Original subtitles

(theme music)

(plane engine roaring)

Alright, lads?

Not really, old man.

One of the bombers over at Heslington

didn't make it back from a training flight last night.

Any word on the crew?

North, Harrington, Jones.

(Cooper) McIlvenny.

- All gone. - McIlvenny?

Right.

Gentlemen!

(Woodham) Look sharp! This war won't win itself.

At ease, lads. Take your seats.

♪ Sleigh bells ring Are you listening? ♪

♪ In the lane, snow is glistening ♪

♪ A beautiful sight ♪

♪ We're happy tonight... ♪

I don't see why we must repeat this nonsense year on year.

Because it's Christmas Day tomorrow.

And it's tradition.

All the children look forward to it.

Why does it always fall to me to have to...

It doesn't. It was my dad last year.

- (Siegfried) That was a one-off. - And James the year before that.

- I wouldn't ask if it... - Wasn't important.

Yes, yes, alright, alright.

Good.

Oh, and I need you to pick up a goose this afternoon.

Miggins has got hold of some.

(Siegfried) I'll send Carmody.

He may as well make himself useful while he's here.

Did he say why he didn't go back home for Christmas?

He offered to help with the visits over the festive period.

You don't mind the extra sheets d'you?

(Mrs Hall) Not at all.

Helen...

Don't you dare, Siegfried Farnon. Not for one minute,

not for one second are you thinking about asking me.

I was just going to say how radiant you were looking.

(cheerful piano music playing)

Carmody?

Carmody!

(engine humming)

That's right. Darrowby, 2297.

(phone ringing)

Darrowby, 2297.

James!

Merry Christmas!

Helen! It's James!

(Helen) I'll be one minute.

(indistinct chatter)

(grunts) That might be more than a minute.

- (heavy breathing) - (Oscar meowing)

You'll wear it because I damned well tell you to!

- I don't see that participation... - Sorry, James.

I'm struggling to hear that.

- James, you say? Is that Herriot? - Yeah, on for Helen.

(piano music resumes)

What the hell do you think you're playing at?

Uh, Merry Christmas to you too Siegfried.

The state Helen's in, she shouldn't be going anywhere,

let alone traipsing halfway across the bloody County.

- And what state's that then? - You know... laden.

Encumbered. Burdened with child.

Burdened? Give it here.

Oh!

What's wrong? Is it the baby?

I'd have too much for breakfast that's all,

baby's fighting for space with t'sausages.

This is exactly what I was worried about.

Would you shut that bloody racket off?

(silence)

It's nothing. (chuckles)

Helen, what was that?

Did I hear them say something about the baby?

It's just indigestion.

James, we do have concerns about this plan for Helen

to drive over to you today.

- Which you'll keep to yourself. - Love. It's a long drive.

Do you mind?

Sorry about that.

It's like living with two mother hens.

I can't tell you how good it is to hear your voice.

You too.

(coins clatter)

I've got a sewing job for you when you arrive.

I'm not coming all that way to darn your socks

over the soup course.

(James chuckles) It's not socks.

I got my wings this morning.

They're transferring me to Brize Norton

to start bomber training.

Bombers?

So when you've finished your training,

you'll be flying... over there.

Well, it wouldn't do much good dropping them over here, would it?

(handset clatters)

James, far be it from me to stick my beak in,

but I really think you should reconsider this hair-brained scheme

to have Helen drive thirty miles over hill and dale.

- Siegfried! - We've snow due today.

(Siegfried) If she were to go into labour,

she could find herself stuck in the middle of nowhere.

Siegfried Farnon, if you don't put that phone down,

I'll blooming well throttle you!

Alright.

Helen.

I've had a couple of small cramps...

- We've got to think... - (Helen) I know, I need to think

about the baby.

All I've done is think about the baby.

- You don't want me to come. - I do!

Of course I do.

But there's how I want things, and the way things are.

(Helen) I miss you so much.

I really need to see you.

I'm scared, James.

(telephone beeping)

Helen? Are you still there? Helen?

- (Helen) James? - Helen?

- Dammit! - James?

James?

(door closes)

Herriot! You're needed. Now.

Officer Woodham.

