‘Call the Midwife’ season 4, episode 1 preview (PBS): Great expectations?
While British viewers have already had a chance to get their fill of “Call the Midwife,” Americans will get a chance to begin watching season 4 starting on Sunday night on PBS. Just in case you didn’t know, the 2014 Christmas Special aired in America in late December, which actually completely skated right over us. (Maybe we are not used to hunting down Masterpiece programming after we’re stuffed full of turkey and hot cocoa.)
Season 4 will begin in an awkward manner, given that you are going to see a show completely devoid of Jennifer Worth in the flesh. Even Vanessa Redgrave, fearless narrator, will not be turning up as she did in the holiday special. We’ve moved away from the source material now completely into fiction … but there are still some applicable stories to the times / others that will make you bawl uncontrollably. Such is the way with this show.
Aw we were fortunate enough to catch the original airings, we will be presenting teasers through the months ahead of each particular episode. Do not worry: We have no intention of shouting major events from a rooftop. Think of this more as a companion piece than something designed to sap the fun out of your viewing experience.
1. Jessica Raine is not going to be returning, and you should prepare for at least one other major cast member to be absent for huge chunks of time this season.
2. Charlotte Ritchie makes her debut in the premiere as Barbara Gilbert, a young woman hopeful and ready to please in her midwife role.
3. Each episode of this series tends to tackle a prevalent theme of the time, and depression and hopelessness is a huge piece of the puzzle this time around.
4. Helen George has more of the spotlight as Trixie, and her relationship with Tom will be a key component of the show’s early episodes. Trixie will also sympathize and forge a bond with a young boy at the center of the premiere story.
We do hope to see you back with more “Call the Midwife” coverage this season. Also, sign up now in the event you want some other news on everything we cover via our CarterMatt Newsletter. (Photo: BBC.)