REVIEW: All Creatures Great And Small, Series 1 Episode Four 'Calf Love'

REVIEW: All Creatures Great And Small, Series 1 Episode Four 'Calf Love'

Originally published in 2020, here are my thoughts on All Creatures Great And Small's fourth episode.

One of the most notable strengths of the original All Creatures Great And Small is the comedy partnership formed between James (Christopher Timothy) and Tristan (Peter Davison). The actors have so much chemistry together, and are able to bounce off one another almost like a double act. It adds a considerable amount of charm to the BBC's adaptation of All Creatures, as it's ultimately this pairing that we spend most of the time witnessing as viewers when James isn't with Siegfried (Robert Hardy). 'Calf Love' is an episode that dedicates a significant amount of time to this most iconic of friendships, and it makes for one of the original show's most entertaining episodes. 

James and Tristan's friendship is a load of fun here. They have a really cool, almost brotherly bond; constantly teasing and taking the mickey out of one another in a way that's only possible with two people who have a very close bond. The running gag in regards to Tristan's horror concerning the pigs that Tristan has no time for is particularly funny, with a great pay-off when Siegfried does as he and James promised, and buys Tristan some piglets in spite of his protests. Although I do feel sorry for James, having to clean up Tristan's sick from the car seat!

Speaking of James, he gets some great comedy in this episode when Mr Crump (George A. Cooper) invites him for a drink after James has tended to his horse. Mr Crump shows James his magnificent wine collection, and James - it's fair to say - has one glass too many. Christopher Timothy is hugely entertaining at playing the otherwise clear-headed James Herriot as a drunk; it's such a change of character for the usually quite sensible James Herriot, and Christopher Timothy plays it to great comedic effect. He's an actor with great comic sensibilities, which I guess showcases just why he works so well with Peter Davison - who possesses an even greater gift for comedy - and it just goes to show just how well the original All Creatures Great And Small was cast. These are actors who are just as capable at providing the lighter moments as the more dramatic sequences, and it shows in the completed product.

It's interesting to note that there appears to be no love rival for James in regards to Helen (Carol Drinkwater), unlike the Channel 5 version, which introduced a new boyfriend for Helen, by the name of Hugh (played by Harry Potter's Matthew Lewis). Here James asks Helen on a date at the music club and she agrees straight away. It does mean there's less drama, compared to the newer take, but it also quickens the storytelling and throws us straight into their love for one another. We know that these two get together anyway, as the books All Creatures was adapted from are loosely based on the real life James Herriot, so it's a smart move to bypass this kind of romantic drama and instead place the focus on developing the romantic connection between James and Helen.

This episode is also the last appearance of Madge Ryan as Miss Harbottle, and it's a shame because she's a fun character. Miss Harbottle brought a great amount of humour to the series, and Madge Ryan played the part in a wonderfully exaggerated fashion. In 'Calf Love' she leaves after being shocked at how Siegfried willingly tears up two seemingly important pieces of paper in front of her face, his frivolous attitude scaring her to the point of resignation. It's definitely a larger than life performance to say the least, but it brings a smile to many a viewer's face, and Madge Ryan's exaggerated facial expressions bring plenty of character to the hapless secretary.

Overall, 'Calf Love' is a hugely entertaining episode of All Creatures Great And Small. It provides a great deal of light relief to the goings-on of the veterinary practice, showing more of the highly engaging brotherly dynamic between James and Tristan, whilst also featuring a great humorous turn from Madge Ryan's last appearance as Miss Harbottle. 'Calf Love' is an episode that showcases exactly why All Creatures is a show known for its excellent sense of humour, providing so many memorable moments that are guaranteed to make you smile. After all, you'd have to be Miss Harbottle herself to not find yourself laughing at the humour on display here.

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What are your thoughts on All Creatures Great And Small's fourth episode? Let me know in the comments section.