Call the Midwife Concludes with Emotional Finale for Sister Monica Joan
Fans of the cherished BBC drama Call the Midwife must prepare for an emotional conclusion as the series wraps up its fifteenth season next month. The final episode promises a powerful blend of heartbreak and joy, featuring a birth, a wedding, and a funeral. This poignant send-off is set to mark the end of an era for the beloved character Sister Monica Joan, portrayed by Judy Parfitt.
A Fitting Farewell for a Beloved Character
With Sister Monica Joan battling kidney failure, as revealed in recent episodes, all signs point toward her final departure from Nonnatus House. Judy Parfitt, who has been a cornerstone of the series since its inception in 2012, will bid farewell as the show takes a temporary hiatus. Creator Heidi Thomas has carefully crafted this conclusion, ensuring that Sister Monica Joan receives a dignified and memorable exit after fifteen years of captivating audiences.
One source close to the production shared insights into the finale's development. "Heidi is wrapping up an era, and this series will end with a birth, a wedding, and a funeral. After 15 years of writing for Sister Monica Joan, viewers can trust Heidi to give this iconic character a fitting send-off. It will be properly done," the source revealed.
Behind the Scenes of the Finale
Heidi Thomas has described writing the final episode as both "hard and beautiful," emphasizing its themes of change and challenge. "The whole point is, it's about change and challenge, and the series itself looks to the future, so it very much brings an era to an end. Things never will be the same again," Thomas explained. The timing aligns with upcoming projects, including a wartime prequel series set to debut on Christmas Day and a film set in 1972 Australia featuring the regular cast.
Judy Parfitt reflected on her emotional journey filming these final scenes. "In these episodes, I'm playing scenes that there's no way I can leave behind. It's been horrendous, on occasion. For an actor, a vivid imagination is wonderful to have – and hell to live with," she admitted. Parfitt, known for her roles in The Jewel in the Crown and The Avengers, expressed deep affection for her character, describing Sister Monica Joan as "quirky and offbeat" and lamenting, "I don't know what I'll do without her, actually."
Plot Developments and Future of the Series
In the current storyline, Dr. Turner, played by Stephen McGann, diagnoses Sister Monica Joan's serious kidney condition, leading to somber reflections from Sister Julienne. The prognosis is grim, with Dr. Turner noting, "When it does, it's going to feel like the ravens leaving the Tower of London. The end of the known world." Meanwhile, the wedding subplot involves nurse Rosalind Clifford and social worker Cyril Robinson, who await his divorce finalization to proceed with their romance.
The series also addresses broader changes, as Nonnatus House faces funding withdrawal due to NHS preferences for hospital births in 1971. Sister Julienne's refusal to swap habits for nurses' uniforms threatens the future of their missionary work in Poplar. Despite this, Heidi Thomas has confirmed that Call the Midwife will return for a sixteenth season, potentially relocating to an NHS community hospital.
With three episodes remaining, fans must wait until March 8th to witness Sister Monica Joan's final chapter. Many viewers have already sensed the impending conclusion, with one commenting after a recent episode, "This episode is giving the beginning of the end energy." Another agreed, "Definitely preparing for Sister Monica Joan's death. Ready for prequel."
