James is finally succeeding with the farmers' uptake of the Ministry of Agriculture's TB testing scheme. However, he is struggling with the complicated paperwork and he is keen to keep this from Siegfried, after being told that it was to be his responsibility alone. The MAG summons James and tells him that he has one more chance to get it right or Skeldale will lose the scheme entirely. After revealing this to Helen, she helps James to do everything by the book, but suspects that there is more going on with James than he is willing to say. Tristan decides that he is outgrowing running the small animal surgery and buys a car to help with errands at the practice. It also provides him with transport for taking Florence, the daughter of Siegfried's rival, George Pandhi, out on a date. Siegfried feels sidelined and focuses on micromanaging Tricki while he is on another health visit at Skeldale. A shock departure from Darrowby brings James's feelings about his place in Darrowby to the surface for Helen. Siegfried steps in and realises that he still has the power to bring everyone back together again. Mrs Hall agrees to go on a date with Gerald without realising his intentions and has to decide whether she is ready for them to be more than friends.
