The character has flaws and that adds to the story, etc. (I personally think she rocked Season 4 and looked her best. I know - pregnant, right ?!?)

I'm just asking why the "shade"

She isn't a classic beauty, but she is lovely. Her hair, her skin, her figure, and ironically, the body of a trained dancer. She has a lovely/classically trained voice. The character has, obviously, many physically attractive attributes but do the writers highlight any of those - NO?
They write these stupid and mindless little "cheap shots." Its ridiculous and its bizarre and not funny at all ! It just feels petty and insulting.

Season 7 - wait for it...wait for it...Therapist asks her how's the sex? Louisa answers: Oh, he's fab. He's the best lover, blahblahblah.

Oh, that will make its way into some script - no doubt.

Let me add...I think he would be a very proficient and skillfull lover. My friend calls her LustyLouisa and TheDoc is DaMan.

Yeah, I just wrote that (hangs head)

My "I want list..."

Louisa - lovely and hopeful and living on her own

Martin- mean, sarcastic and quick, sometimes lovable but alone for now

James - lovable, bright, custody shared by parents

Buddy - all of the above, I guess

Al - a success at business and love (Get lost, Morwenna)

Bert - see above

Ruth - status quo (spoilers say differently)

Penhale - Maggie returns...please!

Mrs. Tishel - her twin arrives and gives "love" advice to everyone!

New Chemist - That's right. He's smart, funny, and has his eyes on Louisa.

Edith - she's baaaack and the Doc is mildly amused!

Behind the scenes...
New makeup and hair artist works her magic! (a serious note: its sorely needed)

The last eppy...Edith runs off with the new chemist. Louisa seduces TheDoc.
Chill everyone...we hear them, we don't actually witness it. We hear a chorus of
angels so we know all is well...

Curtain.

(I love my little corner of the world)

Clive gets into mischief at the pub or fishing, has to be rescued by the squad.

Mrs T has to get Jenny back to share running the shop cuz she and Clive go RV'ing (great chance for gorgeous scenery)

Al hires Mr. T to do handy work around the B and B or the farm work and he and Mrs T get in the hot tub

Hey what is Mrs. T's first name, I forgot it....

Well, perhaps in the role of devil's advocate, is it possibly true that Louisa is a very problematic woman with some real physical and mental/emotional problems?

It seems that is truly the way we have to imagine her as they have presented her. While that may sting, it does bring a certain humanity to Louisa outside of simply seeing her as some simple, pretty, wonderful PW woman who is tormented endlessly by DM.

I agree that DM's hemophobia has a heroic aspect to it--his hidden emotions sudden overcoming his rationality, destroying his beloved London career and lifestyle, and forcing him to retrain to be a PCP to stay in the field of medicine he was born to practice in. However, it's not heroic for him to be rude, impatient, haughty, clueless, and insulting.

Louisa is also shown as being heroic, too--she overcame her terrible childhood to be college-educated and a highly respected teacher and head Mistress; she is a self-actualized professional woman. She is also heroic with staying true to her love of DM, even when that love is full of endless travail. She was heroic to return to PW when she was pregnant, although she certainly screwed up that return throughout S4.

But, she does also have a lot of flaws.

Both of them have heroic aspects and very irritating personality traits. Even though I personally have not liked the last two series, I do admit that the creators and writers have imagined two very complicated, complex characters in DM and it is those intriguing characters which have kept me attached to the show. But, that is about to end if I do not start actually enjoying the episodes they are in.

I'm with you, Mona. I doubt I'll bother watching S7. If history holds true, it won't be available in the US until school is well under way, so I'll be busy teaching anyhow.

Ms. Sarah....questions. What do you mean by the "shade". I don't understand what that means. Also, Caroline Catz is lovely but she hardly has the body of a dancer...more like a sturdy outdoor girl like me. And Zarwen, I really respect you and don't want to be contentious but if not watching is your plan why waste your time on this forum? What is the benefit of wasting your time talking about these topics if your plan is to blow off the show and correct papers instead?

As Tony said to Gary, "Too weird, Mate."

I wish they would give Louisa a few nanoseconds of reaction shots so that we can have a clue as to what she is thinking.

For me there was a huge shift in her character in series 5 and they carried it into series 6.

She needs a redeeming quality at least one time in the series. Did she do anything right in series 6? Poor nanny choices, poor judgement with her boss, poor over-site of the student newspaper, colossal misjudgement at the sports day, etc. There are a few positives in series 6. She tries to get him to take some time off, talk to someone, etc. She stands up to Margaret, and that is something she did well that nobody else could do. (I guess Ruth did the same thing, but Louisa seemed to sting Margaret more than Ruth was able to.) Bravo there.

Let's hope they give her a moment to shine in series 7. Sometimes people comment that they think she is a great mother. I think she is a competent mother, she loves her son, but sometimes she is clueless about what he really needs.

