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The Best Episodes Written By Ben Vanstone

Every TV Episode Written by Ben Vanstone Ranked from Best to Worst by Thousands of Voters

Episode Rankings

  1. #1 Fan Favorite
    undefined Season 2 Episode 7 - The Perfect Christmas
    8.8/10(5 votes)

    S2:E7

    James and Helen spend their first Christmas together, but must agree on where to spend it. Despite all seeming idyllic, the vets are troubled as Tricki Woo is sick.

    Director:N/A
    Writer:Ben Vanstone

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  2. undefined Season 3 Episode 7 - Merry Bloody Christmas
    8.8/10(5 votes)

    S3:E7

    It’s Christmas in Darrowby and everyone is trying to make the most of things while the world is at war. A young guest brings some wonder, mischief and cheer to Skeldale House while everyone waits for important news. When Mrs Pumphrey heralds the arrival of a kitten in need of extra care. Siegfried is asked to pay a visit to an injured River just before a big race.

    Director:N/A
    Writer:Ben Vanstone

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  3. undefined Season 1 Episode 7 - The Night Before Christmas
    8.7/10(9 votes)

    S1:E7

    James is trying to bury his pain over Helen and has invited his new girlfriend Connie to the annual Skeldale Christmas party. As the house fills with locals, James receives a call from a man who wants help with his dog who is giving birth.

    Director:N/A
    Writer:Ben Vanstone

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  4. undefined Season 6 Episode 1 - Gathering the Flock
    8.6/10(5 votes)

    S6:E1

    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.

    Director:N/A
    Writer:Ben Vanstone

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  5. undefined Season 4 Episode 7 - On a Wing and a Prayer
    8.5/10(6 votes)

    S4:E7

    An emotional phone call with a very pregnant Helen makes James determined to get back to her, but he doesn't have many options, and RAF mascot Georgie needs his help. Meanwhile, Mrs Hall prepares a community Christmas celebration in Darrowby, while Siegfried and Carmody argue over who will be Father Christmas.

    Director:N/A
    Writer:Ben Vanstone

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  6. undefined Season 1 Episode 6 - A Cure for All Ills
    8.3/10(11 votes)

    S1:E6

    James' workload doubles when Siegfried takes ill during a harsh winter. Mrs Hall discovers it is James' birthday, and Tristan tries his best to cheer him up by arranging a double date. Season finale.

    Director:N/A
    Writer:Ben Vanstone

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  7. undefined Season 1 Episode 4 - The Poisoned Chalice
    8.2/10(18 votes)

    S1:E4

    With her sights set firmly on Merlin, Nimueh tricks him into drinking from a poisoned chalice, and he falls dangerously ill. Arthur ventures forth deep into the forest of Balor to find the antidote, but little does he know that he's walking into a trap

    Director:N/A
    Writer:Ben Vanstone

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  8. undefined Season 6 Episode 4 - Jenny Wren
    8.2/10(4 votes)

    S6:E4

    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.

    Director:N/A
    Writer:Ben Vanstone

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  9. undefined Season 2 Episode 2 - Semper Progrediens
    8.0/10(7 votes)

    S2:E2

    With Tristan's encouragement, James asks Helen if she'd like to go to the local spring dance. But village resident Gerald's arrival with his injured dog, Rock, puts a spanner in the works. Meanwhile, Tristan worries that Siegfried is in danger of losing his edge.

    Director:N/A
    Writer:Ben Vanstone

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  10. undefined Season 3 Episode 3 - Surviving Siegfried
    8.0/10(7 votes)

    S3:E3

    Siegfried receives some difficult news and becomes even more irascible than usual. The perfect distraction comes along in the form of Major Sebright Saunders, who asks Siegfried to look at a difficult young racehorse called River.

    Director:N/A
    Writer:Ben Vanstone

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  11. undefined Season 1 Episode 4 - 26 Days to Go
    8.0/10(5 votes)

    S1:E4

    Rhonda horrifies herself when she realises she will do anything to maintain her freedom. Meanwhile, Ariel stumbles on the US Government's biggest secret.

    Director:N/A
    Writer:Ben Vanstone

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  12. undefined Season 2 Episode 1 - Where the Heart Is
    7.9/10(7 votes)

    S2:E1

    It’s spring in 1938, and a trip back home to Glasgow presents James Herriot with a dilemma that will mean choosing between the people he loves when he is offered a position at his old mentor's forward-thinking practice.

    Director:N/A
    Writer:Ben Vanstone

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  13. undefined Season 3 Episode 1 - Second Time Lucky
    7.9/10(7 votes)

    S3:E1

    It is now spring 1939 and a potential world war looms. Tristan is now a qualified vet, while James enters a new stage of his life with Helen and at the practice. After being made joint business partner by Siegfried, James pushes to take on more responsibility via the Ministry of Agriculture's new bovine TB testing scheme, but its unexpected challenges risk pushing him to breaking point.

