top of page
Writer's pictureHy Na

Siegfried Farnon’s Unseen Side Revealed in This Week’s All Creatures Great and Small!

The latest episodes of All Creatures Great and Small have peeled back layers of Siegfried Farnon, exposing a more intricate and nuanced side of his character than fans have seen before. Portrayed by Samuel West, Siegfried embodies a complex blend of gruffness, loyalty, and deeply held emotions rooted in his past, particularly his service in World War I. In season five, set amid the turmoil of World War II, Siegfried’s vulnerabilities and past traumas resurface, coloring his relationships and decisions as he grapples with personal and professional challenges at Skeldale House.


Source: Youtube

A Layered Relationship with Tristan

The bond between Siegfried and his younger brother, Tristan, has long been a core aspect of the series. While previous seasons showcased Siegfried’s protective yet often exasperated love for Tristan, this season delves deeper. Tristan’s return from military service prompts a reunion scene that Samuel West describes as both heartwarming and bittersweet. West has shared that this scene, filmed on the same railway platform used in The Railway Children, was particularly moving for him. It brings out the layered emotions Siegfried feels: joy at having his brother back, coupled with a subtle but powerful worry about how the war may have impacted Tristan. This concern reflects Siegfried’s own harrowing experiences as a young man in World War I—a trauma that he rarely discusses but that shapes his actions and reactions​.


Siegfried’s complex feelings about his own service add a new dimension to his character. On the surface, he often teases Tristan, as if the younger man’s trials and experiences could be easily brushed off. Yet beneath his teasing exterior lies a deep fear for Tristan’s mental well-being. Siegfried knows that war leaves its mark, often in ways that are not immediately visible, and he understands the lasting scars that come from seeing suffering and death. In their shared moments, Siegfried’s protectiveness sometimes verges on overbearing, but it is tempered by his love for Tristan and a desire to shield him from the darker aspects of his own wartime memories​.


The Dynamic with Mrs. Hall

Another poignant aspect of Siegfried’s unseen side is his relationship with Mrs. Hall, Skeldale’s housekeeper, portrayed by Anna Madeley. Throughout the series, the two have developed a quiet, almost familial bond, with Siegfried often looking out for her. Yet, his protective instincts can sometimes cross the line. In one memorable scene, Siegfried attempts to stand up for Mrs. Hall when she is at odds with the community warden, Mr. Bosworth. His actions, though well-intentioned, reveal a possessive streak, as if he feels he alone should take care of her. Mrs. Hall, however, values her independence and reminds Siegfried that she can handle her own battles. This moment serves as a crucial learning experience for Siegfried, who begins to recognize that his fierce loyalty sometimes manifests as an overreach.


Source: IMDb


This exchange with Mrs. Hall also hints at Siegfried’s deeper emotional landscape. His desire to protect her may stem from a subconscious sense of loneliness or jealousy when she steps outside the confines of Skeldale House. Mrs. Hall’s insistence on her independence challenges Siegfried to re-evaluate his relationships, especially with the people he cares about most. Over time, it becomes clear that Siegfried’s sometimes brusque behavior conceals an intense need for connection, a vulnerability he rarely allows to surface​.


Balancing Work and War

Beyond his relationships, Siegfried’s dedication to his veterinary practice comes to the forefront this season as he takes on the increased workload due to James Herriot’s absence while serving in the RAF. Running Skeldale House during wartime brings a new level of stress, and Siegfried’s commitment to his patients and community is stretched to its limits. The combination of Siegfried’s high standards and his relentless work ethic creates moments of frustration, but it also shows the depth of his care for the animals and people of Darrowby. Siegfried’s interactions with the townspeople and his staff reveal his desire to maintain a sense of normalcy and stability, even as the world around them changes drastically due to the war​.


Siegfried’s relationship with his staff also reflects his evolving role as a mentor and leader. With Carmody stepping in to help at Skeldale House, Siegfried has to balance his desire for control with trust in his team. His occasional gruffness with Carmody, combined with moments of genuine praise, hints at the complex nature of Siegfried’s character—a man who sets high standards but who also cares deeply for those under his wing. This season, Siegfried’s leadership is tempered by his own vulnerabilities, making him a richer, more relatable character as he struggles with the weight of his responsibilities and the legacy he wishes to leave.


A Character Deepened by Vulnerabilities

In All Creatures Great and Small, Siegfried Farnon’s unseen side is a testament to the depth that Samuel West brings to the character. Siegfried’s past traumas, his complex relationships, and his role as a wartime veterinarian converge to show a man who, despite his flaws, is deeply committed to those around him. His journey is marked by moments of introspection, vulnerability, and growth, making him a multi-dimensional figure who resonates with viewers on multiple levels.


Through his relationship with Tristan, Siegfried’s interactions with Mrs. Hall, and his dedication to his practice, the fifth season of All Creatures Great and Small sheds new light on a character who is as endearing as he is complicated. The unseen side of Siegfried Farnon enriches the story, offering a poignant exploration of loyalty, love, and the emotional scars that shape us, making him a central figure whose story is as engaging as the beautiful Yorkshire landscape in which it unfolds.

0 views0 comments

Комментарии


bottom of page