

Yes, you like it in there,
don't you?

So, I just passed The Drovers.

You passed The Drovers?
Are you feeling all right?

There's a car outside.
Not your best story.

A certain little sporty number.

James, bring the newspaper.
I've still got work to do, so...

You said you'd put him straight.
You did say.

Bet it's not so sporty with
an incontinent goat in the back.

Come on.

If he thinks anyone around
here's gonna be impressed by that,

he's got another thing coming.

LAUGHTER
And remember, it's thick fog.

Does it bother me
I've reversed into a road sign?

Nah,
I'm looking forward to my curry.

So I throw the car into gear,
drop the clutch, off like a shot -

straight into the neighbour's wall.
LAUGHTER

You'd think I'd have had enough,
but no!

Mr Bennett?

Who's asking?
My name's Herriot.

This is my partner, Mr Farnon,
and his brother, Tristan.

We're vets here.
Vets.

And we're not too pleased with this.

Now, you may not be aware, but
it's kind of an unwritten vet code.

Prominent advertising like this...
Yeah, it's not cricket.

It's poaching, is what it is.
Oh, is it now?

A discreet listing is acceptable.

Anything else...
Poaching!

Skeldale House?
Yes.

The little place across the square?
It's not little.

I cannot apologise enough.

I had no idea.

The last thing I'd want to do
is upset another vet,

especially you boys.
BENNETT CHUCKLES

Everywhere I go,
they've got a story about you.

The lad from Edinburgh.
Glasgow.

And his dad.
I'm not his father.

You don't think I'm his father?

And the one who can sing
Mary From The Dairy

standing on his head.

Nice to be appreciated.

You've got this
incredible reputation.

You must let me buy you all a drink.

It's the least I can do.
There's no need for...

No, no, no,
I absolutely insist, laddie.

Beryl, pet, four more over here!

BERYL: Right you are, Granville.

Perhaps just the one.

A wee one.
Definitely.

Right.

Right, I'm heading off now, Dad.

I might not be back
for a day or two.

I want to spend time with Jimmy
before he starts school.

Right. Well, tell him from me,
anybody thumps him,

thump 'em back, only harder.

There'll be no thumping, thank you.

Before I go, I need to talk to you.

How's our Jimmy starting school
already?

SHE SCOFFS I know.

Only seems like yesterday he were
learning to walk out in that field.

ROSIE CHATTERS

Dad...
Seems like yesterday YOU were.

I can still see it all, you know.

Clear as day.

Our Jenny pretending
to drive t'tractor.

And you trying
to camp out that night.

Your mam stood there watching you.

As clear as day.

What is it you wanted to say?

Nothing, Dad. Doesn't matter.

Right, come on, Rosie!

You gonna say bye to your grandad?

Bye-bye, Grandad!

Bye-bye, love.

CHUCKLES Good girl.

Ooh, your hands are cold.

Are you keeping them warm?
Yes.

That's good.

So, there's this little terrier
on the table,

and the owner is frantic about
a bee sting in the nether regions.

Will the swelling go down
on its own?

Will it do lasting damage?
Will it affect his family prospects?

So I say,
"I'll give you an ointment,"

"but it does sting a little,"

"so make sure you give him
a treat after."

And the laddie looks at me,
and he goes,

"Why's he getting a treat?
I'm the one who was stung!"

LAUGHTER

Sounds like a few round here.

Yeah, that'll be before breakfast
most days.

Do you want me jumping on
the first train back to the smoke?

You were in London?
I was there myself recently,

speaking at
the Royal Veterinary College.

Oh, impressive.
Yeah.

Whether anyone was listening
is another matter.

Why the move?

BENNETT SIGHS I loved it there.

But I always thought,
when I start my own practice,

it should be up here.

Back to my roots, you know?

Owe it all to my dad, really.

He left me money, that's the
only way I could be doing this.

And driving that car.

You're brave. It's a challenging
time for rural vets.

A lot of farms are mechanising.
Less work for all of us.

I specialise in pets.

Now, I may have to take on
some farm work,

but I don't want to step
on any toes.

Another?
I think I might have had enough.

