All Creatures Great and Small welcomes new addition to Skeldale House – but it’s not smooth sailing

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Before the sixth season of All Creatures Great and Small aired, we knew things were going to be different – with the war ending, Mrs. Hall leaving (though not for long, thankfully), and Helen and James welcoming their second child, Rosie.

The changes didn’t end with the personnel shifts. The veterinary practice is also modernizing, thanks to James’s decision – and with strong encouragement from Sister Rose – to purchase a new, advanced X-ray machine.

Its arrival wasn’t smooth at all. James and Tristan had a difficult time getting the large machine into the exam room, needing help from a few locals – and even Jenny. Then, Sister Rose happened to stop by for flea powder and simply suggested the obvious solution: remove it from the crate and roll it in.

However, before they had a chance to follow that suggestion, Siegfried arrived – and it’s safe to say he wasn’t pleased, to put it lightly.

So, James really laid it all out there, arguing that pets were the way forward and that this machine wouldn’t just cover its costs, but would actually pay for itself in about six months. But Siegfried? He wasn’t buying it. Not even a little. Honestly, the tension in the room was palpable. It was a clear impasse, and you could tell from Siegfried’s expression that James’ pitch had fallen completely flat.

When James eventually got the device working, it immediately caused a power outage, leaving Skeldale in darkness – which only added to Siegfried’s already intense anger.

Following a serious talking-to from Mrs. Hall, Siegfried thought about what he’d done and made amends with James. He even started to feel more comfortable around the X-ray machine, which greatly pleased his partner.

“You can lose that smug look,” he retorted. “I’m not opposed to new tools or concepts at all. I simply want to be involved in deciding which ones we get – and when we implement them.”

A fair point, we should add.

James quickly apologized – he truly didn’t intend any disrespect, but explained he’d just become overly excited – and acknowledged he should have spoken with Siegfried beforehand – if Siegfried had been open to hearing him.

“It’s a really interesting point in the story,” explained Samuel West, referring to the characters’ current situation in the newest installment. “Agricultural machinery is constantly improving, and we’re finally seeing progress in veterinary technology, which provides some humorous moments at Skeldale.”

“Siegfried is suspicious, of course, but in the end, it proves its worth.”

With the end of the war in Europe and the hope of lasting peace, the new season begins,” states the official synopsis for season 6. “However, James is longing for more tranquility at the veterinary practice, as he balances his work, family responsibilities, and a particularly difficult relationship with Siegfried.

Elsewhere, “Helen is spending time with her children, Jimmy and Rosie, but is facing significant changes at Heston.”, and “Tristan is returning home to Darrowby after several years of war and will need to get used to life back home.”

And then there’s Mrs. Hall, who actively tries to reunite everyone and create a peaceful atmosphere at the doctor’s office.

The third episode of All Creatures Great and Small season 6 will be shown on Thursday, October 9th at 9pm. If you missed the earlier seasons, episodes 1 through 5 are currently available on My5. You can also purchase James Herriot’s All Creatures Great and Small books from Amazon.

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2025-10-03 00:34