Dave Brown

I didn’t think I would like a remake. I had so enjoyed the original series. However, I have been proved wrong! Some might complain that a few of the characters have been miscast (Mrs Hall is described in the books as being about 60 years old). And there has been some rehashing of the original stories. Yet, in spite of this, it just works. Whether the stories actually occurred in exactly the way Herriot recorded them or not (I believe he used some artistic licence when writing the books), what is portrayed in this latest series keeps to the spirit of things (in my humble opinion). I think that Siegfried’s character is just as adorable as in the original series. Tristan is the loveable rogue we remember him to be. James is wonderfully portrayed by ‘new kid on the block’ Nicholas Ralph. (One to watch. After this, we're bound to see him in other productions. He's an excellent actor.) The female characters receive the extra attention they deserve. Mrs Hall is a character we are all going to love. Helen is wonderfully down-to-earth. And I have to say that it’s so good to hear James with a Scottish accent and Helen with a Yorkshire one! In addition to the great acting, it has to be said that the Dales themselves occupy a starring role. They can be seen in all their glory, thanks to the advances in camera technology since the filming of the original series. And although some have complained about the theme tune, I think it's great! Good to have something different to set this series apart from the earlier ones. I can recommend the new "All Creatures Great and Small" without any reservation. I would even go so far as to say that in some respects, it is better than the original series! Feel good TV at its best! I truly hope that they make, not just another series, but many more!