At this point, watching Call the Midwife should come with some kind of emotional warning; words brandished in red, stating that side effects will include uncontrollable weeping. Back on our screens tonight for its fifteenth season, it’s a testament to the show that this is still the case and it manages to hold the power to make us cry.
The period drama’s season 15 premiere delivers an extraordinarily emotional portrayal of human life. Call the Midwife’s cast remains one of the series’ greatest assets, but a few characters in particular really cut through, making the episode the tender experience that it is – starting with Sister Catherine (Molly Vevers).
While we wouldn’t dare rob you of the viewing experience, no spoilers here, it’s safe to admit that Nonnatus’ most recent nun had a bit of a tumultuous time caring for a pregnant mother.
Like the show, Verers’ performance is simple but powerful. Everything from the tremble in her body, to her battered but strong-willed spirit, made the already devastating set of circumstances come alive.
PHOTOGRAPHER:Luke Ross//BBC
Her journey in this episode paved the way for more scenes between one of the most precious duos in the show, herself and Sister Monica Joan (Judy Parfitt). Sisters Catherine and Monica Joan’s connection has flourished beautifully since the elder supported the young nun during her first-vow ceremony.
Once again Parfitt’s Sister Monica lends more than an ear to the despairing Catherine, allowing them to share yet another tender moment. Here, their relationship evolves past friendship and mentor/mentee, with a more nurturing dynamic blossoming between them. Trust us when we say that you’re in for a truly wonderful and endearing scene.
BBC
Verers and Parfitt display such talent here that they elevate the script, with a performance that is felt in the bodies of the audience, expressed in their tears.
Of course we’re always grateful for Sister Monica Joan’s (the absolute jewel of Call the Midwife) ability to add moments of levity – even if in the most subtle of ways.
PHOTOGRAPHER:Olly Courtney//BBC
In the background of the episode, the Women’s Liberation Movement for Equality rumbles on. The journey to understanding one’s place in the movement brings about humour and reflection.
After 125 episodes (not including the season 10 anniversary episode, for those with a penchant for keeping score), Call the Midwife is bound to make some mistakes – the 2025 Christmas special being proof of that.
Olly Courtney//BBC
However it is astonishing how, more often than not, the creators are able to continue to create storylines that have the ability to move the audience so deeply.
While its festive double-bill was somewhat disappointing, season 15 seems to be charting a different course with a debut episode that is nothing short of perfection.
Call the Midwife season 15 airs Sunday at 8pm on BBC One. Seasons 1-14 are available to watch on BBC iPlayer.
Read more Call the Midwife news on our dedicated homepage
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TV writer, Digital Spy Janet completed her Masters degree in Magazine Journalism in 2013 and has continued to grow professionally within the industry ever since. Â For six years she honed her analytical reviewing skills at the Good Housekeeping institute eventually becoming Acting Head of Food testing. Â She also freelanced in the field of film and TV journalism from 2013-2020, when she interviewed A-List stars such as Samuel L Jackson, Colin Firth and Scarlett Johansson. In 2021 she joined Digital Spy as TV writer where she gets to delve into more of what she loves, watching copious amounts of telly all in the name of work. Since taking on the role she has conducted red carpet interviews with the cast of Bridgerton, covered the BAFTAs and been interviewed by BBC Radio and London Live. In her spare time she also moonlights as a published author, the book Gothic Angel.
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