We’re smiling through the stress, pain, and uncertainty of these trying times. With only one episode to go, and Nonnatus House and the maternity home closing, we can’t help but wonder what will happen to our favorite characters.

What went down this week? Read on to discover more about episode seven.

Trixie’s New Direction

With only weeks remaining until the maternity home officially closes, questions abound about what the future holds for the midwives of Nonnatus House. For nuns like Sister Catherine and Sister Julienne, their whereabouts will depend on the Order’s decision. But what about the others?

Never one to let grass grow under her feet, it’s no surprise that Trixie already has her next role lined up. She’ll be taking over as Matron of the Lady Emily Clinic for Women and Babies. While she has yet to hand in her notice to Nonnatus House, she is set on commencing the job in the new year.

The decision wasn’t easy for Trixie. During her conversation with Mr. Scarisbrick, she explains how she has spent her whole career working in the East End, a time she has viewed as a “privilege.” Now, with the shift in bureaucratic oversight, Trixie worries that not all pregnant mothers will receive the healthcare they need. To her, nothing is as important as getting to know the women she’s caring for and making sure they feel safe.

How will Trixie break the news to her colleagues that she’s officially leaving Nonnatus House? 

Beryl and Geoffrey

If there’s one thing we can agree on after watching this week’s episode, it’s that Geoffrey Franklin is both the flatmate we all desire to have — and the flatmate we aspire to be. A morning breakfast tray brought straight to our bed to kickstart our day? Yes, please!

Since agreeing to temporarily move in with Geoffrey, Sister Veronica (aka Beryl) has settled into the rhythms of her new life. Nevertheless, she remains conflicted regarding the matter of her religious vocation and whether to stay or leave.

Geoffrey, always brimming with brilliant ideas, proposes one to Sister Veronica. Why not create a list of all the things she’s ever wanted to do? In doing so, Sister Veronica could have a better understanding of “which sacrifice is bearable.”

It doesn’t take long until Sister Veronica has her list, and in her typical fashion, it’s comprehensive. One: buy a new dress (that is not in navy blue, nor doesn’t go with a wimple and lace-ups). Two: drink while making crepes fruits de mer like the Galloping Gourmet. And three: earn some money.

Admittedly, her third item poses more of an obstacle, but Geoffrey already has a solution. He’s been in need of a secretary for a while, why doesn’t Sister Veronica give it a whirl? Perhaps she could even become “the Miss Higgins of Harley Street,” sans the “felt hat” or “petrifying manner.”

An Engagement

Uncork the champagne and pour some sherry — congratulations are in order for Rosalind and Cyril, the newly engaged couple! Over at Nonnatus House, the lovebirds bask in the love and merriment from their friends.

With the wedding in only three weeks, there’s a lot to get in order. Of course, with the exception of Joyce, no one knows the reason for their hasty nuptials is due to Rosalind’s unexpected pregnancy. Though, many of their friends suspect, given their line of work. (Wink!)

Rosalind admits she hasn’t broken the news of the engagement yet to her parents, but she’s hopeful they will take kindly to the news.

Welcome, New Doctors!

Despite the maternity home’s notice of closure, Dr. Turner and Shelagh are set to welcome a new cohort of junior doctors for a district obstetrics rotation, including none other than their very own son, Timothy.

While the presence of the new doctors seems promising, nothing could be further from the truth. 

The Board of Health has asserted its full control over the shutting down of Nonnatus House and the maternity home. Even Dr. Turner’s request for a meeting is ignored. Instead, he and Violet will have to wait until the next scheduled meeting on Friday to present their concerns.

Meanwhile, the fact remains that because Dr. Turner’s general practice remains open, many Poplar residents are unaware of the maternity home’s imminent closure. As Dr. Turner puts it, “The system we're heading into is going to be so big it dwarfs people’s comprehension.”

Something has to be done to raise awareness, but what?

Checking in on the Mullucks 

Elsewhere, Violet is busy with mayoral duties — mainly, a press conference and a photo shoot! Thanks to a recent Council initiative, one of Poplar’s historic flats has undergone a magnificent ground floor addition, and it belongs to none other than Rhoda Mullucks.

As long-time Call the Midwife fans will remember, Rhoda is the mother to Susan Mullucks, a child who was born with a limb reduction defect called phocomelia due to the adverse effects of Thalidomine. Now nearly a teenager, Susan has adjusted well to her life, despite the daily challenges that come from her physical differences.

During her appointment, Susan tells Dr. Turner she’s frustrated with her artificial legs. They’re heavy, they hurt, and they don’t even look like proper legs. However, Susan’s school teacher requires her and the other students affected by Thalidomine to wear them in class. 

Considering the extent of Susan’s growth spurts, Dr. Turner suspects she’s probably ready for a bigger set of legs.

Before they leave, Rhoda asks Dr. Turner if he could prescribe her with some more Milk of Magnesia. Concerned, Dr. Turner reminds Rhoda that she’s long overdue for a gallbladder removal surgery. She’s been at the top of the waiting list twice, but cancelled the operation both times.

Between caring for Susan and Paddy, running the household, and organizing a campaign for Thalidomine patient compensation, Rhoda explains she’s been too busy to go through with surgery. Plus, Belinda, her oldest, is away at university and not around to lend a hand with childcare.

Dr. Turner agrees to write her a prescription, but on the condition that she promises to receive the operation the next time her name comes up. When it comes to health, one cannot overlook worrying symptoms.

Mayor Turns Midwife 

Frustrated by the lack of news coverage surrounding the maternity home’s closure, Violet decides to take matters into her own hands. Turning to Nurse Crane, she proposes an idea — what if she became a midwife for the day?

