The Best Episodes Written By Ben Vanstone

Episode Rankings

1. #1 Fan Favorite
   

   9.0/10(4 votes)

   #1 - Gathering the Flock

   S6:E19/25/2025

   May 1945, and things look very different at Skeldale House as James is struggling with a wild and chaotic Siegfried. When Tristan returns from war and is shocked to see the shift in his brother, he and James decide to take action. But there's also some good news around the corner for everyone.

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   Writer:Ben Vanstone

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2. 

   8.8/10(5 votes)

   #2 - The Perfect Christmas

   S2:E712/24/2021

   James and Helen spend their first Christmas together, but must agree on where to spend it. Despite all seeming idyllic, the vets are troubled as Tricki Woo is sick.

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   Writer:Ben Vanstone

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3. 

   8.8/10(5 votes)

   #3 - Merry Bloody Christmas

   S3:E712/23/2022

   It’s Christmas in Darrowby and everyone is trying to make the most of things while the world is at war. A young guest brings some wonder, mischief and cheer to Skeldale House while everyone waits for important news. When Mrs Pumphrey heralds the arrival of a kitten in need of extra care. Siegfried is asked to pay a visit to an injured River just before a big race.

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   Writer:Ben Vanstone

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4. 

   8.6/10(7 votes)

   #4 - The Night Before Christmas

   S1:E712/22/2020

   James is trying to bury his pain over Helen and has invited his new girlfriend Connie to the annual Skeldale Christmas party. As the house fills with locals, James receives a call from a man who wants help with his dog who is giving birth.

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   Writer:Ben Vanstone

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5. 

   8.5/10(6 votes)

   #5 - On a Wing and a Prayer

   S4:E712/21/2023

   An emotional phone call with a very pregnant Helen makes James determined to get back to her, but he doesn't have many options, and RAF mascot Georgie needs his help. Meanwhile, Mrs Hall prepares a community Christmas celebration in Darrowby, while Siegfried and Carmody argue over who will be Father Christmas.

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   Writer:Ben Vanstone

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6. 

   8.3/10(3 votes)

   #6 - Jenny Wren

   S6:E410/16/2025

   Helen is thrilled when Jenny gets exciting news and sets about getting her sister prepared for a big move, but soon realises neither of them are ready for it. Mrs Hall asks for time off for her granddaughter's birthday in Sunderland, and Siegfried starts to panic.

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   Writer:Ben Vanstone

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7. 

   8.2/10(9 votes)

   #7 - A Cure for All Ills

   S1:E610/6/2020

   James' workload doubles when Siegfried takes ill during a harsh winter. Mrs Hall discovers it is James' birthday, and Tristan tries his best to cheer him up by arranging a double date. Season finale.

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8. 

   8.0/10(7 votes)

   #8 - Semper Progrediens

   S2:E29/23/2021

   With Tristan's encouragement, James asks Helen if she'd like to go to the local spring dance. But village resident Gerald's arrival with his injured dog, Rock, puts a spanner in the works. Meanwhile, Tristan worries that Siegfried is in danger of losing his edge.

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9. 

   8.0/10(7 votes)

   #9 - Surviving Siegfried

   S3:E39/29/2022

   Siegfried receives some difficult news and becomes even more irascible than usual. The perfect distraction comes along in the form of Major Sebright Saunders, who asks Siegfried to look at a difficult young racehorse called River.

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10. 

    8.0/10(5 votes)

    #10 - 26 Days to Go

    S1:E410/21/2015

    Rhonda horrifies herself when she realises she will do anything to maintain her freedom. Meanwhile, Ariel stumbles on the US Government's biggest secret.

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11. 

    7.9/10(14 votes)

    #11 - The Poisoned Chalice

    S1:E410/11/2008

    With her sights set firmly on Merlin, Nimueh tricks him into drinking from a poisoned chalice, and he falls dangerously ill. Arthur ventures forth deep into the forest of Balor to find the antidote, but little does he know that he's walking into a trap

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12. 

    7.9/10(10 votes)

    #12 - You've Got to Dream

    S1:E19/1/2020

    Fresh out of veterinary college in 1937, James Herriot struggles to find work in his Depression-struck home town of Glasgow. Seeking new opportunities, he pursues a position in the remote village of Darrowby working for eccentric local vet Siegfried Farnon, who is less than impressed by his early efforts. However, a difficult calving gives James a chance to prove his worth.

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13. 

