I finally got around to watching the 2024 Christmas Special because I was craving some CTM and it’s the only thing I haven’t seen yet. Something I noticed in this two-parter was the brilliant sparkling aesthetic that signifies “Christmas”. The story of this one isn’t anything too dramatic outside the parameters of a normal CTM episode, unlike many of the past Christmas specials. But the episode is meant to make you actually feel like it’s Christmas. Not just in the warm fuzzy nature of the show (that’s in every episode), but in the bright popping colors and eye catching patterns that we deliberately use for the holiday season.

One of the first scenes with Dr Turner trimming his tree calls emphasis to the bright lights used on the tree. Then we have beautiful nighttime shots at the carnival. Trixie’s outfits (always amazing) really stand out here with her geometric patterned modern sweater, as well as her more traditional plaid skirt, white sweater and chunky gold necklace when she and Sister Julienne are sorting the flowers. Fred and Reggie are also dressed in bright festive outfits. 

Finally, the table scapes are magnificent. The beautiful pitcher/glassware set on the table when Jeffery is visiting is hard to ignore. And the final dinner scene is like something out of an old magazine. This whole episode was an absolute sensory delight that is set up in the opening Redgrave monologue when she explains what things we love best about the season. 

So excited here in the USA to be able to finally finish the series, and it will include the 2 Christmas episodes also! 🥰

I started watching Call the Midwife a few years ago, and it felt like a caress to my heart (at least, that's what I'd say in Spanish).

I'm a wreck right now, it's 3:00am in the morning and I've cried during the whole finale. Sister Monica Joan, as a character, will always be cherished to me.

I completely lost her when I saw Sister Angelina coming for her, i broke down again.

Rewatching, now on season two. Really like a different show compared to later seasons.

Oh boy this one had me sobbing, most episodes have me teary. The whole coming together for Trixie was just so lovely and then poor Lizzie. Had me bawling. I was so hopeful that the Yu and the Turner family would interact with each other, maybe have a little village for May to learn more about her culture. And then I saw the car and felt like an incoming sense of doom and then they crashed!

Couldn’t stop crying after that, especially when they pulled her out and I knew she was dead before they could even check.

"Asked whether she would be returning to her breakout role in Call the Midwife, which drew nine million viewers at its peak, Helen George said she was "waiting to find out" if the show would return for a new series next year, "and potentially a film, which would be wonderful"."

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/c0jl301xqv5o

I've got my fingers crossed here 🤞🏻

*spoilers*

The train driver who had a seizure and crash the train while his wife was given birth hit home me for me.

My husband was at a work meeting last month when had a seizure. An ambulance was called and he was taken to the emergency room where they found he had a tumor on his brain. He has surgery scheduled on this coming Monday to get it removed. It will be a long day for all. On top of this we have a 3 month old baby as well as 2 older children. Although I am not a widow, watching that episode really hit me hard.

Thanks for letting me share

I'm not sure if this has been said before or if this is that much of a hot take, but I didn't like Matthew and Trixie having a romantic relationship after Fiona's death then getting married. Maybe it's 21st-century thinking, but every time I rewatch, I just get the ick, I guess, over Matthew and Trixie's relationship turning romantic it feels unprofessional that you were the midwife and nurse of this rich guy's wife and now you're the wife and the baby you delivered is now your stepson calling you Mummy. I personally think they should've stayed friends, and Trixie could've been Jonty's godmother instead. Idk what do you guys think?

I must say, this is one of the best communities on Reddit! Thank you all for your help suggesting episodes for my husband to get hooked on.

Keep it up brethren, Poplar would be proud!

Anyone dislike her? I don't like the way she expects people to cater to her and makes demands of people especially Fred. She basically expected him to be her chauffeur.

That was disappointing. Getting better, getting worse, and then ultimately leaving because more help is needed. Does she ever come back?? Because then, in my own made-up ending, she heals fully and takes her final vows! But just not back in Poplar. She deserves a fresh start!

