Every season, the Drama After Dark team gathers ‘round the (yes, still online) conference room table to watch the latest and greatest in British dramas. As summer fades into autumn, we have more than just the metaphorical birth of a new season to contend with: it’s also time for the return of PBS favorite, Call The Midwife. Between our scrappy nurses, sassy nuns and gut-wrenching emotional trauma that somehow keeps you wanting more, there’s a lot to be excited about. Need a refresher on what happened last season? Check out our Season 9 and 2020 Holiday Special recaps here. Ready? Take a deep (lamaze) breath, and prepare yourself for Season 10!
Last week, we learned that Sister Julienne’s plan to save Nonnatus through privatization was an unfortunate bust.
I’m sure they’ll come up with something, but first, we have a mystery to solve. At the clinic, a nervous gal walks through the door like it’s the hardest thing she’s done in a while, and asks if Dr. Turner is present. Before Phyllis can even finish telling her that he is, but only for referrals, the lady is off, barging through the doors in search of our own Dr. McDreamy. Now obviously, this gal, who’s real name is Miss Wrigley, but who I will be calling Doublemint for what I assume are obvious reasons, isn’t going to get past Miss Higgins so easily.
Miss Higgins: Hello, name and co-op card please.
Doublemint: I don’t have a card.
Miss Higgins: You’re supposed to get one when your pregnancy is confirmed.
Doublemint: That’s what I’m here to do, so that’s a Catch-22, pal.
Miss Higgins: But what if you’re NOT pregnant?
Doublemint: Look, he did a test, and said it would be ready today, and I really, REALLY need to know. Please.
Something about poor Doublemint must charm Miss Higgins, because she agrees to bend the rules, sending Doublemint to the waiting area. Across the clinic, Lucille talks to her patient for today, a fellow immigrant who I’ll be calling Avril, because her pregnancy is Complicated.
Lucille: Looks like you’ve gained another couple of pounds… I know it’s hard but we need to work on that. Did you read that pamphlet I gave you?
Avril: I’m big-boned, my body is just like this. And also, if I may say so, you could stand to gain some weight yourself.
Lucille: I’m just fine, thank you.
Back across the clinic, Dr. Turner tells Doublemint the good(?) news: she’s not pregnant.
Doublemint: Look, the test must be wrong.
Dr. Turner: It’s super reliable, so I have to say I doubt that.
Doublemint: But I know my body: I feel awful, I have all the symptoms. Can you do another test?
Dr. Turner: Why don’t we do an exam — that might make you feel better.
Doublemint: YES. Thank you.
Back with Avril, Shelagh tells her that her blood pressure is a bit high, and there’s a little glucose in her urine.
Avril: Eh, Phyllis said it was probably just that the jam jar wasn’t washed out all the way.
Shelagh: Even so, we need to keep a close eye on you, just in case! I hope you’re taking it easy?
Avril: I’m fine, I’m just tired. But I’m also older this time.
Shelagh does a quick exam and confirms that Avril’s baby is a good size and positioned well, which is all great, but I can’t focus on that when Avril casually mentions that her first two babies were 9 and 10 pounds respectively at birth. Those are some big babies! And because this one is too, Shelagh insists that they plan for a hospital delivery at St. Cuthberts, despite Avril’s wish for a home birth.
Avril: Look, my husband works there, I know St. Cuthberts is a good spot! But I delivered my first two in a much less fancy home, and I want to do this right. Hospitals are for sick folks, not births!
Can’t wait for this conflict, which is basically the entire ethos of the show, to heat up. Back with Doublemint, the internal exam confirms what we already knew: she’s not pregnant. But then why is she experiencing these symptoms? Dr. Turner seems to want to talk to her more, but Doublemint, angry at the results and what I’m sure to her feels like a polite brushoff, leaves, not even taking the time to chat with Trixie about contraceptives first.
That evening, the group gathers for dinner and some unexpected (and from everyone’s faces, unwanted) news: they’re gonna have a male roommate again. This time, it’s a young curate, and despite Sister Julienne's assurances that it'll be no big deal, everyone's kinda annoyed. In addition to this “fun” development, we also learn that Sister Frances has something up with her tooth, even though she claims it’s fine.
Later, Sister Monica Joan complains to Sister Julienne: does the Bishop think they’re some kind of home for wayward youths?
Sister Julienne: No, but we’re being helpful. Also, eat this spam sandwich.
