'Call the Midwife' Recap: Season 9 Episode 4

Believe it or not, we’re at the half-way point of Call the Midwife Season 9. This week, Sister Julienne’s quest to keep Nonnatus House relevant results in ruffled feathers and close quarters. Fred and Reggie befriend a man whose passion has made him ill and Valerie attends a tricky delivery with a trainee doctor in tow.

The Junior Doctor Experiment

We are reminded, as Sister Julienne reads an ominous letter from the council, that Nonnatus House is on the schedule for urban renewal demolition in the near future. Therefore, she’s a nun on a mission when she approaches Dr. Turner with her idea to keep her midwives relevant and the maternity home in business in these changing times.

When the united front of Turner and Julienne present their scheme to offer training, guidance and accommodation to four junior doctors during their interim diploma training, the others have questions, particularly about the sleeping arrangements. The nurses have to give up a bedroom and a bathroom roster is put in place. Valerie insists Phyllis take her bed since they can’t have her back going out again during this critical time. Nurse Crane accepts this kindness, and the whole situation in general, begrudgingly.

The arrival of the doctors is met with equal parts trepidation and excitement.