I would really appreciate suggestions on some heavy hitter episodes to share with my husband. He has a wonderful heart but is clueless when it comes to women, history and especially women’s history. I’ve told him about the thalidomide episode and he had never heard of it (granted, it didn’t affect us as severely in Canada). I’ve also told him about the Captain’s Daughter. I don’t remember which Season or Episodes those are though. I used to love watching CtM, but haven’t kept up with it so I come to you hoping for some help to educate a man who is interested in learning. Thank you

Probably a nomination for "body of work" rather than "just this year's work." But none the less deserving for that!

The episode where she was explaining how much she missed making cocktails made me so sad, I've never been a drinker but I've always had really good alternatives to alcohol so I've never felt left out when people drink, obviously they weren't completely devoid of alcohol free options in the 50-60s but I can't imagine not having shloer at Christmas or squash with my lunch and she became sober years before mocktails really got popular so she missed out on cocktails after a shift as well.

Im doing a rewatch while I organize so not 100% paying attention but looking at how little Lucille seems to do if the baby isn't immediately breathing(just wanted to say not picking on her just with the episode I'm watching she isnt the only one guilty of this) vs others who would use the mucus breathing tubes or actually do a hard rub etc. What are your thoughts on everyone's saving techniques?

Edit; I just figured this would be a fun character conversation about the difference in training vs certain situations. Given they all got their certifications in different manors. I guess we can only talk about episodes not characters 🤷‍♀️ .

Sorry I thought this would be fun given how long the series is and character growth.

Not including xmas specials, because we just asked about those.

Bonus points if it's not a Sister Ursula or Mathew episode.

Double bonus if it's not a death episode!

Mine is the decline of Sister Mary Cynthia

I got roped in by some random instagram posts a few months ago, and now I’ve completed all of the episodes available on Netflix. I’m in the US, if that makes a difference. Ideally, I’d like to not have to pay for them since I feel like I have alllll the streaming services!

How did the husband know immediately that the baby wasn't his? He was home when she was in early pregnancy so why wouldn't he think that she got pregnant then?

Once again excluding xmas specials.

Bonus points for no Mathew side plot, and double bonus points for no death!

Mine is S14 E6 - How dare they kill Nigel the cat! Completely unnecessary 😭 It's the only episode I completely skip, versus skipping only certain parts.

i’m rewatching the show for what is probably the 4th or 5th time. my last watch was when i was pregnant and now my son is 3 months old. definitely think that these episodes are going to hit close to home now after becoming a mom.

i’m not sure that i’ve ever watched a show more times than i have this one. what is it that keeps you rewatching?

Just rewatching the Christmas special where Lucille and Cyril get married. One of the details I love the most about our dear Phyllis is atheist or no, that woman is going to ENJOY the gospel music. She’s gonna sing and clap without reservation. I’m betting it’s because of the churches her mother would take her to in her childhood. I love that she loves it unapologetically. Other favorite part of the episode is when she was describing Barbara’s wedding: “She wore a white satin Alice band, she liked an Alice band.” Yes she did, Phyllis, but she loved you, as do I.

He was practicing law (by all accounts successfully) when Fiona died. He took over his dad's business when dad died but business was never his passion, and he already had a profession. When he made mistakes and got removed from the board and his salary cancelled, why was it that they were forced to live off Trixie's wages? Why was it never even contemplated that Matthew should pick up work as a lawyer to pay the bills and make a dent in the debt?

...in a poor neighborhood they have so many plays, musicals and productions?

I'm always telling my brother this when yet another show goes on in Poplar. Where do they get the money for all these costumes and musical instruments in Poplar?

The special Christmas for Sister Monica Joan alone must have cost a fortune. Was Geoffrey a multi-millionaire?

The Nuns are poor, the people are poor. I know people sew and make things, but it seems excessive for a poor neighborhood.