Original subtitles

[gentle upbeat majestic music]

[gentle serene music]

[phone ringing]

[light switch clicks]

[footsteps pattering]

[phone clunking]

Darrowby 2297.

- [Dave] Dave Kitson. - Mr. Kitson.

[Dave] It's me cow, needs seeing too.

- Yes. - Right away.

Yes. All right.

[phone clangs]

[gentle uplifting music]

[car horn honking]

- [car horn honking] - [chickens clucking]

[cow mooing]

Easy girl.

Easy. There we are.

What didn't you get dressed?

You asked me to come right away, Mr. Kitson.

So, here I am.

Is that all you're doing for her?

I've given her a shot of prontosil.

It'll help with the pneumonia.

I'll come back this evening to see how she's getting on.

Suppose you'll still be charging us for that,

then, will you?

That's how a business tends to operate.

[sheep baaing]

What's the trouble here?

[Dave] She had a rough time lambing yesterday.

[James] How do you mean rough?

Big lamb got stuck with its leg in a funny position.

Couldn't fetch it round.

So you just pulled it out as it was?

Aye. There was nothing else I could do.

Hey! What you up to?

Don't bother yourself on my account. It's over for her.

Maybe there's something I can do.

[sighs] Hey, lad.

You have stock that long, you know when they're done.

At least let me ease her pain.

Pay you for what's gonna pass anywhere?

No, thank you!

I'd rather let nature run its course

and have knacker's yard pick her up later.

Merry Christmas, Mr. Kitson.

Aye. You too, lad.

[sheep baaing]

[car door clunking]

[car door slamming]

[sheep groaning]

There now.

- This will ease the pain. - [sheep groans]

It'll soon be over.

[upbeat festive music]

[Audrey] Keep going.

[Tristan] More?

You want to have leftovers in the evening.

Sprouts, couple handfuls,

carrots, and, uh, ooh, parsnips.

- Yes, yes. - How many are you feeding?

Oh, they're hardworking men, for the most part.

Ah, excuse me.

I've been a model student these last three months.

No doubt, you'll reap the reward.

What are your plans for tomorrow?

I'm rather looking forward to having an empty house for once.

Radio on, a glass of sherry in my hand.

You're not just saying that?

No, it'll be a delight.

Audrey. When does the party start tonight?

[Audrey] Oh, anytime after 7:30.

Look forward to it.

See you then.

Make sure your lipstick's on and the mistletoe is up.

Gerald's a friend, and I'm a married woman.

So was I in the not too distant past.

Just look at all the fun I'm having now.

[groans] Spare me the details. Please.

Honestly, Audrey.

Alittle feeling can make you feel a whole lot.

I'm perfectly happy feeling exactly as I am.

Well, I'll see you later.

Make sure you wear something to catch his eye.

I don't know about...

Wish you wouldn't talk about my brother like that.

It's enough to bring my breakfast up.

Tris, would you mind picking up the rest?

I've just got to pop back to the house for something.

Not at all, Mrs. H. Happy to help.

[Audrey] Both sides.

[gentle thoughtful music]

Morning, Mrs. Hall. You've had a few letters.

- Merry Christmas. - Merry Christmas.

Thank you.

[people chattering]

[door slamming]

[door opens]

Tristan, is that you?

Only me.

What happened to this one?

[Siegfried] Had his ear bitten off.

Know the feeling.

Are you aware that Diana's on her own for Christmas?

She says she don't mind.

It is a shame though, in't it?

Mrs. Hall, I feel you want me to do something,

but you don't want to ask,

because once you do, you know I'll have to say, "Yes,"

and then the illusion that I have at least some semblance

of control over the goings-on in this place would evaporate.

And then where will we be?

I think you should invite Diana for Christmas lunch tomorrow.

Now, the problem, you see?

The problem, Mrs. Hall, is with something Christmas Day,

it's a day for the family.

To invite Diana might raise certain expectations.

[sighs]

Well, it's your house, your decision.

But I think it's wrong she's on her own.

Well, why didn't you invite your gentleman friend?

He's a bachelor, isn't he?

Perhaps it's best we keep the numbers as they are.

Far be it from me to disagree with you, Mrs. Hall.

[phone ringing]

[Audrey] Darrowby 2297.

[Mrs. Pumphrey] Good morning, dear.

