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Modern Midwives Blog
Are we the only ones who needed a box of tissues for last week’s episode? If you don’t have them already, that might change after this episode….
It’s officially summertime in Poplar, and you know what that means: the school children are buzzing with joy. And as luck would have it, some familiar faces have returned to the East End just in time to enjoy some fun in the sun.
Read on to discover what else went down.
While most of Poplar’s children are out and about enjoying their summer breaks, Sister Veronica is interested in finding out why two students have been notably absent from the classroom this year. But when she arrives at the Baldwin’s listed place of residence, she discovers the family squatting in an abandoned factory – with no electricity or running water.
Mr. Baldwin assures Sister Veronica that come September, his girls will be back in school. Reasonably satisfied, Sister Veronica turns her attention to Mrs. Baldwin, surprised to find her nearly at full-term in her pregnancy but not listed in the midwives’ books. Sister Veronica asks Mrs. Baldwin if she’d like an appointment set up, but to her surprise, Eva declines the offer.
Back at Nonnatus House, Sister Veronica shares her concerns with Nurse Crane and Sister Julienne. The women all agree Eva requires medical care, so the next day, Sister Julienne goes to the Baldwin’s to inquire again.
However, similar to Sister Veronica’s visit, both Eva and her husband reject any medical help. Realizing there’s not much else she can do to change Eva’s mind, Sister Julienne hands the mother a pamphlet with contact information, spotting fresh bruises on Eva’s hands and wrists in the process.
When asked how she incurred such injuries, Eva says she “gets clumsy when in the family way” – but Sister Julienne suspects Eva isn’t telling the full story. Before leaving, she makes her final plea to the mother, reminding her that the midwives are always reachable, day or night.
True, unwavering love can triumph over all obstacles and boundaries, as is the case for Betty and Owen Desmond.
Shelagh stops by the couple’s home to check on Owen. Two years after he and Betty married, Owen contracted the polio virus, which left him paralyzed from the neck down. He also relies on an iron lung to breathe, making it impossible for him to leave the house – or even the machine itself.
Despite the extensive energy required to tend to him, Betty has happily acted as his sole caretaker for the past 19 years. However, Shelagh notices something off with Betty on this particular day: her skin has an unusual yellow appearance.
The nurse tells Betty that it’s worth setting up a doctor’s appointment in case it is something more serious.
In happier news, two of our most beloved characters are back in Poplar: Cyril and Reggie!
While dropping by Cyril’s residence to feed his cat, Nigel, Violet is overcome with shock and joy upon seeing her friend back in his flat. But why had Cyril been gone for so long?
It turns out that during his trip in Jamaica, Lucille’s mother suddenly passed away, delaying his return. Now that he’s home, though, Violet is eager to get Cyril involved with community activities, particularly the latest buzz of the town: Poplar’s own Commonwealth Games!
In equally exciting news, Reggie is back for the next six weeks, and he strikes up a quick friendship with Sister Catherine. Reggie learns more about Sister Catherine’s background, specifically how her original interest was just to become a nurse. However, after discovering God, Sister Catherine realized she had a calling to become a nun.
While she possesses strong convictions over her choice, her family has expressed nothing but disapproval and scorn, and it weighs heavily on her heart. Every day, Sister Catherine misses them more and more.
During Betty’s medical examination, she exhibits worrying symptoms, prompting Dr. Turner to send her to St. Cuthbert’s for further testing.
Betty returns home from the hospital troubled, but her first priority is her beloved Owen. She eventually tells him the bad news: her X-ray showed a mass.
Although it’s too early to know what this means, Betty will require more tests. In the meantime, she does her best to put on a brave face… but deep down, she can’t help but worry what this prognosis means for her and Owen.
Later, Dr. Turner arrives at the Desmond’s flat so the devoted couple can receive the devastating news together: Betty has an aggressive form of cancer that has spread from her pancreas to her liver.
