Our beloved Sister Monica Joan’s (Judy Parfitt) sharp wit may still be devilishly strong but there’s no denying that the adored Call the Midwife character is fading… and fast.
The BBC period drama is almost certainly setting up her demise come the finale episode and as such has tried to gently ease viewers through this horrendous transition by setting up her departure episodes ahead of time.
First was her confusion, followed by the sweet-fiend’s loss of appetite (even for a strawberry scone), before finally declaring that she has life-threatening, chronic kidney disease. Still, even with all this pre-warning the fandom is not ready (we’re not ready) to say goodbye. The show’s official Instagram channel was flooded with fretful comments when teaser clips for the penultimate episodes were posted.
“We can’t lose Sister Monica Joan,” said one heartbroken fan before the heartbreak has even come to pass. “Not Sister Monica Joan, I genuinely can’t deal with her passing,” said another. “It will destroy me,” a third chimed in, while others preferred to live in denial stating, it’s “not happening.”
And yet, despite her valiant effort to overcome life threatening illnesses in the past, it seems the inevitable has finally caught up with her.
The seemingly inevitable loss on the horizon will rob viewers of more than just a cherished character but also a wonderfully precious and poignant friendship that has grown between the veteran nun and novice Sister Catherine (Molly Vevers).
BBC
Despite having known Sister Monica Joan the least long of any of the Nonnatus crew, the newcomer has formed a strong bond with her that has been rewarding to witness. The latest episode sees that bond put under strain when Sister Catherine’s attempts to revive Sister Monica Joan’s spirits are harshly rebuffed in impatience and anger.
The usually patient Sister Catherine this time can’t help but rise to Sister Monica Joan’s temperament and meets frustration with frustration, declaring, “Can’t you see that all of these gestures are because we love you?” A nice sentiment, had the words not been spat out heatedly.
Their feud escalated bitterly (well as bitterly as it can considering they’re nuns) resulting in the storming-out of one very peeved Sister Catherine.
“She was as mulish as I’ve ever seen her and I came as close to losing patience as I ever have,” said Sister Catherine to Sister Julienne (Jenny Agutter) before likening their tiff to a sisterly fight and it’s true, they have become sisters – in Christ but also family. Loved ones.
BBC
Since Sister Catherine arrived at Nonnatus House Sister Monica Joan has been something of a guide to the young nun, extending past her shepherding Sister Catherine through her first vow ceremony.
In a show that taps into the whole spectrum of human emotion, their special bond has been one of the most precious expressions of humanity and of love.
They are at opposite ends of the nun journey with Sister Monica Joan perhaps being able to see a little of herself at the the start of her own journey in faith through Sister Catherine. There is a vibrancy and exhilaration of embarking on this new life, whereas Sister Monica Joan’s journey and long-time devotion to her faith is inspirational to Sister Catherine, who is able to soak in the wisdom of a life well spent in Christ.
BBC
Having only just started out, there is a bittersweet dovetailing of events occurring now as Sister Monica Joan reaches her mortal end. And with that end comes the loss of their flourishing relationship, a friendship that extends past the generational age gap because they see themselves in each other.
Sister Catherine having to accept Sister Monica Joan’s decision to stop all treatment was one of the most devastating scenes shared by the pair.
The wave of frustration, pain and sadness was no doubt felt by the fandom too because it means letting go: of one of the show’s most dearest characters, and of the possibility of any more tender moments between these two in the future. And yet there is something wonderful about the particular kind of fighting spirit that has found its way back into Sister Monica Joan.
PHOTOGRAPHER:Olly Courtney//BBC
After all she never lost her spitfire nature nor her strong will but her joyful fighting spirit, her refusal to be dragged down into self-pity and wallowing, that has bounced back. In the face of adversity, of death, she will live with joy. Maybe this is one last lesson she has gifted her fellow Sister with.
As Sister Catherine tearfully breaks down, fretting over what is to come, she is met with love and the rallying support of the Nonnatus community. While this may bring her comfort in the present, it is Sister Monica Joan’s quiet yet, powerfully joyful spirit, lingering in the back of her mind, that might well be the very thing that helps her weather the coming storm.
Call the Midwife airs on BBC One and streams on BBC iPlayer.
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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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