‘Call the Midwife’ season 3, episode 5 review: Sally and Jacob’s ‘bearable’ story

With Jenny off trying to find herself and recuperate following the death of Alec, “Call the Midwife” on Sunday night took a very different sort of approach: It was almost in some ways a procedural episode, given that most of the hour was geared around two people who despite the mental disabilities, tried to find love and understanding with each other to shocking results.

These two individuals were Jacob and Sally, who had both seemingly managed to fall in love, and also ended up having a child together. This is of course where the trouble kicked in, as neither party was really capable of raising and caring for a young person in the world, and that is where the power started to shift to some of the other characters.

The issue that was explored here was one of self-reliance in this time. Was it right for others to determine what the appropriate fate for Jacob was, or should he have had a say in whether or not he should be taken away from his child? Was he really harmful because he loved someone else? While this did not move any major story forward, it was certainly emotional and one of the best singular stories the series has done. The word “bearable” was thrown around here to talk about finding the right solution for all parties and the child, but “bearable” does not automatically mean ideal.

The other major story was a jubilee celebration for Evangelina, who at first was extremely hesitant to really acknowledge or appreciate anything that she was given; but in the end, she came to realize the impact that she had on her community. She was responsible, after all, for delivering so many children, and then the children of the children. Grade: A-.

What did you think about this episode, and the issues that it presented? Share some of your thoughts below.