As the curtain rises on another chapter of "All Creatures," Richard Carmody (portrayed by James Anthony-Rose) receives an intriguing parcel through the post, his curiosity piqued as he suspects Hamish, the ever-alert animal companion, has detected its contents. Siegfried Farnon (played by Samuel West) enlightens Helen (Rachel Shenton), revealing that the mysterious package holds droppings—a pivotal part of their novel preventive healthcare initiative. Richard, the brains behind this forward-thinking plan, aims to detect ailments before animals exhibit any symptoms. These droppings, sourced from a goat on the Grantley Estate, become the focus of their attention. Upon scrutinizing them under a microscope, Richard suspects the presence of roundworm eggs, prompting Siegfried to urge an immediate visit to Grantley Place to curb any potential outbreak.
James (Nicholas Ralph), having just joined their ranks, shares an anecdote about Tristan (Callum Woodhouse) leading him astray with nocturnal revelry the previous evening. Helen reminds him of the urgent need to mend the playpen, to which James assures her it will be done by day's end. Siegfried reminds James of his impending duty at the morning surgery, giving him a mere nine minutes to prepare. Tristan arrives unfazed, ready for breakfast, and reveals his upcoming lecture in Doncaster, gearing up soldiers for the North African front.
Richard, meanwhile, receives a letter from the Royal Veterinary College, which Siegfried speculates contains his exam results. Richard's face lights up upon discovering he has achieved distinction. Briefly stepping away, he leaves James and Siegfried contemplating the possibility of offering him a job, now that he has aced his exams. Doris (Caroline Menton) enters with an animal, reminiscing about Richard's earlier assistance with Jenny's horse, Candy. Richard finds himself tongue-tied and rambling, prompting Siegfried to gently steer him away.
As they depart, Richard confides in Siegfried, expressing his unease at exhibiting certain symptoms in Doris's presence, hinting at burgeoning romantic feelings. Siegfried, acknowledging these sentiments, offers to lend a listening ear and advice, though Richard seems intent on consulting Tristan instead. James attends to Doris's ferret, David, who, despite a cut, appears otherwise healthy, necessitating minor surgery. Doris is assured she can reclaim David later in the afternoon, and she engages Helen in conversation about Danby and her ferret's biting incident.
Tristan focuses on honing his speech for his lecture, while Siegfried congratulates Richard on his outstanding distinction, hinting that it could pave the way for the prestigious Warners Prize. Richard, however, reveals that a research program at Imperial London remains open to him. Siegfried, though surprised, commends Richard's noble sentiment of wanting to contribute to the war effort, expressing delight at his decision to potentially stay at Skeldale.
Their conversation is cut short as they arrive to discuss the roundworm issue with Miss Grantley (Juliet Aubrey), whose tales of her Persian past add a layer of intrigue to the already tense situation.
As her brother is away in London, she diligently oversees matters at Skeldale House. Meanwhile, Doris engages Helen in continued conversation about Danby, amusing Audrey Hall (portrayed by Anna Madeley) with her impersonation of Danby's distinctive growls. Shortly thereafter, Mr. Bosworth (Jeremy Swift) hastily arrives at Skeldale House, signaling an urgent situation. He discloses that an unidentified object plummeted onto Mr. Hampson's uppermost field during the night, cautioning Doris against mentioning a bomb as it might incite panic in Darrowby. The wardens must conduct an initial assessment discreetly. According to the rulebook, two wardens are required, prompting Bosworth to request Audrey to attire herself in her uniform for this official duty. Doris greets him warmly and learns of Bingo's demise with sorrow.
Elsewhere, Siegfried and Richard attend to Miss Grantley's goats. Siegfried discovers her background as an archaeologist who has resided in Persia for over two decades. Grantley introduces them to Tanngrisnir and Tanngnjostr, acknowledging that they have been suffering from an inexplicable itch. Siegfried rules out roundworms as the culprit. Privately, Richard suspects that Siegfried harbors a fondness for Miss Grantley.
