Today I thought I'd talk about my current favorite TV show,
All Creatures Great and Small. As you probably know by now, I don't want much in the way of main stream television, in fact I can't recall the last time I watched anything on ABC, CBS or NBC. I simply don't find much that these stations offer to be worth my time. But
PBS, well, that's a different story, which inwardly makes me laugh a little. My dad enjoyed watching shows on PBS, and listening to NPR, which as a child and young teenager, I found completely nerdy and boring! Sorry, dad, I get it now! For the most part, if it's not a classic sitcom from the 50's and 60's, PBS is about the only other television I watch. In the past I subscribed though my local PBS station, but in recent years I've subscribed to the Masterpiece channel through Amazon for about $5.00 a month, which, in my opinion, is worth every penny.
All Creatures Great and Small feature's James Herriot's adventures as a veterinarian in 1930's Yorkshire, and as I learned early on, is a new adaptation as it was first made into a series in the late 70's. I've been considering watching the earlier adaptation, but I so love the characters in the current series, I'm afraid I won't like it. The original series does have quite a following, and many who watched it don't care for the new adaptation. My guess is, in the end, it all depends on which you saw first.
My all time favorite character in the series is Mrs. Hall, played by
Anna Madeley. Mrs. Hall is the houskeeper, but in spite of what Siegfried Farnon, the head veterinarian and owner of the practice believes, she is in charge! Kind, compassionate and loving, and the woman can really cook! Mrs. Hall is very intentional in her relationships with others, and I feel that with her, people feel seen. I also just discovered that she starred in the movie
The Secret Life of Mrs. Beeton, which is based on the life of home management and cookbook author, Isabella Beeton. It's available for purchase from Amazon, but I think I'd like to know a little more about it before I pay for it.
Another favorite is Tristan Farnon, portrayed by
Callum Woodhouse. Tristan is a playboy, a bit lazy and has a poor work ethic (which improves as the series progresses), but I find his character so full of life and fun-loving. Though I would have never been attracted to someone like him in real life, I'm very fond of him. There is a tenderness about him, and you know that deep down he really does want to be taken seriously and to make his brother proud. As Mrs. Hall frequently admonishes, "He are a good boy!"
And finally, Jenny Alderson, portrayed by
Imogen Clawson. Jenny is determined, stubborn and wise beyond her years. She loves animals and has a number of pets. She lost her mother early in her life, which makes her relationship with her older sister Helen (who marries James Herriot), complicated to navigate at times. Personally, I would really like to see a budding romance betwen her and Tristan at some point, now that she's growing up. Imogen was only 13 when she landed the role, and it's her acting debut, which I find impressive!
I could honestly keep going, sharing all the things I love about every character in the show, it's really just that good! It isn't often that a series with such a large cast manages to fully develop so many characters, but this series excels at it.! There are currently 5 seasons of the show, the 5th season having just debuted in the US in January (it airs in the UK in autumn each year). I received the
first three seasons and
seaon four on DVD for Christmas this year, and I've already asked for
season 5 for mother's day (it releases March 11)! This is definitely one that I would enjoy watching again and again, in fact, I just recently began watching it again with my husband who is thoroughly enjoying it, as well!
Another thing that I love about the series is the music, and I was delighted to find the soundtrack for each season on Spotify. I've included the links to each one below.
I've been listening to them a lot lately and I've really enjoyed them.
If you've never watched this series, I highly recommend it! As I said, I pay around $5 a month for Masterpiece, and there are so many other shows available to watch, as well. It is definitely worth the cost for what I consider to be higher quality entertainment.
Are you familiar with this series, or the original adaptation from the late 70's? If so, I'd love to hear your thoughts. Let's chat in the comments!
Until then . . .
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1 comment:
This is my all. time. favorite. show. And now we've got to wait another year (?) for the next season. Sigh....
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