James, come on. We're just getting
to know each other.

Well, it's just,
my wife might be wondering... James.

Well, if you absolutely insist.

Yeah, one more can't hurt.
Yes, why not?

Good lads!

See, told you.
Nothing to worry about.

HELEN: Finally got 'em down.

Only 20 questions from Jimmy
about school starting on Monday.

I hope he likes this.

I'm ever so grateful, Audrey.

Oh, I'm glad to do it.

It's a rare night in for you,
this, in't it?

Usually off gallivanting.
Oh, get away!

It's only now and then.
CHUCKLES

It's nice to see you
enjoying yourself.

It's made a big difference,
Dorothy being back, eh?

In more ways than one.

You mean she keeps Siegfried
out of our hair?

The thought never crossed my mind.

No, she's exactly what he needs.

I had a feeling she would be...

if he gave her another chance.

He doesn't know how lucky he is
to have you, do you know that?

Where are those three, anyway?

Must be some telling off
they're giving that new vet.

Mm.

CHEERING That's nine more to me.

Looks like you're paying
for the curry when we go, Siegfried.

We'll see. It's a matter
of hand-eye coordination.

Wait until I meet you
on the croquet lawn, my friend.

It'll be mallets at dawn.
Done one already.

BERYL: Last orders!

Oh, one for the road?
I'm getting this.

Well, we'll see about that.
Now, wait a second...

THEY CHUCKLE
Great lads you work with there.

Well done on winning Siegfried over.
It's not always that easy.

All your help, all your advice,
it's invaluable.

Tells me I made the right decision
to move here.

I wish you luck.
Like I say, it's challenging times.

But exciting times.

The way the profession is changing
right before our eyes,

it's amazing.
Aye, I suppose.

Penicillin alone,

never mind the rest of the
treatments coming down the line.

I did my first
intramedullary pinning

in a dog recently.

Remarkable. A completely
new approach to fractures.

You've done that?

Well, the London clinic
was quite forward thinking.

We'd get sent a lot
of small animal work

that other vets couldn't handle.

What kind of work?

Oh, intra-abdominal. Soft tissue.
Eye surgery.

I wrote a paper or two
on eye surgery, in fact.

A paper.
Beryl, pet, four more, please.

Right you are, Granville.
Too slow, laddie, too slow.

Ah, I saw that, Siegfried,
that was only four.

All right, then, four.

I turn my back for two seconds
to buy a couple of drinks and...

TRISTAN: He's right, actually.
Put them up again.

TRISTAN CHUCKLING

SLEEPILY: Gerald, no.

Big night, was it?
I suppose it must have been.

I've never seen a more sorry state.

And whoever tried
to make rarebit on the stove,

Audrey's not happy wi' you.

Shape yourselves, the three of you,
you've got appointments. What?

Here, Sister Rose dropped
your X-rays off. Thank you.

I remember there was a car.

My God. What did he do to us?

When can we do it again?

What happened to my rarebit?

Papers. It's coming back to me.
Granville, he's published papers.

Yes, well,
I expect I'd have published papers

if I wasn't so busy
being an actual vet.

This is cutting edge stuff.
He's done research.

He's highly skilled.
Yes, well, he's over in Brawton.

He said he's not gonna do
farm work.

Cos he knows pets
are where the money is now.

I've been saying it for a long time.
You have?

I think you're both worrying
yourselves unnecessarily.

I mean, he's a decent enough fellow,

but he clearly doesn't know the
first thing about rural practice.

Did you see the way
he flipped that shilling

and got it to land sideways on?
Yes, that was very good!

THEY CHUCKLE

That can't be right.

Alfred's X-rays.
What is it?

They're clear.

No tumour, no nothing.

Good night, were it?

HE GRUMBLES

Go on.

Come on, Alfred.

SNIFFING

MEOWS SOFTLY

No news yet, Geoff.

My fear was he had a tumour,
but there's nothing on the X-rays.

And the blood tests are clear
as well.

It's good news, in a way,

but it doesn't leave us
much further on.

There are a few more things
I'd like to try, so...

Yes. I'll be in touch
as soon as possible.

