Ep 3. Episode 3

In Call the Midwife season 8 episode 3, we are transported back to 1964 in Poplar, London. The episode begins with a scene where Sister Julienne is visiting an antenatal mother, Mrs Maguire, and her husband, who is a docker. Sister Julienne discovers that Mrs Maguire has had a difficult past, which explains her anxieties during pregnancy. Sister Julienne is convinced that the couple needs more support during this time, and she assigns the task to the midwives to assist with the birth, which turns out to be a difficult delivery with many complications and several tense moments.

We also see Nurse Crane entertaining a large group of children from a nearby orphanage, which provides some light relief with a joyous musical number. Later, when Nurse Crane returns to the convent, a former patient from her time in Hong Kong, Soo-An, surprisingly shows up at the doorstep. Soo-An, who is pregnant, had contracted tuberculosis while working in England. Nurse Crane steps in to offer her help and guidance throughout her pregnancy and battles with the disease, showing her unwavering dedication to her profession.

The episode also focuses on the personal struggles of Trixie, who is aiming to quit smoking and has taken up knitting as a means of keeping her hands occupied. But as with many addictions, Trixie struggles with temptation, and her quit-smoking journey proves to be a tough one. It is then when she bumps into Christopher Dockerill, a handsome dentist, who she falls for and connects with over their shared love of golf. Trixie must navigate her desires while simultaneously battling her addiction.

Another plotline follows Mother Mildred, who arrives back in Poplar after a trip to Hong Kong. She is assigned to start a clinic in a male prison and tries to convince Shelagh to join her in this endeavor, but the latter is preoccupied with her upcoming baby. Nonetheless, as is typical of the show, the two of them find a way to help those in need, as they always do.

Throughout the episode, we are also reminded of the politics of the day, with a speech by the Labour MP, Barbara Castle, in which she talks extensively about the need to provide free contraception to all women. The issue of birth control is an integral theme throughout the episode, and it is handled with the series' characteristic respect and thoughtfulness. It is acknowledged that the Church and society in general are slow to accept it, and yet it is necessary for women's reproductive health and well-being.

In conclusion, Call the Midwife season 8 episode 3 is a classic example of the show's blending of medical drama with personal stories. The nuanced exploration of Trixie's addiction, Soo-An's illness, and Mrs Maguire's struggles all lend a sense of authenticity and depth to the episode. The addition of politics adds another layer, as the show often manages to address important societal issues of the time that are still relevant today. With its diverse characters and their everyday struggles, the show remains as relevant and powerful as ever.