Hello - looking forward to the new series of Doc Martin. I have enjoyed reading your threads/discussions. Thanks!

Welcome, Ms_Sarah! Glad to have you join our conversation

Thanks, earlgrey!

Hiya, Ms Sarah, we're being rather quiet now. But welcome. It'll pick up.

It took over a year to complete the full survey, but we have a winner!
Thanks to all who took the time to vote each week!


01. S5E8 Ever After
02. S3E5 The Holly Bears a Prickle
03. S1E6 Haemophobia
04. S4E8 The Wrong Goodbye
05. S6E1 Sickness and Health
06. S2E8 Erotomania
07. S6E8 Departure
08. S5E1 Preserve the Romance
09. S3E6 Nowt So Queer
10. S1E1 Going Bodmin
11. S1E4 The Portwenn Effect
12. S3E1 The Apple Doesn't Fall
13. S2E6 The Family Way
14. S4E2 Uneasy Lies the Head
15. S2E1 Old Dogs
16. S5E4 Mother Knows Best
17. S6E7 Listen With Mother
18. S3E4 The Admirer
19. S4E6 Midwife Crisis
20. S4E7 Do Not Disturb
21. S2E2 In Loco
22. S6E4 Nobody Likes Me
23. S3E7 Happily Ever After
24. S3E2 Movement
25. S5E2 Dry Your Tears
26. S6E5 The Practice Around the Corner
27. S6E6 Hazardous Exposure
28. S4E3 Perish Together as Fools
29. S6E3 The Tameness of a Wolf
30. S5E5 Remember Me
31. S5E6 Don't Let Go
32. S6E2 Guess Who's Coming to Dinner?
33. S1E2 Gentlemen Prefer
34. S4E5 The Departed
35. S4E1 Better the Devil
36. S2E4 Aromatherapy
37. S4E4 Driving Mr McLynn
38. S2E5 Always on My Mind
39. S1E3 Sh*t Happens
40. S3E3 City Slickers
41. S5E7 Cats and Sharks
42. S2E3 Blood is Thicker
43. S5E3 Born With a Shotgun
44. S1E5 Of All the Harbours in All the Towns
45. S2E7 Out of the Woods
46. S2E9 On the Edge

for the welcome, Susie. ShopGirl...that was the favorite?!? Interesting and thanks!

Just a thought...I read that the new series might explore couples therapy? If I have that right, my concern is that all of DM's issues might be laid at the feet of the marriage. I hope not. How the writers will address the deeper issues (his childhood) and how that plays out will be interesting. Also, I am hoping that the writers will address her issues and shortcomings. Fingers crossed (but prepared that the writing will fall short...)

Characters can evolve - at least to a functioning state of self-awareness, etc. The essence of the character can remain but its tiring and tedious to watch a character hitting that same brick wall.

~A novice DM fan (2014)

Your thoughts and concerns have been expressed similarly by others. I think bringing Mum back in S6 was key to the direction DM will proceed. I believe we already saw realization on DM's part that Mum is awful. He comprehends that neither of his parents were very good after talking to Ruth. He may have more work to do there, but he's already on his way just with those realizations.

I have full confidence in the producers who will see to it they get the writers and scripts they need and who I believe have figured out where the story is going even when just beginning to film S6.

What a great ride this show has been!

Welcome Ms. Sarah.

I feel like there's much more "dramedy" potential in couples sessions, than in Martin's one on one with a therapist. So that's the route I think they'll go. And that's OK with me (not that that matters a whit!) for two reasons:

1) Couples counseling has the potential to help them each understand how childhood issues shaped the other. They can together explore "family of origin" issues, as well as do the nitty-gritty of marriage counseling -- e.g., learning better (any!) ways of communicating.

2. I suspect we are meant to think that the trauma of Louisa's accident, her leaving him, and the hillside convo with Aunt Ruth have jolted Martin onto a new path -- something that might have otherwise taken months in therapy. Of course, individual work remains to be done, but I think we've seen a major piece of work. And we do see him already changing, although of course, Louisa has not and remains to be convinced. I'm pretty sure that will take 7 and 3/4 episodes.