Sister Monica Joan:
Sister Julienne: The other one is fish paste?
Sister Monica Joan: Who cares about the filling if the bread is bland!
Look, is that some kind of deep metaphor or is the bread really boring? I don’t know, reader, I really do not know. But let’s not get into Sister Monica Joan’s impenetrable psyche: Lucille and Cyril are having date night! Cyril shows Lucille a picture of his cousin’s family that his mum sent, which leads to Lucille reminiscing about her childhood birthdays at the beach. As someone with a winter birthday, I have to say that sounds deeply fun, and I’m a little jealous. It’s certainly a nice memory for Lucille, but it also brings up their current reality: Poplar is about as far from the beach as you can get, after all. The next day, Lucille does her home visit at Avril’s house, and finds that a) Avril has two extremely polite and helpful kids and b) Avril is absolutely housing some orange juice. She claims she just gets hot after ironing, but I know a Dangerous Call The Midwife Plot Point when I see one! Lucille reiterates the Nonnatus team’s care plan: when labor starts, Avril is to go to the hospital. She vaguely agrees, but I’ll be real with you: I get the feeling someone is going to attempt a home birth if she can.
Across town, Fred intercepts Cyril, who’s heading into his flat. Our favorite church lady Mrs. Wallace has dropped off some silk flowers for the church.
Cyril: Oh, great — thank you!
Vi: You ok, Cyril?
Cyril: Well… I was wondering if you might have a picnic basket?
Vi: I actually do! It’s been ages since I used it.
Fred, a not at all secret romantic: Oooooh, planning a present for a certain someone?
Cyril: I thought I’d surprise Lucille with a trip to the coast.
Vi, and let’s face it, everyone: Awww, that’s so romantic!
She then rather pointedly tells Fred the basket is in the shed, so I suspect we’ll soon be seeing an additional romantic gesture from our favorite gardener/handyman/shopkeeper as well. At the Turner house, Shelagh greets her husband with some news: St. Cuthberts called looking for someone to cover their new midwife assessments. Naturally, she’s thinking Nonnatus might be able to step up (and get paid for their troubles). This, of course, reminds everyone of the pickle they’re in: if nothing changes, Nonnatus will be gone in six months, and with it, the maternity home, which relies on them for staffing.
Later, Lucille stops into a medical library to do some research, because it turns out that she is just as good at spotting a Dangerous Call The Midwife Plot Point as those of us watching at home. The article she’s reading? “How to treat potential diabetics during pregnancy.” Back at Nonnatus, Shelagh asks Sister Julienne if they can send someone to help cover at St Cuthberts, and even though Sister Julienne agrees that the money would be helpful, she can’t spare anyone: they barely had enough coverage last week with Trixie at the Very Posh Maternity Hospital. Shelagh, ever hopeful, is sure they’ll think of something, but Sister Julienne seems like she might be losing hope. Before Shelagh leaves for the day, Lucille pulls her aside to talk about their patient.
Lucille: So this study I read found that sometimes people develop temporary diabetes during pregnancy. Even in people with no history! Obviously, that made me think of Avril: she has all the symptoms.
Shelagh: 100% — I talked with Dr. Turner about sending her for a glucose tolerance test.
Lucille: Her baby is also measuring big. Do you think she could have this form of diabetes?
Shelagh’s convinced, and since I happen to have the benefit of living in the future, so am I, but Dr. Turner isn’t sure he buys it. He’s got questions about the study design, which I can’t knock, but Shelagh brings up a good point: if they could treat this temporary diabetes, might it not help prevent complications?
Dr. Turner: Super promising. With some thorough research, of course.
Shelagh: Total side note: I think I might volunteer to be the nursing tutor over at St. Cuthberts.
Dr. Turner, completely unsurprised and delighted: I thought you might.
Gotta say, they’re cute. Anyway, the next day, two things of note happen. First, Doublemint collapses on the street in pain, and second, and much more surprising, Miss Higgins is LATE. Perhaps understandably, she’s a bit salty about it, but Shelagh doesn’t have time for that: Phyllis said there was supposed to be an additional patient on the rounds, but Shelagh can’t find any of the info.
Miss Higgins, salt bae: Well then you must not have looked all that carefully! Here you go: Doublemint was admitted to St. Cuthberts with a kidney infection, but they had to discharge her early due to lack of beds.