Of course, Violet does not possess the qualifications to deliver any babies. But what she lacks in medical experience, she makes up for in enthusiasm and most importantly, public draw. 

With help from the Gazette newspaper, a publicity stunt of this nature could help “draw attention to the destruction of midwifery services” and raise much-needed awareness.

Sure enough, before you can say, "Lights, camera, and action!" Violet has a show on her hands! But will her efforts do enough to make a difference?

Worry For Sister Monica Joan

As last week’s episode revealed, Sister Monica Joan has chronic kidney disease. Although she is managing her symptoms with diuretics, the side effects have left her feeling frustrated. 

Long gone are the days where she can move around freely. Confined to her bedroom, she requires the constant assistance of her colleagues to do everyday tasks, such as using the bathroom. 

Later, Fred drops by to deliver a bouquet of chrysanthemums to Sister Monica Joan. Like the rest of her colleagues and friends, Fred can see the Sister’s fading strength. He offers to accompany her outside, but she admits her feet “will not carry” her there.

Out of everyone in Sister Monica Joan’s circle, however, Sister Catherine is the one most affected by her decline. She can see how Sister Monica Joan’s denied the pleasures of life a little more each day, especially independence, company, and joy.

Fred and Sister Catherine both agree that they need to get the Sister outside. 

A Setback for Rosalind and Cyril

With wedding preparations well underway, Rosalind has one glaring task on her hands: telling her parents.

The topic is certainly a delicate one. As Rosalind points out to Joyce, the Cliffords haven’t spoken to Cyril since the day she introduced them. That was also the same day they declared Cyril wasn’t the man for her. Nevertheless, Rosalind is convinced her marriage will give her parents a chance to see things differently. 

Unfortunately, Rosalind’s hopes are quickly dashed. Choking back tears, she rushes to Cyril’s flat where he does his best to comfort her. He gently reminds Rosalind that the news was never going to be received well, especially when relayed over the phone.

Rosalind admits she thought that the “niceness” and “general decency” she’s also seen in her parents would’ve somehow prevailed. But after facing this degree of disapproval once again, Rosalind is left heartbroken.

Considering how they rejected Cyril, she refuses to give them the opportunity to reject their child, too.

Stressful Times

Despite the Milk of Magnesia, Rhoda’s gallbladder symptoms worsen. Fortunately, Bernie returns home just in time to rush his wife to the hospital, where she’s scheduled for emergency gallbladder removal.

But with Rhoda hospitalized, they need a new plan for child care. Due to the demanding, unpredictable hours of his job, Bernie can’t reliably take care of Susan. They turn to Belinda, their eldest daughter, and ask her to return to Poplar while Rhoda recovers. 

But Belinda refuses, claiming her college coursework prevents her from taking a break.

Fortunately, their son, Paddy, steps in to help. However, in a harrowing moment, Susan hurts herself while trying to climb up the stairs in Paddy’s absence. Now more than ever, the Mullucks need Belinda to come home.

Meanwhile, at Nonnatus House, Sister Catherine attempts to lift Sister Monica Joan’s spirits with little success. On top of not wanting to be seen in a wheelchair, the Sister is also vexed by the presence of the “infernal television” in her bedroom.

Sister Catherine tries to explain how all of these gestures emphasize their love for her, but Sister Monica Joan will hear nothing of it.

Timothy Steps Up

One evening, Joyce and Timothy respond to a phone call from a squalid tenement house.

Mr. Das, a frantic, first-time father-to-be, leads the two inside where his wife, Ranjini, is in the midst of labor. However, as the three of them ascend the stairs, a young woman from a nearby flat, calls out to Joyce. Her newborn has developed a cold and a cough, but she can’t afford the bus fare to take him to the surgery. Joyce promises to pop down later to assess the child, but for now, her efforts are needed elsewhere.

Joyce and Timothy quickly set up their equipment in the Das’ room and learn that the couple are practicing Hindus, meaning Mr. Das is forbidden from being in the delivery room. Timothy suggests setting up a makeshift screen, that way the husband can still take part while honoring their religious customs.

Ranjini’s labor progresses, and soon, the baby’s head is born. As Timothy encourages the mother to keep going, a frantic shout echoes throughout the hallways — the sick baby has stopped breathing.

Joyce scrambles out of the room to check on the emergency, leaving Timothy to oversee the remainder of the birth. Remaining calm, he guides Ranjini through the final steps of the delivery and successfully welcomes a baby girl into the world. But not long after, he discovers Ranjini has a postpartum hemorrhage.

For a moment, everything freezes for Timothy. Watching blood seep onto the mattress, he knows time is critical for helping Ranjini. Fortunately, adrenaline kicks in, and he administers the necessary injection to save her.

Meanwhile, a few floors below them, Joyce begins chest compressions on the unresponsive baby. After what feels like an eternity, the baby starts breathing again.

Talk about two close calls!

The Frustrating Council Meeting

At long last, the Board of Health convenes for a meeting. As anticipated, Mr. Threapwood demonstrates his usual callousness surrounding the closure of the maternity home.

However, as Poplar’s mayor, Violet is never one to back down. The only woman present at the meeting, she approaches Mr. Threapwood with the latest issue of the Gazette, pointing out how the women of Poplar view the Sisters and midwives as both “vital” and “valuable.”

Nevertheless, Mr. Threapwood remains unmoved. The National Health Service has already made its decision, and he has no interest in changing course.

Both Violet and Dr. Turner are left frustrated, but not surprised. They’ve done everything they could to try and make a difference, but sometimes there is no winning.

Uncertain Futures

If there’s anything all our favorite characters have learned from these past few weeks, it’s that change is inevitable. Fight it or embrace it, it’ll come for you either way.