Ep 7. Episode 7

After nine successful seasons, Call the Midwife returns with the tenth installment that features the stories of the nuns and midwives who provide care to women and their families in Poplar, a poor district in East London. This season explores the lives of these women as they navigate the challenges of life in the 1960s, with issues such as feminism, motherhood, race, and class tackled head-on.

Episode 7 of Call the Midwife is an emotionally charged episode that shines a light on the impact of poverty, especially on women and children. The episode starts with the arrival of Violet Buckle, a charismatic and stylish woman who comes to Nonnatus House looking for work. Violet impresses everyone with her skills, wit, and charm, and soon becomes an integral part of the team.

Meanwhile, Sister Frances, Trixie, and Sister Hilda are called to attend to a family living in extreme poverty. The family - a mother, father, and six children - live in a damp, overcrowded home with no proper sanitation. Despite their difficult circumstances, the family is warm and welcoming to the midwives. However, as the visit progresses, the midwives realize that the family is struggling to make ends meet. The father works hard as a dockworker but barely earns enough to provide for his family. The mother, who is heavily pregnant, is worried about the future and the well-being of their children.

As the midwives provide medical care and support, they also notice signs of malnutrition and poor hygiene among the children. They advise the parents to seek assistance from the welfare office, but the father expresses his reluctance to do so, citing his pride and his aversion to charity. The situation is made worse when the mother goes into labor, but they cannot afford to pay for a doctor or hospital fees.

Sister Frances, who has a soft spot for children, is deeply moved by the family's plight and decides to take action. She makes a personal donation to the family, buys them groceries, and convinces the father to accept help from the welfare office. Her actions are met with gratitude and appreciation from the family, who are overwhelmed by her kindness.

Elsewhere, Shelagh and Dr. Turner are dealing with their own struggles as parents. Shelagh is concerned about her son Timothy, who has been showing signs of anxiety and stress. Despite her efforts to help him, Timothy's condition worsens, and she turns to Dr. Turner for help. Meanwhile, Dr. Turner is preoccupied with a difficult case involving a young woman who is pregnant and has tuberculosis. He fears that the woman's life and that of her unborn child are in danger, and his sense of duty and responsibility weigh heavily on him.

As the episode progresses, we see the midwives, nuns, and doctors of Nonnatus House juggling their personal and professional lives. They offer comfort, support, and care to those in need while dealing with their own challenges. The episode ends on a poignant note, reminding us of the importance of community, empathy, and kindness in a world filled with suffering and hardship.

In summary, episode 7 of Call the Midwife is a powerful and moving installment that showcases the show's strengths: strong character development, emotional depth, and a commitment to addressing social issues. It highlights the struggles of families living in poverty and the ways in which kindness and compassion can make a difference. Fans of the show will find this episode to be a compelling and poignant addition to the show's legacy.