I can’t remember exactly what drew me to this series. Maybe is it because I really like London and usually really enjoy period movies. And initially, I couldn’t figure out what made me keep watching. There is a simplicity and honesty to it that does not exist in most of the stuff that is available these days.
There are no "real-life" fairytales
In episode after episode, they show the balance of real-life. They do not romantize how difficult life can be. There are wonderful parts that deserve celebration. There are scary parts and painful parts. Over and over again the show demonstrates people living not as they want to be or aspire to be but as they are. It's not glamorous but it is so relatable and honest.
People taking responsibility
It feels pretty rare to have people mess up then own their part in their mistakes. Over and over again in, "Call the Midwife" the characters make mistakes then acknowledge them and apologize. How often does that happen?! Especially these days? There is something hopeful and lovely about watching people interact with honesty and integrity, even when they are uncomfortable.
Community
Not only do people take responsibly for their behavior, the characters are patient, kind and forgive each other. It is almost unfamiliar to see these days. There is a real sense of care and community. They all sincerely care about one another and go out of their way to be caring, thoughtful and kind. I can't help but wonder how different our experiences of 2020 could have been if we had each treated each other like a valued neighbor that we cared about.
Radical acceptance
Everyone is welcome. Rich, poor, people of color, people of different faiths, people who are loud and annoying, people who are quiet and shy. The characters may not understand or feel as though they personally relate but they strive to make all welcome.
Maybe I'm wrong. Perhaps the show does display a fairytale. A utopia in which people are not perfect and do not lead perfect lives but they are kind to each other in a way that is foreign today. Watching it simultaneously caused me both hope and sadness. Hope because if someone could dream this up and bring it to life on my TV, maybe it could come true. Sadness because I can't imagine us getting too much further from this in real life.
As always, I’m here. If you are ready to work on having the life you want, call me and let’s get started!