Shelagh, too relieved to be mad: Thank you! Ok, bye, off to St. Cuthberts to mold young minds!
Miss Higgins:
And speaking of St. Cuthberts, Avril is there right now for her glucose tolerance test, and she is clearly not feeling great, especially when they tell her she can’t have anything to drink until after some of the tests are done. Meanwhile, at Doublemint’s place, Sister Hilda arrives to check in on her.
Doublemint: Look, I’m not doing great. The pain in my side has been getting worse, and I think there’s blood in my urine.
Sister Hilda: The hospital said they tested you for a UTI but it came back negative… that’s interesting. Ok, first we’re gonna get a urine sample, and then if we need to I’ll have the doc stop by later.
Ok look: clearly SOMETHING is wrong with this poor gal, and I really want to find out what it is! This suspense is too much! Back at St. Cuthberts, Shelagh introduces herself to the bright eyed and bushy tailed young trainees.
Shelagh: Right off the bat, well done everyone for being on time! That’s a big deal for me. Anyway, shall we go to the ward?
Trainee 1: We can’t yet, unfortunately, the doctor is still doing rounds. He’s always late. But don’t worry, he’s efficient.
Me:
Back at Doublemint’s place, Dr. Turner checks in and confirms that she’s mainly feeling the pain on her left side and her back. What else is happening? Well, she gets dizzy, she’s got blood in her urine, and sometimes she has an elevated heart rate.
Dr. Turner: Interesting. It’s normal right now.
Doublemint: Do I need to go back to the hospital?
Dr. Turner: No, probably not. But I am going to take some blood samples. You live alone? Are you working right now?
Doublemint: No, they fired me.
The plot thickens! Back at St. Cuthberts, Shelagh runs into Avril, who’s leaving in a huff. She doesn’t explain what exactly happened, but my guess is that someone was crappy to our expectant friend. Shelagh, of course, doesn’t hesitate to follow-up, and grabs the doctor. He… lives up to my exceedingly low expectations, pompously saying that Avril just needs to eat less.
Shelagh: Look, a colleague of mine was reading a study about latent diabetes during pregnancy…
Pompous Doc: Oh, I know about that study, and I think it’s hooey! Patients aren’t complicated theories!
Later that night, Shelagh can’t sleep. She’s worried, and Pompous Doc was just SO rude! If that’s how he talked to a colleague, imagine how he talks to his patients! Dr. Turner correctly points out that Shelagh is right, but that she won’t be able to help anyone if she doesn’t get some sleep.
Back at Nonnatus, Phyllis delivers some unfortunate news to Lucille: Sister Frances’ tooth issue has blossomed into a genuine dental emergency. Can Lucille cover her rounds? Of course, Lucille graciously agrees; she was just planning to do some laundry after all! Unfortunately, she doesn’t know that she was actually about to get whisked away to the seaside: Cyril is, at that very moment, packing up a picnic basket with the help of Vi and Fred. He’s borrowed a car for the afternoon, and everything is ready for a stylish and romantic afternoon. I guess the course of true love never did run smooth, but bummer, man.
Across town, Doublemint calls the surgery, asking for Dr. Turner to come check on her. She’s still in pain! Miss Higgins tells her that Dr. Turner is already out on rounds, but that she can offer an appointment, but Doublemint isn’t happy to wait, and hangs up the phone rather rudely, much to Miss Higgins’ chagrin. At Nonnatus, Phyllis tells Lucille that Avril went into labor last night, but waited to call them until she was sure the baby was coming.
Lucille, seeing right through that: Oh, so she waited until it would be too late to take her to the hospital, I see how it is. Well, off I go.
Cyril, watching her power walk by in her uniform: Uh, hi! I came to surprise you?
Lucille: I’m so sorry, I can’t stop, I have a patient!
Cyril: I thought it was your afternoon off! I borrowed this car!
Lucille: Oh no, I’m really sorry — Sister Frances had to go to the dentist, so I had to cover for her. I have tomorrow instead! Ok bye!
Poor Cyril looks gutted. He’s a very understanding and thoughtful guy, so I’m sure this will all be ok, but I’m still sad on their behalf! Anyway, over at Avril’s house, Lucille arrives in time to send Avril’s husband off to work, deliver a light chastisement for calling so late, and get her patient upstairs to bed.
