Movies

Call the Midwife’s Christmas romance hints at danger for Nancy

BBG News

As a seasoned viewer of “Call the Midwife,” I must admit that this Christmas special has left me both intrigued and concerned. The storyline involving Nancy and her new suitor, Roger, is a classic example of how charm can sometimes be a double-edged sword.

Call the Midwife season 14 Christmas special spoilers follow.

In the holiday spirit of “Call the Midwife,” it wasn’t just the carnival that was heading to town; a fresh love story was also making its way to Poplar, leaving me, Nurse Nancy Corrigan (Megan Cusack), feeling quite off balance this Christmas.

Surprised by flashes, Dr. Turner’s temporary receptionist was taken aback when the cheerful and amusing pharmaceutical representative, Roger Noble (Conor O’Donnell), entered his office unexpectedly, as Miss Higgins was away.

The attraction between the pair was instant and only became stronger when he returned to the surgery the following day.

Over a mop, a bucket, and a scattered remnant of childhood sickness, their conversation unfolded, and this conversation carried all the warmth and charm that one would hope for in a heartwarming holiday romance.

In a charming mix of bashful, clumsy, and sugary demeanor, interspersed with awkward attempts at humor for courtship, accompanied by occasional overt gazes – the tension steadily escalated until he mustered the courage to ask her on a date.

Initially, my proposition faced a refusal that I later understood was rooted in apprehension about potential rejections, given Nancy’s status as a single mother. However, the response eventually came back with a heartening affirmation.

Nancy has consistently been career-driven and deeply committed to advocating for nurses’ rights, but her devotion in these areas is overshadowed by her commitment as a mother. She has been incredibly driven to offer Colette (Francesca Fullilove) a fulfilling life and make up for the time they spent apart.

Due to her numerous commitments, there has been scarcely any space for her personal needs, such as finding romantic companionship. So when Roger appeared at the Christmas carol gathering, it seemed like he was trying to take advantage of their proximity for another chance – and it was hard not to wish for her to consider giving him a try.

On their enchanting fairground date, the magic was palpable under the soft twinkle of scattered fairy lights until he suggested she halt her meal and stroll, revealing his intention to kiss her for the first time – or perhaps multiple times – at that very moment.

Roger scarcely allowed her a moment to collect her thoughts before going in for a kiss, yet in that instant before he did, it appeared as if she returned the gesture. With the rhythmic pulse of the music swelling around them, there was a hint of temptation to overlook his hasty move, perhaps because he was merely following the atmosphere. Couldn’t that be true? And indeed, she later described it as delightful.

Following his ankle twist immediately afterward might hint at future developments, yet for the moment, it provided a swift chance for the duo to encounter each other again shortly after their initial date.

On the following day, as he arrived at Nonnatus to present Nancy with flowers of gratitude, it was Colette who answered the door. What surprised him greatly was when Colette affectionately called out “mummy” towards Nancy – something Nancy hadn’t disclosed that she had a child.

Watching the intersection of her roles as a mother and romantic partner left Nancy in a state of distress, causing her to quickly send Colette indoors again and ask Roger to leave, all while continuing with her usual daily tasks.

As a hopelessly smitten admirer, I found myself hot on Nancy’s heels in my car, urging her for a conversation. “Let’s grab some coffee, or maybe an ice cream, Nancy,” I proposed, but when that didn’t work, I decided to lay it all out there. “Nancy, sooner or later, I plan to confess my feelings for you. I thought it best to give you fair warning.

The music was in full swing now, pushing us, no, forcing us down Romantic Lane but no amount of violins could turn this grand gesture into anything other than what it plainly was: love-bombing.

In much the same fashion, all those minor uneasy sensations began to align and create an unmistakable image: Roger’s persistent disregard for ‘no’, his unexpected visits, and the deluge of intense emotions he presented. These feelings came so quickly that she found herself unable to reflect on them or even discern her own emotions amidst the chaos (That image we spoke of? It’s a flag, and it’s as bright red as a warning signal).

Later on, she shared with him about the significance of Colette and her apprehensions regarding her maternal role potentially frightening him; however, he showed no signs of fear. Instead, he responded by expressing his desire for their relationship to be genuine, emphasizing that nothing she disclosed had any effect on him.

Nancy questioned, for the first time, whether or not things were moving too fast.

With complete assurance, he said to her, “Indeed, it appears that way.” His conviction effectively put to rest any lingering doubts she might have had about scrutinizing the circumstances. In agreement, she simply replied, “I concur.

As swift as a reflex in my favorite game, I eagerly proposed the plan for Nancy and Colette to join us outside – the area I’d carefully softened with a bed of blooming flowers, and a few well-chosen words that melted her resistance.

As a fan, I must admit there was a momentary pause in her demeanor that caught my eye, but Roger’s enchanting Prince Charming act had already reeled me in so profoundly that the mere fact we’d only known each other for three days felt insignificant. His apparent goodness was so overpoweringly captivating that it almost blinded me to any lingering doubts.

By now, there were plenty of warning signs, enough to hang a row of cheerful decorations. However, in the finale of the episode, Call the Midwife subtly added another one, just as ominous as Roger himself.

Amidst the holiday cheer, as Vanessa Redgrave’s comforting and melodious voice filled the air, playing an episode, Roger was spotted seated at the Christmas table, sandwiched between Colette on one side and her mother on the other, forming a makeshift family for the moment.

Despite an atmosphere brimming with happiness and affection, there was a ghostly quality to the way they smiled together, and a chilling ease with which he seemed to insinuate himself into her world.

If the hints are accurate, it appears that “Call the Midwife” might be preparing a harrowing narrative for Nancy centered around coercive control in the upcoming season, and they’ve been subtly setting up this plot point during the recent holiday special.

If it persists in this manner, it’s certain to become a tough yet enlightening viewing experience, revealing how allure can undermine and weaken your guard, and it begins subtly. Instead of escalating through hostility or physical force, it starts with a persistent holiday kiss.

Call the Midwife airs on BBC One and streams on BBC iPlayer.

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2024-12-27 00:50

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