All Creatures Great and Small fans in tears at ‘heartwarming’ reunion

What did you miss?

Every Creatures Great and Small fan wept when the series returned as James Herriot returned from war to an emotional reunion with his wife and baby son.

Veteran James, played by Nicholas Ralph, was sent on a mission away from the Dales during World War II while his wife Helen (Rachel Shenton) struggled to find her feet as a new mother, so viewers were delighted to see his “heartwarming” return home at the start of series five.

Fans of the Channel 5 drama series have welcomed its return to screens, calling it “the hour of escapism we all need”.

What, how and why?

Warm-hearted drama All Creatures Great and Small delivered an even sweeter start to season five than usual with James Herriot returning from the war for an emotional reunion with his wife Helen and their baby son.

Dales veteran James (Nicholas Ralph) has been sent away from home, leaving Helen (Rachel Shenton) to try to come to terms with parenthood on her own.

But after viewers begged him to return, the episode delivered a heartbreaking scene as James left behind the horrors of World War II for the warm embrace of his family.

One fan wrote: “Big James is back. Wonderful and heartwarming.” Someone else agreed: “Beautiful episode! It’s great to have James back! Now all we need is our little Tristan home and our family will be complete again.”

Learn more: All Creatures Great and Small

The scene brought tears to many viewers, with one commenting: “I cried… and so did my husband… such beautiful and moving TV… I could watch it all day x”

Another person wrote: “What a moment,” while someone else added: “This took my breath away!” “My tissues are already out!!,” someone else shared.

One international fan added: “I took one look at the work and cried watching it. Can’t wait until we can see it here in the US!”

However, his return was tragic as the pilots alongside him were killed during a flight, with James being lucky to escape alive.

What else have All Creatures Great and Small fans said about the show’s return?

James’ return isn’t the only aspect of the show that leaves fans with a warm and fuzzy feeling, as they agreed that its new season brightened up their Thursday nights.

One person commented: “I have never found a softer, cozier, more polite and kinder show than this #AllCreaturesGreatAndSmallAble to convey so much emotion just by talking about everyday life and the importance of family, no matter how it is formed.”

Another fan wrote: “I’ve been looking forward to this all year and it was worth the wait. My favorite TV show with great storylines and a perfect cast. No one could do better. So happy you’re back.”

Someone else agreed: “This is the best TV show in years, and the only one I still enjoy watching the old-fashioned way, one episode a week, instead of binge-watching. It’s simply delightful, and something I look forward to.”

Another person added: “Finally… The hour of escape we all need, every Thursday in the run up to Christmas… The return of All Creatures Great and Small. Welcome to Darrowby.”

All Creatures Great and Small airs on Channel 5 at 9pm on Thursdays.