CALL THE MIDWIFE: Bombs, Polio, and Christmas Programs

PBS airs the annual Call the Midwife holiday special tonight at 7:30/6:30c, giving us a little prelude to the third season which airs in Spring 2014.

In 1958 East End London, the holidays are not just about the opening of presents, but also about the closing of deep wounds. Although the weather is unseasonably mild for this time of year, the lives of the midwives are anything but calm. Jenny’s relationship with Alec continues to blossom and Shelagh’s (formerly Sister Bernadette) quiet wedding to Dr. Turner is underway. When a thousand-pound explosive is discovered, the district is evacuated and the Nonnatus House team is quick to take charge to ensure that the community is safe and warm. Always one to keep spirits high, Chummy decides to forge ahead with the Cubs Christmas party. However, just when the community’s holiday spirit is renewed, Poplar faces an outbreak of polio, with the repercussions of the illness affecting the nurses and nuns more than they could have ever imagined.

Worried you’ll miss it? The Call the Midwife holiday special will be available for viewing on the PBS Video Portal for 30 days after national broadcast.