All Creatures Great and Small fans 'crying' after tragic death in heartbreaking James Herriot scenes
Fans of 'All Creatures Great and Small' were moved to tears on Thursday as the beloved character James Herriot, played by Nicholas Ralph, returned to their screens. This episode, however, showed him away from the comforts of Skeldale House and the presence of his wife Helen (Rachel Shenton) due to his wartime duties as a pilot.
The emotionally charged episode saw James grounded by illness, preventing him from fulfilling what would have been his first "active mission" in Scotland. Instead, viewers watched as he took on work at a farm where he had a heartfelt moment assisting with the birth of a calf.
Tragedy struck when it was revealed that the pilot who took James's place on the Scottish mission was killed in an attack by three German aircrafts, along with two other comrades.
In deeply affecting scenes, an emotional James learned of the tragic incident. His commanding officer reported: "They were halfway back when three German planes came out of nowhere. Our boys were shot down over the North Sea. The pilot didn't stand a chance," according to the Express.
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Confronted with the severity of what occurred, James realised that his sickness potentially saved his life, prompting him to ask: "Were there any survivors?"
The officer revealed that while one survivor was pulled from the wreckage, his condition was critical.
When asked about a fellow crew member, the sombre officer regretfully relayed: "He died on impact, I am sorry. I know they were your crew."
Trying to stay composed, the veteran asked: "Will they be bringing them back?"
"It's out of the question, I'm afraid," the officer replied as the vet's concern for his friends survival grew.
At the close of the episode, viewers watched through misty eyes as James received a tearful medical discharge from service, departing from the military and returning to Skeldale House.
The comeback of the Channel 5 drama brought a mix of joy and sombre moods to its audience. One viewer penned: "I'm sad about James' men," while another commented, "James could have been killed, I am glad he got to go home to Helen."
Calls for emotional reprieve echoed with a viewer pleading, "Don't make me SOB," whereas another responded with relief and sentimentality to James's homecoming: "Great James is home. Wonderful and heartwarming."
"Ahhh, warm fuzzy feelings after watching #ACGAS. It's just like a comfort blanket. Fantastic first episode, and now I can't wait for next week," someone else went on.
The show has consistently moved its viewers, with one fan confessing on Twitter, "I'm tearing up at the birth of that calf," while another revealed their emotional response by saying, "Crying like a baby."
All Creatures Great and Small returns next Thursday at 9pm on Channel 5.