All Creatures Great and Small (2020) s04e05 Episode Script

Papers

1
CAR SPLUTTERS
JAMES: The clutch.
The clutch, Richard.
RICHARD: I am disengaging
the transmission.
No, the other foot.
Ugh.
Just take your time.
Clutch first and then the gear.
I'm clutching.
Both hands on the wheel!
They don't teach you
things like this in the manual.
Like the fact there may be
other vehicles on the road?
The books made it sound so simple.
I can't do this!
You can.
CLUTCH GRINDS
Look, if you want to be a vet
in the Dales, you have to.
How can you still be this bad?
I'm sorry, Richard, I just need
Let's try again.
Nice and easy.
Nice and easy.
ENGINE CLUNKS
HE GROANS
RADIO: With the Germans intensifying
their efforts
to destroy Fighter Command,
Britain is facing its greatest test.
In this country's darkest hour,
it is the brave pilots
of the Royal Air Force
to whom we must look
DOG WHINES
..to defend our nation
and save us from Nazi occupation
You shouldn't be up here.
DOG WHINES
DOG WHINES
I know.
At regular hours,
the Nazi bombers come over.
While the public take shelter,
RAF pilots take off
to destroy the enemy.
Lucky for you, I'm running late.
DOOR OPENS
The thing to remember about driving
is that there's no hurry.
Slow and steady wins the race.
I can't imagine that's true.
In fact,
it seems to be terrible advice
for someone who wants to win a race.
It's a fable comedy.
The Tortoise And The Hare.
A story predicated on
the fundamentally illogical premise
that animals are capable of hubris.
Save me, I'm begging you.
I agree with him.
Sometimes, you have
to throw caution to the wind.
Thank you, Mrs Hall.
How'd the driving lesson go?
Great. He's really making progress.
Oh, that's good.
Shall we go to The Drovers
and have a drink?
That sounds lovely.
Hadn't we ought to
get to Mrs Pumphrey's?
Six o'clock you told her.
We've only got two nights
left together.
Er right, yes.
I'm so sorry. I completely forgot.
It shouldn't take long.
Maybe we can go when I'm back.
SIEGFRIED: James!
Could you come in here?
I'll be with my books.
You know why
he's keeping himself so busy?
I'm doing the same.
Must have folded his shirts
a thousand times.
Hm.
Right, what can I do?
The pie needs to come out
in 40 minutes.
I've set the table.
You just need to boil the veg.
Your hair looks nice.
Oh! Really?
Gerald's back from the Lakes.
Oh.
He's cooking me dinner.
He's cooking?
Has he invited you
to his house before?
Not properly.
Why are you smiling like that?
I'm not smiling.
It's just tea. Nothing more
..I don't think.
Hey, don't forget your trifle.
Oh!
And your apron!
Ah!
JAMES: Everything will carry on
as normal.
Finding a sufficiently skilled
deputy was no mean feat,
but you're in excellent hands.
And, er, who is that exactly?
I'm sorry?
That "skilled deputy".
Well, it's It's Richard here.
He's an excellent vet, Mrs Pumphrey.
I think perhaps you just got off
on the wrong foot.
Very well.
DOG SNARLS
Oh, Tricki.
Don't let us forget our manners.
DOG SNARLS
You do realise
he can't understand you?
The reason he responds is likely
down to intonation,
but there's no research which points
to a deeper level of comprehension.
Then how do you think he knows
when it's his din-dins?
DOG PANTS
He has a slight skin irritation,
had you noticed?
Of course I've noticed.
It's anxiety brought on
by Uncle Herriot's leaving.
A more likely explanation is
that he has an allergy.
Grass or pollen, probably.
His eyes are a little watery.
Well, obviously, they are.
His heart's not made of stone.
DOG GROANS
Right.
If you like, I can give you
some food supplements.
There's something called
an essential fatty acid
found in certain fish,
which might help.
Is he trying to bamboozle us,
Uncle Herriot?
I don't like to be bamboozled.
It's certainly worth a try.
Well I'm sure if you say so.
Where's Cedric today?
Er, he's out
in the garden somewhere.
I'd be happy
to take a look at him, too.
Oh thank you.
If you could find an opportunity
to impress upon Mr Farnon
how well he's getting on,
I'd really appreciate it.
He has a great deal to learn.
