As the episode unfolds, Siegfried Farnon (Samuel West) finds himself battling to ignite his vehicle, just as Maggie (Mollie Winnard) approaches with a spry step. She glances under the hood and suggests that a faulty carburetor could be the culprit. Siegfried, with a nonchalant air, asserts that he has already diagnosed the issue, albeit with reluctant cooperation from the machinery, vowing to renew his efforts the next day. Maggie hands him a parcel intended for Audrey Hall (Anna Madeley) before departing. Once indoors, Siegfried transfers the package to Audrey, who sets it aside with a dismissive flick of her wrist, her attention immediately redirected to the intricately decorated christening cake. Siegfried inquiries whether Mr. Bosworth (Jeremy Swift) is privy to their covert endeavors, to which Audrey reassures him with a serene smile that all is above board.
Helen Herriot (Rachel Shenton)'s voice interrupts their conversation, announcing the presence of mud in the hallway. Audrey swiftly grabs a dustpan and brush, but Helen eagerly volunteers to tackle the mess, allowing Siegfried to escape to the task of crafting his christening speech—a prospect that piques James Herriot's (Nicholas Ralph) curiosity. Helen expresses surprise at the absence of James' parents, to which he replies they will join later, currently nestled at a cozy bed and breakfast. Jimmy's (Winter Gilliam, Remy Gardner-France) wails punctuate the air, prompting James to inquire if Helen suggested Siegfried deliver a speech. Helen nods, explaining it is viewed as a rite of passage for godparents.
A call from Biggins (Nicholas Asbury) disrupts Siegfried's thoughts, informing him of Peg the goat's ailing condition. Siegfried, clearly irritated by the prospect of dealing with Biggins, delegates the task to James, citing his intolerance for the man. James reminds Siegfried of his parents' impending visit, but Siegfried, frustration evident, grabs his bag and storms out. James seeks clarification about his speech, to which Siegfried emphasizes the significance of Jimmy's christening and his solemn commitment to his role as godparent. Audrey echoes his sentiments but reveals she has no intention of delivering a speech, much to James' relief, who darts off to fetch his parents.
Traversing Biggins' formidable seven gates, Siegfried encounters resistance at every turn. A messenger arrives at the Farnon residence with a telegram, causing Audrey to peruse it with concern etched on her brow. Meanwhile, Biggins watches Siegfried's futile attempts to navigate one of his gates, offering unsolicited advice to have the carburetor inspected. Siegfried, ignoring the comment, grumbles about the persistent gate issue and continues on to Peg. Biggins broaches the subject of a refund for misdiagnosing Peg, to which Siegfried confidently assures him his diagnosis stands. After examining Peg, Siegfried quizzes Biggins on the correct administration of sulphanilamide, adjusting the dosage upwards despite Biggins' complaints about the cost. Biggins grumbles and heads off to fetch fresh straw.
Just then, James Herriot Senior (Drew Cain) and Hannah Herriot (Gabriel Quigley) arrive, Hannah scooping Jimmy into her arms with evident affection. James informs them of Jimmy's restless nights, to which Senior suggests teething might be the culprit. Hannah remarks on Jimmy's hearty appetite, mirroring James' own, querying whether his mother has been feeding him adequately. Audrey greets them warmly, though Helen senses something amiss and inquiries after her wellbeing. Audrey offers a reassuring nod and serves scones and tea, which Senior, mistakenly believing Helen baked, urges James not to let her go unnoticed for her efforts. Helen corrects him, revealing her hand in the fresh flowers adorning the table, met with silent appreciation.
Siegfried meticulously fills a syringe with a potent stimulant booster intended for Peg, while Biggins chimes in, insisting that a mere application of iodine suffices. Siegfried gently corrects him, clarifying that iodine holds no therapeutic value for Peg's condition. Biggins grumbles about the escalating costs of injections, casting a cloud of financial worry over the situation. Once the stimulant is administered, Siegfried expresses his helplessness, remarking that all they can do now is to place their trust in divine providence. Biggins, with a hint of sarcasm, inquiries whether he'll be billed for the prayers as well. Siegfried, ever generous, offers the medicine free of charge should it fail to yield results and seeks Biggins' assistance with the precariously faulty gate, to which Biggins retorts, branding it a hazardous death trap.
Elsewhere, Hannah shares with James her mother's unwavering faith in Winslow’s Soothing Syrup. James, informed of its recent revelation to contain morphine, steers her towards caution. She bids him well before departing with Senior. Meanwhile, Audrey hands Siegfried a telegram, prompting him to retreat to his office, shutting the door behind him while she anxiously awaits in the hallway. Emerging moments later, Siegfried announces Tristan Farnon's (Callum Woodhouse) impending return the following day, leaving Audrey puzzled by the reason behind his hasty return.
The next morning, James and Helen endeavor to assure Siegfried of the situation's normalcy, noting his untouched breakfast. Audrey, sensing his unease, volunteers to accompany him to the train station, only to be politely declined. Siegfried vows to curb his anger towards Tristan, provided he arrives safely. After several frustrated attempts, his car finally starts but sputters weakly en route to the station. Rushing to meet Tristan, Siegfried's hopes dim as he watches the train depart, only to be unexpectedly greeted from behind by Tristan, who quotes a wisdom about punctuality being paramount. Siegfried envelops him in an emotional embrace.
Mrs. Hanley (Angela Lonsdale), arriving to find the surgery closed, encounters Hannah and Senior. Pointing proudly at James' name inscribed on a plaque, Hannah extols his achievements and insists on accompanying her inside. Helen, attending to Jimmy in his pram, joins Hannah and Senior for a stroll with the baby. Hanley recounts her dog Lucy's infatuation with her stuffed toy, Emmeline. Audrey, now reunited with Tristan, feels a wave of relief. Siegfried informs her that Tristan will be mentoring veterinary aspirants in Doncaster, to which Tristan clarifies it's more about lecturing than hands-on training.