Suddenly, Tristan bursts into the surgery, causing James to inadvertently drop the ferret. James retrieves it after Tristan's departure. Bosworth is displeased to find that others have preceded him at Hampson's farm. They trace an impact trail but only discover an innocuous flight crate filled with food. Bosworth, however, remains skeptical and leans towards the worst-case scenario. Siegfried and Richard investigate the goats' condition further, with Richard discovering St. John's wort nearby. They deduce that the goats have ingested it, causing photosensitivity. Grantley offers them coffee, which Richard politely declines while praising Siegfried's skills, clarifying that he is not in a romantic partnership. Siegfried, embarrassed by Richard's comments in private, insists he is perfectly adept in socializing with women. Grantley returns, announcing that the coffee is ready.
James struggles to assemble the playpen, prompting Tristan to offer his assistance. Helen privately advises James to inform Tristan of his decision to stay, fearing that Tristan might be reassigned and deserve some joyful memories. Tristan returns and joins James in his endeavor. Meanwhile, Bosworth informs Audrey that he will draft his report from Hampson's property, despite Audrey's disbelief in its significance. Bosworth insists on treating the matter seriously, prompting Audrey to wonder if someone might perceive his actions as a desire to put Darrowby in jeopardy. Bosworth decides to utilize his home telephone for the report.
Grantley engages Richard in a conversation about St. John's wort, casually mentioning her husband's books. Siegfried converses with her about her late husband, who succumbed to malaria before the Great War. Grantley reveals that she has lived her life independently, unshackled by men's plans for her. Siegfried theorizes that goats were first domesticated in Persia, which could explain her profound affection for them. Grantley reveals that she is authoring a book based on a series of lectures she delivers at Cambridge.
Sometimes, she finds herself pondering over the opportunities she might have missed. Richard confides in Grantley, announcing his decision to decline the prize, driven by his desire to remain a veterinarian and contribute to the war effort. Siegfried expresses a keen interest in reading Grantley's works, prompting her to offer him a peek at her draft manuscript. Audrey makes her way back to Skeldale House, where Doris cradles a ferret and educates James on their role in rat eradication. James assesses that David should regain his capacity to dispatch rats within a week. Audrey inquires about strychnine with Doris, who confirms its former use but laments its current scarcity. Audrey notes Siegfried's observation that Bingo's symptoms mirrored strychnine poisoning. Doris reveals she buried the rats as per Mr. Danby's instructions. Helen and James clarify that the bodies retain the poison, necessitating deep burial to deter foxes. However, Doris, Audrey, and Helen discover that the buried rats have been unearthed, accompanied by a deceased fox nearby. Helen lays blame on Danby, while Audrey安慰 Doris that she will confront Bosworth first.
Tristan and James engage in playful antics until James duty-bound takes the baby indoors. James reluctantly admits he must withdraw from another event, prioritizing time with Jimmy. Tristan expresses his desire to make the most of his return, and James compromises by agreeing to one more engagement. Siegfried discusses Richard's decision with Audrey, questioning his selfishness. Audrey suggests Richard's upbringing might influence his choice. Tristan and James reenter the house, with Tristan catching Richard penning a letter to the Imperial College. Tristan reminisces about his own reluctance to leave Skeldale. Outside, Audrey spots Bosworth and decides to confront him. Bosworth, upon hearing the news, vows to speak with Doris, emphasizing that Bingo brought him joy and he won't tolerate any more sorrow. Meanwhile, Tristan focuses on his lecture preparations.
Siegfried delves deeper into Richard's letter, with Richard confessing his uncertainty. Siegfried reassures him of a future role, albeit not as a veterinarian. James successfully repairs the playpen when Richard interrupts to make an announcement. He explains that accepting the Warners Prize necessitates his departure for London, a decision he has thoughtfully made. He asks Audrey for Danby farm's phone number. Helen opts to enjoy a night out with Tristan, entrusting Jimmy to James. Richard invites Doris to join him for a drink at The Drovers, subsequently extending the invitation to Siegfried and Audrey. Siegfried, in a brief moment with Audrey, reflects on how much Richard has evolved since his arrival.
