The Home Front – As the finale of All Creatures Great and Small begins, Helen Herriot (Rachel Shenton) wakes up and goes downstairs where Siegfried Farnon (Samuel West) tries to help her. Helen fixes it before Mrs. Audrey Hall (Anna Madeley) thanks her. Once Siegfried leaves, Helen tells Audrey it is quiet up there without James. Audrey thinks it’d be a good idea for Helen to visit her dad and Jenny. Helen visits Richard (Tony Pitts) and Jenny (Imogen Clawson). She speaks to them about James. They talk about how the experience will change James. Helen learns that her father has twisted his knee although he insists it isn’t a big deal.

Richard is adamant he is fine and rushes out when he gets upset. While Audrey hangs out with Gerald (Will Thorp), she learns that Rock has an enlarged testicle. She admits it is probably nothing, but still urges Gerald to bring him in to see Siegfried. Audrey admits she hasn’t told Siegfried yet because there never seems to be a right time. Gerald says he has to think of Lillian too. Audrey claims she’ll do it tomorrow. She struggles to write a letter to Siegfried that night. In the morning, Helen tells Audrey about her dad’s leg and how she wants to move back home. When Siegfried joins them, Helen explains that her dad and sister need her help. Siegfried agrees to help with the move before telling Audrey there are two now.

Helen and Richard argue over who should be resting. Helen tells Jenny she wishes her mom was there. Audrey finds Siegfried working on the faucet so she interrupts to talk to him about her position. She admits she is leaving and she explained it all in the letter. Audrey says this is a chance for her to start a new life with Gerald. She worries she’ll never take it if she doesn’t take it now. Siegfried says a month should be fine. Richard tells Helen he was thinking about the baby although she believes that is her job. Helen refuses to sit down and instead goes inside to check on the calf. She calls Audrey who offers to send Richard Carmody (James Anthony-Rose) over to have a look. Siegfried checks out Rock and scolds Gerald for not noticing and speaking up sooner.

He says tumors like that aren’t unusual in dogs and they usually don’t metastasize. Siegfried thinks he should cut it out, but Gerald doesn’t want to put Rock through surgery. Gerald wants time to think about it. Carmody checks on Smoky and suggests he has a problem with his rumen or one of his stomach compartments. He explains that he is blocked. Richard believes linseed oil will resolve the problem although Carmody suggests speaking to Siegfried first. Before Carmody can go to the car for linseed oil, the calf knocks Richard and Helen to the ground. Richard urges Helen to stay out of harm’s way. Siegfried gets frustrated while working on the plumbing. Helen calls to ask if he can look at a calf with a blocked stomach.

He decides to send Carmody since it isn’t an emergency. Carmody worries Smoky could be dead by tomorrow if something drastic isn’t done. He explains that they’ll need to perform a rumenotomy. They think they should get Siegfried. Meanwhile, Audrey offers to call someone to fix the plumbing. She asks if he read the letter. Siegfried questions if it would’ve made a difference. Siegfried gets a call from Helen. Richard complains about Helen calling a vet. Helen reminds her dad he is getting older and could use help, but he thinks this is about her. Richard screams at her to do as she is told. Helen goes back to Skeldale House to tell Audrey what happened. Audrey tells her that she is going away with Gerald since they’re basically engaged.

Once Siegfried finishes the surgery, Richard tells Carmody he owes him an apology. Siegfried puts Carmody in charge of stitching the calf. Richard drives to Skeldale House so he can apologize to Helen. He reveals that she had a brother, but she never got to see him smile. Richard used to plead with his wife to take it easy. She worked from dawn to dusk right until the end. He can’t let it happen again. Helen insists there was nothing either of them could’ve done. Once Richard leaves, Helen begins worrying that she has lost the baby. She can’t get in touch with the midway. Audrey offers to take her to Siegfried. Once they arrive, Siegfried checks her out in the barn. Before long, Helen is relieved to hear the baby’s heartbeat.

Later that night, Siegfried asks Audrey to help him write an ad for a new housekeeper. He read the letter. What she said about taking her in meant a great deal. Siegfried says she has her own life now and should make the most of it. In the morning, Audrey visits Gerald so they can speak. She admits she isn’t ready to go just yet because they need her. She suggests she could join him although she isn’t sure when. Gerald always knew this would come. Audrey leaves before visiting Helen. She explains she’ll be there for the birth and she is glad. Gerald visits Siegfried to tell him. He agrees to let Rock have the surgery. Richard checks on Helen who is sitting outside. She says she has to look forward. She wants them to be in Skeldale when James returns.

Helen asks him to get his knee looked at. Siegfried finishes the surgery and says he’ll send the tumor for analysis although it is probably benign. Gerald is happy to see Rock. Audrey enters and learns about the surgery. Gerald tells her goodbye. Audrey thanks him before he goes. Then, she finds out from Siegfried that the job is still available. They learn that the faucet is fixed and Gerald likely did it. Helen moves back into Skeldale House. Later that night, Helen plays a game with Audrey and Siegfried.

 

All Creatures Great And Small Review

The final episode of All Creatures Great and Small’s fourth series had a few highlights, but it felt a little shallow and empty to some degree. Gerald and his heartbreak was easily the biggest factor that made the finale worthwhile. Otherwise, there really wasn’t a lot going on and there was little risk that Audrey would leave Skeldale House.

This is understandable somewhat considering viewers are gearing up for the Christmas special which is now out. Nevertheless, it still feels like this could’ve been better with more depth around James’s absence, Helen’s pregnancy, Carmody’s growth, and so on. Regardless, Gerald’s heartbreak was very effective and strong enough to carry an otherwise forgettable episode.

The episode was an easy watch and was a breeze to get through so it was enjoyable overall. The episode scores a 7 out of 10. Recaps of All Creatures Great and Small are available on Reel Mockery here. Find out how to support our independent site at this link. Learn more about advertising on Reel Mockery here. Discuss this show and others at the Reel Mockery Forum.