All Creatures Great and Small fans have watched Tristan Farnon return from World War II with his usual smile and jokes, but actor Callum Woodhouse reveals that behind the cheerful exterior, his character is carrying deep emotional scars. In a recent interview, Woodhouse explained that Tristan is “good at putting on a brave face,” even as he struggles with the trauma of what he experienced during the war .
The sixth season of the beloved PBS drama has taken a deeper look into Tristan’s time serving with the Royal Army Veterinary Corps. While the war in Europe has ended, its effects on the younger Farnon brother are just beginning to surface. Woodhouse shared that Tristan spends much of the season trying to push down his painful memories and pretend everything is fine, but small moments reveal the truth .
Tristan’s Hidden Pain Comes to Light
Throughout Season 6, viewers have seen glimpses that Tristan is not the same carefree person who left Darrowby. He kept his Military Cross medal hidden until Mrs. Hall accidentally found it while doing laundry. He could only open up about his feelings to a grieving parrot named George, recognizing the bird’s sorrow over losing its flock and owner .
Woodhouse explained that Tristan’s ability to joke and enjoy time with friends like James Herriot is real in the moment, but the pain returns when he is alone. “The second he’s left to his own thoughts, the cloud descends over his brain again,” the actor said .
The Heartbreaking Confession in Episode 6
The most powerful moment of the season came in Episode 6, titled “Our Hearts Are Full,” when Tristan finally broke down and told Siegfried what happened to him in Sicily . The scene showed Tristan weeping as he described how his unit hit land mines, killing many of his friends. His close friend Billy saved Tristan’s life by warning him not to move, but Billy did not survive.
“I got the medal because I managed to save a few chaps,” Tristan told his brother through tears. “But Billy wasn’t one of them. He saved me, but I couldn’t save him. The cross should be his, not mine” .
The confession came after Tristan fled from treating a frightened shire horse named Weissmuller. Siegfried realized that his brother was not scared of the horse itself, but the fear in the animal’s eyes brought back the trauma of the battlefield.
Callum Woodhouse Prepared Thoroughly for the Role
Woodhouse took his responsibility for telling this story seriously. He visited the Imperial War Museum in London to research what soldiers experienced during World War II, especially those who suffered from what is now called PTSD. The actor bought many books from the museum’s gift shop to fully understand the subject .
“It’s such an important and sensitive subject that you really want to do it justice and get it right,” Woodhouse said .
The actor had previously hinted that this season would explore darker territory for Tristan. In earlier interviews, he mentioned that while Tristan seemed to have an easier time during his first stint away, this time around “it’s been a bit more harrowing” with “an undercurrent of emotional distress” running through the story .
Other Storylines in Season 6
While Tristan’s trauma takes center stage, Season 6 has also featured other dramatic moments. James risked his safety to save a sick greyhound from an illegal dog race, with Siegfried and Mrs. Hall helping him steal the animal and flee from threatening mobsters . Chris Gascoyne guest-starred as one of the men running the race.
Siegfried also received a wake-up call about his behavior when young Jimmy Herriot accidentally revealed that Helen called him selfish. This led Siegfried to realize how his actions were affecting the Skeldale family .
New faces joined the cast this season, including Gaia Wise as Charlotte, who Tristan invites to meet his family after opening up about his feelings .
The War’s End Brings Mixed Emotions
Episode 6 took place on VJ Day, when news arrived that Japan had surrendered and World War II was finally over. While the citizens of Darrowby celebrated, Tristan struggled to join in the joy. By the end of the episode, he put on his medal and lit the bonfire, joining the community in looking toward the future .
Woodhouse described filming that celebration scene as magical. “You don’t have to act that much. You just take in your surroundings, look at what’s around you, and very much feel in the moment. It was fantastic” .
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What This Means for Tristan’s Future
The sixth season has shown that Tristan still worries he may never fully recover from what he witnessed. In his emotional conversation with Siegfried, he expressed this fear directly: “No one wants the war to be over more than me, but if all it takes is some scared horse to wrench me back, then maybe it never will be” .
While the season has not provided easy answers, Tristan’s willingness to share his burden with Siegfried marks an important step. The brothers have always had a close but competitive relationship, and this moment of vulnerability strengthens their bond.
All Creatures Great and Small has already been renewed for Seasons 7 and 8, ensuring that viewers will continue to follow Tristan’s journey . The show’s producers have confirmed that both new seasons will each consist of six episodes plus Christmas specials .
For US audiences, Season 6 airs Sundays at 9/8c on PBS through Masterpiece. The season finale is scheduled for February 22, 2026 . UK viewers can stream all episodes on Channel 5 .
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