Meanwhile, at Nonnatus, a desperate Doublemint knocks on the door until Sister Hilda lets her inside. Sister Hilda calls Miss Higgins, who’s clearly also worried about Doublemint after the angsty phone call earlier that day, but declines the offer of an ambulance. Instead, Sister Hilda tells Doublemint they should probably take her home. Now look: Doublemint is acting kind of weird, but I feel like something really is wrong, and I very much hope our pals figure out what it is soon!
Back at Avril’s house, labor is progressing apace.
Avril: I don’t remember it hurting so bad last time!
Lucille: I know, but once this is over you’ll forget the pain again. You got this!
Me: Guys I don’t want to be a downer but I’m worried! This season hasn’t been messing around. Please be careful!
At Vi’s shop, Cyril sadly returns all the picnic supplies.
Vi: I’m so sorry, Cyril. But look, these cakes will keep for a few days, and you can have the sandwiches for dinner — silver lining?
Cyril: No, thanks, I feel like wallowing a bit. Anyway, sorry you did all this to help me out and it came to nothing.
Fred doesn’t need to be told twice, tucking into the sandwich as soon as Cyril is out the door. You know who hasn’t been eating though? Doublemint.
Sister Hilda: Well no wonder you’re feeling lousy!
Doublemint: I know, but I couldn’t get to the store, I was just feeling so sick!
Sister Hilda: Anyone who could maybe give you a hand?
Doublemint: No — my sister lives far away and my mum is also sick. I don’t know my neighbors; I had to move here because I was let go from my job in another town.
At Avril’s house, we’re getting to the final stages of labor, but things are just not going great. She’s exhausted, has been pushing for a long time, and is insisting that something just isn’t right. Lucille apparently agrees, sending Avril’s sister to call Dr. Turner for backup. Across town at Doublemint’s, Sister Hilda brings a plate of food and tea. Doublemint thanks her, and as Sister Hilda heads for the door, Doublemint develops a sudden painful cramp in her leg and spills her tea everywhere.
Doublemint: Ugh, so sorry, I know you have to go.
Sister Hilda: I really do, but let me at least clean up that spill first.
At Avril’s house, Dr. Turner doesn’t waste time prepping some forceps, which always seem to look bigger and more intimidating every time they whip ‘em out. Thankfully, they at least have some local anesthetic, but Avril isn’t happy — this isn’t what she wanted. And even worse, the forceps aren’t working; the baby’s head is just too high up. Dr. Turner sends Lucille to call an ambulance, and explains to a VERY distressed Avril that they’re going to have to take her to the hospital for a C-section. Lucille, thankfully, goes along, and meets Avril’s husband in the hallway where she explains what’s happening.
Later, at Nonnatus, Sister Frances’ teeth are in worse shape than ever, but at least we have a good update about Avril: the delivery was successful, and everyone is healthy, including her 13 pound baby.
All the midwives:
Me, 5’2”:
Even though Avril and the baby are OK physically, mentally, she’s a total mess, and I can totally see why. She’s not allowed to see her baby, who’s in an incubator for a few days. She's also not allowed to get out of bed while her incision heals.
Shelagh: I know this sucks, but like Pompous Doc said, your son won’t have any long term issues!
Avril: He didn’t tell me anything about my baby, just that I should have been better at self control; that I could have killed my baby and it was all my fault.
Shelagh, inside:
Shelagh, out loud: Well as your MIDWIFE, I’m telling you you did a great job under a lot of stress.
At the surgery, Dr. Turner gives Sister Hilda the update on Doublemint, such as it is: there’s no obvious explanation for what’s happening, as her blood tests have come back negative. Now I don’t know about you, reader, but as someone who was around when the show House was at the peak of its popularity, I was already about to put in a line here about Lupus when Dr. Turner took the words right out of my mouth (er, fingers?).
Dr. Turner: With all of her symptoms, it might be rheumatoid. Lupus would explain kidney issues, but there are other things that can cause a wide mix of odd symptoms.
Sister Hilda, has also apparently seen House and knows it’s never actually Lupus on TV: Well I also wondered about her mood — she’s alone, no family support…
Dr. Turner: You think she’s exaggerating?
Sister Hilda: I mean, maybe? Her pain comes and goes. But there was DEFINITELY blood in her urine.
Dr. Turner: Well I’m worried.
Out in the waiting room, Phyllis is also worried, but about her pal Miss Higgins, who’s had to shoulder extra admin work to pick up the slack for Shelagh.
