‘Call the Midwife’ season 3, episode 5 review (PBS): Jessica Raine’s absence; Sally and Jacob’s tale

Sunday night’s “Call the Midwife” may certainly feel strange for longtime viewers. For the first time all season long, Jessica Raine’s character of Jenny Lee was basically an afterthought. (Warning: Spoilers ahead!)

The good news is that Jenny wasn’t completely forgotten in the episode, and there was a tiny little scene featuring the character while she spends some time away and figures out what she wants to do with the rest of her life. This story would be interesting … if we actually saw more of it. Why not give us enough of this story to actually make it worthwhile?

What we want to discuss more here is the story of Sally and Jacob, and how this, regardless of the cast changes and everything else when it comes to this show, is the real fabric of the series. This situation of how to deal with expecting mothers with Down Syndrome is a difficult issue, and one that does have a variety of different variables that need to be considered. The episode did a strong job of exploring every wrinkle of it, whether it be the highs and lows or also what can be done from the standpoint of sensitivity.

Do we wish that there was more to this episode beyond this and the celebration for Evalgenlina? Sure, but this was the beginning of a great arc for the series that is going to carry it through the end of season 3, which is going to leave plenty of viewers talking.

What did you think about tonight’s “Call the Midwife” episode? Share your thoughts below.

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