All Creatures Great and Small's Tristan makes a decision about his future, as Siegfried remains conflicted about his own

While the previous season of All Creatures Great and Small was about its characters surviving the day to day as war raged on in Europe, season 7 takes a much more forward-looking approach as they consider tomorrow and what it could bring.

After experiencing the horrors of the front line first hand, Tristan only had eyes for Skeldale House following his service. But thanks to the love and support of his family – and in particular his girlfriend Charlotte, who has been a balm to his soul – he has seemingly come through the very worst of it and is able to resume thinking about his future.

Although that has to be teased out of him by Charlotte, who has now departed for New York with her sister, where she'll remain for several months.

"I hope that you know that I’ll be right here waiting for you when you return," he says to her during their final date.

"In the kindest possible way, I hope you are not," she replies, for Charlotte can sense his restlessness, and wants the very best for him, whatever it means for their relationship.

Love is patient, love is kind.

Read more:

• "Just fed up of each other now really!" Rachel Shenton & Nicholas Ralph on their TV family
• All Creatures Great and Small delivers update on fan favourite character following exit – but it's disappointing news

Following Charlotte's gentle encouragement – and a very peculiar encounter with the local barber – Tristan arrived at his decision. As flattered and grateful as he was to receive the offer of partner from Siegfried and James, he knew his calling lay elsewhere, for the time being at least.

In the final moments of tonight's episode (15 October), he sent off his application for a position at the Ministry of Agriculture. The role would involve being at the forefront of new developments, meeting new people and some travel, which could potentially mean a little less of actor Callum Woodhouse in future episodes.

There is also some uncertainty about what the future holds for Tristan and Charlotte. As Woodhouse previously told Radio Times, "they're the perfect couple, but maybe they've sort of met at the wrong time".

"It's a really beautiful journey that they go on," he added. "There's a lot of love there."

But while Tristan has arrived at a decision about his future, Siegfried appears conflicted about his own.

Mrs Hall had to remind him several times to book a slot at the registry office for his upcoming nuptials to Dorothy. He got there eventually – 31 August at 3pm – but it certainly wasn't top of his agenda.

He's undoubtedly a busy man, but too busy to remember his own wedding? It doesn't fill one with confidence, does it?

His reluctance to move out of Skeldale House also raises further questions about whether the wedding will go ahead. As it stands, he's agreed to live with Dorothy once they've tied the knot, as it's both "practical", and the done thing.

But every time the thought crosses Siegfried's mind, he practically winces, hinting at something far more substantial than pre-wedding jitters.

His new life with Dorothy should be a source of excitement, with any natural anxieties, and the thought of leaving one's home of many years, quelled by the adventure ahead.

Yet, Siegfried looks as pensive as we've ever seen him, which begs the question: what is the source of his unrest really? Is this just about leaving Skeldale House, with all of its memories and comforts?

Or is it about who he'll be leaving: Mrs Hall?

Fans have long speculated that their bond goes beyond friendship, pointing to the lingering looks and subtle moments between them across the seasons.

Watching them tuck Jimmy and Rosie in for the night in episode 5 offered a glimpse of what they might be like as a couple. And, if we do say so ourselves, we rather liked it.

So, what's it to be, Siegfried? Dorothy or Mrs Hall? With the wedding still very much on, you're running out of time.

All Creatures Great and Small season 7 airs on Thursday 9pm on 5. All Creatures Great and Small: Behind the Magic will air at 9pm on Friday 18 September.

Add All Creatures Great and Small to your watchlist on the Radio Times: What to Watch app – download now for daily TV recommendations, features and more.

Check out more of our Drama coverage or visit our TV Guide and Streaming Guide to find out what's on. For more TV recommendations and reviews listen to The Radio Times Podcast.