Oh, Mrs. Pumphrey.

[Mrs. Pumphrey] Could one of the uncles pay us a visit, for Tricki?

Of course. I said one of them up to you right away.

[Mrs. Pumphrey] Thank you.

[phone clangs]

- Who was that? - Mrs. Pumphrey.

There's something wrong with Tricki.

- I'll do it. - No, no, James,

you had an early start with Kitson.

You've got plenty on today. Leave it to me.

Thank you, Siegfried.

Mrs. Pumphrey's always generous

with the sherry this time of year.

- Presents? - For the Aldersons.

That's lovely.

Here!

Looks like you have a few Christmas cards.

Oh, this is from Dad.

Your mum must be upset you're not back for Christmas.

Oh, they've got Uncle Alf and the kids coming over.

Sure she'll be fine.

Oh, James, your mother won't be fine.

Which is why she's got people coming to stay.

Take her mind off it.

He wants me to call tomorrow at five.

Well, that's good, in't it?

Means you get to speak to your mum.

Oh, I hope so.

We haven't spoken since they visited.

I wrote, but I only heard back from Dad.

She's your mother,

'course she wants to talk to you on Christmas Day.

[gentle majestic music]

[car brakes squeaking]

Hello?

[Mrs. Pumphrey] In here!

Oh, look, Tricki! It's Mr. Farnon!

Morning, Mrs. Pumphrey.

Hello, Tricki.

Please excuse the state of things.

I've said my staff home.

It's only right people should be

with their families at Christmas.

What seems to be the trouble with you then?

Aren't you going to say hello?

Oh, can't even raise a paw.

He's been off his food for a few days now.

Don't worry.

I'm sure we'll have no trouble

finding out what's wrong with him.

Excuse me, Tricki.

Cook's been away, so it hasn't been his usual fare.

I thought perhaps, that was it.

But this morning, poor darling, he had the trots.

[dog growls]

I'm sorry to embarrass you, Tricki, but he's a doctor.

He's been terribly depressed.

[gentle downbeat music]

Tricki's got gastroenteritis.

He's lost a lot of weight

and I'm seeing signs of dehydration.

I'm afraid we'll have to take him in for treatment.

Oh, dear.

Won't be with my little man for Christmas.

Rest assured we'll do everything in our power

to have him right and back with you tomorrow.

Thank you, Mr. Farnon.

You are so kind.

[Market Trader] Come on, ladies!

[Tristan] Oh, Merry Christmas, Maggie.

How have you been in my absence?

Didn't notice you were gone.

Here you go, gentlemen.

- Thanks, Maggie. - Thanks, Maggie.

Really, Maggie?

You know I was away at college advancing my prospects.

Oh, really?

So you've got your mistletoe then?

- [Tristan] Oh, you know me. - [Maggie] Ah, yes.

Ale?

[Tristan] Please.

[chickens clucking]

[beer whooshing]

So did you then?

Did I what?

Advance your prospects?

[laughs] I'm sure I'll find that soon enough.

[gentle thoughtful music]

[blowing]

[bird cawing]

[gentle majestic music]

[bird cawing]

[bird cawing]

I've just gotta fix me hair and I'll be ready to go.

I've got a few visits to make on the way.

- I hope you don't mind? - [Helen] I'll wear me wellies.

Are those presents?

I think they might be,

but I'm not sure there's any here for you.

I'll put 'em under the tree.

Jenny, why don't you show James your pudding?

I've been soaking it in brandy

every week for over a month.

Dad's worried it might get you tipsy.

I don't know how I got this reputation.

It looks fantastic. Mrs. Hall would be proud.

It were actually her recipe I followed.

It's only been the three of us at Christmas since Mum died.

So we're quite excited, aren't we?

You better wear loose trousers

because we've got a hell of a goose in this year.

She's determined to cook tomorrow.

She's even missing out on tonight's party,

so her and me dad could prepare it all.

I didn't realize you'd be inviting me to Christmas lunch.

Oh, where did you think we'd be?

Skeldale House. Mrs. Hall's expecting us.

[Jenny] So, what'd you think?

Oh, aye.

Well. [chuckles]

[sighs]

[dog panting]

[dog whimpers]

[Audrey] You took your time.

I had trouble finding red currants.

No, they don't sell them at The Drovers.