(officer coughs)

(Woodham) I found Georgie on the outer airfield this morning.

Another kestrel must've had a go at her.

(Woodham) Or she was hit by one of ours.

She's a beautiful bird.

Aye.

(Woodham) Will she fly again?

(James) Not with her feathers broken like that.

You've until Boxing Day to have it sorted.

I'll do my best.

I've had enough of hearing about people's best.

You're a vet, Herriot, okay? Just get it done.

Yes, sir.

It's just... I've never treated a bird like this before.

Usually, it's chickens, maybe the odd budgie.

This is something completely different.

We lost a flight last night.

I heard.

Look, I'm not superstitious but some of the men think

it's a bad omen having our mascot down.

They won't admit to it but they're scared.

I understand, sir. I'll do everything in my power.

Good.

Uh, excuse me, Sir! There was something I wanted to ask you.

My wife, she's pregnant.

I was due to meet her in the village

for dinner this evening.

She's in no fit state to travel.

I wondered if I could go back.

Go back?

(James) Just for an evening.

I'm worried about her and...

Yeah, we all have people we're worried about, Herriot.

But we have a job to do.

- I appreciate that. - No, I don't think that you do.

Otherwise you wouldn't be asking me!

Or should I just let every man who gets a woman knocked up

run gallivanting across the country?

I didn't get anyone knocked up. Helen's my wife,

she's having our baby.

I want to be there for her.

And what exactly do you plan on doing?

Are you going to birth the child yourself?

- No. - (Woodham) No.

Will you deliver it?

Sir, I wouldn't ask unless I was genuinely concerned.

I want to be there and I want to support her.

Where you need to be is in the air dropping bombs on your enemy.

That is the support that your family needs.

You need to be strong.

That is how you protect them. Is that understood?

Yes, sir.

Your job is to get that bird flying again.

Not for me,

but for your fellow officers.

And I'll try and forget we ever had this conversation

(Mrs Hall) I know it's hard but you need to rest.

I just feel like I've let him down.

(Mrs Hall) You haven't.

No one thinks that.

Certainly not James.

Human beings are something of an anomaly

of the natural world, aren't they?

In that mother and child are rendered incapacitated,

practically useless in the lead up to,

during and after birth.

Whereas lots of animals are perfectly capable of carrying on

as usual.

Take horses for example, a mare and her foal...

That didn't come out...

(stammering) ...as I hoped. I'll just be...

I'll just be somewhere else.

(clears throat)

(somber music)

It would've been irresponsible for us not to say

something to Helen.

Poor love. (sighs)

Christmas don't make it any easier.

It's the time to be with your loved ones.

Indeed.

- That's from Gerald. - Oh.

No need for that look. I'm perfectly alright.

- (chair shuffling) - (Mrs Hall) Any news from Triss?

No. He'll be enjoying Christmas

in his own inimitable way I imagine.

When were the last time you two didn't spend it together?

Oh gosh, I'd have to think.

Before Father died probably.

Still.

At least you've got Carmody around.

Nice for you to have some male company.

Are you suggesting I only invited him

to stay because I'm lonely?

It's the time of year when you miss people the most.

I'm not missing anybody. I'm counting my lucky stars!

He's only here so I don't have to answer

the telephone in the middle of the night!

It seems I may have put my foot in it with Helen.

Oh, just the one? Progress at last.

I was trying to offer her comfort.

- (Mrs Hall) Lord help us. - Lord help her more likely.

(Mrs Hall) Ah, ah, ah!

Would the pair of you make yourself useful

and go and fetch the goose.

Go on, be gone!

Oh, and when you're back,

could you help me take these plates over to the Drovers for tomorrow?

- Righto. - (lock turning)

- Helen! - (door closes)

It's alright, they've gone.

- (birds chirp) - (indistinct chatter)

(door slams)

(engine starts)

Bugger it!

(geese honking)

You know you could still make it home for Christmas

if you set out this afternoon.

Oh, my family don't really celebrate Christmas.

For one thing, they're Atheists.

Right.

Well, don't let Mrs Hall know

she's under the same roof as a heretic,

she'll come out in hives.

And don't get too comfortable in that bedroom.