3. Louisa has work to do too. I think we will see a conversation with someone -- maybe Aunt Ruth, maybe someone else -- Morwenna, Mrs. T.? that is equally jolting for her.

And a welcome from me Ms_Sarah.

As for couples therapy for S7, I would like to see a succession of therapists try to help Martin & Louisa, until they both agree upon one. I would love to see Neil Morrissey in S7 possibly as one of aforesaid therapists! He seems to be the only one from MC's past that hasn't had a part in the DM series, so far. From recollection of S6E8, Martin by no means has given up on his marriage, (operating room: "I think I need your help. . . I'm not very good at it,. . .etc.) and at the end - "You're my patient- - -and you're my wife." but Louisa somehow has, but she hasn't thought through clearly as to where she would go - her mother seems to have her own path in life which doesn't include her daughter and grandson, leaving so abruptly in S5. From past series, Louisa has made it clear she wants to stay in Portwenn
I don't think she would seek help from Mrs. T.; she is still traumatized by the kidnapping of her son. Morwenna would be the dark horse in this mix - I noticed she exchanged glances with DM a few times, making you feel they are reading each other's thoughts, knowing when not to speak up, - - she has come a long way from her job in the bakery. ME and LE both like and feel comfortable around Aunt Ruth - IMO that's who will have the most success with M & L.

I'm sort of glad to hear you say that you think Louisa has given up on her marriage, b/c that's my opinion too, and I thought I was alone in this!

I really don't think she was intending to return to Martin, insofar as she had any intentions at all. He had just definitively shown her, as she thought, that he was unable to be a marriage partner, much as they loved each other. That's the meaning of the deep sadness and gentleness each showed in the heartwrenching doorstep farewell scene.

And my first reaction to watching Louisa's reaction to his "and you are my wife" (emphasis on the "wife") is that she was sad to realize that he had not given up on their marriage and that he was going to put them both through a lot of pain as he tried to convince her to return to him, which she, at that point, had just told him she didn't want to do.

Really pessimistic, aren't I -- but that's my view. In that sense, it will be a great victory for Martin if he can persuade her to try counseling.

Neil Morrisey might be great. I mention Mrs. T., b/c sometimes the most unlikely characters are given the lines with great significance -- e.g., the fishmonger in S5E8, and the drycleaner in S3E7.

Welcome Ms Sarah. Neil Morrisey is a cutsie idea but in my view he'd be way too distracting if these scenes were to be taken seriously. It would be hard to watch Martin and him and not be waiting for something funny. Whoever it is has to exude wisdom and experience, even if it is in an unconventional way and be a character that Martin can respect....Geoffrey Palmer, Judi Dench, Brian Blessed, Timothy Spall....
I'm not a psych person but it seems to me that DM has incredibly complex individual issues which would cloud straight couples counseling. In any case it will be great to find out where Martin was headed with his "man on a mission" exit in S6. Yes, he had to get James Henry, but I felt he had something else in mind when he marched out of that hospital. Martin Clunes said they would have couples counseling so that's likely the route they will go. Saves time, goes straight to the issues.

I saw that final moment in the series differently. What is important, imo, is that he agreed that they couldn't go back to the way things were and just pretend this never happened. "This never happened" is the difficulties they had been having and the fact that she wasn't happy with the relationship. Over the past few series they have both been in a pattern of having a crisis bring them back together and they both think that overcoming the crisis together will be enough for them to be happy with each other. Now, they are both on the same page about the future in terms of the work they need to do on their relationship. I think Louisa will be willing to try to change. Although I think she will have some difficulties acknowledging her part in situation.