[sighs] How do you know? How do you always know?

Because I'm a mother, with a sixth sense.

- [laughs] - And a nose.

Anything from Edward, this year?

No. I didn't expect it.

That don't mean I weren't hoping for it.

Nothing for me, I suppose,

from Edinburgh?

I'm sure Mr. Farnon has learnt his lesson.

I sincerely doubt that.

But I wanted to make sure

you were the one who opened it this time.

And though you may stray from the path once in a while,

you're a wonderful, loving boy,

with a warm heart and a good head in your shoulders.

Nothing inside that envelope can change that.

Where have you been?

Oh, just picking up a few Christmas bits for Mrs. H.

What's that?

[gentle whimsical music]

Bill. For you, I'm afraid.

Why on Earth are you giving it to me? Come on.

[laughs]

I don't know whether to be amazed or appalled.

[laughs]

Well?

[gentle suspenseful music]

Tristan!

[sighs]

Aw, poor little man. He's in a dreadful state.

You've tried them on bismuth, codeine,

and chlorodyne, I presume?

No discernible improvement.

He's gulping the water, trying to replace what's lost,

but he just can't keep it down.

We could try him on powdered ipecacuanha and opium.

I read something about using a concoction of haematoxylin,

in cases like this.

Although, there's not a huge body of evidence

to support its use.

I'm sorry, you read something?

[laughs] Don't sound SO surprised.

No. That was unkind.

I really did apply myself this time.

Well, I'm sure you'll get the result you deserve.

I'll fetch that medication.

[gentle sombre music]

[door opens, closes]

[sighs]

[letter rustling]

[letter rustling]

[gentle majestic music]

[Helen] What's this?

It's a Cailleach. Old woman winter.

My dad carves one every year.

[Helen] What do you do with it?

Oh, we burn it Christmas Day.

You've got to keep the fire going all night long

for good luck and to ward off evil spirits.

Hello, Mr. Kitson

How's that cow of yours doing?

Aye, not bad.

How do, lass?

No need to get dressed up on my account.

Don't worry, it's not for your benefit, Dave.

Herd doing all right?

[Dave] Aye. Getting through the hay faster than we'd like.

[Helen] In't it always the way?

Old girl there didn't make it passed dinnertime.

Expert, here, didn't believe me

when I said she were on her way out.

Seems you were right, Mr. Kitson.

Aye. Well, you see?

Can do all book-learning you like,

it's got nothing on experience.

Right. I'll leave you to it.

[cow moos]

I hope they'll be plenty of ale on tonight.

- [sheep bleating] - Go on. Shoo, shoo.

Get inside.

What was that about a ewe?

The fight had gone out of her.

He was going to let her die in pain.

I couldn't let that happen,

so I gave her an anaesthetic to ease the suffering.

What, without Dave knowing?

He was more worried about what it would cost,

rather than the welfare of the animal.

You should have said something.

Dave Kitson's tighter than an otter's backside,

he needs to learn to appreciate what you do for him.

These Dale farmers are never gonna take

my word over theirs.

Sometimes it's best to treat the animal

and let them think they've got one over you.

[gentle bright music]

[dog panting]

[record player clicks]

[upbeat swing jazz music]

[dog barking]

That boy, Jess, he's bloomin" incorrigible.

- [Siegfried] Mrs. Hall? - [dog barking]

Oh, there you are. Have you seen...

You look different?

I mean that in a pleasant, not a pejorative sense.

Well, I better--

I better get me sausage rolls in the oven.

[dog barking]

[Siegfried] Come on, Jess, wait for those mince pies.

[dog barks]

[dog barking]

We should let Mrs. Hall know is going to be

- at yours for lunch tomorrow. - Yeah, I'll do it.

Once she knows the effort Jenny's gone to, she'll understand.

[Siegfried] Is that you, James?

I'd like your opinion.

- [doorbell ringing] - Oh.

James?

Sorry, Helen, would you mind?

- Not at all. - [door closes]

Hello! Merry Christmas!

- Merry Christmas! - Come in.

[man] Oh, this is nice.

- It is a bit. - Nice and warm

- in here. - I'll take your coats.

- [dog whimpers] - Sorry, Tricki.

- That's tender, isn't it? - [doorbell ringing]

Sounds like we'll get a decent crowd this year.

It's amazing.