Phyllis: Let’s take a break.
Miss Higgins: Well I *was* going to have a sad desk sandwich...
Phyllis:
We should all be so lucky as to have a buddy like Phyllis. Out on the lunch bench, the two catch up: Miss Higgins has been invited to spend a week with a friend in Suffolk, which is lovely, but is tempted to decline because her friend is “rather talkative.”
Phyllis: I want to go on a trip to Spain and see the Alhambra. I’ve been lazy about my Spanish, this would be helpful!
Miss Higgins: That sounds so fun!
Phyllis: Well… would you want to come with me?
Miss Higgins: Oh dang! Yes!
Look, all I have to say is I am SO delighted by this plotline, and these two are goals AF. Anyway, we have less pleasant stories to attend to. At the hospital, poor Avril is still stuck in bed, alone, watching other mums with their babies and getting ignored by the nurses. At Nonnatus, Cyril shows up for the picnic raincheck, only to find out that Lucille is covering for Sister Frances. Again. And later, Sister Hilda knocks on Doublemint’s door to complete silence.
Later that evening, when Lucille returns to Nonnatus, Phyllis tells her to turn her cute butt right around and head over to Cyrill’s place. You all know where this is going: he’s set up an adorable indoor picnic dinner at his flat.
Cyril: Look, I wanted to take you to the seaside for a picnic, but since Sister Frances has been sick this will just have to do.
Lucille, delighted: This is so nice but I don’t understand?
Cyril: I had the feeling you were missing home.
Lucille: Aw, Cyril! It’s not the beach or the weather I miss; when you were talking about your family, it made me realize I won’t get to know them, and I can’t introduce you to my family either. It just makes me sad sometimes.
Cyril: I know, I feel the same. I keep thinking about what it would have been like if I’d met you back home. I mean obviously I would have done my very best to impress your family, but the truth is that if we hadn’t left home, we probably wouldn’t have met: Guyana and Jamaica aren’t exactly right next door.
Lucille: Closer than here though.
Cyril: Yes, but we’ll figure out ways to connect!
Oh hey, did you forget about the random curate who was going to be couchsurfing at Nonnatus this week? Me too! Anyway, he’s here now, and he's kind of a pain: his idea of repaying their generosity is to host a special service in the chapel. Now look, I know “more church” is, for sure, a treat for some people, but even Sister Julienne isn’t exactly jumping for joy at the prospect.
Across town, Sister Hilda finally gets a hold of Doublemint, who’s apparently been out the last few times Hilda came knocking.
Doublemint: I’m sorry, I just had some things I had to do.
Sister Hilda: I’m just glad you felt well enough to go out!
Doublemint: I didn’t, but I had to, you know? And I’m feeling horrible today. Headache, hot and cold, and I puked last night. I think there’s blood in it.
Sister Hilda: Huh. I think you’re right. But your temperature is normal now? I’m going to empty this basin.
At the sink, Sister Hilda spots more blood next to a sharp metal piece, which sends her right back to talk to Doublemint.
Sister Hilda: What happened to your finger?
Doublemint, shifty: Uh, it’s just a scratch.
Sister Hilda: Well I better take a look at it all the same… how did you do this?
Doublemint: I don’t remember!
Sister Hilda: Here’s the thing: when people have blood in their vomit it usually looks like brown specks, and yours looked like blood from a cut. Could the blood in the bowl maybe have come from your hand? And what about your urine?
Doublemint: But how! And why would I lie? Why would I want to be sick if I wasn’t? I’m not well!
Hmm. Perhaps Sister Hilda’s Munchausen diagnosis is on the money after all. Meanwhile, Avril, whose stitches are now out, decides she’s had enough of the dang hospital and gets her husband to help her leave, despite his argument that this might not be a great idea. For the record, I am with her husband on this one, but I can also see how being with her kiddo at home would be good for everyone involved.
At Nonnatus, Sister Julienne tries in vain to get Sister Monica Joan to help Fred choose some flowers for the altar. My guess is that this is more about getting our friend outside in the fresh air and doing a hobby she enjoys than anything else, but she doesn’t want to budge, even when Sister Frances offers to help AND tries to tempt Sister Monica Joan with baked goods. Regardless, we soon see her sitting on a bench whilst Fred gives her the rundown on all the rose options in their garden.
Sister Monica Joan:
Fred: What do you think?
