Ep 1. Episode 1

The Yorkshire Vet is a heartwarming and informative docuseries that follows the daily lives of Julian Norton and Peter Wright, two experienced and skilled veterinarians who work in Yorkshire, England. The show offers a glimpse into the challenges of rural veterinary practice, including long hours, emergencies, and demanding clients, while also celebrating the joys that come with saving animals and connecting with their owners.

In season 9 episode 1, entitled "Episode 1", viewers are reintroduced to the friendly and hardworking team at Skeldale Veterinary Centre as they face new cases and adventures. The episode opens with Julian Norton, aka "the beard of Skeldale", who is tasked with treating a rare and fragile bird of prey called a peregrine falcon. The bird has been found in a wooded area near York with an injured wing, and needs urgent surgery to give it a chance of survival. Julian is a skilled and passionate surgeon, and viewers witness him delicately handling the bird with patience and care. Julian talks us through the surgery, explaining the intricate movements and procedures that ensure the bird is given the best possible outcome.

Meanwhile, Peter Wright is called to a farm in the Dales to perform an emergency cesarean on a sheep that is struggling to give birth. Peter, who has worked at Skeldale for over 38 years, is no stranger to challenging births, and approaches the task with his customary calmness, despite the urgency of the situation. He quickly identifies that there are two unborn lambs vying for space in the ewe's womb, and needs to act fast to finish the job. Peter is also known for his unique and humorous storytelling style, and viewers are treated to an entertaining yarn about the history of cesareans and their relation to Julius Caesar.

In between these two cases, the episode introduces us to some other animal-loving characters that make up the Skeldale team. We meet the receptionist Caroline and the vet assistants, who are often called on to help with surgical procedures and handle the patients. We also catch up with the owner of Skeldale, Julian's mentor, and fellow veterinarian James Herriot, who founded the center in 1940. James's legacy lives on through the work that Julian and Peter undertake, and they are both keen to keep the spirit of compassion and expertise alive.

Throughout the episode, we are treated to stunning views of the Yorkshire countryside, from rolling hills to quaint villages and rustic old farms. The show captures the unique charm of this part of England, where tradition and innovation coexist, and where the people are as important as the animals they care for. We also get glimpses of the bonds that exist between the animals and their owners, from the farmer who says a tearful goodbye to his cow to the falconer who is overjoyed to see his beloved bird soar through the sky once more.

Overall, season 9 episode 1 of The Yorkshire Vet is a charming and uplifting start to a new season, showcasing the skills, teamwork, and compassion that make Skeldale Veterinary Centre such a special place. Viewers are sure to be entertained, informed, and moved by the stories they encounter, and will likely come away with a newfound appreciation for the role that vets play in our world.