Call the Midwife series 2

[birdienl]

The first series of Call the Midwife was an unexpected success in the Spring of 2012. The second series, with 8 in stead of 6 episodes and its very own Christmas Special, brings us again to Poplar, London's challenged area in the 1950s and deeper into the life of its inhabitant and ofcourse its midwifes.


Based on the memoirs of Jennifer Worth, who was herself a midwife in 50's London, Call the Midwife is a look into the life of the young midwifes Jenny, Trixie, Cynthia and recently married Chummy and the nuns of Nonnatus house whom they life and work next to. The midwifes deal with both the joy and the sorrows of childbirth, the harsh conditions of Poplar resident's lives and ofcourse their own relationships. The caseload of the midwifes often takes center stage, but through and next to their work, we get to know each of the ladies a little better. A good friend returns into Jenny's life, or is he more than that? Sensitive Cynthia has to find a balance between doing her work well and becoming too involved. And will Chummy still want to grab the chance to work as a missionary now that she's found a home in Poplar?

I already enjoyed series 1 of Call the Midwife, but with series 2 is has become a firm favourite of mine. When watching this, you cannot help but be touched by the heartfelt stories and be drawn into the life of the characters. The second series is in many ways very similar to the first, an engaging mixture of serious, quiet and funny moments, set in a meticulous decor and with talented actresses and actors.

This is a very honest series, telling real stories of real people. It is noticeably made with love and respect for the source material and the historical era. Call the Midwife is also educational, having taught me so much about life and medical practice in the 50's, but having taught me above all how much has changed in the relatively short time since then, in healthcare and in family life and how lucky we have to consider ourselves to live in 2013.

Sometimes, Call the Midwife is not easy to watch. It deals with quite a number of tough subjects, including abusive relationships, disability and unwanted pregnancies. Luckily, in each episode there's a good balance between the heavy and lighter subjects of the story, with the antics of Fred or Sister Monica Joan or the touching friendships between the nuns and midwifes sure to bring a smile to your face.

If I had to mention one thing I was a little bit disappointed about in this second series, it is that I still feel like I don't know the main character Jenny (based on Jennifer Worth) very well. Though her spoken thoughts open and close each episode, she is a closely guarded character and it is hard to discover what she really thinks and feels. In contrast, in the second series we get to know Sister Bernadette, youngest of Nonnatus house nuns a whole lot better. I was very glad about this, as I find her a very interesting character. Her storyline this season is brilliantly written and played with gusto by Laura Main.

In short, if you're a fan of well-written period drama or stories based on true life, it doesn't get much better than Call the Midwife. Just a little warning, keep a box of tissues nearby!

What to know: A childbirth is shown in almost every episode, though often nothing graphic is visible. Heavy themes are dealt with including abortion, physical and mental abuse and discrimination. There are multiple cases of women who have gotten pregnant before marriage, a pregnant girl is implied to have slept with multiple men 'to keep the peace'. In one episode, a man is supposedly married to two women. A man tries to force himself on a woman.

This review was written for the Period Drama Challenge at Old-Fashioned Charm

Comments

[msantimacassar.livejournal.com]

This series sounds so good! I just don't know if I have the guts to get through the content...

[birdienl.livejournal.com]

I remember you saying before you didn't much like medical stuff in your tv and movie viewing. Than this might unfortunately be a bit much for you...

[msantimacassar.livejournal.com]

Well, I'll give it a try someday when I'm feeling brave! :)

[ever-maedhros.livejournal.com]

You seem to be an almost endless source of period dramas I never knew existed! This one seems especially interesting. Midwives have always fascinated me, partly because me and my brothers were all born at home under a midwife's supervision. :)

[birdienl.livejournal.com]

I just follow practically everything the BBC and ITV makes, that's a very good strategy!

Ah, I understand and there has never been very much with respect to midwives in period drama before, so this could be a very nice one for you. My mother also loves this, she was a maternity nurse in the late 60s, 70s and early 80s, so she recognizes some things.

[rissi jc (from livejournal.com)]

Watching this series 2 now - really liking it! Glad you enjoyed it also. :)

[birdienl.livejournal.com]

Can't wait to read your extended opinion of the series!