Sister Monica Joan: I think you don’t need me for this and they asked you to babysit me.
Fred: Well, you’re not wrong. But Sister Julienne is worried about you. I think you should talk to her and tell her what you shared with me.
Sister Monica Joan: No can do, babe. This is just one of those things we can’t reason our way out of.
Back at the surgery, Sister Hilda updates Dr. Turner on her visit with Doublemint that morning.
Dr. Turner: Well, can’t disagree with you: I did some research and found out that Doublemint has been seeing at least two other doctors in town. I wouldn’t be surprised if she gave them contaminated samples too.
Sister Hilda: But I don’t get it: what’s she getting from this?
Dr. Turner: Well, it’s about attention. She’s desperate for someone to notice her and this is how she gets it. The good news is, now we can actually help her.
True to form, they bring Doublemint into the surgery for a chat.
Dr. Turner: Look, I know you’re having a tough time, and I don’t think we’re helping you effectively.
Doublemint: Agree. So that’s why I’m seeing that kidney specialist, right? I’ll do anything: surgery, pills, whatever it takes!
Dr. Turner: I want you to see someone else too; someone who focuses on psychiatric care. I think there might be elements of your illness that aren’t physical.
Doublement: So you think I’m making it up? That I’m a liar?!
Sister Hilda: No, not at all.
Dr. Turner: We know you’re suffering, but minds are complicated, and need care just like the rest of the body. Mental illness is just as serious as physical illness. I really think this will be the best thing for you.
Doublemint: I just want you to help me! How bad does it have to get?
Ugh, yikes. I really hope Doublemint takes our friends’ advice and sees a psychiatrist, but given that reaction, I have doubts. And speaking of not following medical advice, over at Avril’s house, she’s struggling. She’s in pain, she’s frustrated to not be able to pick up her kiddo, and she’s nitpicking everything her sister does to try and help. It’s not going great! Thankfully, Lucille is here to help. She kicks everyone out of the room to do an exam, and quickly sees that a) Avril has a fever, and b) her incision doesn’t look all that good, at least to my untrained eye.
Back at Nonnatus, the guest curate, who’s apparently decided to do his best to channel Mr. Collins from Pride and Prejudice despite Sister Julienne’s lack of interest in being his personal Catherine de Bourgh, is once again here to bother the lady in question.
Sister Julienne, internally: Good gravy what are you doing here?
Sister Julienne, out loud: Uh… hope your accommodations are ok?
Mr. Collins 2.0: Sure are! Well, I heard through the grapevine that you have an elderly sister who has trouble making it to chapel. I thought I would offer to help out!
Well, look, if ever there was a way to get Sister Monica Joan back in action it might be via her attempt to flee Mr. Collins 2.0; can’t wait to see how THAT goes down. But first, we’re back at Avril’s house, where Dr. Turner examines her incision and agrees with my armchair diagnosis: she’s got an infection, and he’s prescribing antibiotics.
Mr. Avril: This is because we came home too soon, right?
Dr. Turner: Well… yeah, probably. But the antibiotics will help, don’t worry. Avril, you had a glucose test while you were pregnant, right?
Avril: Yup.
Dr. Turner: Look, sometimes women who gain a lot of weight during pregnancy get the result you did. But you also might have developed a condition called latent diabetes.
Mr. Avril: No one said anything about that!
Dr. Turner: Well, the condition is pretty new, and there hasn’t been a ton of research yet. But we think it can impact the baby’s development, which might be why your son is so big. You’ll both be perfectly fine now though, ok?
Avril: It’s just one thing after another, you know? I can’t do anything for my kid, and I’m miserable.
Lucille: I know, but it will get better.
Avril: I thought he was my reward for all the struggling we did when we moved here, and now it’s all ruined, and it’s my fault.
Lucille: Nothing is ruined! You still have a healthy baby, and things might not be quite what you expected, but that doesn’t make it any less precious.
Is Lucille right? Probably. But I can completely see why Avril doesn’t feel that way, and I really hope she’s able to get past this fairly traumatic experience so she can enjoy her giant baby. But first, let’s watch Sister Monica Joan wreck Mr. Collins 2.0, shall we?
Mr. Collins 2.0, speaking way too loud and slow: I can come here and bring you communion whenever it works for you!
