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.)
A Lovely Wedding
The couple inspects their wedding bands, which is the last time Rosalind and Cyril are alone the whole episode – all their friends are involved in the festivities. The morning of the wedding sees Rosalind greeted by Phyllis, plus Miss Higgins, who plays the wedding march on her recorder, with Joyce bringing breakfast in bed. Over at Cyril’s flat, Mrs. Wallace has cooked him a hearty breakfast as well, and Violet irons his dress shirt.
Once Rosalind is glowingly decked out (in a wedding minidress…I have opinions), the ladies of Nonnatus House hold up their decorated Pinard stethoscopes as a makeshift arch. Then the bride is whisked off to the registrar’s office for a secular ceremony.
Though the vow language is very legalistic, Rosalind and Cyril are delighted to promise each other and to their many friends and witnesses that there is no reason they cannot be married. Once legally joined, the couple takes photos on the stairs with all their friends whilst a shower of confetti rains down. (So picturesque! Who’s going to clean that up?)
After the ceremony, the newlyweds visit Sister Monica Joan. She surprises them by guessing that Rosalind is pregnant and by celebrating their mixed-race child with a teddy bear. Then outside Nonnatus House, a crowd awaits Cyril and Rosalind’s “missing” taxi. Fred rolls up in a fancy car they’ve arranged for the couple to use on their honeymoon, and they ride off into married bliss.
Sister Monica Joan Plans Her Funeral
Sister Monica Joan faces death head-on, in a manner both refreshing and sweet. The Nonnatus House ladies accept the sister’s decision to stop treatment and let nature take its course. Sister Monica Joan desires two things: the use of the wheelchair and a meeting with the undertaker.
The elderly nun has specific requests and instructions for her funeral, which she arranges with Bernie Mullucks. Bernie wheels Sister Monica Joan through the market and finally to the Catholic church in town, where she declares she wants her requiem to take place.
Later, Sister MJ begins to fade. She sees a former (deceased) colleague and knows her journey to the next world has begun. But before she leaves us, she’s asked for her first-ever gin and tonic, which Joyce happily serves. The nun’s gathered friends are amused when the sister announces she’s a fan.
Phyllis and Sister Catherine take turns caring for Sister MJ at her bedside, and when Phyllis notices a change in the elderly nun’s breathing, she goes to collect Sisters Catherine and Julienne. Now alone, Sister Monica Joan sees the ghostly figure of Sister Evangelina (Pam Ferris) at the foot of her bed. Sister Evangelina comforts and prepares her friend for the other side, confirming it’s “everything we were promised.” Sister Monica Joan takes Sister Evangelina’s outstretched hand and walks out of her earthly body.
It’s snowing as Sister Monica Joan’s “proper Poplar funeral” begins. Sister Julienne reads from the Sarah Williams poem, followed by the coffin being wheeled to the church on a costermonger’s cart. The church service is very formal, presided over by Father Hilary (Robert Mackley), who anoints the coffin with holy water. Sister Catherine leads the eulogy, wondering if they’ll ever see her like again, and there are no dry eyes in the house.
Goodbye, Beryl
Although I certainly cried at Sister Monica Joan’s passing, it was Beryl’s story that completely broke my heart. The not-quite-a-civilian-but-not-a-nun life that Beryl is occupying seems to delight and fulfill her. She’s thriving as Geoffrey’s secretary and looking positively stunning in her new wardrobe and makeup. But she’s still separated from her friends, helping Geoffrey make Rosalind’s wedding cake, but is not allowed to attend.
To make up for it, Geoffrey takes Beryl to a gay bar, and they dance to Sinatra. Geoffrey introduces her to Mr. Parry, who’s there with his younger boyfriend. (Sister Veronica never met Mr. Parry, we suppose.) Beryl looks only slightly uncomfortable watching men dance together.
Trixie asks if Beryl still wants a child. Beryl reveals it’s too late: though she aches for one, she’s started menopause. She subsequently tells Geoffrey she’s chosen to return to the Order. He protests, but she clarifies that she left the Order to have a child and has been “beaten by biology.” At Nonnatus House, she can “hold and love babies every day.” Geoffrey is sure that it will hurt her, but she assures him it won't now that she knows what she dreamed of “wasn’t meant for” her. Readers, I was fully sobbing at this point – but still wondering why adoption was never considered.
Beryl parts ways with Geoffrey on the pier, as she needs time to say goodbye to Beryl, too. She tells him Sister Veronica will always be delighted to see him at the convent, then returns to her religious life.
Late Deliveries
- The ladies land on their feet: Joyce is hired as a ward sister at St. Cuthbert’s, while Phyllis plans to stay with Dr. Turner’s practice as his district nurse.
- Meanwhile, Trixie’s going to be a business owner. Mr. Scarisbrick offered her 40% of the Lady Emily Clinic, and her mother-in-law’s death placed her in command of the Aylward fortune. She’ll take a controlling 55% share, thanks much.
- Technology marches forward: Rosalind is the guinea pig for the hospital’s brand-new sonogram, and Susan Mullucks gains independence with Poplar’s first electric wheelchair.
- The Turner girls hang a sign on the door announcing Nonnatus House is “temporarily closed.” See you next season!
Call the Midwife Season 15 is available on PBS Passport, the PBS app, and the PBS Masterpiece Prime Video Channel. The series has already been greenlit for Season 16.
