'All Creatures Great and Small": Season 2, Episode 4 Recap

The latest episode of All Creatures Great and Small begins with a celebration: It's Tristan's birthday! During breakfast in Skeldale House, Tristan carefully unwraps the large leather case with his name and professional qualifications embossed in gold. It’s a magnificent gift and he is duly impressed and grateful, even more so when Siegfried hands him his very own client list for the day.

This indication that he’s ready for solo practice is a major step forward, and while Siegfried may fret, Tristan is confident and ready to go. James, all smiles since his rooftop kiss with Helen in Episode 3, will accompany him but not in any supervisory capacity.

Mrs. Hall quietly asks James if he’s had a chance to talk to Helen about the Glasgow job, and he tells her he’ll do so today when he visits the family’s pregnant mare. And while we know that James’s intentions don’t always result in action, he’s quite sincere about it. Meanwhile, Siegfried fusses over Tristan, reminding him about the obvious (extra instruments and so on) while they discuss his birthday celebrations. Originally planning a very civilized evening at the Drover’s (“Try not to get completely legless,” Siegfried interjects), Tristan suggests a dinner party at Skeldale House that evening, and Mrs. Hall takes up the challenge. Tristan increases the numbers by announcing he’ll have a guest, yet to be announced. It’s a technique that's worked for him before.