I also saw the ending of S6 totally differently. Almost everything that Louisa did...conversing through the bathroom door, wanting a kiss on the lips, perking up when Martin said, Bottles." pointed to the fact that she wanted him to ask her to stay...but he couldn't in his mind. She promised to phone when she got to Spain...not a sign of resignation from the relationship. I realize you could chalk that up to being fair about James Henry's safety but I didn't think so.

Dcdmfan, the concept of Louisa having difficulty with accepting her part in the difficulties of the relationship is really a powder keg of some fascinating drama. It will have to be a 3rd person and it could very well become confrontational and very inflammatory. Wow...that could make for some great scenes. Great idea.

BP always has tricks up their sleeves so we have to be ready for anything.

This is certainly a plausible alternative. And some days I lean toward it. I agree that she was (pleasantly?) surprised when he agreed with her. Maybe his acknowledging that there ARE problems will be enough for her to hang in there,on some basis --unclear what that might be -- and work on fixing things, rather than bailing. But I really feel that to that point, she had given up on him. Interesting to think about how the question of whether or not she actually remembered the "better husband" speech plays into this.

Selected quotes, because there's so much to which I want to reply


Yes, I agree. Many of Martin's other revelations / proclamations / promises are about him deciding to change his circumstances (staying in Portwenn, mainly), but very little about any personal changes. I think he realizes that he himself must change, and that just staying in Portwenn is not enough.


A succession of therapists - that could be funny! It usually does take a few tries to find a "good fit" when it comes to couples therapy (or any counselling, for that matter). And I, too, love seeing the way Morwenna's character has developed. She seems to understand DM more accurately than any of the other receptionists, is capable in an emergency (i.e. Caroline on the beach), and is able to bridge the gap between the villagers and DM (i.e. the man with the pigeons). She's really grown on me


Count me in as thinking that she'd given up on Martin. I do feel like Sports Day was the last straw for her.


Agreed. Even though she's given up on Martin, IMO, I think there's a part of her that hopes he'll ask her to stay. It might not change her mind, but at least she could tell herself that he cares enough to fight for her, instead of just letting her go.

I am very eager to see how their relationship plays out. Definitely they both have their own "family of origin" issues to work through, as previously stated, as well as their relationship issues - improving communication, building trust, showing affection, etc.

Some of Martin and Louisa's best moments have been when they are working together as a team (i.e. Peter Cronk in the ambulance, when Holly falls on the broken glass, when they are rescuing James Henry, and when they are helping the hermit in the wedding episode). Would love to see more of that in S7, and maybe even when there isn't a medical emergency fuelling the adrenaline rush But then again, where would the drama be in that?

Okay, my head's swimming - so much to consider.

Poor Louisa - I hope she has adequate flotation devices.

I agree that the scene on the porch was (for her) a sad "goodbye" and a realization that they had failed the marriage and one another. The final scene in the hospital bed? Again, resignation and sadness ? (or was that me)??

All of you have great insight - and I am now convinced that couples therapy is the answer!

I also think that Louisa will benefit from AR and will need her help. Thank you for the wonderful input!

and I'm going to be blunt. This coming from an uber Louisa fan. Lady, open your eyes and open your ears! Get you head out of the sand - NOW.

I love her but I have lost patience with her! Of course, the writers have to keep Louisa in the dark so they can move the plot. I get that.

Grrr. I think I've read this here and I agree with the following: Louisa cannot reconcile her job, leaving the infant in the care of a nanny, and the guilt! Ask a Mom anywhere - GUILT is our shadow. That is the heart of her issue and why (imo) she became hostile, defensive, moody, etc. (Okay, so he never touches her, smiles at her, he may not even like her)!

Her husband and her marriage is in free-fall and she needed to step up. I know there were a multitude of issues that "hit" her and she was ill-prepared. But, she is at fault for some of it.

If I were her friend, I might try to convince her to broaden her future. Enroll in a Master's program, consider private tutoring, and stay home with the baby for as long as she can. London, anyone?!?