Temporary situation only.

Understood.

Shall we try again?

We?

You.

- (loud barking) - Nope. Still there.

- Perhaps we should call it a day. - Absolutely not.

Mrs Hall has sacrificed a great deal for us this year,

we're not gonna let her down.

- You ready? - (Carmody) For what?

(gibberish)

Here boy, here boy. Here boy, that's it!

Here you go.

(Siegfried) That's it. Good lad.

- (muffled chewing) - No.

(mischievous music)

(metal banging)

(growling)

Oh Carmody, whatever you do, don't run.

(panicked panting)

(barking)

Run, you fool! Run! You're gonna make it!

- (chomps) - (screams)

(growling)

(Mrs Hall) Look, what a lovely plump juicy one

we've got ourselves this year.

(Siegfried) Not now, thank you, Mrs Hall.

Oh my goodness.

Apologies, Mr Carmody. Oh, that does look sore.

- I'll go. - I think that would be best.

Lovely though.

The goose.

- Thank you, Mr Carmody. - Not at all.

(Siegfried) Now then.

You may feel a little prick.

(indistinct shouting)

(car approaching)

(brakes creaking)

(Collins) Have you lost your plane?

Ah, no. On leave. Sort of.

What's your address? I'll drop by some money for petrol.

I live at White Cottage over by Ecclesbridge,

Michael Collins.

James Herriot, pleased to meet you.

Where are you heading?

Looking for a cat.

Right.

- Any particular cat? - Me daughter's.

- I'm trying to find him. - How long has he been missing?

(Collins) Couple of months now.

Lad said he saw him up this way a few week ago.

Been up here most days looking.

Not got much to give her this Christmas.

We've got a cat. Well, he's my wife's really.

His name's Oscar.

Have you tried putting some food out at his favourite spots?

He had so many. He liked to roam, you see.

Tiger used to take himself down to our local pub, drank the stout.

As a vet, I have to say that won't do him much good.

(Collins) Yeah, and then one night, he didn't come back.

So I'd hazard a guess you don't have

any children of your own.

I've got one on the way.

(Collins) You'll soon find out then.

Find out what?

What you'll do for them.

Moment you hold them in your arms, it changes something in you...

it changes everything.

- Have you heard from Arthur? - Not since he went over to France.

We'll get through it. It's what we do.

(liquid pouring)

Course it is.

(Jenny) Afternoon sis.

- Y'alright, love? - Hello!

Christ, you don't get any smaller, do you?

I'm pregnant, what's your excuse?

Ah. In that sort of mood, are we?

- Er, pint ta, Maggie. - Make it two.

No, keep it one. I thought you might want this.

- He fixed it himself. - I can tell.

Aye? It were good enough for you pair,

it'll be good enough for Princess Herriot, there.

- How's your thumb? - (Richard) It's bloody sore.

Thought I best bring it down.

- Won't be long. - Thanks, Dad.

(Richard) You're welcome love.

We don't know who's coming.

Better to have too many than too few.

I think the problem will be filling the plates,

not finding enough mouths to empty them.

Unless you've got a few loaves,

a couple of fishes and...

divine power I don't know anything about.

Might just be that I have.

What a charming little place.

- Mrs Pumphrey! - Hello!

Thank you so much for doing this, it'll make the world of difference.

Not at all. No, I've, um,

I've got a hamper in the back of the car,

it's parked just in front.

Come on then, Carmody! Hop to it.

- Hop to what? - Hop to the hamper, man!

Mrs Pumphrey's hamper, in the car.

I managed to get a few little titbits and treats.

Some cold meats and the like

that I hope everyone will enjoy tomorrow.

They'll all be very happy, I'm sure.

Times like this, it's about people coming together, isn't it?

I think it's wonderful everyone pitching in.

I'm sure you're going to have a great deal of fun.

(chuckles)

You're coming too, aren't you, Mrs Pumphrey?

Me... in here...

It might be a little rowdy for Tricki.

- Can be very sensitive in crowds. - Come and join us, Mrs Pumphrey!

- (slight growl) - Oh?

See! He wants one.

Tricki, look! This is perfect for you.

Dad!

What do you fly then?