Gosh, Mofromco, I've been "wasting my time on this forum" to enjoy the pleasure of your company.

Yes, the rest of us are only being tolerated by the great Mofromco, who apparently owns this board.

I've been trying to sum up in my mind what the main "flaw" of Louisa was in S6. To me, it was her general obliviousness to what was going on with her husband, until quite late in the series. She was too busy or too preoccupied mostly. (Although she did try the lavender spray, which BTW, my husband brought home for us to try and although I'm not sure it really works, the pillows smell nice ) And then in the end, she was too insecure (maybe) or judgmental to really confront him and demand to know what was going on and that he take steps to fix it. WHen I first saw the last two episodes of S6, my reaction was very strongly, why didn't she see that there was something very wrong with her husband, beyond his usual character issues, and that that needed to get sorted, rather than fleeing to Spain? But now I think, that would have been asking for virtual sainthood from someone who had just recently been in a traumatic accident and terrible quarrel. And as we know, she's all too human.

About Martin, Aunt Ruth nailed it -- he "shut down."

Those are, at least to my mind, the main drivers of the situation they are now in, rather than the other flaws we love to explore, which have been around for a long time.

I do think that they deliberately give Louisa "cosmetic" flaws which we don't get with Martin -- the bad breath, dandruff, already mentioned.

I'm one of the few who really didn't like E1, but the scene where they worked together to repair the artery of the old man showed their deep trust of each other and real sense of partnership. I hope we see a lot more of that in S7 -- it's a major strength ofg this problematic relationship.

Great answer....no harm done........M

Well, DM was told his breath was not that hot, either, by Edith. And, we found out he has athlete's foot, a fungal infection, when he went to Mrs. T for an ointment of it in "On the Edge". He gets constipated when he drinks alcohol, too.

But, on the other hand, DM has a much better diet than LG.

I think that they have Martin make these "cosmetic" remarks to simply demonstrate how overly sensitive and reactive to possible rejection Louisa is. I can relate to her issues because I have them myself. In reality, there is nothing "wrong" with her. Anyone who has stayed up all knows that by 6 o'clock the next morning your breath stinks and your mouth feels like an army marched through it. And so she has a few flakes of dandruff...it's not snowing all over her black sweater..but it feels like a punch in the stomach. I know. It's difficult to retain any sense of reality or logic.

Then, ironically, they have Edith mention that Martin's breath smells odd. If he was totally insensitive he wouldn't care...but it's funny to see him a little paranoid and taking a little more time with his toothbrush.

Edith could care less if her perfume smelled like cheese. We aren't shown her driving home and taking a shower ASAP.

This is all clever writing...showing various character traits. The only thing I would have loved to have seen is when the Doc is criticizing Louisa's post pregnancy weight is for her to have come back and said, "And what about you, Tubby?" I guess that would have been too behaviorly healthy.

If she is deeply "flawed" then he is pathological.

I believe she was overwhelmed with the situation (like many of us new moms) adjusting to a new marriage, and returning to work. Remember, the plan was to go to London so she had to arrange and then re-arrange the plan.

Anyone that has had a baby knows the erratic schedule of the baby and it left me frazzled for a couple of months. She soon began to feel the ground beneath her and found a rhythm. I think she was attuned to the baby's needs.

As far as his descent, I think she managed it as well as she could knowing what she knew. He was distant and unresponsive many times with her. That is his way and she has
learned to accept this. When the father died, she carefully approached the subject knowing he wouldn't open up but offered to listen. Just an example of what Louisa has come to expect in this relationship. It wasn't enough, I agree, but in the context of what she was also trying to deal with its defensible.

On second look, he did try and was hands-on with the baby and considerate (sometimes) of her. I give him props for that.

NewPark in regards to how she handle his situation:
Was it a case of giving him his space because it was the "safe" option. Remember, she is mindful of avoiding the pitfall of wanting to "change" him. Just a thought.

And-to the poster that mentioned her body. Let me rephrase my original comment - she has a body and posture like a dancer. She has no or little body fat (except in the season close to a pregnancy in ?), the arch of her back, her long neck - forget it! LOL Its feeling a little icky...

The woman has issues (most of us do) and I would like those addressed in a meaningful way.

There are ways to humanize the character without trivializing or demeaning her.

(mofrom) Shade? A diss and/or a form of disrespect.

I actually rewatched a second time all of Season 6 and enjoyed it more, was annoyed less
and thought better of the cast/crew and the season as a whole.

NP: "I'm one of the few who really didn't like E1, but the scene where they worked together to repair the artery of the old man showed their deep trust of each other and real sense of partnership. I hope we see a lot more of that in S7 -- it's a major strength ofg this problematic relationship."

I agree about the connection/trust, too, NP. I fear that might use the baby in this way, though. I hope not.