Until you return,
we shall see only Uncle Farnon.
Isn't that right, Tricki?
DOG BARKS SOFTLY
Yes.
SHE GIGGLES
You barely touched yours.
It's often the way when I cook.
Well, let me let me take these.
No, no leave it. I'll do it.
Oh, I don't mind.
Please, Audrey.
I think I need a brandy.
Would you like one?
Thank you.
Large or small?
BOTTLE OPENS
Small.
Or a large.
DRINKS POUR
Audrey, I need to
Is everything all?
Sorry.
You go.
You know how much
I care about you, Audrey.
The time we've spent together
has been the happiest of my life.
Mine too.
I-I never imagined
when you get to our age,
you-you never think that you
..might meet someone
who changes your life
the way you have mine.
And so when I got the news
about your divorce,
I was cock-a-hoop.
Because I always hoped
Go on.
It's Lillian.
Your sister?
She's really struggling.
Oh.
I see.
She's breathless all the time.
It's so much worse
than she made out in her letters.
She's not coping so well
on her own.
Well, does this mean you?
Are you leaving?
There's nothing I'd love more
than for you to come with me,
but I know I can't ask that of you.
Well, you must do
what's best for her,
of course you should, but
You'll be back, though.
I hope so, I
I don't know.
I filled the car up with petrol.
Put a full tank in for you.
Thank you.
How's Carmody's driving, by the way?
Can he be trusted on his own?
Nearly.
Nearly? What bloody use is nearly?
Mr Farnon!
He's making progress.
Give him a few more weeks,
and he'll be there.
A few more weeks? It's a four-speed
Vauxhall, not a seven-man tank.
He's getting there
slowly.
Oh, for God's sake.
"Slowly". "Nearly".
I tell you what.
I'll take him out, judge for myself.
Sure that's a good idea?
Well, why wouldn't it be?
Well, perhaps he'd be better with me
teaching him. Or Helen.
Less chance of the poor boy
rupturing an eardrum.
What are you implying?
I'm known for my patience.
If he can't get about
under his own steam,
what's the point of him being here?
Morning.
What's the point of who being here?
We're going for a drive.
Let's see what you're made of.
Just try to stay calm.
DOOR OPENS
Put your foot down, man.
You'll never cut the mustard
if you drive like an old codger.
James said I should go slow.
Don't you worry about all that.
You do everything I say,
and you'll be all right.
It's about confidence.
Once you realise everyone else
on the road is an imbecile,
it's plain sailing.
GEARS CLANG
That's it.
ENGINE REVS
Bravo, that's the spirit.
There we go.
HE LAUGHS
Now, press on up the middle,
they'll have to let you through.
You're the boss.
This chap doesn't seem to think so.
Hold your nerve, Carmody.
From an animal's point of view,
we're an emergency service.
But we're not on a call.
Don't be pedantic.
CAR HORN BEEPS
Get out of the way!
Look out.
Look out!
You nearly broke my car!
What kind of halfwit drives down
the middle of the road like that?
Ah. Good morning, Mrs Pumphrey.
This isn't your usual car.
It's my weekend car.
Mr Farnon,
was that you driving like a lunatic?
You scared Tricki half to death.
DOG SNARLS
Oh.
I should have known.
Monsieur, we have a problem.
Oh, my goodness.
Is it dead?
It's still alive just.
Did I hit it?
Oh, gosh. I hit it, didn't I?
Oh, thank you, Audrey.
I was gonna do that.
Oh, I don't mind.
Part of me wishes
I wasn't going anywhere.
I just wanna be here with him.
At least you'll get
to spend some time together.
What's up?
Gerald's moving away.
Where?
The Lakes.
His sister's health's getting worse.
Oh, Audrey, I'm so sorry.
For how long?
For good, I think.
I don't want to lose him.
If this war's taught us anything,
it's to grab onto
the things you love
and try and cherish every moment.
Ready to go?
Mrs H, thank you.
It's nothing fancy, just some
sandwiches and cake and whatnot.
It's perfect.
You two have a wonderful day.
Don't hurry back.
How did it go?
He ran over a cat.
What happened?
I think it would be wise if Carmody
wasn't allowed behind a wheel again.
Sorry, old chap. I'm going to
need your help with this one.
Helen, could you take him through to
the surgery while we get him ready?