Farmers who owe us money go missing for months on end,

then magically reappear when there's free ale.

Sweet company refreshes the soul

and awakens our hearts with joy.

- Oh. - It's something my pa

used to say, anyway.

Well, I suppose some of them aren't completely intolerable.

I'm sure Diana would be flattered to hear it.

Starting to get quite serious

between you two lovebirds. [laughs]

[coughs] Right. Yes.

Well, um, you're right. Tricki's badly dehydrated.

[exhales] We've had him on a saline drip,

but it's not helping.

Everything he swallows comes up again.

If he doesn't start eating and drinking soon,

I worry he'll be too weak to recover.

I'm trying to encourage him.

I even offered him some rather nice ham.

But I expect he's used to such extravagance.

Siegfried...

Doesn't matter. You'll think it's stupid.

Go on, out with it, man!

There is a school of thought that suggests

that having something

or, more importantly, someone to live for

can help the patient recover.

Oh, please tell me I'm not about to preach

the healing power of love?

If anyone can coax him out of this

and get them back on the road to recovery,

it's Mrs. Pumphrey.

She's like a mother to this little dog.

I told you you'd think it was stupid.

It is.

But right now, I think stupid's all we've got.

[gentle sombre music]

[door opens, closes]

[fireplace crackling]

[phone ringing]

Pumphrey residence.

[Siegfried] It's Siegfried Farnon.

Oh, Mr. Farnon.

Please tell me you're ringing with good news.

He's still struggling, I'm afraid.

We wondered if it were doing good to see you.

Well, if you think it might help?

I do.

- Having somebody there, - [Diana laughing]

- well... - [Diana laughing]

who doesn't feel better

knowing there's someone there who cares for them?

[Mrs. Pumphrey] I understand precisely

what you mean, Mr. Farnon.

Good.

I'll pick you up as soon as I can. Goodbye.

[doorbell ringing]

Hello.

- Hello! - Hi, Tristan!

[door opens]

[Tristan] Maggie! Let me take your coat.

[door slamming]

I can undress myself, thank you very much.

- Don't even-- - l wouldn't dream of it.

I'm getting married.

[laughing] Very funny, Maggie.

Arthur.

He asked me last week and we're gonna do it in the new year.

Hey, don't mean we can't have one last night of fun.

- [guests chattering] - [upbeat jazz music]

[Helen] Right, there are some snacks on the table.

If you need another drink just ask.

[children] Where's Father Christmas?

Well, still in the North Pole, I'd imagine.

[children groaning]

Mrs. Herriot, another beer?

In the scullery.

You've got legs, haven't you?

Well, you said, "Just ask."

Well, that were then.

It were only just now.

Well, I've changed me mind.

Don't worry, Mr. Kitson.

I'll fetch it for you.

Sorry, Helen. Got a bit behind.

Oh, it's no trouble.

But your eyes tell a different story.

Honestly don't know how you do it.

Well, you won't ever have to.

I hope we told James

not to bring anything for lunch tomorrow.

Actually, I'm so pleased we're having you for Christmas.

A crowd helps you forget the ones you missing.

We're really looking forward to it. Aren't we?

Oh, yes. Aye.

Where's Mr. Farnon?

Oh, he's going to pick up Mrs. Pumphrey.

Is Tricki that unwell?

The fight's just completely gone out of him.

We're hoping her presence might perk him up a little bit.

Well, there's nothing worrying'll do for it.

Right now, we've more pressing matters.

If these kids don't see Father Christmas soon, they'll be murder.

So who's it to be?

- Hello, children! - Who wants to see

Father Christmas?

- Mel! - Merry Christmas!

- Come on, then. - Ho-ho-ho!

- [boy] Hello! - [qirl]] Me! Me!

[woman] That's my Christmas present.

[guests chattering]

- Mrs. Hall. - Hi.

[man] Lovely spread.

Scrubs up rather well.

He's got that mysterious brooding thing down to a tee.

There's not much mystery

about someone eating a sausage roll.

Here. Warpaint.

Audrey, you are allowed a moment to enjoy yourself.

In fact, I insist upon it.

Oh, that's absolutely fascinating.

Gerald, you simply have to hear this.

Diana.

- Oh. - What's so interesting?

Nutmeg. I put itin the sausage rolls.

