Welcome back to Poplar, besties. Last week, we met our trainee midwives for the season and saw two fairly dramatic births. This week, we kick things off with a visit to Cyril’s church, which is practically bursting at the seams. We also get a Nigel the Cat sighting!

Well reader, spring has sprung (ish) and with it comes the THIRTEENTH season of Call the Midwife. When last we visited Poplar, Sister Monica Joan was in the middle of another dark night of the soul, Cyril had just adopted a cat named Nigel, Trixie and Mr. Trixie were settling into married life, and there were rumblings of more trainee midwives (and if you need more details, catch up here). This season kicks off with our Nonnatus house squad preparing for the imminent arrival of our trainees. Speaking of whom, we appear to have 4: Joyce, Kathy, Lauren, and Rosalind. Reader, I’ll tell you right now: don’t get too attached to Kathy and Lauren, because we’ll be spending much more time with the other two, who will actually live at Nonnatus house.

Throughout All Creatures Great And Small Season 4, several arcs attracted viewer interest. However, Richard Carmody’s appearance as the newest member of the Skeldale House veterinary practice stands out in terms of both a rewarding emotional journey and a rewarding career trajectory. Throughout the season, there were both subtle and obvious hints that if Carmody were living in 2024, he would be described as neurodivergent or on the autism spectrum. This piece will detail the case for this reading and the importance of representing neurodivergence in period drama fandom as a whole.

MASTERPIECE and Alibi UK announced today that while Season 5 of Miss Scarlet and The Duke is currently filming, the show is undergoing major changes. Stuart Martin is exiting the role of William “The Duke” Wellington and the show will be renamed to Miss Scarlet. GBH Drama writers Jackie and Amanda-Rae discuss what this means for the series and the fandom at large.

This week’s episode of All Creatures Great and Small is the season 4 finale and Christmas special at the same time. Each of the previous specials showcased someone who felt alienated from the Christmas spirit of the Dales eventually embracing all the season has to offer. This episode continues the pattern with Carmody. Plus, Helen predicted that her due date would be in December and yet James is still away with the RAF. Let’s discuss the festivities and James’ ability to be by Helen’s side.

This week on All Creatures Great and Small, Helen copes with James’ absence by deciding to move back to Heston Grange to help out, but a sick calf complicates her plan. Meanwhile, Mrs. Hall is looking for the right time to give Siegfried notice but questionable plumbing and Rock needing veterinary care throw a wrench into her announcement. Let’s discuss what happens in the penultimate episode of the season.

Can you believe we’re here at the season finale already? Yeah, neither can I. But there isn’t much time to muse over how little time we’ve got left with our pals because the episode kicks off with Victoria Mars and Detective Mustache running for their lives through an abandoned building while someone tries to shoot them.

Three Little Birds, BritBox’s newest limited series, immerses viewers in the lives of three Jamaican women who immigrate to London in 1957. They’re motivated by the idea of a better future and more financial stability for themselves and their families. The miniseries premiered in the UK in October 2023, which is when the UK observes Black History Month.

This week on All Creatures Great and Small, the residents of Skeldale House have to reckon with changes in their lives in various ways. James receives his enlistment date from the RAF, and it’s well before Helen’s due date. Mrs. Hall questions the future of her relationship with Gerald. Siegfried has to adjust to only having Carmody for pet and farm calls. Let’s discuss how the characters handle these changes.

Anyone else still not ok after the bait and switch of “I love you and also I’m going to America for a year!”? Well, while we’re feeling stressed out, our pal Victoria Mars is fine. Totally fine! Unbothered, actually!