Well, we were supposed to be
No, it's all right, James.
It's all right.
It's all my fault.
I wasn't paying attention.
Don't blame yourself, these things
happen to the best of us.
Have you any idea who he belongs to?
There's no collar or identity disc.
His claws look fine to me.
Have a look, Siegfried.
Yes. All intact.
Which means
When cats get run over,
they freeze
and prepare themselves for impact by
digging their claws into the road.
It wasn't my fault.
He's got in nasty compound fracture,
abrasion on the abdomen.
He might've had a fall or been hit
by some farming machinery.
So what do you think?
Poor chap's in a bad way.
It might be best
to put him out of his misery.
I agree.
I'll do it.
How would you feel about doing it?
If you want to be a vet,
you've got to at some point.
You're right. I'll do it.
I won't be much use around here
if I just do the easy stuff.
Good man.
I'm sorry, little man.
PURRING
Do you hear that?
Extraordinary in his state.
Is there really nowt we can do?
It's a tricky operation
to realign and reset the bone.
He may not survive.
It just depends how much fight
he's got left in him.
Even if you did,
it's a grim recovery.
He'll be in a lot of pain.
It really might be
the kindest thing.
And it's not just surviving
the operation. Afterwards
He'd need round-the-clock care.
I'll do it.
I'll nurse him.
Please, James.
I know it's a big commitment,
spoon feeding him
every couple of hours
till he gets his strength up,
I know that,
and I know he might not make it.
But we've gotta give him a chance.
He's all on his own.
He's got no-one to look after him.
Please.
I'm really not sure.
I know,
but we're going to give it a try.
It might not work,
but we've got to give it a go.
Thank you.
Carmody, chloroform, surgical kit,
saline solution,
sulphanilamide powder, bandages,
please.
I'll get some boiling water
and fresh towels.
Very nice.
What happens next time, then?
What do you mean?
Next time there's an operation
requiring two vets,
and the time after that?
Carmody's a good vet.
Maybe so, but he'll never be able
to replace you.
You sacked me within 24 hours,
remember?
You thought I was incompetent.
You will have to face up to it
sooner or later, Siegfried,
because this time tomorrow,
I'll be gone.
SHOUTS: Carmody! Get in here!
Go and be with your wife.
Not until I've made sure
James.
I suspect I'm not the only one
with his head in the sand.
Stand there, hold that.
The cat will be all right.
I promise you.
Thank you.
Oh. Shouldn't you be on a picnic?
Is he all right?
Carmody.
Well, we had some trouble
realigning the bone,
and he lost more blood
than we'd like, but he's alive.
Thank you.
We made a bed for him.
Oscar,
that's what we're calling him.
I know I shouldn't get attached,
but
he can't just be "The Cat".
That were Mrs Pumphrey.
She's all in a tizz about Tricki.
Absolutely not.
I've got to go and see a great dane
somewhere up there.
Carmody and I can go together.
I'm not sure about that.
Mrs Pumphrey is yet to
warm to me.
Well, then,
it'll be a good test for you.
Time to cut the apron strings.
Excellent, come on, then.
Into the car. Chop-chop.
Oh, for God's sake, I'll drive.
Has he woken up yet?
Not yet.
I'm just making him some broth.
And how are you holding up?
Up and down.
We're here, Mr Farnon and me.
I'd give anything
to have one more week with him.
I know, love.
There he is.
What a day you've had of it,
wee man, eh?
James, I know this isn't exactly
the send-off we had planned
Helen, we did the right thing.
I want us to be there
when he wakes up.
Is that all right? I just
I think I've had an idea.
Look, you're going to have to get
behind the wheel again
at some point.
I just can't do it, Mr Farnon.
It's as simple as that.
I'm not surprised, given that
you nearly finished off poor Tricki.
Mrs Pumphrey, how nice to see you.
I'm so glad you found time for us,
Uncle Farnon.
As a matter of fact, I was just
giving young Carmody here a lift.
Er, I have another appointment,
I'm afraid.
I thought I made it quite clear
to Uncle Herriot
that Tricki will only see you.
Might I have a quiet word
with you in private?
Er, yes, of course.
Won't be a minute.
It's about Mr Carmody.
Mr Cardomy?
Actually, it's Carmody.
Oh.