Gives them an extra bit of pep.

Well, your secret's safe with me.

- Look at that fluff on you. - Audrey.

There's really no need to panic.

I'm glad to have your friendship.

We can leave it at that, if that's what you want?

Oh, right, well, good then.

I better do the rounds and make sure no one needs topping up.

[upbeat jazz music]

I know how much Audrey misses her son.

I couldn't bring myself to tell her

we weren't gonna be there.

I really am sorry. I shouldn't have assumed.

Is it because we're going to be living here,

after we marry, I mean?

- Oh right. - That's what...

I know we should've spoken about it,

but I need to be at Skeldale House to do my job.

I'm on call at nights,

and there isn't even a telephone up at Heston Grange.

I can't very well sleep in the phone box

at the end of your lane.

No, I understand that.

Where will we be sleeping?

Not in your bedroom, with Tristan in the cupboard?

Siegfried's letting us have the bedsitter

at the top of the house.

Have you given any thought

to what you think I might be doing?

Well, I hadn't really.

Mrs. Hall looks up to the house.

But I'll still be working on the farm.

I suppose I thought we'd be living here.

That doesn't mean you wouldn't be popping back now and then.

If move in here, I'd wanna be doing more than popping back.

"If"? Are you having second thoughts?

Not about us.

Do you want us to live at Heston Grange?

I'm just trying to explain how I feel.

[curtain rustles]

[James] Ho-ho-ho!

- Hello, Father Christmas. - [James] Hello.

- Have an orange. - Thank you.

- Merry Christmas. - Merry Christmas.

Merry Christmas.

This is all new for me too.

A few months ago, I thought I was leaving this place entirely.

But as we're finding it's impossible

to be in two places at once,

no matter how much we want it to be.

Maybe we can't be together tomorrow.

Or we could try to go to both houses?

Love to believe we could make that work.

But we've gotta make a decision.

Even if it means hurting someone's feelings.

[curtain rustles]

Um, Mrs. Pumphrey's here.

I better go.

Good luck.

[guests chattering]

Oh, look, Tricki!

Father Christmas has come to see you.

Maybe he's got a little present for you.

[James] Ho-ho-ho, Tricki.

Have you been naughty or have you been nice?

[gentle sombre music]

Oh, dear me.

He's worse than even before.

We've given him several rounds of medication,

but I'm afraid none of them has improved his condition.

[dog groans]

These vet lads, they're nice enough,

but they can't ever understand farming.

You've got to have it in your blood.

Oh, are you joining us, Mrs. Herriot?

Still Miss Alderson for now, Dave.

[man laughs]

[upbeat swing jazz music]

There you go.

Thank you. You're too kind.

Should I turn the music down?

Not on my account.

It's nice to hear people having fun at Christmas.

It's usually just us, isn't it, Tricki?

He may be small, but he fills every room of that house

with such love and life.

We have so much fun together.

He certainly seems happy enough.

You think I spoil him, don't you?

Oh, don't deny it. Your face gives you away.

His diet is more indulgent than most, it's true.

You must remember I don't have children or grandchildren

to lavish gifts on or sneak chocolates to at Christmas time.

Oh, please tell me.

The treats aren't the cause of his upset?

It's most likely a bug he's picked up somewhere,

and just hit him hard.

Right.

[dog grunting]

So what are we going to do for him?

I'm sorry to say that, at this stage,

there's very little we can do.

Keep the faith and hope he pulls through on his own.

[dog grunts]

You grew up on those hills. You know what it's like.

Our farms have been in family for 200 year or more. Eh?

All that knowledge passed through the ages.

What do these vets know?

They're professionals.

There's a science to what they do.

Aye. And they make you pay for it too.

[Farmer] Aye.

I've never known a man with such short arms

and deep pockets.

Well, I like to do things the old way.

There's no such thing.

Everything always changes.

Hand plough gave way to horse-drawn,

that gave way to tractor.

[Farmer] Aye. That's true.

Nothing stays the same. It's always changing.

And maybe we've just gotta change with it.

Well, that may be,

but you will never convince me

that they know more out of a book

than I do about me on animals.

[Farmer] Aye.

Well, if you know them so well,

maybe you should look after them a bit better.

Hey! Now, listen here, lass.

Don't lass me!

James out to give that sheep of yours

an injection to help her on her way.