    Director:N/A
    Writer:Ben Vanstone

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  14. undefined Season 1 Episode 4 - A Tricki Case
    7.8/10(11 votes)

    S1:E4

    James is forced to take in Mrs Pumphrey's pampered Pekingese. Tristan prepares to return to university, but needs Siegfried's help to pay for his accommodation, but Siegfried insists he must first prove he is serious about being a vet. James treats the Aldersons' prize bull, and Helen rewards his efforts with some unusual home baking.

    Director:N/A
    Writer:Ben Vanstone

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  15. undefined Season 2 Episode 6 - Home Truths
    7.8/10(6 votes)

    S2:E6

    As Chamberlain heads to meet with Hitler in Munich, James prepares to face his parents and give them some difficult news. Meanwhile, James's agenda is derailed by an emergency with the Alderson's pregnant mare, Candy.

    Director:N/A
    Writer:Ben Vanstone

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  16. undefined Season 1 Episode 1 - You've Got to Dream
    7.7/10(13 votes)

    S1:E1

    Fresh out of veterinary college in 1937, James Herriot struggles to find work in his Depression-struck home town of Glasgow. Seeking new opportunities, he pursues a position in the remote village of Darrowby working for eccentric local vet Siegfried Farnon, who is less than impressed by his early efforts. However, a difficult calving gives James a chance to prove his worth.

    Director:N/A
    Writer:Ben Vanstone

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  17. undefined Season 1 Episode 2 - Another Farnon?
    7.7/10(12 votes)

    S1:E2

    Skeldale House descends into chaos with the arrival of Siegfried's wayward brother Tristan. Helen provides James with a reason to stay in the Dales.

    Director:N/A
    Writer:Ben Vanstone

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  18. undefined Season 1 Episode 10 - The Moment of Truth
    7.5/10(15 votes)

    S1:E10

    Merlin is stunned when his mother, Hunith, turns up in Camelot--bruised, battered and desperate for help from Uther. She explains to Uther that a bandit named Kanen and his men have been attacking her village demanding all of their harvest or he will kill them. When Uther refuses to help, Merlin leaves Camelot to protect his mother and friends. To Merlin's surprise, Arthur, Morgana and Gwen join forces with him to save his village--but at what cost?

    Director:N/A
    Writer:Ben Vanstone

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  19. undefined Season 1 Episode 7 - The Gates of Avalon
    7.4/10(16 votes)

    S1:E7

    Morgana has a nightmare and sees Arthur's death at the hands of a strange but beautiful girl. Meanwhile, hunting in the forest, Merlin and Arthur save the same girl, Sophia, and her father, Aulfric from attack by bandits and bring them to Camelot for refuge. Morgana realizes that Sophia is the girl from her nightmare and tries to warn Arthur, who is smitten with her. As the truth of Morgana's magical gift for seeing future events unfolds, so does a father and daughter's plan to bring down the kingdom of Camelot by sacrificing Arthur in return for eternal life.

    Director:N/A
    Writer:Ben Vanstone

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  20. undefined Season 2 Episode 3 - The Nightmare Begins
    7.4/10(16 votes)

    S2:E3

    When Morgana's nightmares spill into waking hours, she becomes terrified that she has the power of magic. Gaius is determined to keep her in the dark for her own good but Merlin won't stand by and watch his friend suffer. He knows exactly what she's going through and he knows she needs the truth. Is Merlin about to reveal his secret at last?

    Director:N/A
    Writer:Ben Vanstone

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  21. undefined Season 2 Episode 6 - Beauty and the Beast (2)
    7.1/10(15 votes)

    S2:E6

    Lady Catrina has now been crowned and is now known as Queen Catrina. She accuses Merlin of stealing and he is driven into hiding, and must now find a way to expose her true form.

    Director:N/A
    Writer:Ben Vanstone

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  22. undefined Season 1 Episode 8 - Adieu
    4.6/10(22 votes)

    S1:E8

    The Count and Anna devise an elaborate plan, with huge consequences should it fail. However, things quickly start to unravel. An inevitable showdown is set between the Count and an old enemy.

    Director:N/A
    Writer:Ben Vanstone

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  23. undefined Season 1 Episode 4 - Good Times
    4.6/10(22 votes)

    S1:E4

    The Count must undertake a dangerous political mission to save a friend.

    Director:N/A
    Writer:Ben Vanstone

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  24. undefined Season 1 Episode 3 - The Last Rostov
    4.6/10(23 votes)

    S1:E3

    As his old life crumbles, the Count receives some devastating news; blinded by hurt, he embroils his friends in a dangerous plan; his disregard for the state may have consequences; Nina makes a surprise return, as Anna's career takes a turn.

    Director:N/A
    Writer:Ben Vanstone

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  25. undefined Season 1 Episode 7 - An Assembly
    4.5/10(22 votes)

    S1:E7

    Russia stands on the brink of change in 1953, as someone close to the Count is granted a major opportunity. But when the return of an old friend makes the Count see clearly, he's confronted with a difficult choice about the future.

    Director:N/A
    Writer:Ben Vanstone

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Ben Vanstone Ratings Summary

"The Perfect Christmas" is the best rated episode written by Ben Vanstone. It scored 8.8/10 based on 5 votes. It was directed by N/A. It aired on 12/24/2021 and is rated 0.0 points higher than their second-best episode, "Merry Bloody Christmas".