Unfortunately, there’s no treatment that can offer a cure. Instead, the best course of action is to keeping her as comfortable as possible. Fortunately, the plan will allow Betty to remain at home while the nurses help care for her and Owen.
Still concerned for Eva’s well-being, Sister Julienne stops by the Baldwin’s residence. Yet, just like last time, Eva rejects the Sister’s help, stating she’s survived a lot more than a mere bruise.
Sister Julienne presses one more time, telling Eva that there is a free maternity clinic on Tuesdays. Should Eva change her mind, she can find help and resources there.
Later that evening, Mr. Baldwin stumbles in, hostile and intoxicated, and becomes physically violent.
As the days progress, Sister Julienne falls into a more of a disquieted state – and it doesn’t go unnoticed.
Sister Veronica takes a stab at getting to the bottom of Sister Julienne’s low spirits, suspecting they lie with Eva Baldwin’s case.
Sister Julienne explains that she has helped so many “Eva Baldwins” of the world, yet they continue to “keep on coming back.” But, as Sister Veronica reminds her, all they can do as healthcare professionals is continue to do their best, even if it feels like it’s not enough.
Fortunately, Eva and her two girls show up just in the nick of time at the maternity clinic. Sister Julienne tells Eva she can see someone has been hurting her and performs a thorough examination to ensure the baby is unharmed.
But when Sister Julienne discovers Eva’s also in labor and urges her to go to the maternity ward, Eva leads her daughters out the door….
Undeterred, Sister Julienne follows Eva and her children back home through the pouring rain, where they find an irate Vincent waiting. Sister Julienne takes the reins and tells Vincent to find newspapers and water for his wife, but he leaves for the pub instead.
With Vincent out of the picture, Sister Julienne can get to work and delivers Eva’s newborn daughter. But not long after, the mother experiences some excruciating pain. Sister Julienne examines her and registers the cause of the pain isn’t a medical complication, rather an unexpected twist: Eva has twins.
There’s no time for them to fully process the surprising news – they need more assistance (STAT!). Sister Julienne sends Eva’s daughters out into the downpour with a note requesting more help.
Fortunately, Sister Julienne’s experience working through turbulent times has prepared her for this kind of scenario. Despite the fact that the second baby isn't in an ideal position, she calmly guides Eva through the challenging delivery and they welcome another baby girl.
And their luck continues to improve. Eva’s eldest daughters return with a taxi driver who assures Sister Julienne that an ambulance is on the way.
Meanwhile, as Betty’s condition further deteriorates, hope arises in the form of new medical technology for Owen.
Dr. Turner tells Harry about a new device called a cuirass. The device works similarly to an iron lung – they both assist a patient’s breathing. However, the iron lung requires the individual to lie down with their entire body confined to a large chamber. The cuirass is a more portable option secured around the chest, which affords mobility.
The prospect of Owen sitting next to his wife’s bedside to comfort her provides a glimmer of excitement. But before informing Owen of the development, Dr. Turner asks the ever-inquisitive Harry to track down the senior expert at St. Thomas’ hospital.
Hopefully the two of them can find some good news to give the Desmonds.
After many weeks apart, Cyril and Rosalind bump into each other during the heavy rainstorm. As the friends (because they’re just friends, right?) stand underneath their umbrellas, they catch up on the latest updates in their lives.
It’s fair to say both of them are trying to play it cool, but there’s no denying the ever-present yearning in both of their eyes. The unspoken spark is indeed very much alive, even if the two wish to ignore the fact.
Rosalind mentions that she’s been watching for Cyril at the homeless shelter. However, he tells her that as of now, his schedule is too busy to volunteer.
Cyril is clearly withholding some information, but he won’t tell Rosalind….
As luck would have it, Dr. Turner receives some promising news – the doctor from St. Thomas is willing to drop by Poplar to guide Owen through testing out the cuirass.
And just like that, Owen’s life changes dramatically. The new set-up literally provides a new perspective he wasn’t privy to when lying in his iron lung. And, now that he is more mobile, he can hold Betty’s hand while she rests.