    7.9/10(7 votes)

    #13 - Where the Heart Is

    S2:E19/16/2021

    It’s spring in 1938, and a trip back home to Glasgow presents James Herriot with a dilemma that will mean choosing between the people he loves when he is offered a position at his old mentor's forward-thinking practice.

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14. 

    7.9/10(7 votes)

    #14 - Second Time Lucky

    S3:E19/15/2022

    It is now spring 1939 and a potential world war looms. Tristan is now a qualified vet, while James enters a new stage of his life with Helen and at the practice. After being made joint business partner by Siegfried, James pushes to take on more responsibility via the Ministry of Agriculture's new bovine TB testing scheme, but its unexpected challenges risk pushing him to breaking point.

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15. 

    7.8/10(9 votes)

    #15 - A Tricki Case

    S1:E49/22/2020

    James is forced to take in Mrs Pumphrey's pampered Pekingese. Tristan prepares to return to university, but needs Siegfried's help to pay for his accommodation, but Siegfried insists he must first prove he is serious about being a vet. James treats the Aldersons' prize bull, and Helen rewards his efforts with some unusual home baking.

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    Writer:Ben Vanstone

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16. 

    7.8/10(6 votes)

    #16 - Home Truths

    S2:E610/21/2021

    As Chamberlain heads to meet with Hitler in Munich, James prepares to face his parents and give them some difficult news. Meanwhile, James's agenda is derailed by an emergency with the Alderson's pregnant mare, Candy.

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17. 

    7.7/10(10 votes)

    #17 - Another Farnon?

    S1:E29/8/2020

    Skeldale House descends into chaos with the arrival of Siegfried's wayward brother Tristan. Helen provides James with a reason to stay in the Dales.

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18. 

    7.3/10(13 votes)

    #18 - The Moment of Truth

    S1:E1011/22/2008

    Merlin is stunned when his mother, Hunith, turns up in Camelot--bruised, battered and desperate for help from Uther. She explains to Uther that a bandit named Kanen and his men have been attacking her village demanding all of their harvest or he will kill them. When Uther refuses to help, Merlin leaves Camelot to protect his mother and friends. To Merlin's surprise, Arthur, Morgana and Gwen join forces with him to save his village--but at what cost?

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19. 

    7.2/10(14 votes)

    #19 - The Gates of Avalon

    S1:E711/1/2008

    Morgana has a nightmare and sees Arthur's death at the hands of a strange but beautiful girl. Meanwhile, hunting in the forest, Merlin and Arthur save the same girl, Sophia, and her father, Aulfric from attack by bandits and bring them to Camelot for refuge. Morgana realizes that Sophia is the girl from her nightmare and tries to warn Arthur, who is smitten with her. As the truth of Morgana's magical gift for seeing future events unfolds, so does a father and daughter's plan to bring down the kingdom of Camelot by sacrificing Arthur in return for eternal life.

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    Writer:Ben Vanstone

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20. 

    7.2/10(13 votes)

    #20 - The Nightmare Begins

    S2:E310/3/2009

    When Morgana's nightmares spill into waking hours, she becomes terrified that she has the power of magic. Gaius is determined to keep her in the dark for her own good but Merlin won't stand by and watch his friend suffer. He knows exactly what she's going through and he knows she needs the truth. Is Merlin about to reveal his secret at last?

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21. 

    6.8/10(12 votes)

    #21 - Beauty and the Beast (2)

    S2:E610/31/2009

    Lady Catrina has now been crowned and is now known as Queen Catrina. She accuses Merlin of stealing and he is driven into hiding, and must now find a way to expose her true form.

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    Writer:Ben Vanstone

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22. 

    5.8/10(16 votes)

    #22 - Adieu

    S1:E85/17/2024

    The Count and Anna devise an elaborate plan, with huge consequences should it fail. However, things quickly start to unravel. An inevitable showdown is set between the Count and an old enemy.

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23. 

    5.8/10(16 votes)

    #23 - Good Times

    S1:E44/19/2024

    The Count must undertake a dangerous political mission to save a friend.

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24. 

    5.7/10(17 votes)

    #24 - The Last Rostov

    S1:E34/12/2024

    As his old life crumbles, the Count receives some devastating news; blinded by hurt, he embroils his friends in a dangerous plan; his disregard for the state may have consequences; Nina makes a surprise return, as Anna's career takes a turn.

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25. 

    5.6/10(16 votes)

    #25 - An Assembly

    S1:E75/10/2024

    Russia stands on the brink of change in 1953, as someone close to the Count is granted a major opportunity. But when the return of an old friend makes the Count see clearly, he's confronted with a difficult choice about the future.

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