I'm about to start training on bombers.

Brave lads, we're all behind you.

Aye, by about five hundred miles.

Because we're flying over there and you're back...

Sorry. Just a joke we have amongst the lads.

I'd fight if I could. Knee's gone, back's broke.

People don't see though. Think you're a coward.

I'm not on leave.

I left base without permission.

My wife's pregnant I haven't seen her in months.

- You've gone AWOL? - I miss my wife, I miss my home.

People might say I'm a coward as well.

- You going back to fight? - I will.

Then you're no coward.

When your children grow up,

you'll be able to tell them what you did.

What'll I tell mine? I went looking for a cat.

Now you need to head down there, keep going north.

You'll hit the Brawton Road eventually.

Thank you. Merry Christmas.

Hang on. Thank you.

You're doing it for all of us others who can't.

(hopeful music)

(indistinct chatter)

- Is that Triss? - Siegfried! It's got his nose.

Don't let him hear you say that, for goodness sake.

That meant to be me?

It in't meant to be anyone.

James makes one every year, so I'm doing it for him.

Was he alright about you not coming for dinner?

We got cut off.

He wouldn't have wanted you to risk anything.

Aye. A bit late int day for that sort of carry on.

James is going on bombers.

Oh aye?

He'll finish his training.

And then he'll be flying missions.

He's fine...

(Mrs Pumphrey) And he will be.

(Helen) He's gonna be alright.

Mm.

We'll get through it. 'Cause that's what you do, in't it?

and I'll have the baby, so I'll be alright.

And then James will be back, and we'll be back together again.

(engine approaching)

(brakes creaking)

(door opens)

Get in.

Sir, just a few hours. Please.

You're lucky that it's me that's come looking for you

and not the military police.

Now get in.

(car door opens)

(gentle music)

Merry Christmas, James.

(woman) Merry Christmas!

(bells ringing)

Christmas'll be over by the time you get down the stairs.

(exhales) Since my altercation with that hound,

I'm rather incapacitated.

It's quite a bit worse today.

Mr Carmody, are you not dressing for Christmas?

Why don't you put on a nice jacket and tie.

Oh, I don't really celebrate it.

And yet I noticed yesterday you knew every word of that carol.

Belting it out like nobody's business.

(sighs)

- I'll go back up and get changed. - Jolly good.

(carol playing on radio)

Sorry about last night.

I think it all just got the better of me.

You've nothing to be sorry for.

And you don't have to pretend you're not terrified

of what's to come.

I certainly was.

I am.

I don't think I'm ready.

I don't know how anyone can be.

Well, neither did any of the women who came before you,

and yet, here we all are.

(chuckles)

Try to take comfort in that.

Oh, that's better.

Here you are.

It's sherry.

I really shouldn't... Uh, we could get a call out...

It's Christmas Day, man!

(Mrs Hall) You've poured Tris a sherry?

(Siegfried) Force of habit.

Well, um...

Merry Bloody Christmas!

- Merry Bloody Christmas! - Merry Christmas.

(coughs)

Now, shall we start opening some presents.

Youngest first.

Mr Carmody.

- For me? - (Mrs Hall) Of course.

Um. Thank you.

(heavy breathing)

(paper cracking)

Because you like your bow-ties.

Ooh...

Audrey, that weren't indigestion.

I think it's started.

(Woodham) You know, going absent without leave

is a court martial offence.

If I hadn't've come looking for you and found you when I did,

I'd have had to have you locked up.

(James) Yes, sir. Thank you, sir.

I want this whole place spotless.

Is she any better?

The feathers are certainly broken.

(James) It may be best to remove them entirely.

Would that mean she could fly?

We would have to wait for new feathers to push through.

- (engines roaring) - (sniffles)

(Woodham sighs)

You know, you're not the first to miss home.

And you'll not be the last.

No. I suppose not.

We have to stick together, Herriot.

It's no good for anyone to hear that one

of their pals has abandoned them.

Especially not when we've important work to do.

Yes, sir.

It's just, um...

I knew McIlvenny. One of the men we lost.

Not well. He was just leaving us when I joined.

But we were the same age.

He had a wife.

A little boy he'll never see again. (sighs)

It got me.

