All Creatures Great and Small Season 1 Episode 1 Horse Sense

All Creatures Great and Small is a British television drama series that follows veterinary surgeons providing medical treatment to animals in the Yorkshire countryside, back in the 1930s. In season 1, episode 1, titled "Horse Sense," viewers are introduced to the main character, James Herriot, a freshly graduated veterinary surgeon from Glasgow who has come to the rural village of Darrowby in Yorkshire, England, looking for work.

As James walks through the idyllic village, he comes across a stray dog and a charming farmer, Siegfried Farnon, who is trying to rescue a horse that's trapped in a river nearby. With his skills and expertise, James helps the farmer save the horse, impressing Siegfried and his younger brother, Tristan, who also works as a vet.

Impressed with James's abilities, Siegfried offers him a job and invites him to stay at their farm, Skeldale House, where he'll have his own room, meals, and £5 a month. James accepts the offer and begins his new career in the Dales as a veterinary surgeon.

As James settles into his new life, he soon encounters challenges he's never faced before. His first job is to treat a sick cow owned by a local farmer, Mr. Crump. To James's surprise, Mr. Crump is more concerned about the cost of treatment than the welfare of his animal, leaving James in a difficult position.

Later, James is called to tend to a load of horses in a local circus, which has come to town. He's shocked to discover that the horses are being kept in unsanitary and cramped conditions, and their injuries have not been properly treated. James stands up to the circus owner, but his actions put him at odds with the town's tourism board that depends on the circus for income.

As the episode progresses, James is faced with further challenges. He treats a sick sheepdog and tries to negotiate with an uncooperative owner of a horse with a serious injury. James's kindness and dedication to his patients and their owners, however, eventually win them over, and he gains the respect of the people of Darrowby.

In the final scenes, James has a heartfelt conversation with Siegfried, who gives him some advice on how to deal with tough situations as a veterinary surgeon. James realizes how valuable Siegfried's friendship is and feels grateful for the opportunity to work with him and Tristan.

Overall, "Horse Sense" sets up the tone and characters of the series perfectly. Viewers get a taste of the charming rural setting, the quirky and humorous characters, and the challenges that come with being a veterinary surgeon in the 1930s. The episode sets the stage for James's journey as he navigates his new profession and tries to fit into his new home in Yorkshire.