He's a bit green, but he has talent.
Look, the truth is,
without my brother,
we're already stretched
to the limit.
And the prospect of doing
without James as well has put us all
under rather a strain,
to say the least.
They rely on us to be resilient,
don't they?
But it isn't always easy.
Quite.
Well, there's no sweeping views
of the Dales,
but on the plus side - no wasps.
We can sit on the sofa
if you'd rather?
No, we're gonna do this properly.
There's no sofas on a picnic.
You have to sit on the ground
till your bum goes numb.
On second thoughts, I might fetch
a proper vase from Mrs H.
Leave 'em, James, they're all right.
RUSTLING
Pork pie?
Thanks.
It's all right to be sad.
What do you mean?
Or nervous. Or unsure.
Or anything you like.
I just want you to be honest
with me.
All right.
This is really uncomfortable.
The floor, I mean.
You're right.
The bed it is.
Come on, James.
We talk to each other, me and you
..but you're acting like
you're not going tomorrow.
It's been a good deal worse
since his brush with death.
TRICKI WOO PANTS
The poor darling was traumatised.
I think he's been put off
motor cars forever.
Have you been feeding him
the food supplements I gave you?
No, no, no, no.
They're not to his taste.
I don't blame him,
they reek of anchovy.
It's a therapeutic treatment,
not a gourmet meal.
I'm telling you.
He won't have them.
I understand, Mrs Pumphrey.
He and Cedric are like family
to you.
Indeed. They are.
Anyone can see how well
you look after him.
His teeth and gums
are in good health,
and his fur is uncommonly soft.
Oh that'll be the new shampoo
I've been using.
It's expensive, but I thought
he needed a little pampering.
I think we may have found
the problem.
I suspect this new shampoo
is irritating his skin.
Try going back to the old one
and see if it clears up.
I could give it a try, I suppose.
Thank you.
I'll get Francois to bring
the car round for you.
I'm sorry, I?
You told Mr Farnon that you couldn't
get behind the wheel again.
This won't do at all.
Yes, but
With Mr Herriot gone,
you'll need to pull your weight,
so I'm going to give you
a driving lesson.
I'm not sure
that's a good idea.
I can't drive a Rolls-Royce!
You're in at the deep end, dear boy.
That's the only thing for it.
What if I crash?
What if I scratch it?
What if a bird relieves itself
on it?
Oh, do get a hold of yourself.
We're only going for a little drive.
How does it feel to be in the back
with me, Francois?
Er, different, madame.
Off we go, then.
Now, don't dither,
but don't be reckless.
A watchful confidence,
that's the key.
I was nervous enough
driving Mr Farnon's Rover.
Now that feels like child's play.
Well, that's precisely the point,
dear boy.
Once you've driven this,
precious cargo and all,
you won't be scared of anything.
Ooh, one last thing.
And THIS is most important of all.
I want you to talk to Tricki.
You must put him at ease.
You want me to talk to Tricki?
Constantly. Yes.
Er right, then, Tricki.
ENGINE CHUGS,
IGNITES
Here we go.
As you can see, we're now
pulling away from Pumphrey Manor,
or home, as you probably call it.
Erm
Right.
CLEARS THROA
We're now leaving the estate
via the west gate.
Or is it the south?
Anyway, it's quite a typical gate,
representative of the architecture
of the area, I would think.
Erm the Dales were shaped
by ice eroding the limestone.
A hard sedimentary rock
formed millions of years ago
by the remains of sea creatures.
I'm afraid that's all I know
about the landscape.
Oh, look, there's some sheep!
On our left, we have,
well trees, mainly.
The beech trees like this
can live for 200 or 300 years,
although,
these are probably younger.
And here we are, back home.
And everyone in one piece.
THEY SIGH
You see? Not a scratch.
Was it all right?
I was so focused on
thinking of things to say, I
completely forgot to
concentrate on my driving.
Well, that was rather
what I had in mind.
Look at him.
He's perfectly at ease now.
Thank you, Mrs Pumphrey.
Somehow, you've turned me
into a good driver.
Well I wouldn't go
quite as far as that.
But fortunately,
you don't need to be a good driver,
you need to be a safe one.
Come along, Tricki.
We've got things to do.
Francois
would you drive Uncle Carmody
back to Darrowby?
Of course, madame.
