Call the Midwife episode four spoilers follow.
Call the Midwife knows how to pack a heavy punch.
Normally it's a heartwrenching tearjerker that carries the greatest impact but the latest episode proves that the show can carry some serious weight, even if all eyes remain dry.
It isn't because this particular storyline didn't resonate emotionally – more that it stirred up feelings of anger and defiance instead of compassion and empathy, the kind of defiance that makes you want to make a stand. And that's exactly what Sister Monica Joan (Judy Parfitt) does in defence of Nurse Crane (Linda Bassett).
In the latest episode Nurse Crane, alongside Dr Turner (Stephen McGann) and his wife Sheila (Laura Main), are learning about a cutting-edge innovation in their field of medicine, the ventouse.
It's implied by leading doctor Mr Walsh that Nurse Crane is struggling and, what's worse, that the reason she's having problems adjusting is because she's of the 'old school.' Code for a dinosaur in the field.
Nurse Crane is quick to inform him (with respect) that she's seen plenty of innovations in her 44 years of professional practice, and not only that, but she's embraced them all with interest, caution and questions.
That sounds like a nurse anyone would be proud to have by their side but, instead of feeling reassured by this knowledge, Walsh is slighted.
His bruised ego causes him to act irrationally (though one would never dream of accusing a man of being emotional – that would be ridiculous). It results in an investigation into Nurse Crane's professional ability.
It is noted that she has worked well past her retirement age and for her dedication she is summoned to a meeting with the board to prove that she is still fit to work.
This witch hunt is not provoked by any carelessness or malpractice on her part. In fact, it is no accident that in this episode in particular she performs her duties exceptionally well in the face of disrespect and implied ageism.
Her pregnant patient takes every opportunity to insult her, which begins with her expressing a preference for the 'pretty blonde nurse'.
Later, when Nurse Crane disagrees with her patient's 'new age' way of thinking she makes a point of likening Nurse Crane to her nan, making sure she knows this is not a compliment.
Despite this, Nurse Crane is the model of professionalism, in stark contrast to the enquiry she is made to face, which only proves to highlight just how ridiculous the accusations against her are.
Nevertheless she is hauled in for questioning and there she must defend herself to a board made up entirely of senior men, including Dr Walsh.
While they are unable to find fault in her competence, they attempt to criticise her reluctance to upskill through courses.
Nurse Crane attempts to explain that they are time-poor at Nonnatus, but it doesn't wash with the board and she can sense she is losing them.
Thank goodness for Sister Monica Joan, who steps in to defend her against the blatant ageism. Sister Monica Joan is the perfect choice of representative, though initially even Nurse Crane doesn't think so as she instructs the Sister to wait outside.
Too often Sister Monica Joan is patronised and spoken down to as a relic – someone who should be respected and handled carefully but who doesn't quite fit in with the times.
Her tendency to sometimes get confused has those around her underestimate her constantly and she too has to battle against ageism in this episode.
However, Sister Monica Joan is a force and wilfully dismisses the other's cautions not to help with the quarantined gastroenteritis outbreak, stating:
"My age is more to my advantage than my detriment," she reprimands them, adding, "I have skills that I have not forgotten. I may forget much, but not that."
This she proves with her approach to care. Her vigilance is the reason a baby was able to receive successful life-saving treatment. This same forcefulness resurfaces during Nurse Crane's time of need.
She begins her speech to the board with the utmost Sister Monica Joan sass, saying:
"You presume me to be in my dotage. I beg to inform you I am not merely ancient but wise."
It's a strong start.
Sister Monica Joan begins pulling their arguments to shreds when she reminds them of her own long tenure as a nurse and midwife not coming into question because she is a nun – as opposed to Nurse Crane, who has now come under scrutiny.
"With respect," they attempt to argue back but Sister Monica Joan slaps back this comment stating:
"I hear no respect in your tone. Only its obverse."
She proceeds to speak to the merit of Nurse Crane's work, to the skills she has gained because of, not in spite of, her age before landing with a heavier reminder. That she, Nurse Crane, is in fact junior to those on the board who question her.
It's an impressive argument, even for someone 'in her dotage', and they are forced to reconsider shipping her off to retirement. Their only stipulation is that Nurse Crane attend courses, to which she agrees.
This is a victory not just for Nurse Crane or Sister Julienne but anyone who has felt invisible in the face of ageism.
It's a testament to Call the Midwife's ability to tackle integral issues that aren't 'sexy enough' to be explored in depth more frequently on mainstream TV.
It speaks not just to value of the older female generation but specifically the value of their age over youth outside of the home.
The way it's tackled is in-your-face, but with something like this a quiet, subtle approach is not the way to go.
Call the Midwife season 12 airs every Sunday at 8pm on BBC One, and streams on BBC iPlayer.
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TV writer, Digital Spy Janet completed her Masters degree in Magazine Journalism in 2013 and has continued to grow professionally within the industry ever since. For six years she honed her analytical reviewing skills at the Good Housekeeping institute eventually becoming Acting Head of Food testing. She also freelanced in the field of film and TV journalism from 2013-2020, when she interviewed A-List stars such as Samuel L Jackson, Colin Firth and Scarlett Johansson. In 2021 she joined Digital Spy as TV writer where she gets to delve into more of what she loves, watching copious amounts of telly all in the name of work. Since taking on the role she has conducted red carpet interviews with the cast of Bridgerton, covered the BAFTAs and been interviewed by BBC Radio and London Live. In her spare time she also moonlights as a published author, the book Gothic Angel.