Ooh.. is there a new series starting?...... I have had an older series (where they get married), on series link but for some reason or other it has come off and I cant tell if it is not being broadcast at the moment or I am just missing what day (s), it is on!......

Help please!, does anyone know?, either when the new series starts or when an older series is being broadcast?...... Thanks...............

mklass, series 7 will be filmed starting in late March through the last part of July. No air date has been announced, although on past form it will probably air in England starting in September. ACORN TV had the rights to stream in the U.S., S6 episodes starting a month after they aired in England; hopefully that will happen again this time, so we don't have to wait until sometime in 2016!

No, it wasn't just you. I thought her note was sadness and resignation, with maybe a note of hopefulness when he acknowledged, finally, their difficulties. But I have always also wondered whether she didn't understand him to say that he too thought their marriage was over. So much ambiguity! Maybe she herself wondered about what he meant.


Do you suppose there is a possibility that she knows she's bitten off more than she can chew, but is too prideful and defensive to admit it, perhaps even to herself? Hence her edginess with her husband, whom she may suspect was, after all, right about the difficulties she would face.

Although I am in general very sympathetic to Louisa, I do agree that she should have been much more attuned to what was happening to her husband, and confrontational or proactive in finding some constructive way to deal with it.

I did think that she might have reflected a bit after Sports Day that her husband's behavior was extreme, even for him, and that something might be much more wrong than just what was going on between them -- that is, their relationship dysfunction was a symptom of a deeper problem with him, rather than the other way round. But it's always hard to lift yourself to a different perspective, when you're enmeshed in a stressful circumstance. Still -- I think he deserved at least a "get help or I'm gone" as opposed to just, "I'm gone."

I agree with this, although from a somewhat different perspective. I do like Louisa and understand her frustrations, but I’ve long thought that she’s gotten too much of a pass about her role in her and Martin’s relationship. Of course he lacks insight into his real feelings and all that, but he has spent his life as an outsider, knows that he’s a “difficult person”, sometimes wants to act differently, but is as yet unable to. He doesn’t think Louisa is to blame for their difficulties. But the opposite is not the case. She thinks it’s all Martin. To my mind, she has little to no insight into her own motivations. From what we see, I don’t imagine that is has engaged in any but the most superficial introspection, and appears to feel completely justified in all her actions, and reactions. Because of that, I would expect therapy to be a ruder awakening and even perhaps a more difficult road for her than for Martin.

I can see where you're coming from, Hester_52. Louisa does seem to place all the blame on Martin when things fall apart.

To her credit, it's only at the end of S6 that she realizes just how "damaged" her husband is. She hadn't met his parents before his mum shows up on the doorstep, and it's not like Martin is one to tell his sob story of a miserable childhood when he doesn't even identify it as such (as seen when he tells Aunt Ruth he had a completely normal childhood). It's hard to be sympathetic and compassionate to a person, even (and maybe especially) your spouse, when you just think they're being difficult and uncooperative.

Don't get me wrong. Louisa has her own share of insecurities and stubbornness that she brings to the relationship. We have to imagine that she knew Martin fairly well *before* marrying him. Why should she be surprised when he remains emotionally constipated and anti-social?

I imagine she sees herself as the more "normal" of the two. In her mind, she is being reasonable and realistic, and it is Martin who needs to get his act together. After all, she is in her comfort zone in Portwenn. All she can see is that Martin isn't holding up his end of the "happily ever after" bargain.

All this to say that yes, I agree, she may be unpleasantly shocked to realize how much her own fear of abandonment and argumentative nature is contributing to the demise of their marriage.

~This is key for me. She was trapped in her own pain and couldn't see beyond it, unfortunately. Its so complex, isn't it? Hats off to the writers. I think the final show of season 6 would get my vote for ultimate favorite. Painful, raw, yet in an odd way, breathtaking to watch. Kudos MC and CC.

I apologize - I haven't figured out how to answer when I "quote" another reply. I'll work on that.