HELEN: He's coming round.
Hello, Oscar.
OSCAR PURRS
Welcome to your new home.
It's all gonna be all right now.
Thanks to James.
Thanks to you.
When I signed up with Tris
..it was the right thing to do.
It was a tough decision, but
there wasn't a shadow of doubt.
But so much has changed since then.
Our cities weren't being bombed.
You weren't expecting.
And if you had been I don't know.
I'm so sorry.
For what?
For abandoning you.
Don't you dare be sorry.
You're not abandoning anyone.
We make decisions together,
and this was no different.
What you're doing is amazing.
And I'm so, so proud of you.
Sorry we didn't get to Sutton Bank.
Shh.
This was perfect.
I only wanted
to spend time alone with you.
HE LAUGHS
Now, make yourself useful.
Go and get me some broth.
HE LAUGHS
SOFTLY: Hello. How are you feeling?
What are you doing still up?
Couldn't sleep.
You and me both.
Nightcap?
Thanks.
JAMES EXHALES HEAVILY
Cheers.
Cheers.
You all packed and ready?
Packed but not ready.
Not remotely.
Sounds about right.
Remember when I first arrived
..the locals got me so drunk,
I mixed up two cats?
HE LAUGHS
And I damn near castrated
the wrong one.
Mrs Dinsdale's cat came in
with a mild case of mange
and nearly left without his manhood.
If it wasn't for Mrs Hall, I'd have
sent you packing then and there.
Even when you didn't,
I was terrified.
I felt so out of my depth.
Just like I do now.
It's all right to be scared.
Be strange if you weren't.
Can I ask you something?
When you went to war
..how did Evelyn cope?
We'll look after her, James.
And the baby, too.
I promise you.
Thank you.
Right.
I think it's our patriotic duty
to finish the bottle, don't you?
HELEN: Drink up.
It'll make you better.
There's a good boy.
Good boy.
I know you're frightened
..but it's gonna be all right.
We'll get through this together,
you and me.
How long have you been there?
I'm glad we saved him.
All thanks to you.
SOFTLY: Hey.
Audrey.
I don't want to lose you, Gerald.
I don't wanna lose you, either.
But I have to go.
Then I'm coming with you.
Do you really mean that?
Well, I'll get
my divorce papers soon,
and then we can go together.
Audrey, it's a big sacrifice.
I know how happy you are here.
But this is our chance
to be together
and if we don't take it, then
..we might always regret it.
Does that make us engaged?
I suppose it does.
We should probably get going.
Helen's on her way down.
I'm sorry, but Mr Metcalfe's got
a pig with tummy trouble.
That's all right.
Hate goodbyes, anyway.
Carmody!
Carmody, two questions.
Question one,
will you pay Mr Metcalfe a visit?
His pig's poorly.
Of course.
Question two,
would you mind staying on
a little longer than planned?
Mrs Pumphrey tells me
you're not inadequate.
Which is progress of a sort,
I suppose.
I'd be delighted.
Well, hurry along, then,
don't keep Metcalfe waiting!
Richard.
James.
Keep the others in line, won't you?
I'll do my best.
We should be going.
I'll go and check on Helen.
I can't face the bus stop.
Is it all right
if we say goodbye here?
Of course.
I'm only a few counties away,
remember?
Five. Counted.
I'll write. And I'll try to call.
As often as you can, please.
You're going to be
an incredible mum.
I've never been so sure of anything
in my life.
Go. Before I cry.
You'll look after Helen?
Course I will.
Even when she doesn't let me.
HE LAUGHS
Won't be the same without you.
You just make sure it's the same
when I come home.
Don't let it change you.
I won't.
Proud of you, James.
We all are.
JESS WHINES
What have you got there, Jess?
CAR HORN BEEPS
'O my Luve is like a red, red rose
'That's newly sprung in June
'O my Luve is like the melodie
'That's sweetly play'd in tune
'As fair art thou, my bonnie lass
'So deep in luve am I
'And I will love thee still, my dear
'Till a' the seas gang dry
'Till a' the seas gang dry, my dear
'And the rocks melt wi' the sun
'And I will love thee still, my dear
While the sands o' life shall run
'And fare thee weel, my only luve
'And fare thee weel, a while
'And I will come again, my luve
'Tho' it were ten thousand mile.'
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