It is January of 1963 and London is enduring the harshest winter in 300 years. Roads are snow-packed and closed, milk is freezing in bottles left on porches, cars won’t start. But in the middle of all of this, life goes on.
None of these things interrupt the work of the sisters and midwives of Nonnatus House, those of whom are left, anyway. Patsy and Delia are off traveling the world together, Sister Mary-Cynthia is still recovering from her post-traumatic stress, Barbara has gone with her husband to his temporary assignment at a new parish, leaving Nonnatus House short a couple of midwives.
Into this gap steps a novice midwife, Lucille Anderson, who is a recent immigrant from Jamaica. She is welcomed by Nonnatus House, and put right to work. She will find, however, that her color and her immigrant status will make her unwelcome in some places.
Most of the characters we love are still here, though of the original staff of Nonnatus House that began this show way back in season one, seven years ago, only Sister Julienne, Sister Monica Joan, and Trixie still remain. Relatively new addition Valerie is still finding her way, and Sister Winifred is preparing for her driving test, much to the consternation of Nurse Crain.
But where the series really hits home is in the stories of the people of Poplar. An expectant mother who’s making ends meet as an exotic dancer must decide if she is going to keep her baby or place it for adoption, and if she keeps it, what she will do to support herself. Another expectant mother is pushing to have her husband involved in every step of her pregnancy, whether he wants to be or not.
A new mother is struck down with a debilitating stroke, and thus begins a battle between her own mother and her husband over who will take care of her and who will decide what’s best.
The stories are gripping and emotional, but never manipulative. Every tear is earned.
Call the Midwife has settled into a comfortable groove, a little bit of soap opera, a little social commentary, and enough character development to reward long-time viewers. The 1960’s are changing Poplar, and Call the Midwife gives us a front row seat. But maybe don’t forget your tissues.
Call The Midwife Season 7 debuts Sunday, March 25th at 8:00 p.m. on KIXE Channel 9.
