Sister Monica Joan's fate was left in a particularly uncertain state at the end of Call the Midwife's latest episode when Nonnatus' favourite nun was struck down with a case of hepatitis.
Worryingly, her chances of recovery were looking pretty grim, which may leave fans wondering whether the final episode could be her last. *Sob*.
Her story arc throughout season 12 has seen Sister Monica Joan (Judy Parfitt) overlooked, under-appreciated and neglected by her fellow nuns and the rest of the nursing inhabitants of Nonnatus.
Their hectic schedules and personal preoccupations have left them too busy for Sister Monica Joan, and her advancing years mean her capabilities are constantly underestimated.
This is certainly not accidental on the creators' part.
In fact it could be possible that this pushing-out of Sister Monica Joan could be paving the way for one of the saddest farewells yet.
preview for Why Everyone Quit Call The Midwife
This isn't the first time Sister Monica Joan's departure has been teased. The foreboding arrival of a raven stirred up much excitement is season 11 when the Sister believed the sighting was bad omen and stated:
"There's someone among us about to meet our maker."
Those words led many to speculate that it was she who was in danger but thankfully that was not the case.
This time she may not be so lucky.
Her disorientation, whimpers and pleadings to be left alone in this week's episode have concerned her loved ones. As have her talks of "going home" while she lays in a bed in Nonnatus House, the only home she's known for many years.
No one is saying it, at least not out loud, but the worried eyes question whether the 'home' she is in fact referring to is the one with her maker.
judy parfitt as sister monica joan and linda bassett as nurse phyllis crane, call the midwife
BBC
"You fear the worst?" Sister Veronica (Rebecca Gethings ) asks nurse Phyllis Crane (Linda Bassett) while brewing a medicinal tea to aid Sister Monica's recovery.
Crane's response is bleak:
"Hepatitis in someone of her age? I think we both know the odds."
Even the actress behind the sister's wimple previously admitted: "I'm surprised they haven't killed Sister Monica Joan off."
All signs seem to be point towards the end and when it comes to killing off fan favourites, writer Heidi Thomas has boldly admitted: "I'm a very daring woman."
judy parfitt as sister monica joans, call the midwife
m
If that's not bad enough, Parfitt's discussions surrounding Sister Monica Joan's season 12 journey weren't very encouraging. When opening up about her future this series the actress told Express.co.uk:
"Oh anything can happen to Sister Monica. She goes through various things, it is really difficult to explain because she has come and gone health-wise."
It's not all doom and gloom though… We hope. Those looking for a more positive outcome for the lovable rogue nurse can take stock in the fact that as much as they love her, her friends fail to appreciate how resilient she is.
This much was proven during the outbreak of gastroenteritis when a worried Nurse Nancy attempted to discourage her from lending a helping hand. However the Sister was quick to correct that faux pas in a frank speech which included a firm reminder that: "My age is more to my advantage than my detriment."
judy parfitt as sister monica joans, call the midwife
While Parfitt does acknowledge Sister Monica Joan is getting on in age, she herself has no desire to call it quits just yet. In a 2022 interview Parfitt said: "Age is just a number. You'll know I'm not coming back to Call the Midwife when I'm dead! Or I can't do it any more or they don't want me any more. While it's true, Sister Monica Joan isn't entirely out of the woods just yet, fans can at the very least take some reassurance from Parfitt's devotion to the role and the show.
0 Comments