For James Herriot, veterinary practice doesn't turn out to be quite the science he studied at college. Arriving at Skeldale House in the Yorkshire Dales as a newly qualified vet, he soon discovers that a knowledge of country lore, a strong stomach and a stout pair of boots prove much more useful.
In this first series James has his first encounter with Mrs Pumphrey's pampered dog Tricky-Woo and is smitten by Helen's charms. Tristan is feeling a little worse for wear after a little too much relaxation at the Darrowby pub and Siegfried resorts to a touch of sorcery when a gypsy's pony refuses to recover.
James and Helen finally tie the knot and Siegfried officially makes James a partner in the business. Tristan's exam results arrive and Siegfried's discovery of the truth about his brother's lifestyle is imminent. James finds that dealing out death can sometimes be the gift of life when he stumbles upon a cure for Mrs Flaxton's poodle.
