Dr. Turner (Stephen McGann) should give up on his bad habit if he wants to be around saving people much longer in "Call the Midwife" season 5.
In the past installments, viewers frequently see the good physician with his trademark cigarettes. He just could not seem to part with it and as much as the vice has become part of his persona in the series, it may ultimately lead to Turner getting sick. McGann recently shared with Radio Times that his character has yet to realize how smoking is affecting his body. When the time comes that he does, it may already be too late.
"It's been coming for Doctor Turner. In the 1950s they were beginning to suss out the effects of smoking. There was a famous British Medical Journey study done. They wanted thousands of smokers to take part in a long-term survey and they wanted professional people who could be relied on to give good data," the actor shared.
Meanwhile, another problem will crop up in season 5 that can prove to be Turner's undoing. It has been revealed in a previous report that one of the storylines would be focusing around babies born with missing limbs and other shocking defects, which may be related to the previous Thalidomide scandal. As a doctor who prescribed a drug to an expectant mother last season, the news would sadden him and make him reflect on his duties as someone who saves lives.
McGann's character has always pushed for the progress that his country was making for the British women. Learning that he may have irrevocably ruined someone else's life would weigh heavily on his shoulders. Turner would have to battle with the shock while upholding the sense of responsibility he has for those who were left entrusted in his care.
"Call the Midwife" season 5 is expected to premiere in the United States on Sunday, April 3, on PBS.
