All Creatures Great & Small Series 5 – Review
First Reaction – All Creatures Great & Small Series 5 returns with a comfy series of adventures.
Where to Watch
All Creatures Great & Small Series Five inc. the 2023 Christmas Special will arrive on DVD on 2 December 2024 followed by the bumper All Creatures Great & Small Complete Series One – Five Box set on 16 December 2024 courtesy of Acorn Media International, following its transmission on Channel 5.
Director: Brian Percival, Stewart Svaasand, Andy Hay
Writer: Debbie O’Malley, Maxine Alderton, Matt Evans, Robin French (Screenplay)
Writer: James Herriot (Books)
Cast
- Nicholas Ralph (Prey for the Devil)
- Rachel Shenton (Strangers Chapter 1)
- Samuel West (Van Helsing)
- Anna Madeley (In Bruges)
- Callum Woodhouse (The Durrells)
Plot: James Herriot, fresh out of Glasgow Veterinary College, pursues his dream to become a vet in the Yorkshire Dales. He discovers that treating the animals is as much about treating their owners, and the Dales’ farmers are a tough to please.
Runtime: 45 Minutes per episode
There may be spoilers in the rest of the review
Verdict on All Creatures Great & Small Series 5
To All Our Boys
To All Our Boys follows Siegfried (West), Mrs Hall (Madeley) and Helen (Shenton) dealing with demands back in the village. Meanwhile, James (Ralph) is preparing for his first big mission in his World War II duty. However, James learns he is suffering from an illness which could affect his active duty. Elsewhere, Siegfried leaves Richard (Anthony-Rose) alone for the first time and it could give him a chance to ease the load.
This episode isn’t a big welcoming return due to the circumstances we find our characters in. It is a good thing because it builds the strain the characters are suffering during World War II. This leaves the big question on whether James should stay in the active service or return home and builds on his sense of importance. Back home we get moments of humor between Siegfried and Richard, which lightens the mood too. (4/5)
Holding the Baby
Holding the Baby follows James returning to work and getting used to caring for the baby. Elsewhere, Helen struggles to see her sister Jenny want to move to a bigger city away from the farm work. Meanwhile, Siegfried clashes with the air raid warden and Mrs. Hall’s role in the department.
This episode shows us the different problems the village is facing and how unprepared people are for the war. From the air raid warden setting up rules, he doesn’t understand the rules he is setting up. The local animals hear new noises and James enters parenthood. It brings the lovely charm we know the series has to life. (4/5)
Homecoming
Homecoming follows James and Helen preparing for little Jimmy’s Christening. Siegfried is preparing a speech and James’ parents have come to visit. However, a telegraph for Seigfried leaves Mrs Hall worried about the news. Although, it seems like it is good news about Tristan (Woodhouse).
This episode does what we have all been waiting for, the return of Tristan. The show has missed him for the last season and his return clashes with the Christening of Jimmy. This presents more of the busy lives and has turned from an uncertain start to a celebration together. (4/5)
Uninvited Guests
Uninvited Guests follows Tristan meeting Richard and having to adapt to having each other around. They are sent to Mrs Pumphrey’s (Hodge) home to search for a missing snake. It is reflected in how Mrs Pumphrey has been dealing with changes in her life. Elsewhere, James deals with a challenging case where he can prove himself to more of the farmers.
This episode is taken with a lighter heart with the bonding between Tristan and Richard and their adventure. However, James is showing early signs of the problems he is having in the aftermath of his service. This is the perfect example of an episode that can manage moments of comedy and serious subject matters. (5/5)
Pair Bond
Pair Bond follows Richard getting his exam results and searching for advice in love from Tristan and Siegfried. However, the roles get reversed when Siegfried takes notice of their latest client. Meanwhile, James is struggling to keep up with Tristan’s restlessness and Mrs Hall clashes with Mr Bosworth about an item that landed in the local area.
This episode feels like the most relaxed episode of the series so far. It is filled with the most laughs, even if there is an air of pain lingering over James and Tristan. This also highlights the struggles people from the big city have when it comes to dealing with things changing in the area. (4/5)
Glass Half Full
Glass Half Full follows Tristan and Siegfried back on the rounds, as Siegfried struggles now Richard has stepped away. Elsewhere, James is in a surprisingly good mood. However, Tristan and Siegfried clash on their methods leading to a comedic series of events. Meanwhile, James is showing signs of his illness that is making him act strangely and it could have a lasting impact on his career.
For the closing episode, we finally get a comedic episode with Tristan and Siegfried. It entertains to cover up the serious subject going on with James. The two mix nicely and we find a conclusion episode that leaves us wondering what is happening next for the characters. (4/5)
All Creatures Great & Small Series 5
All Creatures Great & Small Series 5 is back with a bang tackling serious subjects in how characters react to moments from the war. The welcome return of Tristan brings a lot more comedy to the series and helps lighten the mood. Meanwhile, the more serious subjects linger around as we wait to see how James and Tristan might react to the little things in life. It is also filled with big decisions for the characters that could shape the direction of many of their lives.
Final Thoughts –All Creatures Great & Small Series 5 gives us plenty of comfy stories.