- He did what? - And if he hadn't,

she'd probably still be suffering now.

Oh, is that so?

Just so happens ewe's back up on his feet, right as rain.

So who knows what's best for their own stock now then?

- Aye. Yeah. - The ewe survived?

[gentle solemn music]

[Mrs. Pumphrey] Just one little drop.

Sorry, James. Can I speak to you?

Excuse me.

[Tristan] You know, part of me always thought

we might end up together.

[Maggie laughs]

What is so funny?

You're a good lad, Tris,

and we've had a laugh together,

but there comes a time in life

when you just want more than that.

But I'm perfectly capable of providing more,

whatever it is you're talking about.

[laughs]

Oh, please.

You're like a magpie,

flitting from one shiny object to the next.

And all the girls know it.

They're happy to have a laugh with you,

whilst it's still fun.

Good for a giggle and not much else?

I only say that because I do actually care about you.

But if you want something more out

you've gotta pull a little more in.

[gentle solemn music]

I gave the ewe I shot a Nembutal

to put her out of her misery.

It's possibly anaesthetic knocked around long enough

for the body to recover.

At the very least it would Tricki's vomiting.

Are you coming?

We're going to give him an injection.

Now, it'll put him to sleep for a little while.

But our hope is that it'll give him a chance to rest,

get over this stomach problem.

But you should know, it's a very powerful drug.

There's a chance he may not wake up again.

[dog groans]

- May 1? - Yeah. Of course.

Um, would you mind if I hold his paw?

I'm sure he would like that.

[gentle sombre music continues]

- Goodnight. - Thank you.

- Goodnight. - Goodnight.

Well down in there. Persevere.

[Helen] What happens now?

I'll give her a moment with him and then run her home.

Then it's just a matter of waiting

and hoping for the best.

- [guests chattering] - [cutlery clinking]

- How is he? - Time will tell.

Hang on a minute. You've changed.

Look, Audrey.

I think Gerald's trying to make off

with the crystal. [laughs]

Gerald?

I'm so sorry, Diana. I've been rather tied up.

[sighs] No need to apologize.

I've had a tremendous time.

Have you?

I mean, good. Pleased to hear it.

[woman] Goodnight, Mr. Farnon.

Goodnight. Thank you.

Mrs. Hall tells me your alone at Christmas.

And rather the relishing the prospect, I must say.

It does seem a shame, this time of year,

not to be around other people.

- Goodnight. - Goodnight.

- Happy Christmas. - Merry Christmas.

She always cooks enough for a small army, I was wondering...

Why are you looking at me like that?

Siegfried,

don't you think having someone over for Christmas

raises certain expectations?

Oh, I don't know?

Let's not overcomplicate things.

How about you pop round for a nightcap instead?

Um, well,

that sounds like a wonderful idea.

[gentle jazz music]

[glasses clinking]

What in the world do you think you're doing?

Well, thought I'd give you a hand.

You'll be here all night otherwise.

You can't do that.

Why not?

You just can't. You're a guest.

Go on, shift! Get out of it!

[sighs] No, wait.

♪ And your cheek so soft ♪

♪ There is nothing for me but to love ♪

That were for earlier. The mistletoe.

Bad luck otherwise.

Oh, right.

And you should be here tomorrow, for lunch.

Not in your own.

With me. With us. [chuckles]

That sounds lovely.

Now, get out of my kitchen.

You shouldn't be back here,

- you're a guest. - Guest.

I know.

See you tomorrow.

Oh, that's the garden.

♪ Keep breathless charm ♪

♪ Won't you please arrange it ♪

[Tristan] You're a dark horse.

♪ Just the way you look tonight ♪

♪ Just the way you look tonight ♪

[gentle serene music]

[bottle clinks]

[birds chirping]

Merry Christmas, Jim.

Let's see, shall we?

[gentle suspenseful music]

How does it look?

Heart rate is very slow.

I'm going to give him a shot of adrenaline

to help bring him out of the anaesthetic.

Thank you.

[gentle tense music]

Come on, Tricki.

Time to wake up.

Tricki.

It's Christmas morning.

I'm sure Mrs. P. has loads of presents for you at home.

Okay, Tricki. Tricki, [gasps] what's this?

- What's this? - [dog groans]

Come on then.

Come on then.

