Series 7 (1990) The opening credit sequence of the early episodes of the final series again features Siegfried and James driving around the Dales, this time from head-on rather than from the driver's side of the vehicle. For episodes involving Tristan, he is also filmed driving his convertible, wearing a flat cap and waving at two women having a picnic by the roadside.
"Knowin' How To Do It" and "If Music Be the Food of Love" feature the J.R. Stubbs opening credits.
In the closing credits sequence, the three vets are seen exiting a shop called Players Please, next door to The Castle Tea Shop, before getting into Siegfried's car. The closing credits sequences are changed later in the series, with James exiting the back of Skeldale House and being roped into assisting Siegfried in working on the latter's car. Helen and Mrs Alton also receive isolated introductions. For the final episode, the closing credits sequences return to their early-series format.
No. Title Original air date
1 "The Prodigal Returns" 1 September 1990
After two years in Ireland, Tristan returns to Darrowby and promptly falls victim of James' practical joke which leaves him intent on avoiding Susie Parker at all costs. Skeldale House needs a new housekeeper, and Siegfried wants to give the job to Mrs Alton. He sends Tristan to finalise the arrangements, but he offers the job to the wrong Mrs Alton. James continues to do battle with Mr Biggins, and has to deal with the Birse's neglected and seriously ill dog.
Characters: Mrs Alton, Mr Biggins, Sylvia Alton, Susie Parker, Mrs Birse, Bert Chapman, Mr Howell, Tom Randall, Mrs Howell, Joe Manton.