‘Call the Midwife’ season 4, episode 3 review (PBS): Dysentery troubles and Tony’s story
“Call the Midwife” does like to take on many social issues and discussion points, but at the same time, it usually tends to tackle them in subtle ways. That was not even remotely the case on Sunday night’s new episode, where the tale of Tony, a married man who was hiding his repressed sexuality, was front and center. It was explored slightly with Patsy and will continue to be, but not on this same exact level.
In terms of terrible conditions, this episode teaches us that unless you are one of the wealthy, Poplar is not an idealized world. This is not within the walls of Downton Abbey. There is sickness and suffering, and we saw that between a mother in peril and squalor and also an epidemic of dysentery that forced Shelagh and Dr. Turner into precarious positions.
While Phyllis continues to adjusted to this new environment and we had glimpses aplenty of Trixie and Fred, our concern about this season upon a rewatch remains the same as it was when we first saw the show airing in the United Kingdom. We still do not quite understand where the main narrative lies this season. The show is struggling to figure out its voice and vision without Jessica Raine aboard, even if there are still a variety of different entertaining, sweet, or heartbreaking moments.
For now, what we will tell you is that if you enjoy the Fred character in particular, his story is going to be building throughout the rest of the season.
What did you think about this “Call the Midwife” episode? Share with a comment, and head over here to get some other news related to the series, including a preview for what lies ahead. Also, sign up now to get some other TV updates on all we cover via our CarterMatt Newsletter. (Photo: BBC.)
Sue Given
April 13, 2015 @ 3:50 am
This was one of the best episodes about a married man struggling with a diagnosis of homosexuality long before there was enough research. I felt it was heartbreaking but I was glad to see that the topic was addressed since at times I think due to the AIDS scare, homosexuality can still be viewed negatively.
I like the new characters and they are doing an excellent job of replacing Jennie Worth. The older midwife is great-full of wisdom and humor- and the younger girl is so sweet and I loved watching her when she witnessed a birth.
I have watched every episode since the beginning. It is my favorite series and I am delighted that we are going to watch another season. Brilliant production with a great cast!
owilson
April 13, 2015 @ 2:09 am
I liked this episode. Each episode deals with a social problem of some kind and I like the fact that they are brought to light, whether we like the topic or not it needs to be addressed and is done so in good taste.
American Viewer
April 13, 2015 @ 1:30 am
While I still like CTM, I don’t like this season as well as the first three. It seems like the writers have taken a modern agenda, forcing homosexuality in our faces.
noracharles
April 13, 2015 @ 1:48 am
LOL, homosexuality has always been in your face, you just didn’t realize it. The world has changed (for the better, in this case.) Change with it, or get left behind.
TinkerToes
April 13, 2015 @ 11:45 am
“Forcing” it? You would prefer that they “hide” what has existed since humankind began and will always exist? Perphaps people who think like YOU should be hidden……….