A Christmas special of Call the Midwife promises to deliver its usual blend of festive cheer and East End realism, although this year the narrative departs from its familiar setting. The storyline expands as the show’s nuns and nurses deal with a crisis in Hong Kong, which sends a significant contingent away from Poplar for the holiday season, leaving key characters behind to navigate local challenges, reports BritPanorama.
This two-part special, concluding on Boxing Day, features a charmingly chaste interracial relationship between social worker Cyril (Zephryn Taitte) and nurse Rosalind (Natalie Quarry), who remain in Poplar to manage the ongoing medical and community needs. Their challenges include the capable yet quirky presence of Sister Monica Joan (Judy Parfitt), providing continuity amid the festive bustle.
The premise takes a thoughtful turn as the series creator, Heidi Thomas, shifts focus from the traditional antics in Nonnatus House to broader themes of support and resilience against the backdrop of international tensions. Despite the potential for a more poignant exploration of events in Hong Kong, the storyline does not fully leverage its dramatic possibilities.
Even with the storyline’s attempt to incorporate higher stakes—such as the shadowy presence of local Triad activity—the character dynamics remain somewhat predictable. Viewers familiar with the series might note that while the main characters exemplify resilience and moral clarity, some performances, particularly that of Stephen McGann (Dr. Turner), are not as compelling as their narratives.
Back at Nonnatus House, the absence of the nuns leads to lighter scenes, including a visit from a female locum at Dr. Turner’s surgery and a less than adventurous game of sardines among the remaining staff. The balancing act of light-hearted festive moments against the serious undertones remains a hallmark of the show, maintaining its charm despite uncertainties in character engagement.
New characters are introduced, such as a suave figure renting Cyril’s flat, who brings an air of intrigue but is somewhat overshadowed by the familiar dynamics of the central cast. As the series approaches its fifteenth season, the potential for refreshing stories alongside established character arcs continues to engage the audience.
Such ideals of compassion and community spirit underpin the show’s ongoing appeal, suggesting that BBC executives will look to keep the seasonal snow falling in Poplar for the foreseeable future.
‘Call the Midwife’ continues tomorrow at 8.30pm on BBC One.
