Season 15 Now Streaming
Modern Midwives Blog
It’s the time of the season for goodbyes, farewells, adieus, and amens.
Pull out the box of tissues and settle in — we’ve got a finale for the ages on our hands.
Read on below to find out what happens.
Last week’s episode saw Rhoda, the matriarch of the Mullucks family, admitted into the hospital for emergency surgery to remove her gallbladder. While the operation was successful, Rhoda has a new hurdle to cross.
At the end of Episode 7, Rhoda’s eldest daughter Belinda finally returned to Poplar from university to help at home while Rhoda recovers. However, to everyone’s surprise, the college student revealed some big, unexpected news: she’s eight months pregnant.
Upon learning this, Rhoda is outraged. She asks her daughter how she could “be so stupid” — doesn’t she understand how much is on the line? How will Belinda continue on with her studies if she’s planning to raise a child, and without a husband no less?
Fortunately, when it comes to bringing family members together, Shelagh is the one for the job. Later, the nurse drops by the Mullucks’ flat to check on Belinda’s health status. Based on her assessment, Shelagh believes Belinda is closer to term than the mother-to-be originally thought. Indeed, the baby is likely due any day.
Shelagh also sits down with Rhoda, and after some discussion, Rhoda begins to shift her perspective. While the news of the baby has thrown her for a loop, she realizes everything will eventually work itself out. What’s most important now is that both her and Belinda are a united front.
But the Mullucks aren’t the only ones with news. There are fresh developments with Trixie’s transition from Nonnatus House to the Lady Emily Clinic as well.
Mr. Scarisbrick reminds Trixie that he intends to “semi-retire” in the near future. With this in mind, he wonders if Trixie would consider entering a partnership. More specifically, a 40% ownership stake. The proposal, of course, would assume she possesses the backing of the Aylward Estates.
But as Trixie explains to Mr. Scarisbrick, she does not have access to her family’s finances. All fiscal control lies solely with her mother-in-law, Lavinia. Nevertheless, Mr. Scarisbrick tells Trixie to still consider the offer.
Later, in a shocking turn of events, Lavinia passes away from an unexpected stroke.
Elsewhere, Beryl (Sister Veronica) is still staying with Geoffrey and searching for answers to her inner conflict — should she give up her vows to have a baby of her own or stay on her current course? However, one night, Beryl finds herself waking up, dripping in sweat, supposedly from the continental blanket.
But could this be a sign of something else… perimenopause, perhaps?
In the weeks following her chronic kidney disease diagnosis, Sister Monica Joan has struggled both physically and mentally. The side effects from her diuretics have left her feeling as though she’s losing her dignity and autonomy, along with the joys and pleasures of everyday life.
Realizing she doesn’t want to prolong her inevitable decline, Sister Monica Joan takes matters into her own hands and stops taking her medication altogether. While the choice is initially difficult for Sister Catherine to accept, the young Sister ultimately comes around to respecting her friend’s wish.
Almost immediately, Sister Monica Joan’s mood brightens. She’s back to cracking witty jokes and vocalizing her requests for splendid beverages and refreshments, most notably a gin and tonic — a beverage she’s heard mentioned often and “always in such approving terms.”
After a taste, she declares herself “enamored.”
She also meets with Bernie Mulluck to discuss the details of her funeral arrangement. She understands and embraces the prescribed rites and rituals that come with her burial. However, she can’t rest until her farewell is managed “in the way it ought to be.” After all, she’ll be leaving Poplar, and it’s her home.
Together, the two iron out the specifics of her instructions, including having her requiem take place at St. Anne’s Church.
As Bernie pushes Sister Monica Joan through the lively, bustling streets of Poplar’s outdoor market, they pass by numerous vendors and residents who thank the Sister for all the help she’s provided over her lengthy career.
To think of all the lives she’s touched, including our own.
Ring the bells, gather the champagne flutes, and assemble the bouquets! It wouldn’t be a proper Call the Midwife season finale without a wedding.
Sporting a chic, knee-length wedding dress, Rosalind is the fitting image of a modern-day bride. With her friends and colleagues by her side, she joins Cyril at the registry office. The loving couple exchange their wedding vows — and just like that, they’re married!
Before heading off for their honeymoon, Rosalind and Cyril pay Sister Monica Joan a visit. To their surprise, they discover the Sister already knows about their expected child. While no one officially told her, she suspected, reasoning that “as the body fades, the senses grow sharper.” As an extension of her love, she gives the newlyweds a teddy bear to give to their child.
However, that’s not the only surprise in store for Rosalind and Cyril. Much to Cyril’s dismay, he finds that the taxi service he booked in advance is nowhere to be found.
But fear not! Fred Buckle has other ideas in mind. He, along with many of the couple’s other friends, pitched in to get the lovely couple a beautiful open-topped sports car, lavishly decorated with white ribbons and balloons.
Meanwhile, over at the Mullucks’ household, Bernie and Paddy discuss a promising idea for Susan. Thanks to a recent college seminar, Paddy’s learned of a new, emerging technology: the electric wheelchair.
Considering the day-to-day limitations Susan experiences due to limb reduction defects from Thalidomide, an electric wheelchair — with its 100-watt motor and real-wheel drive — could truly improve her mobility and freedom. Paddy remarks to his dad that it’s their responsibility to “chase everything that’s new” to give Susan the highest quality of life possible.
Over at the maternity home, Dr. Turner and Shelagh oversee what could very well be the last delivery. With her mother Rhoda by her side, Belinda welcomes a beautiful, healthy baby girl into the world.
While the time has come for the maternity home to shut its doors, Dr. Turner’s practice will remain open. He and Shelagh will also continue working side-by-side with the nuns of Nonnatus House — once they know what lies ahead for the Sisters.
Fly me to the moon, let me play among the stars….
