I liked the episode well enough, but it felt very abrupt to be plunged into the thick of their post-war lives and be left to deal with the changes...the new living arrangements, the two Herriot kids, Tristan's new job, and Mrs Greenlaw. Not to mention a switch in actor for Helen. So much seems to change and apparently we're just supposed to orient ourselves.
Well, that's not the actual chronology of the episodes. Bertween Season Three and Season Four were two episodes, Christmas Special 1983 and Christmas Special 1985, which actually need to be seen before Season 4. Unfortunately in the Britbox lineup, where I am watching the show in June 2021, the Christmas specials are placed after Season 4 in the line up when they should be placed after Season 3. The Specials show the transition- James returning from war, the explanation of what happened to Mrs Hall, James trying to establish a relationship with his son Jimmy (born during the war) and with his new role in the post-war world. And Carol Drinkwater still playing Helen. Aside from their overall excellence the Christmas specials are must-sees so as to avoid the abrupt shifts that hit us if we go straight from the final episode of 3 to the first episode of season 4.
Without them the first episode is watchable but it takes a little effort to feel connected to new characters and new situations. Personalities and appearances have changed too- everyone seems a little wearier and a little worn. It makes sense in terms of the story: the terrible war and time have had their impact. But as the season progresses the story picks up and so does the energy. I only wish we'd had episodes for the interim period.
Well, that's not the actual chronology of the episodes. Bertween Season Three and Season Four were two episodes, Christmas Special 1983 and Christmas Special 1985, which actually need to be seen before Season 4. Unfortunately in the Britbox lineup, where I am watching the show in June 2021, the Christmas specials are placed after Season 4 in the line up when they should be placed after Season 3. The Specials show the transition- James returning from war, the explanation of what happened to Mrs Hall, James trying to establish a relationship with his son Jimmy (born during the war) and with his new role in the post-war world. And Carol Drinkwater still playing Helen. Aside from their overall excellence the Christmas specials are must-sees so as to avoid the abrupt shifts that hit us if we go straight from the final episode of 3 to the first episode of season 4.
Without them the first episode is watchable but it takes a little effort to feel connected to new characters and new situations. Personalities and appearances have changed too- everyone seems a little wearier and a little worn. It makes sense in terms of the story: the terrible war and time have had their impact. But as the season progresses the story picks up and so does the energy. I only wish we'd had episodes for the interim period.
