May 1945, and things look very different at Skeldale House as James is struggling with a wild and chaotic Siegfried. When Tristan returns from war and is shocked to see the shift in his brother, he and James decide to take action. But there's also some good news around the corner for everyone.

James is exhausted running between Heston and Skeldale, and to make matters worse, he's often finding himself on the wrong side of Richard Alderson, who is miffed about the muddy floor. Meanwhile, Mrs Hall and Herriot are curious about what Siegfried's been up to when James finds him wandering home after a night out.

A memorial service is held in Darrowby to honour the war's fallen soldiers and Tristan tries to hide his emotion. He's keen to go for a drink with Siegfried, but finds himself at the bottom of his priorities. Meanwhile, James tells Mrs. Pumphrey not to give up hope in her quest to find a mate for Tricki, and plans a date night to get some time with Helen.

Helen is thrilled when Jenny gets exciting news and sets about getting her sister prepared for a big move, but soon realises neither of them are ready for it. Mrs Hall asks for time off for her granddaughter's birthday in Sunderland, and Siegfried starts to panic.

James is worried about the practice finances, but it falls on deaf ears when he tries to discuss the matter with Siegfried. Herriot decides to take on the role of attending vet at Hensfield dog track to earn extra money. Meanwhile, Tristan visits Mrs Ainsley, who has an aggressive parrot called George.

Tristan and Charlotte enjoy a romantic picnic at Beauvoir Manor, but they are aware that his leave is almost over meaning he will have to return to war soon. James checks in at Heston Grange and meets Richard's new farmhand, Butch Fielding. Richard admits he's had the new telephone off the hook because he keeps getting nuisance calls.