All Creatures Great and Small

I do like the current one I particularly like the actress who plays his wife . But yes I would agree the first one had higher calibre actors in with Robert Hardy and Christopher Timothy they were very accomplished . I know James Herriots family particularly like current actors and how his Scottish roots are portrayed.

Couldn't agree more. Gave up on the new series after the first episode! Not a patch on the original or the books! Mrs Hall far too young and familiar for that time, Tristan not even remotely attractive, others? Mundane at best. Storyline? Soap opera aply describes it!

With respect, I think James Herriots family are more than happy that this originally wonderful series good or bad is continuing!!!!

I much prefer this new version. I never liked Christopher Timothy or Helen Drinkwater. The new James and Helen are better. Robert Hardy was good at being Robert Hardy. The new Siegfried is much subtler.
Either way it's pleasant viewing. A nice change from crime dramas.

I’ve enjoyed the recent series, if I didn’t, I’d have stopped watching way before the last episode specki4eyes.

I’ve enjoyed all the new episodes. Sam West is very good as Siegfried and all the other characters are well acted.

A carbon copy of the original just wouldn’t work today.

I find the current series more to my liking than the early one. I always felt slightly 'put out' that James was played by an English actor. The 'new James' is more likeable and the series as a whole more 'down to earth'.

I like the new series too, I didn't like Carol Drinkwater in the original either. I do like Mrs Hall in this series.

I too like the Scottish James, also Timothy West as Siegfried, Mrs Hall etc
But we each have our own mental picture of characters from a book and few adaptations quite fit our own ideas.

Aveline

I much prefer this new version. I never liked Christopher Timothy or Helen Drinkwater. The new James and Helen are better. Robert Hardy was good at being Robert Hardy. The new Siegfried is much subtler.
Either way it's pleasant viewing. A nice change from crime dramas.

Totally agree.

I didn’t see the original series so have nothing with which to compare the current programme. I’m enjoying it as a relaxing hour or so and love the fashions and knitwear.

I really loved the new one until the current series which I do think has become a bit over sentimental and a bit depressing.

Wartime was/is 'depressing' though. It's interesting to see how things were on the home front. I'd have thought James was in a reserved occupation but maybe he specially volunteered?

MayBee70

I really loved the new one until the current series which I do think has become a bit over sentimental and a bit depressing.

Maybe that’s because of the war?

I think both Siegfrieds act all the other actors off the stage!! Both had acting experience in Shakespeare and Robert Hardy was in the same style as Lawrence Olivier whilst Sam West does give a subtler performance. The new series story lines reflect the age the programmes are produced.

Freya5

Aveline

I much prefer this new version. I never liked Christopher Timothy or Helen Drinkwater. The new James and Helen are better. Robert Hardy was good at being Robert Hardy. The new Siegfried is much subtler.
Either way it's pleasant viewing. A nice change from crime dramas.

Totally agree.

I agree too .... I love the new one!

merlotgran

MayBee70

I really loved the new one until the current series which I do think has become a bit over sentimental and a bit depressing.

Maybe that’s because of the war?

I don’t think so. One of my favourite series recently was Life After Life so I don’t necessarily want my tv watching to be happy happy. I still like the new adaptation but not as much now as when it first started. Maybe there isn’t as much emphasis on the animals as I’d like?

I like both versions equally.
No swearing, drug abuse or anything else unpleasant or distasteful - gives you a lovely warm & fuzzy glow 🤗.

I hope that they continue to make more series 🤞

I much prefer the casting in this series, especially James and Helen. I like Mrs Hall but she is nothing like the pleasant old lady in the books!

On balance I prefer the new version although I can’t take to the new Helen at all. Sam West is just perfect as Siegfried.