Break Out the Hankies for ‘Call the Midwife’s Season 15 Finale
If this had been the end of the original series, it would have been enough. (Dayenu.)
“Though my soul may set in darkness, it will rise in perfect light; I have loved the stars too fondly to be fearful of the night.”
-From “The Old Astronomer (To His Pupil)” by Sarah Williams
We’re almost at the end of 1971 in Poplar, where two very outsized things happen in the Season 15 finale of Call the Midwife: Sister Monica Joan dies, and Nonnatus House closes. Though both are momentous and sad, the series still manages to sustain optimism for the future. Are things uncertain? Absolutely. But it’s only a question of where they’re going to succeed next, not if. And of course, in what configuration of characters. After all, Season 16 is already greenlit.
Dr. Turner prepares for the maternity home’s closure, making Belinda Mullucks’ baby the facility’s final delivery. Though Rhoda Mullucks begins by berating her daughter for becoming pregnant and throwing away her chance to finish university, Shelagh later steers Rhoda into loving acceptance and support.
Sister Julienne returns from the Mother House and, after conferring with the other nuns, decides that Nonnatus House will transform into a house of “prayer and charity” while they figure out how to move forward. They’re also considering missionary work that would take them abroad for a year. If Season 16 doesn’t air for another year in favor of promoting the prequel and movie, the timing of this plot point is purposeful.
In the middle of all this, we get a wedding too. It’s one of the show’s most endearing (and enduring) strengths: reminding us of life’s balance while also heavily weighing the positives. Even Sister Monica Joan’s passing and the subsequent death rituals are beautiful and comforting. If this had been the end of the original series, it would have been enough. (Dayenu.)