If there’s anyone we trust for a fun night out on the town, it’s none other than Geoffrey Franklin. Toss on some snazzy outfits, throw on a little Frank Sinatra, and we’ve got a party.
In keeping with his mission to highlight the splendors of everyday life, he invites Beryl (Sister Veronica) out for an evening filled with dancing. And what better way to kickstart the festivities than some “Perfect Lady” cocktails?
Seeing Beryl in this environment, it’s almost easy to forget that she was — and is technically still — a nun. But as she soon discovers, it’s hard to escape reality.
In attendance at the dance club is none other than St. Cuthbert’s head doctor, Mr. Parry, and his partner, Alistair. Recognizing his friend Philip, Geoffrey calls Mr. Parry over to his table to offer introductions.
Of course, this is not Sister Veronica’s first time meeting Mr. Parry. The two have crossed paths multiple times in the past. However, the doctor does not recognize Beryl. Why should he?
But for Sister Veronica, this encounter only reaffirms her sense of being on the fringes. She’s caught between two future paths and two diverging identities, and she knows she needs to make a decision about her future soon.
The time has finally come for Sister Monica Joan to depart this world.
While drifting in and out of consciousness, the Sister welcomes an unexpected visitor in her bedroom — Sister Evangelina, a beloved Call the Midwife character who tragically passed away in Season 5.
Reunited with her friend at last, Sister Evangelina teases Sister Monica Joan that she has “shilly-shallied long enough.” Besides, there’s nothing for Sister Monica Joan to worry about. She assures her Sister that where they’re going is both “everything we were promised” and “all that you have worked for.”
With a smile on her face, Sister Monica Joan takes Sister Evangelina’s hand and, surrounded by a room filled with nuns who have passed away, follows her out of the bedroom, out of Poplar, and into her next life.
After weeks filled with contemplation, Sister Veronica has finally made her decision.
With tears in her eyes, she explains to Geoffrey that it’s time for her to go back to the Order. While she originally set out on this journey because she wanted a child, she’s since learned she’s perimenopausal.
As she tells Geoffrey, “I’ve been beaten by my own biology. I belong in the Order. I’ve earned that life.”
While the realities of her circumstances are heartbreaking, Sister Veronica knows that once she returns to the Order, she can return to holding babies every day. And although it may be painful at first, she knows her path as a nun is what’s right for her.
But for now, she must say goodbye to Beryl and leave that version of her behind with Geoffrey. No matter where they are in the world, the two friends will always have each other in their lives.
As clouds of grief hover over Poplar following Sister Monica Joan’s passing, Sister Julienne and Dr. Turner discuss the matter of Nonnatus House and the maternity home. Regardless of what the future has in store, Dr. Turner shares he’s not scared of new beginnings. Either way, the two of them will find ways to get through this together.
Later, Sister Julienne gathers her colleagues to explain the upcoming steps she’s laid out. After much consideration, she, Sister Catherine, and Sister Veronica have decided to pursue three medical missions, all of which will last for at least a year abroad in Gilbert and Ellice Islands, British Columbia, and a remote part of Australia.
In the meantime, Nonnatus House will become a house of prayer and charity while the Sisters discern their next steps.
For now, Sister Julienne asks for everyone’s prayers and patience as uncertainty still looms, promising that all will be well.
After 15 seasons, it’s difficult to believe that Sister Monica Joan is really gone. Always emanating wisdom, playfulness, and wit, Call the Midwife fans have witnessed time and time again the ways in which Sister Monica Joan left an indelible impact on others.
Keeping true to her wishes, the Poplar community gathers to give the Sister a touching send-off. As the pews fill up with residents eager to pay their respects, Timothy, Dr. Turner, Cyril, Fred, Reggie, and Geoffrey carry Sister Monica Joan’s casket inside the church.
Later, Sister Catherine takes to the altar to deliver a touching eulogy. With poise and tenderness, she addresses the crowd, saying, “I can say this: she was unique. And yet what we feel, as we let her go, is universal. … We may not know what the future holds, but we can all say, our lives contained her. And that binds us, for eternity.”
While we’re not saying goodbye forever, many of our beloved Call the Midwife characters have some new chapters to unfold.
Since the sudden passing of her mother-in-law, some new doors have opened for Trixie. Now with a seat on the Board of Aylward Estates and access to her family’s capital, Trixie informs Mr. Scarisbrick that she will in fact seek an ownership stake in the Lady Emily Clinic.
However, she has no interest in the originally proposed 40% — no, more like 55% will do. As she says to Mr. Scarisbrook, “That way, there’s no confusion. We all know who’s in charge.”
As for Miss Higgins and Nurse Crane, these besties have some playful schemes in mind. While the two women plan to continue working at Dr. Turner’s general practice, Miss Higgins shares that she’s started to consider potential retirement ideas for their dynamic duo.
Her best one? Starting a detective agency. Introducing: “The Miss Adventures Agency.” Or “Miss Alliance.” Or “Miss Demeanors.” Whatever hypothetical name they land on, we can guarantee their astute services will be in unequivocal high demand.
Finally, Joyce has some exciting news of her own.
After interviewing for the position of acting Sister at St. Cuthbert’s, she finally receives word back, and she’s secured the role! Although her heart will always have a place in district work, she’s overjoyed by the prospect of taking on her dream job.
As the old adage goes: all good things must come to an end. At least for now, anyway.
With the midwives preparing for their next string of journeys, everyone gathers together once more at Nonnatus House to look through old photographs. Sifting through the old albums, we’re reminded of the people, places, and moments that defined Call the Midwife over the years. It’s bittersweet, yes, but touching, nonetheless.
Until next time.
Forgot how we got here? Catch up on “Call the Midwife” with the Season 15, Episode 7 GIF Recap.
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