Call the Midwife (TV Series) Holiday Special 2023 (2023) User Reviews

Relationships make this episode superb

[ProLifePat · 9/10 · 26 December 2023]

Relationships make this episode superb.

The years progress in CTM, the topics grow contemporary and complex. You know what you're going to get. And I'm still drawn to this show and the reality of the characters' lives.

Stress during Christmas, is real to all of us.

Yet, Sister Julienne's wisdom & patience continue to stabilize Nonnatus House. Shelagh's dismay is familiar to any adoptive mother. Sister Monica Joan's poignant prophecy is palpable for we older viewers. It is a delight to see the neighborhood's concern and care for Mr. Sharma. Especially as you learn his backstory.

Such a pro-life, pro-mother, pro-baby, pro-geriatric, pro-reconciliation story ranges across age, race, wealth, health, and status. And I just love it!

I'm a guy and am not prone to watch such a show. Yet the characters and the relationships compel me to watch. And to cry.

Christmas Special 2023

[studioAT · 8/10 · 28 December 2023]

"We need a plot for Christmas".

"We'll say that Sister Monica Joan thinks she's dying".

"Haven't we done that story before? A lot".

"Nobody will notice".

Yes, we will! The reason we will notice is because everytime this show gets short of stories they seem to go down one of two routes - threaten Nonnatus House with closure or threaten to kill off Sister Monica Joan. And on this occasion they once again turn to the latter.

I know it's the 13th series now and to keep thinking of new stories is hard, but come on, how many more times?!

I actually enjoyed this episode, I enjoy the Christmas Specials every year. If you want gentle viewing with family that also makes you think, then 'Call the Midwife' ticks every box.

It's well performed and written, and leaves you suitably warm and cosy inside. It gives you everything you want from special of this show.

Never Fails to Move Me

[rekcilorf · 10/10 · 28 December 2023]

I first encountered this show about 2 episodes into season 1, introduced to it by my daughter, herself a nurse. My wife and I were instantly hooked and never miss an episode. The Christmas specials are so moving and we look forward to them, especially since they come after a long draught from the last show of the previous season.

This one moved me so much, especially the incredibly touching performance of Judi Parfitt as Sister Monica Joan. She brought the pain of age and failing faculties of some one aware of her frailities but still able to recall so much of her very accomplished life. The side story of the homeless Indian RAF veteran also reflects the neglect some of these men suffered after years of dedicated service.

In this past week, I have already watched this episode three times and wept silently each time.

My wife and I look forward to the upcoming season. We hope that Lucille will return from Jamaica. She was a wonderful character and we miss her.