You make an excellent point - and one that I see, as well. Although, at the baby shower, she did in her own way, admit that she has intimacy and commitment issues. She at least acknowledged that he wasn't the only one that had problems. I was so pleased to watch that coming from Louisa. She has a long way to go and I hope that the writers give her character the attention that it deserves. I fear his character will be the sole focus.

More than that, I want Louisa to see his pain, to really understand the abuse and neglect in his childhood - and open up to him unlike she has never done before. Even if they separate, Louisa needs to reach out to him and say what needs to be said. (And, she better make me cry like a baby)!

My comments on Doc Martin “Portwenn Survivor” ratings www.portwennonline.com

1 – S5E8 Ever After: I would rate this one #1 or 2 for it shows the climax of a huge story arc, bringing Louisa and Martin together while solving a massive problem for Mrs. Tishell has taken baby James Henry. Yet at the end we see M and L hand in hand after Martin pledges his love to Louisa (and to Mrs. T). The show might have ended right here, but no…

2 – S3E5 The Holly Bears a Prickle: An outdoor concert, a huge bust up, killing and saving the horrid Holly, and a frank question “Marry me,” plus an admission “Please, Louisa, I can’t bear to be without you.” I can see the huge relief in his eyes when she leaps into his arms at the end.

3 – S1E6 Haemophobia: The ending of Series 1 and here we see the Doc and his “blood phobia” in all its forms, yet he pushes thru to save Peter Cronk and kiss the girl. Now about that bad breath comment, OMG! Did he really ask Louisa that? A perfect setup for Series 2 and the cracking open of the Martin/Louisa egg, so to speak.

4 – S4E8 The Wrong Goodbye: Oh my, the Doc will be leaving Portwenn for London leaving a pregnant Louisa behind. But Fate and Cupid are both capricious and whimsical for a little home brew bio-fuel sets up a brilliant scene in a pub where Louisa is brought into labor and Martin must face facts. “I was wrong about you…”

5 – S6E1 Sickness and Health: Series 6 starts with a bang of a wedding, a holiday lodge, and a midnight stroll. Of course in typical Portwenn-i-verse fashion it all goes to worms. Yet Martin gets to play doctor on an actual patient and Louisa marries Martin despite his ways. “I don’t know what a damper is.”

6 – S2E8 Erotomania: The ending of Series 2 with the romance of Mark and Julie, the dumping of Danny Steel and the frank comment that Louisa wants to know Martin better – a lot better. But for a little too much wine things might have moved along more swiftly for Martin and Louisa, but he did say something to her… “You’re so beautiful.”

7 – S6E8 Departure: Oh my, the ending of a tortuous and heart breaking Series 6 with Louisa and James leaving Martin but a medical emergency causes the Doc to rise to the occasion to save his wife (and perhaps marriage). Superb acting all around but oh dear what’s next to come??? (insert smiley for heart in mouth here)

8 – S5E1 Preserve the Romance: The very start of Series 5 and Martin dithers about in Portwenn to help Louisa with their baby while the new GP in town tries to over medicate the villagers, and herself, into health… In expected fashion Martin is right, if rude, and it looks like he will stick around for a while. Of course he’s handed a blow for Aunt Joan has died, not having seen their child.

9 – S3E6 Nowt so Queer: Martin and Louisa are engaged and bedded, and Portwenn is agape and agog at the news. Martin must solve a medical mystery as three villagers fall ill while squirming that “people know about us.”

10 – S1E1 Going Bodmin: What can I say? It all starts with a plane ride, a mid-air encounter, and battle is joined between the new GP and the local teacher. This is the episode that sucks all of us down the rabbit hole.

So 8 out of 10 are either endings (5) or beginnings (3). Like the preacher said “Your sermons ought to have a strong start and strong finish.”

I might have adjusted some of the top tens in order, but these episodes certainly hit the dramatic highs of Doc Martin.

Kudos to our friend (www.portwennonline.com) for all the hard work she put into this!

Rob