Bye, Geoff.

It makes no sense. I can't find
a single thing wrong with him.

But he's still not eating.

If I don't work it out,
he could die.

You're trying your hardest for him,
that's all you can do.

How did it go with your dad?

Oh, I'm not sure
it's such a great idea after all.

Because if we get them
and it works out,

then we'll want more,
then we'll need a milking shed,

and a new barn and...
it's just too much.

I'm stumped.

He's lost more weight
since I brought him in.

He's dehydrated.

He's clearly suffering,
and I've no idea why.

Temperature still normal?
Completely.

The X-rays are clear,
as you can see.

So are the bloods.
Mouth?

No wounds on his gums,
no dental problems,

nothing on his breath.

So it's not jaundice.

His urine and faecal samples
were clear.

No parasites, no infections.
Nothing that shouldn't be there.

Kidneys? Diabetes?
Nope.

Poisons?
He doesn't go outside, so...

TOGETHER: The sweet shop.
Could he have eaten something?

Geoff keeps a close eye on him.
He's never had any problems before.

I'm not seeing
breathing difficulties or seizures

or anything neurological.

Perhaps he's just run down.

Maybe you could try him
with a tonic. First thing I did.

Alfred the Great conundrum.

And this goat said,
"What's my name?"

Goaty.
"No, I'm Goaty. That one's Oaty."

No, you're Goaty. That's Oaty.

We look very alike.

BOTH GIGGLE

Right, you,
what are you most looking forward to

about starting school?

Everything!
You'll make lots of new friends.

You'll learn your letters
and numbers.

There'll be something new every day.
Not every day.

What do you mean?
Cos some days, I help my dad.

Well, you can't help your dad
on school days.

You have to go to school.

I said it wasn't a Turkish delight.

Oh, yes, you did. Erm...

Something in the nature
of a pastille?

No, Mr Hatfield, softer than that,
with a very sweet flavour.

I've had them once before.
It was around Christmas time.

I remember, cos little Tommy
fell off his bike,

and I said, "But..." Mr Hatfield?

Yes, Madam?

Never mind.
I'll try again another time.

Are you all right, Geoff?
Y-Yes, I'm fine.

Erm... Any news yet?

I have to admit,
I'm racking my brains.

He's obviously very unwell,
and he's getting worse.

I just can't find out
what's causing it.

I feel like it's staring me
in the face,

and I just can't see it.

I'm doing everything I can.
I'll keep trying.

I know how much he means to you.

I am rather at a loss without him.

I sometimes think I open up the shop
more for him than I do for myself.

He's what got me through the w*r.

Mr Herriot,
I don't mean to offend, but...

I saw that. It mentions that
he's a small animal specialist.

I-I wonder if it's worth getting
a second opinion?

Of course...
if that's what you'd like to do.

I know Mr Bennett.
I'll speak to him myself.

Surely, it's not asking much.

I work just as hard
as everyone else.

Harder, if anything.

My one luxury is I like to have
a soak in the bath.

What about that whisky
you keep in the sock drawer?

One of my two luxuries.

I bet Granville Bennett has a bath
whenever he wants.

Granville who?

I realise it sounds petty,

but sometimes, it's the only
quiet place in the house.

I do a lot of my thinking in there.

And that, you know, helps.
I know it does.

Over here, it's different.

Over here, I'm still Captain Farnon.

You didn't grow up here.

I'm not sure anyone's family
stops seeing them as a child

until they've flown the nest.

You haven't flown the nest.

Yes, but my nest is so large,

I can go weeks
without seeing my father.

That's when he's even
in the country.

Also, we have several bathrooms.

You're welcome to bathe in them
whenever you like.

Thank you, but no.

You are beginning to niff a bit.

Well, it's the principle.

I'd like to have a bath
in my own home.

Hm.
Well, don't say you weren't offered.

HORN HONKS James!

Good to see you!

How do you like the place?

Impressive.

Still getting set up, of course.

I'm installing a dedicated
operating theatre at the back.

I wondered if... you might be
willing to give a second opinion.

It's a cat -
consistent weight loss, lethargy,

loss of appetite, general malaise.

