Hey so the penultimate episode of this season was pretty intense, huh? Here’s the deal: I’m gonna dive right in, and every so often, when things just get too stressful, we’ll all get to look at a gif of a cute animal. Sound good? Ok, moving on: as you might expect, this week starts pretty much right where we left off. Rescue workers are struggling to reach the train in order to help the injured get away from the wreckage, and our friends at Nonnatus are busy setting up a first aid station when a bloodied Boots runs up to Fred where he’s directing traffic outside.

Ridley Road is a four-part miniseries based on Jo Bloom’s novel by the same name and historical records. The series takes place in London in 1962 — parallel to Season 6 of Call The Midwife — but Ridley Road shows the side of British politics and religion other period dramas ignore. The first episode not only introduces the main characters but also gives viewers the most important historical facts necessary to understand the rest of the series.

Last week ended on a bit of a somber note, and I know Sister Monica Joan, at least, shares my low key constant worry that something bad is going to happen in the next two episodes. However, the rest of the squad seems pretty chill, with the exception of young Timothy Turner, who’s returned from school wretchedly sick. By contrast, Lucille is looking a whole lot better, smiling broadly as she meets up with the rest of the group at Nonnatus. Before they can start their day, Boots reads the latest headline regarding the 1967 Abortion Act.

How are we somehow at the season 2 finale already?? I don’t want to accept it, but alas: we must. While I get bummed out about the wait we’ll have until season 3, Charlotte debriefs her lady friends on the whole Mystery Dad vs. Colonel No Service situation: Mystery Dad is good, and we all now hate Colonel No Service! Georgiana and Hurricane Heywood are both mortified: what a misunderstanding! And they encouraged Charlotte to hang out with Colonel No Service! OH NO!

Thankfully last week wasn’t as explosive as it could have been, but we’re still down two members of our squad in an already pretty understaffed group. Should. Be. Interesting. While our nun friends head to morning prayers, and the Turner parents see Tim off for his return to school, Lucille, very understandably, appears to have not slept at all. It’s her first day back at work after her miscarriage, and her colleagues welcome her with sad smiles that the normally effervescent Lucille is barely able to return. But there’s no time for emotional upheaval: with Phyllis and Trixie out of the country, Sister Hilda is in charge, and she’s determined to run a very tight ship.

Well, reader, last week sure turned into a weird battle royale! Do we think things will get better this time? I’m inclined to think yes, if only because we start the episode with Arthur adorably wishing a passing horse good ‘morrow. Why’s he in such a great mood? Because the Parker brothers are hosting a ball that very evening and it’s going to be amazing: nearly everyone important from London will be in attendance, and they might even be able to pay off their debt to Eliza! Things are looking up! Unfortunately, poor Arthur is mistaken. All the hubbub at the house is actually the local vendors taking supplies AWAY from the party; they aren’t going to deliver any goods or services until the army pays off their debts!

This episode starts with the voice over saying “we’re nothing without change,” which makes me worry that a storm's a brewin’ with SOMEBODY in our main squad. Sure, Vanessa Redgrave just told me change is natural, but guess what? I don’t have to like it!! Ahem. Anyway. At Cyril and Lucille’s place, things are looking up: Cyril’s got an invitation for a job interview at the council offices, which is extra exciting after the many rejections he’s gotten so far (job hunting really is the worst), and Lucille woke up with less morning sickness than usual.

When we left Sanditon last week, tension was rising in all sorts of places, and as we kick off episode four, that hasn’t changed at all. Our solider pals are out for a morning gallop on the beach when Captain Loverboy requests a private one on one with Colonel No Service. Why? Well apparently he has to get his boss’ permission to propose to Hurricane Heywood, a practice that I’m very glad no longer exists.

We’re back, and this week’s episode is kicking off with a twin delivery: a relatively unusual occurrence here in Call The Midwife land, but nothing our friends haven’t handled before. While most of the squad works on that, Miss Higgins greets a new mama in the waiting room. Is she here for an appointment? No: her sister is the one having twins at this very moment, and she’s come to check in.

Reader, as I sat down to write this recap, I won’t lie to you: I absolutely did briefly forget about the part where Clara just showed up all disgraced and grimy at the end of last week’s episode. What the heck?? Alas, we’re going to have to wait to find out what that’s all about: Mystery Dad’s morning aesthetic ride over the hills is being interrupted by soldier practice. And across town, Charlotte’s sleep is being interrupted by Hurricane Heywood’s Disney Princess energy. We all have our cross to bear, is what I’m saying.