I trained all of the men who went down on that plane.

I've know them...

I knew them for over a year. Countless hours training them.

And they're not the first.

Far from it.

But if we allow ourselves to be controlled by our emotions,

none of us would be here.

We've a job to do!

Or who knows what world our children will grow up in.

Forgive me for saying but you don't seem old enough to have children.

Aye. Two little girls.

Twins, just eight months old.

I've seen them twice in their entire lives.

I can't not feel anything.

I can't not want to be with my wife and unborn child.

In a few months, you're going to be in a plane fighting the enemy.

And if your mind is not on the job, it'll only end one way.

Look, you have to trust your brothers.

And more importantly, they need to know

that they can trust you.

So harden your heart so you can live through this war.

Who knows, we might even win it.

Then you'll have all the time in the world to spend

with your family.

It would mean a lot to everyone if I could get her flying again.

Aye. It really would.

Let's take another look at you then.

Thank you.

I understand. It's Christmas Day.

Yes...

I will.

Bye now.

What're they saying? Are they on their way?

Should we be on our way?

They told us we should stay where we are.

(Siegfried sighing)

There was snow up in the Dales last night.

The roads are difficult.

They'll get a midwife to us as soon as they can.

(panting heavily)

Oh dear, Carmody. Still a bit sore?

- Him? - It's obviously not in the realm

of your predicament, but it was a nasty bite.

The fangs did go rather deep. Half an inch, I'd say.

If not three quarters.

- (Helen groaning) - Squeeze as hard as you like.

That wasn't a contraction.

Why don't you two take the lunch over to the Drovers?

Everyone'll be waiting.

Well, don't you think it would be wise for me to stay around?

If worst came to the worst, I'd be on hand to step into the breach.

- The breach? - I think what he means is

that should the midwife not arrive in time,

he could deliver the baby.

- No, no... no, absolutely no. - Not one of your best ideas.

Why not? I've delivered hundreds of animals!

(Siegfried) Most of them have four legs.

In theory, it should be easier when there's only two.

It will have arms though.

Ah! Yes, good point. Hadn't thought of that.

- You hadn't thought it'd have arms? - Well, we can muddle through.

"Muddle through"?

How different from a sow can it be?

Uh, alright. I think that's enough.

I'll be on hand to assist.

Fear not though, Helen, I'll stay away from the business end

if it makes you feel uncomfortable.

I'll give you the blummin' business end!

- (door slams) - (mischievous music)

You really must learn more tact, Carmody.

Merry Christmas, old man.

You know I'm really not that much older than you.

How is she then?

She's got a couple of broken feathers

that are stopping her fly.

But you'll have her flying by tomorrow?

Everyone's feeling a bit jittery about going up.

I, uh...

Well... I've started her treatment.

(Cooper) Eh, I told you, lads.

Woodham said he wouldn't let us down!

- Woodham? - Aye, been singing your praises.

Told us we were blessed to have the best vet

in all Yorkshire in our squadron.

(pensive music)

I suppose we could imp them.

That'd give the wing some support

'till the new feathers push through.

Hold still.

I'm just going to slide this in.

There you are.

(Kestrel chirping)

(carols playing)

(indistinct chatter)

You know, Richard, I'm sure no one would mind if you went over.

No point me being there.

Couldn't bear to hear me daughter going through all that.

And you'll only be in the way.

Best keep out of it.

Cracking spread, Mr Farnon.

Absolutely marvellous.

(gentle growl)

Tricki quite agrees.

(Siegfried) I can't take the credit.

Mrs Hall organised it. All down to her. And of course...

(softly) No, no, no.

(door closes)

That's the last of it.

I hope you enjoy your meal.

Oh, Uncle Carmody!

Would you mind keeping Tricki company?

- He's saved a spot for you. - (slight growling)

(Siegfried) I know Helen won't want you over there.

Sit down, Carmody, I promise you won't catch God.

(groans)

Oh, well...

I really shouldn't have all that. I don't often...

Get it down you and get stuck in.

(glass clinks)

May I thank everyone for making us feel so welcome.

And may I raise a toast to Mr Farnon

for bringing us all together.