Sister Julienne:
Sister Monica Joan: You’re offering me communion for the sick? Do you think I’m ill? Do you think I’ve got one foot in the grave? I may be old, but:
Sister Julienne, probably feeling like she ought to smooth this over: Mr. Collins 2.0 just wanted to include you, Sister Monica Joan, it’s OK!
Meanwhile, Sister Hilda visits Doublemint and finds what I have to assume is the worst case scenario for rounds: Doublemint has attempted suicide. Thankfully, Sister Hilda is able to save her, partly because it seems that Doublemint planned her attempt when she knew Sister Hilda would be visiting. Dr. Turner, who arrives to help, obviously feels more strongly than ever that Doublemint needs psychiatric care, even going so far as to say that if she won’t agree they might have to put her on an involuntary psych hold. Sister Hilda agrees to stay with her overnight, and packs her suitcase for the hospital. In bed, Doublemint finally explains the whole situation: when she was a child, she was hospitalized for appendicitis. While there, she escaped an abusive home, and was treated kindly for what felt like the first time. She didn’t want to leave. Given that, it’s no wonder she wants to be sick again!
Over at Nonnatus house, Shelagh has a proposition for Sister Julienne: what if they take on higher level trainee midwives at Nonnatus? With so few training places in London, the board is, well, on board, and the plan would come with enough funding to cover all of their shortfalls and expenses. Even better, once midwives pass the course, they will get paid to supervise new midwives coming through, making this a self-sustaining plan.
Shelagh, if she had even a little capacity to brag:
Sister Julienne:
Later, Sister Julienne talks over the plan with Sister Monica Joan. Obviously they’ll need to change up the rooming situation, and there are still some details to sort out, but their future is secure now! This is great! Right?
Sister Monica Joan: I mean, I guess… for the people who won’t die soon.
Sister Julienne: I wish you’d just talk to me. Maybe I can help?
Sister Monica Joan: I don’t think you can. I just feel empty. Total nothingness, and I’m used to God’s presence, which makes me wonder if maybe he’s never been here in the first place.
Sister Julienne: You know a crisis of faith can happen to anyone — think of this as a test. An opportunity to help people. He’ll be back.
At Avril’s house, Lucille is met with a very happy family. Mr. Avril has raised the crib so Avril can see and reach her baby with ease, and they’ve also figured out a way for her to feed him from bed.
Lucille, delighted: This is awesome. I’m so happy to see you getting back to your old self.
Avril: You know what, you’re right. I have three healthy kiddos, and I can’t ask for better than that.
I’m so happy Avril is doing better, but I also think she can ask to be treated respectfully by medical professionals. Fingers crossed that Lucille and Shelagh team up to make this the reality for Pompous Doc by the end of the season:
Back at Nonnatus, the nuns team up to arrange flowers. Won’t Sister Monica Joan be bummed out that it won’t look as good as it would have if she’d done it?
Sister Julienne: Look, we just need to be supportive of her right now. She’s going through it.
Sister Hilda: You know, I was also thinking about Doublemint. I wonder how many others like her we see before it’s too late.
Sister Julienne: There are for SURE a lot of vulnerable people in Poplar.
Sister Hilda: I wonder if being there to listen when someone is in crisis might help… look, I want to volunteer for the Samaritans. I know they’re a secular organization and I’d need to fit around my other work, but is that ok?
Sister Julienne: I think that’s a great use of your time.
Agree! Across town, Cyril shows Lucille a letter he’s written to her parents. In it, he introduces himself, and assures them of his honorable intentions. And because he’s the best, he asks Lucille if it’s not too forward for him to send it.
Lucille: This is lovely. And I’m going to say how lovely it is when I write MY letter to YOUR mother.
Once again I am asking: when will these two lovebirds tie the knot? Have we gotten so many truly upsetting cases out of the way so early in the season to make way for a joyful season finale? I hope so! And speaking of things that give me hope: as the episode wraps up, Phyllis and Miss Higgins go for a joyride, Sister Hilda trains for her new volunteer shift with the Samaritans, Lucille writes and mails her letter to Cyril’s mom, and Sister Julienne supports Sister Monica Joan during chapel. Like so many things in life, none of this is perfect — there’s a tinge of sadness in every interaction — but that just makes the commitment to hope that our friends show all the more inspiring. I hope we all can do the same. Until next week, reader.
Episode 1 Recap: Losing My Religion
Episode 2 Recap: What Dreams May Come