It’s a moment of joy for all the onlookers – Dr. Turner, Harry, Joyce, and Shelagh – as they get to pay witness to the couple’s profound love.
As the days pass, Betty’s condition continues to worsen until she takes her last breath. While his heart is utterly broken at her passing, Owen knows he will eventually find the strength to live on for the two of them.
While Eva is recovering in the maternity ward, Vincent pays her a visit. As expected, he takes issue with Sister Julienne insisting Eva remain under the midwives’ care for at least 10 days.
But Eva takes a stand, telling Vincent that he needs to take care of his four daughters or leave. Vincent doubles down and threatens that if he walks out now, he won’t go back, to which Eva confidently replies, “I think that’s for the best.”
Later, Eva explains to Sister Catherine how she never had a family of her own growing up – her mother died at a young age – leaving Eva with no one to tell her where she “was going wrong in life.” Yet, despite everything Eva has endured, she is overwhelmingly grateful that her daughters will have one another to support themselves through life.
Eva’s words resonate with Sister Catherine who can’t help but think about her own family. What she wouldn’t give to hear her sister’s voice or, better still, have her family accept her choice to pursue a religious calling!
Back at Nonnatus House, Sister Catherine musters the courage to ring her family, even though it’s against the rules. But when her father picks up the phone, he refuses to speak with her, leaving Sister Catherine more disheartened than ever.
Meanwhile, Mrs. Wallace finds a dispirited Cyril at church, and finally manages to get him to open up.
While Cyril was back in Jamaica, he received more closure regarding the status of his marriage – Lucille wants an amicable divorce.
The news doesn’t necessarily come as a shock. After all, the couple has been living on two different continents since Season 12. Nevertheless, it is still a tough cookie to swallow, and our hearts went out to Cyril.
Cyril goes on to admit that he worries how his congregation will perceive him upon learning he is to become a divorced man. But Mrs. Wallace reminds Cyril that other people’s judgement should not be a cause of concern. If people are interested in casting judgement, then that is a reflection of their characters, not Cyril’s.
Where will Cyril go from here? (Hopefully not far from Poplar!)
Back at the maternity ward, Sister Julienne guides Eva through the next steps for her and her daughters, and the road ahead will not be an easy one. For now, her two oldest daughters will have to enter foster care, but Eva is determined to do her best, knowing it will take time to sort everything out.
Elsewhere, Sister Catherine continues contemplating the sacrifices she’s made to pursue a life centered on religion. She asks Sister Julienne if it’s acceptable that she misses the things she’s given up – most of all, her family. Sister Catherine is pained by the fact that her father can’t forgive her for the choice she’s made. If God supposedly loves everyone, why would He ask her to cause her family so much pain?
Sister Julienne tells her pupil that the pain and uncertainty she experiences are all a part of life’s plan. There are times where Sister Julienne, too, struggles and feels lost – but ultimately, she remembers why she is here.
In some thrilling news, Harry informs Miss Higgins of a significant decision he’s made. Rather than continue to pursue his dental studies, he’s chosen to switch to medicine.
That’s right: Poplar will (someday) have another doctor to welcome! And, of course, Miss Higgins couldn’t be more proud of her grandson.
But never mind talk of university and courses… the event everyone has been waiting for is finally here. Bring on the Commonwealth Games!
While Cyril guides the children through different activities, Joyce and Rosalind set up shop at the refreshment stand. Joyce, ever the astute observer, asks Rosalind if there “is anything going on” between her and Cyril. Rosalind assures her that there isn’t but confesses she has feelings for him. She had hoped that in his absence, her romantic affections would dissipate, but unfortunately, “it doesn’t work like that.”
Rosalind isn’t sure what to do – or even what she can do. But those are questions for later. For now, she and Joyce can simply enjoy the community festivities with everyone else.
Forgot how we got here? Catch up on “Call the Midwife” with the Season 14, Episode 4 Recap.
