It's the spring of 1941, and with the state of the war, James' unit has gone into an expedited pace of training, he to be the pilot for a five-person team in the unit's first long distance training flight in preparation for the imminent entry into active battle. They are to treat that training flight like the real deal. What happens makes James need to examine his feeling of loyalty to his country and to his unit against how he can best provide service holistically. Back in Darrowby, little Jimmy has taken over life at Skeldale House, all the adults doting on him when they aren't dealing with other day-to-day issues, which for Siegfried and Carmody is their veterinary service, and Mrs. Hall and Helen volunteering for the war effort. With the veterinary service, Siegfried, in feeling snowed under, is convinced by Mrs. Hall to give Carmody more independent responsibility. Carmody's success or failure largely rests with what happens to Dot Fawcett's beloved cat Frisk, who she needs more now than ever for emotional comfort as she, otherwise alone, recovers from a hysterectomy. And following Mrs. Pumphrey's lead, Mrs. Hall wants to step up her volunteer activities, if only those with the power will let her.
—Huggo