The credit must go to Mrs Hall.

As it nearly always should.

To the remarkable Mrs Hall.

(Carmody) And Jesus, surely?

Isn't that what this whole carry on's about?

Um, hear, hear. Well said, Mr Carmody.

Alright then! To the remarkable Mrs Hall

and, I suppose, Jesus too.

(all) To remarkable Mrs Hall and, I suppose, Jesus too.

(laughter)

How's Dad coping with it all?

He's doing that thing where he doesn't say owt,

drinks whisky and...

sort of stares.

So a normal day out for him then.

- (chuckling) Pretty much. - (Mrs Hall) Here.

You'll need to keep your strength up.

Oh, thank you.

Still nothing doing?

No. It's all gone quiet.

Don't know whether to be pleased or disappointed

not to be getting on with it.

(chuckling) Be grateful for the rest.

I'll telephone the midwife again.

See if I can't chivvy them along.

Oh god, me and my big mouth.

(exclaims)

- (jazz music playing) - (indistinct chatter)

How d'you get on, James?

We'll have to see tomorrow, but she's got a good shot.

A drink for this man.

(cheering)

(Carmody humming carols)

Enjoying yourself?

I admit it.

I like the singing.

The eating...

The joy of Christmas!

I was always jealous of the other children growing up.

You must think that makes me a hypocrite.

I think it makes you human.

If you wanted to stay...

Um...

you could always have Tristan's old room.

He shan't be using it for a while.

You're inviting me...

to stay at Skeldale?

In your home?

Because it's convenient.

- You can answer the night calls. - Yes, sir.

But keep your hands off my whisky.

Especially the good stuff.

Absolutely. Of course. Understood.

Ready to unleash the hoards?

As ready as I'll ever be.

(Carmody groans)

Good luck!

(Carmody) Ho ho ho, Merry Christmas!

(Siegfried) Come on, come on! Last one's a pickled walnut!

Come and sit by the fire with me, children!

Now, I've heard you've all been very, very good.

(mumbles)

(static)

(King George over radio) In days of peace the feast of Christmas

is a time

when we all gather together in our homes.

The young and old to enjoy the happy festivity

and goodwill which the Christmas message brings.

To the older people here and throughout the world,

I would say in the last Great War,

the flower of our youth was destroyed,

and the rest of the people saw but little of the battle.

This time, we are all in the front line

and the danger together.

Remember this.

If war brings

- its separations... - (Helen groaning)

...it brings new unity also.

- Let's get you up to bed. - (Helen) Oh, yeah.

(King George over radio) To be good comrades

and good neighbours in trouble

is one of the finest opportunities of the civilian population...

not only do they do their own duty,

but they play their part in helping the fighting Services

to win the war.

(bird chirps)

Mr Carmody, the children must've been thrilled.

You really shouldn't've got me this.

Oh no, is it that bad?

No, it's not that. It's...

This...

is my first ever Christmas present.

Your first?

Goodness me.

Mother and Father...

we're not that sort of family.

Well, here at Skeldale, we are. So you'd best get used to it.

Did you enjoy yourself at The Drovers?

Everybody was so kind.

They made me feel completely at home.

I'm glad it went well.

You really are...

the most remarkable woman, Mrs Hall.

Oh, I don't know about that. (chuckles)

It don't take much to pick out a bow-tie,

bit of wrapping paper,

but thank you, Mr Carmody.

Mr Farnon was right, you really are quite, quite remarkable.

I think that's enough. Perhaps it might be time

to take yourself to bed.

I suspect you're right.

I have imbibed far too readily.

(chair slams)

Goodnight Mrs Hall.

Goodnight, oh.

(soft music)

Alright.

There we go then.

(Carmody clears throat)

(clears throat)

(object thuds)

I'm not sure he's used to drinking quite so much.

Certainly seemed like the wine were doing the talking for him.

I've decided that Carmody should stay with us

at Skeldale for the foreseeable.

For purely practical reasons, obviously.

- Obviously. - How's Helen?

Soldiering on.

Just making her a tea and taking up some fresh towels.

- You are remarkable. - (Mrs Hall) Oh, stop it, Mr Farnon.

