This is a show that has unexpectedly touched me at times. The sincerity and quaint nature of each character and to their relationships matches the enduring spirit of those charged to pursue their faith or bring new life into the world. A subject that could easily be cheesy and procedural actually wraps you up into its world through every complicated birth and to the light at the end of every tragedy. The word "hope" underlies this world's reality. It's a hope that can be found for each and every character. This is not something many shows take the time or care to do. Even with the losing of the main characters or settings you still feel like you're returning home, to a familiar and inviting sensibility that smooths out any one characters' rougher edge. It tactfully navigates history and cultural sensibilities while allowing relationships to be complicated but not overwrought. This show feels like art. If you're willing to dive in you can discover how it helps support you instead of the mania of "fandom" we currently employ to keep every shoddy mockery alive and rebooted past their expiration. Could this show have gone that direction? Had it done anything less than create a masterful setting and tone, absolutely. Finding myself drawn to complete it in the face of 200 other shows I'll watch this year I believe speaks to the value and power of its perspective.

This is a really good show and is one of the family programs with drama and humor that are often popular for family viewing. The show is based on a memoir written by a midwife, so it was a bit awkward when the co-lead actress left the show after a few seasons, but the show was strong enough to go on without a hitch. It has a great ensemble cast, after all. It isn’t little weird that that character who left the show still does narration as an old woman at the beginning and end of each episode.

So like many good shows, it follows a formula of sorts. There are two or three guest stars who have dramatic plots every show, and at least one complicated birth. Plus we have the continuous subplots of the regular characters. Some of the developments are predictable, but the writing is good and there is usually room for a tear in your eye near the end of the episodes. Overall it is well worth watching.