TV broadcasters generally warn viewers if a show about to air contains violence, swearing or scenes that they might find distressing.
So Call The Midwife fans were more than a little confused by the voiceover ahead of last night’s episode.
It teased some “gentle nostalgia”, which the show – currently depicting the 1960s – very often serves up; perfect for cold, dark Sunday nights.
But yesterday’s offering was anything but gentle and featured some truly harrowing moments. It depicted a young, impoverished mum, Mrs Lunt, have her small children taken away after she was diagnosed with devastating genetic illness, Huntington’s.
Read more: Call The Midwife newcomer admits to finding storylines upsetting
It also saw the Trumans’ desperate au pair Magda collapse after trying to perform an illegal abortion on herself.
Meanwhile, alcoholic midwife Trixie hit the bottle again to cope with heartbreak.
Read more: Call The Midwife’s Helen George has a surprise confession
One shocked fan pointed out on Twitter: “At 8pm the BBC announcer called #CallTheMidwife ‘gentle’ & ‘nostalgia’. What followed was an hour of sheer, emotional terror, a series highlight – and that is REALLY saying something for this show. The full five buckets of tears out of five tonight.”
Another startled viewer posted: “In what possible universe could the story content of tonight’s episode of #callthemidwife be introduced as gentle or nostalgic? @BBCOne.”
“I can’t believe the continuity announcer introduced this episode of #CalltheMidwife by saying it was for fans of nostalgia,” another said.
A fourth exclaimed: “Whoever wrote the continuity but for #callthemidwife tonight hasn’t watched it. “McMafia at 9 but here’s something a bit more gentle”. Far from it. That was a rough ride! (and I love it, every week).”
Admittedly, McMafia – which followed Call The Midwife at 9pm – was especially violent and tense last night, too.
Hope no one had nightmares after an evening with BBC One! Do you think there should have been a warning?
Leave us a comment on our Facebook page @EntertainmentDailyFix and let us know what you think!