- Oh, let me do that. - But...

You're not about to attempt to wash up, are you?

I can do it!

Just...

make sure you change the water. It'll end up greasy else.

Yes, I'm perfectly capable of... There's no plug.

(Siegfried) What's it doing all the way up there?

That's where it lives.

(Siegfried) Um, you forgot this.

(melancholic music)

I didn't forget.

(ring clatters)

Merry Christmas, Mrs Hall.

Merry Christmas, Mr Farnon.

(doorbell ringing)

(Helen moaning in pain)

(exhales heavily)

(Mrs Hall) She's here, Helen. We're coming up.

(midwife) Alright there, now, love.

You picked a day for it, didn't you?

(Helen sighs with exhaustion)

Let's see how we're getting on, shall we?

At this stage, I just want it to be over.

You can do it. We're right here with you.

- (planes in distance) - (radio chatter)

Alright Georgie,

let's see about that wing of yours.

(uplifting music)

(cheering)

- Good job, Herriot. - Thank you, sir.

Bring her in. Meet me at my car.

(engine humming)

You've two days. Then you're to return to base, for transfer.

Yes, sir.

And thank you.

(uplifting music)

Merry Christmas!

Merry Christmas, children!

Merry Christmas!

Merry Christmas!

Helen! Helen?

James? What're you doing here!?

Helen!?

Hel... Is she upstairs?

She is.

Helen?

James?

- What on earth! - Oh God, I've missed you

I've missed you so much.

I needed to see you. I tried to get to you.

Ooh! Be ca... Be careful with me, James.

You can let go now.

What's wrong?

Has something happened? What're you still doing in bed?

No...

- Yes. - When?

(Helen) Last night.

(baby coos)

(gasps)

I'd like you to meet your son.

You gave me a little boy.

(both chuckling softly)

(baby coos)

(chuckles) Hello there, wee man!

(sniffling)

(coos)

Funny looking thing, isn't he?

(tuts)

And I suppose every foal that's born's a beauty.

Near enough.

(James) And how are you? How was it?

Awful.

I wish I could've been here.

(Helen) We managed.

And there's a reason why you don't have the men around.

(Helen chuckles)

(James) What're we going to call him?

(Helen) I thought we'd name him after his dad.

You alright?

Michael was right.

My God, he was right.

Who was?

I'm coming back to you.

No matter what they throw at us, I promise you.

I'll get back to you both. Nothing will keep me away.

I will always, always be with you.

I know you will.

And we'll cope just fine until then.

(coos)

My God, he's got a right grip on him.

Hey?

You got that from your mother's side of t'family, lad.

Alderson hand is that, look.

- He's smiling at you, Dad. - Aye.

(Carmody) I doubt that's the case actually.

It's a reflex response. The baby can't actually see yet...

- Thank you, Richard. - (Helen) Audrey.

- Would you like to... - (Mrs Hall) Yes!

(murmurs)

- Here y'are. - Hello, lovely.

(gasps) Look at you.

Aren't you handsome?

- (coos) - (Mrs Hall murmurs)

Do you want to come and say hello to your Uncle Siegfried?

Oh, you'll frighten him.

I'm not going to frighten him!

I'm not in the least bit frightening.

You'll have your turn in a minute.

Hold on. Is that stout?

Aye. Midwife said it were good to keep me strenghth up.

(Collins) It's not him.

Are you sure? He likes stout.

Positive.

Thanks for calling, any road.

Wait.

Look, I'm sure your daughter won't mind.

And more than anything, I expect she just wants her dad around.

We've all got our battles to fight.

Whether we're away fighting or back home.

None of it is easy.

In the end, we're all in it together.

Easy for you to say.

One thing I do know is that you're not doing anyone any good

punishing yourself out on the moors every night.

You should be with your family.

(Collins) Good man.

So are you. Take him.

Your daughter will love him.

And she'll love having her dad back too.

They're gonna look after you now.

You'll be alright, won't you?

Of course you will

Goodbye, Oscar.

- You can visit any time. - Don't worry. We will.

(soft chuckle)

You alright?

I am now.

I love you so much.

I love you too.

Right.

Let's get you in before you get cold.

(closing theme music)