Call the Midwife Series 14: A Heartfelt and Masterful Conclusion

As Call the Midwife's 14th series wrapped up on Sunday night, it delivered a finale that left audiences both breathless and emotional, cementing this season as one of the finest in the show’s remarkable 13-year history. The spotlight was firmly on Nurse Nancy Corrigan (Megan Cusack), whose wedding and pregnancy announcement – culminating in the dramatic delivery of her child in the back of an ambulance with the help of Nurse Phyllis Crane – had fans flooding social media with expressions of awe and admiration. This deeply moving turn of events was an unforgettable culmination of Nancy’s journey, which began in 2021, and marked the end of her time in Poplar.

Nancy’s evolution over the years has been nothing short of compelling. From her chaotic, matter-of-fact personality to her growth into a mature and loving mother, the character’s arc has been a joy to watch. Her final chapter, marked by her marriage to a fellow Irishman who balances her fiery spirit with calmness, felt both fitting and poignant. The emotional weight of her story was a perfect farewell, offering a sense of fulfillment as she embraces motherhood and a new life.

But Nancy’s storyline was just one of many heartbreaking and powerful tales this season. Who could forget the gut-wrenching spina bifida storyline, or the chilling narrative of a young girl facing pregnancy at just 14, her religious parents seeking to "banish the devil" with an exorcism? Other highlights included the slow-burn romance between Rosalind (Natalie Quarry) and Cyrill (Zephryn Taitte), Joyce’s struggle with racial discrimination, and the tragic deaths of parents entangled in addiction. These stories serve as a testament to the brilliance of Call the Midwife, which continues to shine even after more than a decade on air.

The series has built a reputation for delivering sharp social commentary with a deft touch, wrapping complex issues in warm, digestible narratives. Where most long-running shows might start to flag, Call the Midwife only grows stronger with each season. While it may not have featured the high-octane spectacle of season 11's train crash or Reggie’s Christmas manhunt, the show's creative team continues to balance its diverse storylines masterfully, blending light and dark with grace.

The finale may have focused on Nancy, but other character arcs were equally compelling. Sister Catherine’s journey towards her first vows was beautifully interwoven with Nancy’s wedding, providing a striking contrast between two very different paths in life. Catherine’s emotional growth, especially in the presence of her supportive sister, was a quietly captivating moment. Religion and prayer, often delicate subjects in television, were handled with such sincerity that they never felt preachy—only profoundly moving.

And just when it seemed there could be no more room for more drama, the return of Paula (Kitty Anderson), introduced in episode one, brought yet another layer of depth. Her quest to reconcile with her parents before the birth of her child added a bittersweet note to the finale, which was further enriched by the ongoing awareness of disability, as seen through Reggie’s struggle against bullying.

Ultimately, the magic of Call the Midwife lies in its extraordinary ability to balance the dark with the light. Creator Heidi Thomas and her team excel at tackling harrowing real-world issues without ever crossing the line into despair. The show remains a comforting, emotional experience that consistently feels like a warm embrace, even in its most gut-wrenching moments. As this season wraps, we are reminded that Call the Midwife is not just a show about medicine or midwifery—it’s about humanity in its most profound and moving forms. And with each passing season, it only gets better.