As the episode unfolds, Mr. Bosworth (Jeremy Swift) and Audrey Hall (Anna Madeley) are on blackout duty, vigilant against any signs of light breaking the darkness. Audrey dashes into Skeldale House, finding Siegfried (Samuel West) still allowing light to escape through the window. Bosworth reprimands them sternly before departing. Siegfried hands Audrey a letter from Tristan, detailing his exhilarating escapades in Cairo.
The following morning, Richard Carmody (James Anthony-Rose) immerses himself in preparations for his exams. James Herriot (Nicholas Ralph) enters the room, only to discover a new routine in place. Helen (Rachel Shenton), with a heartfelt promise to assist her father with the flock, prepares to leave. Siegfried mentions a cow that has suffered the misfortune of being hit by a car. James, eager to lend a hand, offers to take care of Jimmy. Helen ensures James has all the essentials before departing, even leaving him with a soiled diaper to manage.
Hilda Sudderby (Jennifer Hennessy) informs Siegfried that the car merely grazed the cow's hindquarters. However, she reveals she has been reported for the incident and must display a sign, fearing a potential fine imposed by the air raid warden. Siegfried learns that the warden in question is Mr. Bosworth. Helen catches up with Richard (Tony Pitts) and Jenny Alderson (Imogen Clawson), who greet James's return warmly. Jenny shares with Helen about her friend Doris (Caroline Menton), now with the Women's Land Army at Danby's Farm, encouraging Helen to return home to James's side. Yet, Helen decides to stay and lend a helping hand.
Audrey checks in on James and Jimmy, their conversation turning to Mr. Dowson (Adrian Hood). James takes Jimmy along, reassuring Richard that everything will be alright. However, in a moment of oversight, James forgets the supplies left atop the hood, inadvertently leaving them behind. Arriving at Dowson's, Mr. Dowson expresses his concern about his new calf potentially kicking the bucket. Siegfried learns of Hilda's unconventional method of painting cows with stripes, cautioning her that cows have a tendency to lick, including each other. Hilda admits it was the warden's suggestion. Siegfried vows to handle the matter with Mr. Bosworth.
Richard and James inspect Dowson's calf, with Dowson lamenting the calf's persistent kicking. James diagnoses it as psychological and advises training to curb the behavior. Helen learns that Doris has extended an invitation to Jenny to visit Leeds, prompting Helen to caution her about the air raids plaguing the area. Richard suggests Jenny reveal the full picture to Doris. Jenny admits she might consider staying if a job there piques her interest. Helen questions her desire to work in a department store, but Jenny prefers not to dwell on it further.
In private, Richard confirms that Jenny has made her decision. Helen suspects Doris influenced her choice. Siegfried returns, filling Audrey in on Mr. Bosworth's actions. Bosworth, eavesdropping, catches their insulting remarks and a heated argument about the dangerous lead paint erupts, culminating in Bosworth's departure in a huff.
Richard imparted to James the wisdom of incorporating a touch of showmanship, emphasizing the importance of considering the audience's perspective. Upon Dowson's return, Richard announced his plan to administer thiamine to the calf, confidently predicting a cessation of its distressing behavior within half an hour. James reassured Dowson that no fees would be incurred today, though he soon found himself in a dilemma as the baby required a diaper change, only to discover the diapers mysteriously missing.
Helen joined Doris and Jenny, attempting to coax Jenny into a private conversation. Jenny revealed their plans to take Candy and Joan out, gently reminding Helen of her recent absence. Meanwhile, Audrey engaged Siegfried in discussion about the arrangement, to which he admitted his prior consent but only before realizing the involvement of a difficult character. Audrey insisted on facing her own challenges. Jenny and Doris embarked on a ride together, while Elsie lent a hand with Jimmy. The situation escalated when Dowson summoned James to witness the calf's miraculous recovery, leaving James astounded. The overhead airplanes startled Candy.
Audrey's discovery of a distressed dog prompted an immediate call to Siegfried. James, reflecting on the calf's recovery and his impending exams, realized he had inadvertently left Jimmy behind, alerting them to Hamish's barking. They hastily returned to retrieve Jimmy. Jenny found Doris seated alone, with Candy nearby. Doris recounted her accidental tumble on wet roots, which sent them both sprawling.
Siegfried's arrival prompted Audrey to reveal the dog's name—Bingo, inscribed on its tag. Siegfried observed that though Bingo had been dipped in paint, he suspected poisoning with strychnine or a pesticide. Immediate induction of vomiting was crucial. Jenny's return with news of Candy's lameness on her near foreleg prompted Doris to call Skeldale House. Siegfried focused on Bingo, intending to take him to the surgery. Audrey admitted her initial fright, questioning her readiness for a genuine emergency, which Siegfried assured her it was.
Mr. Bosworth's timely arrival coincided with Bingo's lifeless stillness. Siegfried feared the worst, assuming they were too late. They learned that Bingo belonged to Mr. Bosworth, who confessed to a deep bond with the dog. Doris interrupted Richard and James, requesting a ride to the vet as a horse at Heston Grange required assistance. Bosworth evaded discussion on Bingo's possible poisoning, denying ownership of even a mousetrap. They discovered the paint Bingo had ingested, with Bosworth acknowledging its widespread distribution, urging a cessation of encouraging cow-painting.
James suspected Candy's injury to be a tendon sprain, while Doris hailed Richard as a hero, though his bravery momentarily deserted him. James noted Candy's advancing age, highlighting the susceptibility of older horses to injuries, questioning the sufficiency of a bandage to prevent recurrence.
James contemplates that it might be most prudent to discontinue riding Candy and even considers retiring her to a peaceful pasture. Helen engages in a conversation with Jenny, who holds a dear belief that Candy is the sole remaining vestige of their mother. Helen counters, asserting that their mother's spirit resides in every corner of their lives. They reminisce about Joan and Helen's transition into assuming the role of a nurturing mother. Helen reassures Jenny that her concerns for her well-being will persist. Jenny clarifies that her visit is merely a temporary sojourn of a day or two, to gauge her thoughts on the place. Doris opines that she would thrive in this new setting, to which Helen concurs, suggesting Leeds as a viable option.
Within the confines of their car, Audrey and Siegfried delve into a discussion regarding Bosworth and his present circumstances. Audrey maintains a steadfast belief in Siegfried's vast potential for future endeavors. Helen comes to learn that James has inadvertently forgotten Jimmy's bag. James expresses bewilderment at how Helen has managed so adeptly on her own. He confesses that he left Jimmy behind at the Dowson's residence, only realizing his oversight after a few fateful minutes. Helen gently encourages him not to be overly self-critical. Siegfried narrowly avoids colliding with a painted cow, an encounter that Audrey believes underscores the effectiveness of the paint job and Mr. Bosworth's intervention in their favor.
Helen and James find themselves reflecting on embracing the inherent chaos of their lives. James concedes that it feels peculiar to witness Siegfried taking on the role of chef. As they settle down to partake in a shared meal, Bosworth pounds insistently on their door, commanding them to extinguish the lights. He imposes a fine of one pound upon Siegfried. Audrey suggests they should let Bosworth be and continue with their dinner in peace.