- [gasps] Yes! - Oh.

- [Tricki munching] - [gentle whimsical music]

[Tristan laughs] Good boy.

- [James] Yes! There he is. - [Tristan] There he is.

Merry Christmas, little man.

Aw. Yea, Lord, we greet thee.

[laughs] Good morning.

Get stuck in.

[Tricki munching]

[James laughs]

[sighs] Well done. Well done.

[laughs]

[Siegfried] Mrs. Pumphrey will have her Tricki

- home for Christmas. - [James laughs]

[dog groans]

[gentle majestic music]

[birds chirping]

- [gasps] - He's still a bit wobbly,

but he managed to hold his breakfast down.

Come here, gorgeous little man. Oh, mwah!

We couldn't persuade you in

for a glass of sherry by the fire?

I would love to, but--

No, you're expected elsewhere.

That was unfair of me, I shouldn't've asked.

I'm sorry.

No. Go and be with your family, as it should be.

- Merry Christmas. - Merry Christmas.

You know what, Mrs. Pumphrey?

Why not? It is Christmas after all.

Oh! [chuckles]

- ♪ Jingle bells ♪ - [Siegfried] What can I do?

- Any matches? - Yep.

♪ Dashing through the snow ♪

♪ In a one-horse open sleigh ♪

♪ O'er the fields we go ♪

♪ Laughing all the way ♪

♪ Bells on bob-tails ring

♪ Making spirits bright ♪

♪ What fun itis to ride and sing ♪

I was wondering, Mrs. Hall,

might there be a secret you've been keeping from me?

Sure there are many.

About Tristan, for instance? His exam results.

He were pretty down in the dumps last night.

He didn't say anything. And I thought it best not to ask.

Right.

Well, maybe veterinary practice

isn't his calling after all.

That's the animals fed and watered.

Now it's time to take care of myself.

Mm, mm, mm!

[Tristan sighs]

What is it? What have I done?

I wanted to say, it's only a piece of paper,

and I'm sure there are lots of other professions

you could turn your hand to.

Do you really mean that?

Trying to make you into someone you're not

is a waste of the person you are.

Let's just attempt to enjoy

one another's company this year, shall we?

Sounds delightful.

Try to remember that when I make a hash of my first case.

What you talking about?

No? You didn't?

[Tristan laughs]

- Oh! - Well done!

Why didn't you say something last night?

I had other things on my mind.

And I thought it would be a nice present for Siegfried.

Hopefully, it'll go some way to thanking him

for all the money, time, and patience...

Money and time he put in.

I knew it. I'd knew you'd do it.

[gentle thoughtful music]

Genuinely, after Father died--

Yes, yes. There's no need to go into all that.

- I mean it though, genuinely. - [phone ringing]

Siegfried, are you going to say something?

Darrowby 2297.

- James! - Tristan, I.

Tristan passed his exams.

I would really like to see the results paper,

if you wouldn't mind?

- Unbelievable. - You've got form.

I've got form? That's rich.

No, I don't know why they're arguing.

You told me you'd passed when you hadn't.

You told me I'd passed when I hadn't.

They always manage to find a way.

The common theme to both of those cases being that you'd failed.

But now I've passed.

So what possible objection

can you have to showing me the letter?

Because, it will be nice for a change,

if you had a little faith in me!

Oh, for God's sake, just give me the letter!

All right.

- See you in a bit. - [James] See you there.

Are you two finished?

Ha!

Ha!

Oh. [mumbles]

- [drink trickles] - [gentle music]

- [car door slamming] - [geese clucking]

[James] Glad to see you're hard at it.

- Merry Christmas. - Merry Christmas.

How's Tricki?

Woke up and tucked straight into a bowl of food.

He's gonna be fine, thanks to you.

Well, I think you and Siegfried

might've had a bit more to do with it than I do.

Kitson and farmers like him will open up to you

in a way they won't with me or Siegfried.

I know your place will always be on the farm,

but you have a place in Skeldale House.

All right, well, I better get sorted.

I don't want to keep Audrey waiting.

Actually, I thought we might have

Christmas lunch somewhere else.

[gentle thoughtful music]

[car engine whirring]

[car doors slamming]

Yes, I've got it.

[group chatters]

[gentle majestic music]

[Siegfried] Allow me, Mrs. Pumphrey.