All tests inconclusive.

Of course. Why don't you have him
brought in tomorrow?

Thank you.
Happy to help.

I'm sure I can get
to the bottom of it.

Hey, look what Auntie Audrey's made
for you.

Arms up, let's see if it fits.

Arms up!

Looks scratchy.

You've not been out of that uniform
for weeks.

Now I'm asking you to wear it,
you're saying no?

What's the matter?

Don't want to go.

What?
You don't want to go to school?

Why?
Not if I can't be a vet any more.

Oh, Jimmy, vets have to know
their letters and numbers.

They have to go to school.

I already am a vet.

And you still will be
at weekends and school holidays.

It's not the same.

I know.

Hey, but if everything
stayed the same,

your dad would still be
up in Glasgow.

I'd never have met him.
We'd never have had you and Rosie.

I won't say it's not sad
when things change,

cos it is sometimes.

But they change
so we can have new happy things.

Maybe better things.

All you have to do
is close your eyes...

put your arms in the air...

and grab it!

CHUCKLES
That's better. There we go.

Thank you for doing what you could.

I'm sorry I couldn't do more.

Bye, Alfred.

ALFRED MEOWS

He says, "Goodbye, Jimmy."

Alfred's very poorly.

I'm afraid so.

You can tell he's poorly.

He always used to be
licking himself clean,

and now he doesn't even bother.

You're right, he was always
licking himself, wasn't he?

More than any cat I've known, actually.

Jimmy.

You know what you are?

The best vet I know.

Wait, wait!
Hm?

I think I know what's wrong.
No, Mr Herriot...

I'd like your permission to
carry out an exploratory laparotomy.

Cut him open?
I think there is a blockage,

but it's the only way
to know for sure.

Well, I don't know. He... He's old.

And he's frail right now,
and yes, it's a risk.

I wouldn't suggest it if I didn't
think it could save Alfred's life.

Well, perhaps I should
at least ask Mr Bennett first.

Mr Bennett is very skilled,
but he doesn't know Alfred.

I do!

All right.

I'm doing a laparotomy.

For what? The X-rays didn't...

It must something that doesn't show
on an X-ray plate, like a hairball.

But you've already checked
for hairballs.

Not in the throat. Further down.
That's why he's not retching.

Are you sure? If you're wrong...

Could you help me sedate him, please?

ALFRED MEOWS

DOOR OPENS Afternoon!

Now, I've had a little look,

and I Know Where I'm Going
is coming on.

Oh, I don't know that one.
How about Thursday?

It's one of my book-keeping days,

but I finish at five,
so we should still make it,

all being well.

You know, I don't mind
if you and Mr Farnon

want to go by yourselves sometimes.

Why would we do a thing like that?

Well, you might want
some time on your own.

I'd hate to feel
like I were getting in the way.

If anyone's getting in the way,
it's me.

You're working, and here's me
getting under your feet.

No, if you were in my way,
I'd tell you.

Can you get to the stomach?

I think so.

There's something there.

It's like a doughy mass.

Could you hold the stomach
while I cut? Yes, of course.

That's it.

It's huge.

Hairball. You were right.

Let's get it cleaned out
and get him stitched back up.

I think there's more in there.

It feels like it's gone through
into the intestine.

Even more trauma for Alfred.

Best be quick, then.

Can I get you anything, Geoff?

No, thanks.

He's in the right place, you know.

All right. That should do it.

We'll have to see how he recovers,
but he's got a chance now.

Well played, James.
You too.

We're lucky you spotted
the rest of it.

Not at all.
The credit is entirely yours.

I already agreed to send him
to Granville.

What?
It's what the owner wanted.

What else could I do?

I tell you who I ran into -
Moira Bagley.

Oh, yes?
She didn't half look well.

Well, there's a reason.

Dorothy.
Are you all right?

You know James was ready
to let Granville Bennett take over?

He were probably trying to do
what were best for the cat.

He thinks Bennett's more advanced,
for God's sake.

I can't imagine how.

You're as forward-thinking
as anyone.

I've heard you say
how much you make sure

you keep up with the fancy new
treatments and whatnot.

