I've felt the need to reevaluate: There is much about this series to like. First of all, contrary to what many reviewers seem to think, this series is not, not, NOT a reboot of the 70s version. This series, like the one in the 70s, is based upon a series of books written by James Alfred (Alf) Wight, OBE, who gave his character the name 'James Herriot'. His books have sold around 100 million copies. The one advantage the series has over his books is of being able to actually show us the lovely North Yorkshire countryside. Even today, lovers of the books journey to see the wonderfully majestic scenery of the ruggedly beautiful Dales that the series shows us so well.
As for the cast:
Nicholas Ralph: Excellent casting. Makes a wonderful 'James Herriot', starting out as a new vet unsure of himself, somewhat bumbling, and a bit naive - but incredibly kind, warm-hearted, and empathetic, with a great love of animals (and people as well). Plus, he has the lovely, lilting Scottish accent the real author Alf Wight had!
Samuel West: Does a great job as 'Siegfried Farnon' (real name Donald Sinclair) who, in real life, was every bit as eccentric, irascible, inconsistent, petty, generous, bombastic, etc. In fact, Wight's son explained in his own book ('The Real James Herriot: A Memoir of My Father') that his father actually had to tone down Sigfried's character because Wight's portrayal of him upset him so. Donald was also quite a ladies man and did not marry until fairly late in life.
Callum Woodhouse: He does a nice job playing 'Tristan Farnon' (Brian Sinclair). He comes in for a lot of criticism from reviewers, but that was the character portrayed in the books (radical concept for this show, I know!). He was a somewhat unmotivated ne'er-do-well who loved to play practical jokes and DID drive his brother crazy. He was also quite bright which his brother knew, and it was part of what drives Sigfried so crazy when Tristan keeps failing various exams. Brian, in contrast to his brother, thoroughly loved the books and his portrayal.
Rachel Shenton: Her portrayal of Helen Alderson' (Joan Wight) is fine and accurate, except for her sister Jenny, who the writers apparently made up for this series, just as they did her 'fiance' Hugh.
The not so good:
Anna Madeley: 'Mrs. Hall' - You can pretty much assume that anything the (much younger & attractive) character does is made up by the writers of this current series. It's not in the books. This is clearly an attempt by the writers to balance the show out and add to the female characters of the show since the book characters are largely male. I get that, but it's annoying that she is portrayed as so perfect and all-knowing. Wight's characters were human and had flaws. Mrs. Hall, as made up by the writers, does not.
The writers: It's annoying at times when they change certain stories needlessly. I mean, Alf Wight sold around 100 million books, so obviously he knows how to tell a good story. Yet the writers seem to think they know better. Read the books, and one chapter you're crying, the next, laughing helplessly. You have to be careful if you're reading the book out in public because people will be looking at you like you're a lunatic. The series, while quite well done in many respects, doesn't evoke that depth of feeling. And the humour is definitely in short supply.
TV Broadcasters: (Here, Channel 5) Their insistence (not just in this series, but in EVERY series) of being socially 'correct' no matter how anachronistic certain characters are for the time period &/or location. It's very jarring, and takes you out of the story.
Conclusion: Read the books. Really, you'll love them!
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