Let's get these open.

Let some Christmas light into the house.

There we are.

Oh!

Oh, this is too much, having you all here.

In case you haven't met already.

This is Gerald.

[Mrs. Pumphrey] Welcome, Gerald.

- Hello, Gerald. - How do?

You might want to throw a cover over his chair, missus,

before I set meself down on it.

Nonsense!

They're all rather older than tatty, anyway.

You can only add to their history.

Here.

[Jenny laughs]

Dad? Dad?

We need three more chairs.

- Mrs. Pum re phrey?

Would you care to join me for a little ding dong?

[glasses clinking]

[upbeat festive piano music]

♪ E'en so here below, below ♪

♪ Let steeple bells be swungen ♪

♪ And lo, io, io ♪

♪ By priest and people sungen ♪

♪ Gloria ♪

♪ Hosanna in excelsis ♪

♪ Gloria ♪

♪ Hosanna in excelsis ♪

I shall never forget your kindness.

Merry Christmas, everyone!

[all] Merry Christmas!

[dog barking]

[phone dings]

[phone dialler whirring]

[phone ringing]

- [phone line clicks] - Hello?

[Hannah] Hello?

Mum?

[Hannah] Who is it?

It's James.

Oh, thank goodness for that.

[James] Well, who else would be calling?

I don't know! There's a line of people waiting on calls.

[window squeaking]

It's good to hear your voice.

How are you keeping? Are you having a nice time?

I'm fine, Mum. Everything's fine.

How are you getting on?

Oh, you know, Christmas doesn't change much

from one year to the next.

But we're happy enough.

Merry Christmas, son.

Has Dad done the log yet?

Aye. He has.

And I'll tell you something.

He's only gone and made it look like me again.

He doesn't make it look like you, Mum.

[laughs] Oh, yes, he does.

Do I, heck!

- He doesn't. - It's a coincidence, is it?

Well, your face is the one he sees the most.

So maybe it's not surprising.

Oh, so I've got a face like a log, now?

I'm not saying it looks like you.

I can't even see it. I'm not even there. [laughs]

Aye. That's true. You're not.

We miss you, love.

And I know you have to be there, but we still miss you.

[gentle thoughtful music]

Aye. I miss you too.

Mum, I never said thank you.

For what?

If it wasn't for you and Dad paying for me to go to college,

I wouldn't be here, doing the job I love.

I'll always, always be so grateful

for everything you did for me.

Don't be daft. You're our boy.

What else were we gonna do? [laughs]

It's a family tradition.

Every year we burn a Christmas log to bring prosperity

and good luck for the year to come.

Think we could all do with a bit of that.

Thank you.

[dog panting]

So what happens now? Some kind of pagan chant?

[laughs] Close.

My dad always quotes a verse of Rabbie Burns.

Hope you don't mind?

"Should auld acquaintance be forgot,

and never brought to mind?

Should auld acquaintance be forgot,

and auld lang syne?

For auld lang syne, my dear,

for auld lang syne,

we'll tak' a cup 0' kindness yet,

for auld lang syne."

[fire crackles]

[Tristan] Right, back to the game.

Think I was winning.

- [dog barks] - Thank you.

[Tristan] Six!

Where's my counter? James?

- Jess? - Sabotage.

Where's my counter?

[dog barks]

[Siegfried] He passed with distinction.

Well done.

- [group chattering] - [gentle thoughtful music]

[Helen laughing]

[Tristan] That's how it works, when we find the dice.

[airplane engines whirring]

[Helen laughs]

[Siegfried] We need to play it badly.

The dog swallowed the dice.

[Tristan] What's the weirdest thing you've ever removed from a dog?

[group laughing]

Yes!

One, two, three, four, five.

- [James laughs] - Not at Christmas.

Well, you don't get to go again,

after your second, it says.

- Really? - No.

[Tristan] God, this is so hard.

[James] No, I'd like to describe it. You had to roll a one.

[Tristan] I'll wait for you. Out of the way.

- [dogs barking] - Here we go.

- [Group] Oh! - [laughing]

Yes! Good girl!

We'll never know who won now.

[all laughing]

[James] Well, ] was moving again.

[Tristan] Jess, what are you doing? [laughs]

Oh, no!

[gentle thoughtful music continues]

[airplane engines whirring]

[theme music]