As James attends to Lucy, suspecting overstimulation, he suggests separation and deposits Emmeline in a drawer. Hastily ushering Hanley out, he welcomes Tristan warmly. Tristan shares details about his Doncaster role, while Siegfried subtly hints at offering surgical assistance during his downtime, only to be reminded by Tristan of his current non-employment status. James leads Tristan to his room, where Hamish, Richard's dog, lies resting on the bed. Tristan then greets Helen, Senior, Hannah, and Jimmy, rounding off a day marked by anticipation, emotion, and the rekindling of familial bonds.
At the serene church, Vicar Mark Chatterton beckoned the family forward with a gentle gesture. Jenny Alderson, portrayed by Imogen Clawson, exchanged a fleeting conversation with Tristan, the air between them light yet laden with unspoken words. The vicar then performed Jimmy's baptism, his voice resonating solemnly within the sacred walls.
Post-ceremony, Richard Alderson, played by Tony Pitts, turned to Siegfried, inquiring whether he ought to treat Tristan to a pint in honor of his return from the war's battlefields. Siegfried, ever mindful of their itinerary, stressed the importance of sticking to their schedule. Audrey, with a warm promise, assured them she would have lunch prepared upon their return. Tristan, ever the inclusive soul, extended an invitation to James to join their gathering. Helen, with a nudge, encouraged him to accept. Siegfried, somewhat apologetic, acknowledged Tristan's unplanned interruption amidst their plans.
Jenny soon joined the others at The Drover’s Arms, the rustic pub buzzing with life. Maggie shared news with Tristan that Arthur was now stationed in North Africa, far from their midst. Biggins, a solitary figure, nursed his drink at a corner table, his presence as foreboding as that of the Grim Reaper, according to Siegfried's wry observation. Tristan, reproachful, faulted Siegfried for not severing ties with Biggins years past. He then sheepishly requested Siegfried to foot the bill, having forgotten his wallet at home. Helen attended to Jimmy, her tender care evident, while Hannah placed a platter of sandwiches on the dining table, the aroma inviting. Lucy, fiery and insistent, scratched at the door until Hannah relented and let her in.
At the pub, Tristan regaled the group with tales of Rosa, his voice tinged with a newfound sense of purpose. Maggie teased him playfully, remarking on his apparent laziness during duty hours. Siegfried, his tone tinged with concern, noted Tristan's apparent penchant for drifting between establishments. Tristan assured him that his priorities had shifted since his war days. Siegfried, visibly upset, sought Biggins's input on Peg's condition. Biggins, his expression grave, claimed her state had worsened and demanded a refund, questioning the efficacy of the medication. Tristan, defensive, accused Biggins of tarnishing their reputation. Siegfried, determined, insisted on inspecting the goat immediately, Tristan accompanying him. Biggins, finishing his beer in one swift gulp, rose to leave, the tension thick between them.
As they make their way to Biggins' farm, Tristan offers Siegfried some thoughtful suggestions, while Siegfried responds by pressing down harder on the accelerator. Meanwhile, Lucy, unable to contain her excitement, scratches at the surgery door. Helen, sensing an opportunity, swiftly opens it, causing Lucy to bark fiercely at the card catalog cabinet. Determined to find Emmeline, Helen rummages through several drawers until she locates her. Lucy, a mix of growls and wagging tail, watches intently. Tristan carefully examines Peg and detects swollen lymph nodes, diagnosing her with actinomycosis, also known as "lumpy jaw." Siegfried reveals that he had initially made the same diagnosis and inquires about the prescription.
Biggins, appearing dissatisfied, demands a refund. Tristan jokes, almost tauntingly, that if Peg were in Egypt, they would have administered iodine and hoped for the best. Helen remarks that Lucy is treating Emmeline with a tenderness akin to a mother caring for her young. Hannah, appreciating Helen's nurturing skills, comments on how well she's doing. Helen, however, notes with concern that Lucy's teats are swollen.
James's arrival stirs surprise, particularly when he sees Lucy. He speculates that she might be experiencing a phantom pregnancy. Tristan, peering through the window, spots sulphanilamide. Curious, Hannah asks James if Lucy's behavior aligns with a phantom pregnancy. James explains that some dogs exhibit abdominal swelling during such episodes. Hannah, incredulous, accuses James of trying to take her "baby" away, to which James responds that Lucy was being aggressive. Hannah counters that this is something only a mother can truly understand.
Tristan rejoins Siegfried, who muses that Biggins is probably tormenting one of his farmhands. Tristan reveals his discovery and suggests they give Biggins a dose of his own medicine. Upon Biggins's return, Tristan pretends to check Peg once more before宣布she has Nile fever. Biggins, skeptical, thinks they're merely teasing him. They caution him that without their medicine, the injection could have dire consequences for the animal. Biggins, undeterred, suggests increasing the dosage. Siegfried, holding up the packet, explains that it's easier to administer when taken out properly.
James bids farewell to his parents. Siegfried and Tristan, returning to Skeldale House, realize with disappointment that the party has ended. Siegfried laments that he never got to deliver his speech. Tristan encourages him to do it now, expressing genuine interest in hearing it. Siegfried, emotional, speaks passionately about fatherhood and the desire to help those under one's care become the best versions of themselves. Tristan, moved, declares the job done. Siegfried admits that the roles have reversed, with parents now needing their children more than they ever needed them.
James, Audrey, and Helen arrive just in time to overhear their heartfelt conversation.
