The season seven finale of All Creatures Great and Small saw Siegfried Farnon (Samuel West) make one of the hardest decisions of his life, calling off his wedding to Dorothy (Maimie McCoy) after realising his feelings for Mrs Hall run deeper than friendship.
The concluding episode, titled Give Us This Day, initially showed Siegfried and Dorothy finalising arrangements for their understated wedding ceremony. However, Siegfried found himself preoccupied helping Granville Bennett (Caolan McCarthy) treat a horse suffering from abdominal pain rather than focusing on the impending ceremony. His brother Tristan (Callum Woodhouse) stepped in to assist him in writing his speech.
Siegfried's Realisation About Mrs Hall
As he formulated ways to honour those closest to him, Siegfried discovered himself pausing for periods of profound contemplation whenever he referenced Mrs Hall. Reflecting on his relationship with her, he reached the realisation he could "not imagine life without her" as he recognised his sentiments towards her surpassed friendship.
He hurried back to Skeldale House to gather his thoughts, but regrettably, he encountered Dorothy and Mrs Hall. Dorothy instantly recognised that Siegfried was experiencing second thoughts and responded coolly, requesting he drive her home.
Dorothy's Response and the Wedding's Cancellation
During their journey, after pulling over, Dorothy acknowledged she was already aware of Siegfried's affections for Mrs Hall, and that he did not wish to marry her. "Does she know?" she enquired of Siegfried, wondering whether he had any plans to reveal his true feelings to his housekeeper.
While feeling somewhat humiliated and let down by the turn of events, Dorothy confessed she was relieved the wedding had been cancelled, as she "deserved better" than somebody who wasn't truly in love with her. Siegfried reassured her he held her in high regard, though his affections lay elsewhere.
An Unresolved Confession
He made his way back to Skeldale determined to be honest with Mrs Hall, but she was preoccupied processing the revelation that her closest friend had been turned down mere hours before the ceremony. While Siegfried seemed to be searching for an opportunity to express his emotions, Mrs Hall remained consumed by dismay.
The episode concluded with Siegfried still unable to confess his genuine feelings for Mrs Hall. Although he has yet to make the declaration, this is an encouraging development for viewers who have been hoping for the pair to unite.
The programme is set to return for a festive special later this year, so it is hoped the Christmas episode will explore whether Siegfried finds the bravery to confide in Mrs Hall. The cherished family drama is also coming back for an eighth series, which may well continue charting the developing dynamic between the two characters.