Yes, erm... He should be worried
about keeping up with you.

Yes. You're right.

Yes, you're absolutely right.

I'll need to keep him till tomorrow.

But I have every hope
he'll make a full recovery.

Oh, thank you.

I-I'm sorry if I was... impolite

to ask for a second opinion,
Mr Herriot.

I should never have doubted you.

Get yourself dry fast as you can.
Jump up and down to keep warm.

At last! Oh, I think we've used
the last of the hot water.

Bath's still full if you want it,

but one of the kids
might have done a wee in it.

I have it, Mrs Townsend.
It was right in front of my nose.

Marshmallow!
That's the one!

Thank you, Mr Hatfield. Goodbye.
Thank you.

Hello, Geoff.

I just wanted to check up on him.

A little treat for Jimmy
before he starts school.

Oh, yes. Almost the big day.

And Alfred sends his thanks.

Well, that's very kind of you.

He seems much more his old self.
GEOFF CHUCKLES

That he is.
Hey, hey, we'll have none of that!

We've had words about that,
haven't we, Alfred, eh?

Bye, Geoff.

ALFRED MEOWS

He says, "Nothing to worry about,
Mr Herriot."

Do you have somewhere
I could put this to good use?

Of course.

Turns out I can't get a soak
in my own home after all.

I want you to feel at home here.

In which case,
do you think we could take down

this portrait of your ancestor?

His eyes follow me.

SHE LAUGHS

So, Dad, I've been thinking...
Groundwater's up in t'back field.

Aye, I know. Listen...
Be more bloody trenches to dig.

Never stops.
Dad, it's about the cows.

Cows, is it?

I've got an idea.

And it is something
we said we'd never do,

but times are changing, and it makes
a lot of financial sense.

Oh, aye? So you want some Friesians?

Yes.

Well, if you want some Friesians,
you'd better get some.

What, you knew?
Course I knew. I'm your father.

And you don't mind?

Seems to me
you've got your mind made up.

No point me arguing.

Right, well,
I thought we'd start with six.

Six? You've got no chance.

You sell five of ours,
you could have four Friesians.

Oh, ta very much.
I only thought I'd get two.

Oh, did you?

TRISTAN CHUCKLES

SIGHS HAPPILY

Yes.

Yes!

James!

Whatever happened to the cat
you were gonna bring me?

Made a full recovery,
I'm glad to say.

But thanks for your offer.
Good!

Can't stop - appointments.

But I just wanted to let you know,
I've heard you loud and clear,

and I've amended
my advertisement accordingly.

That's big of you, Granville.

It's the least I can do.
I don't want to upset anyone.

I'm sure we'll be seeing
a lot more of each other.

Cheerio!

Lovely and warm there, aren't you?

Your friend didn't get
this treatment, you know.

LAMB BLEATS

Where did that come from?

I have my sources.

How much was it?
It's progress, James.

I don't want you harrumphing
like when we got the X-ray machine.

Me, harrumphing?

Mrs H will be happy
to have her stove back, anyway.

Right, where's your satchel?

Go and look!

Aunty Audrey!

It's your favourite - egg.
Thank you.

Jimmy, satchel!

Thank you.

Look at those laces.
Let's get them done.

All right, rabbit ears,
cross them over,

pull the ears tight - there we go!

Thank you, Uncle Tristan.

Good luck, Jimmy.
Thank you.

Good luck!

Let's go, let's go, let's go!

Have fun! Shall we wave goodbye?

Come on, this way.

TOGETHER: Bye!
Let's go, let's go!

Say bye.
Bye. Bye, Jimmy!

Bye-bye.
Goodbye! Have fun.

Bye!
Bye, Rosie Posie!

Have a wonderful day.

Hello.

Right.

Don't forget,
vets always try their very best.

We're proud of you.

Now go on.

SHE SIGHS

Go on!

I know just how he feels.

The thing about my job
is you can do it for ten years

and it still feels like day one
every day.

Oh, well, since it's your first day,
I've got a special treat for you.

Oh, aye?

You can come to t'cattle market
with me and my dad.

THEY CHORTLE

THEY LAUGH