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The same actors appear in the main roles. Christopher Timothy is excellent as James Herriot, now more comfortable in his role as partner in the vet surgery, and married to Helen (Carol Drinkwater). Siegfried Farnon is perfectly portrayed by Robert Hardy: sometimes charming, sometimes irritable, always very gentle with animals. His younger brother Tristan is Peter Davison, rather younger than when he portrayed Doctor Who, and considerably more irresponsible.
In the first episode Siegfried shocks James and Helen by telling them they need to move out of their room within a couple of weeks. But he’s not turning them out on the streets… he has bigger rooms in the attic, which he’s making available to them. They need rather a lot of cleaning and decorating, but Helen proves proficient with wallpapering.
There are ongoing stories in the first couple of episodes: a very angry cat who causes chaos, sheep being attacked by a stray dog, several dogs coming into the surgery with unusual injuries, and lambing season with all its joys and some sadness. James manages to hurt his foot and is unable to get out and about, which he finds frustrating.
The second DVD also has two episodes on it. They cover James’ visit to an eccentric vet living some distance away, who needs help with the TB testing, and also a very annoying, ‘entitled’ customer who expects the vets to do everything he says. Yet it’s clear that he doesn’t look after his horses at all well. This contrasts with a farm that used to flourish, where Helen used to play as a child. Now they’re down to just one elderly horse… and he doesn’t have long to live.
There are some quite poignant moments, as well as a few where I covered my eyes; I don’t like blood and gore, and it all looks quite realistic. I found myself wondering how - in the days long before CGI - they had managed to persuade all the animals, from guinea fowls to horses - to do what was necessary. A little research suggests a mixture of highly trained stunt animals, coaxing with food, and sometimes splicing real-life animal situations (such as giving birth) with the actors - later on - apparently assisting.
The third DVD of the first box in the set has two more episodes. The first one, ‘Judgement day’, involves James taking on the role of official vet at the county fair. Helen is not happy, although Siegfried assures them that it’s a sinecure, with very little work. This is far from the case, and James finds himself increasingly stressed with over-sized horses, a sick dog and a family pet competition to be judged.
Then the sixth episode, ‘Faint hearts’, has several subplots. It starts in a new, posh French restaurant where the three vets and Helen are dressed up, eating luxury food. Tristan meets a spoiled beauty called Julia, and determines to woo her. Meanwhile, a prize pig is off its food, an elderly dog is struggling to move, and a beloved budgie suddenly keels over from shock…
The second box set starts with episode seven, ‘Tricks of the trade’. James rescues a tiny kitten, and is surprised that it not only survives, but thrives with an unexpected foster mother. James also backs out of treating a six-year-old stallion after thinking he’s going to deal with a colt… and takes a sick, elderly dog to another vet, who is brilliant at what he does, but drinks rather heavily…
Episode eight, ‘Pride of possession’ features an eccentric artist with a beloved dog who is suffering an embarrassing ailment. It also features an expensive, imported bull who doesn’t seem to show any interest in the cows he’s supposed to ‘serve’. And Tristan is very attracted to another dog’s owner, but becomes so nervous that he does something unintended…
Episode nine, ‘The name of the game’ mostly involves a local cricket match which James takes part in. His colleagues make excuses to avoid it.
Episode ten, ‘Puppy love’, starts when James and Tristan are driving back from a conference. Unfortunately, Tristan is so very tired that he does something stupid. In his absence, Alice, a good friend of his from Scotland has called in, and says something which makes Siegfried rather surprised. And an unsuited couple who stay together for the sake of their dog have to make a difficult decision.
Episode eleven has the rather uninspiring title ‘Ways and means’. There are several threads in this: another meeting with Tristan’s close friend Alice transpires but she overhears something that she wasn’t meant to hear. She goes to treat a choking nanny goat with him, and the owner is quite embarrassed when Tristan discovers just what the goat has been eating. Meanwhile, James agrees to speak at the youth club…
Episode twelve includes a scene which, bizarrely, both of us recalled from seeing it on television in the late 1970s, although we had forgotten majority of the series. It involves James trying to eat a large plate of something which turns his stomach. There’s a farmer in this episode who gets too attached to his animals, a potential girlfriend for Tristan who rather takes a shine to Siegfried, and a woman with a dog that isn’t quite ready to go into labour. James is very patient in this episode; all the more so because Helen isn’t in it. She’s gone to stay with her sick aunt.
Helen returns in the thirteenth episode, sad at the loss of her aunt, but glad to be back with James. They would really like some time off, and to be able to go out together, but work keeps getting in the way. There are a lot of dogs featured in this episode, as well as references to a highly competitive quiz night.
And finally, at the end of series 2 is a Christmas episode. James and Helen are writing cards, Siegfried is determined that this should be the best Christmas ever. He points out that war is likely - this is set just before World War II - and that they might not all be together the following year. Helen is curious about a room which is always locked, and Siegried says he can’t find the key. Tristan is determined to investigate…
It’s a good episode, one with a lot of humour, and an entirely satisfying (if a tad predictable) ending.
We liked this series just as much as the first one, and thought it made an excellent sequel. Inevitably it's somewhat dated, with some rather lengthy shots at times, rather than the more rapid pace of a modern show. And I had to hide my eyes a few times when scenes were too gory for my tastes. But I loved the interactions between the principal characters, and also some of the growing friendships with local folk.
Highly recommended.
Note: series 2 still only seems to be available in separate volumes, part 1 and part 2, and they can be highly priced. The link above is to the first part only. Worth searching second-hand stores for used versions.
Review copyright 2026 Sue's DVD Reviews
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