As in - an emergency with the baby that brings them together.

Mofrom states: This is all clever writing...showing various character traits. The only thing I would have loved to have seen is when the Doc is criticizing Louisa's post pregnancy weight is for her to have come back and said, "And what about you, Tubby?"

I liked her response, though. Its Louisa and her insecurities showing! Is he tubby? Season 5? I know you think he looks good - I do, too. Season 6 and the honeymoon - poor guy. Wading through that swamp took its toll on him. It would on any of us!

Primosprimos: Hey, come back. Its okay just try not to call out posters. I'm new here so come back - please. If I have done anything to offend, please accept my apology!

I would like to read other forum members share there S 7 want lists Please share!

He was awfully tubby in S5...enough for his agent to suggest he drop a little weight. She had every right to say that. If she had it would have been a triumph for any of us carrying a few extra pounds post partum! And Sarah...thanks for the definition of "shade". I had never heard that one before.

And Zarwen, I didn't mean to be pissy.....just curious. Forgive me.....Cheers.

Ms_Sarah said: as far as his descent, I think she managed it as well as she could knowing what she knew. He was distant and unresponsive many times with her. That is his way and she has learned to accept this. When the father died, she carefully approached the subject knowing he wouldn't open up but offered to listen. Just an example of what Louisa has come to expect in this relationship. It wasn't enough, I agree, but in the context of what she was also trying to deal with its defensible. "

A perfect example of this is in the scene where they learned of Aunt joan's death, and she did not rush over to embrace him and press sympathy on him. I think she instinctively knows that he needs the space to manage his own feelings.

And I agree that she was careful with him about his father's death, too. I really do think that she "gets" him at an emotional level and by and large had tried to accept that. But his shutting down in S6, and her preoccupation/irritability was of a different order, I think. Or so it seems to me.

This was on the ITV website dated 23 Mar 2015. It's major plot features per MC and ITV : "the doc's lack of social skills" "the doc needs to CHANGE to get L and his family back, "the doc realizes he has serious changes to do to win L back" I think this is what most of S 7 is going to be about, at least when it comes to DM and L.

I just don't get the heavy negativity towards Luisa by some commenters here. She is terrific w/ the Doc up - repeatedly forgiving him for all the little things - until he withdraws from her and she realizes that maybe this is going to be the rest of "their intimacy" together/ her future with DM. She really needs a break to think about what SHE is going to do. She can't change DM. It's not the wife's role to "fix " him and I think it's a healthier Luisa as a character than if the writers made her to try to be his fixer. Our fav writers are back: Lothian and Stoneman, Unthank 9wrote only 1 episode before, per my memory). I actually thought that it must be a pseudonym "Julian Unthank" just sounds fishy to my ears....

the article:
Martin Clunes returns as Britain’s favourite grumpy medic

Martin Clunes returns to Cornwall to play the nation’s favourite grumpy medic in a brand new series of Doc Martin for ITV.

Martin Clunes reprises his role as Dr. Martin Ellingham, the GP with a brusque bedside manner and a phobia of blood, in eight new episodes of the ratings winning drama produced by Buffalo Pictures, and set in the idyllic, sleepy hamlet of Port Wenn in Cornwall.

Filming has just begun on location in picturesque Port Isaac with all regular members of the cast returning to the popular series.

Caroline Catz plays Doc Martin’s wife Louisa. The couple married in the last series, but their marital harmony was short lived. After a life-threatening incident, Louisa decided to take their son James Henry to live with her mother in Spain while they try to work out their problems.

The Doc is heartbroken by their departure, and realises he has got to make changes if he wants to win them back, and be a family again.

Martin Clunes says: “I’m thrilled to be back on the beautiful North Cornish coast to shoot series seven of Doc Martin. The Doc has some serious work to do if he is going to persuade Louisa to come back.”

Audience figures since the series was introduced in 2004 have averaged in excess of 9 million viewers.

Returning to the series, Dame Eileen Atkins plays Doc Martin’s formidable Aunt Ruth. She doesn’t suffer fools, just like her nephew. In the new series Aunt Ruth faces a medical emergency, which she tries to ignore, but the Doc won’t let her.

Ian McNeice returns as local restaurateur Bert Large, with Joe Absolom as his tolerant son Al. With the restaurant struggling to stay afloat Bert dreams up another moneymaking scheme.

Meanwhile Al is setting up in business with Ruth. He’s renovated her farmhouse, and is opening a bed and breakfast to attract tourists for fishing holidays. The first guests are, however, far from impressed.

John Marquez returns to play eccentric local police officer PC Joe Penhale, who often panics and creates more problems than he solves as he attempts to instill law and order into the community. In the new series he is getting to grips with a newly issued Taser gun, with disastrous consequences.

Jessica Ransom is back as receptionist, Morwenna Newcross, who is looking for a pay rise for trying to keep the doctor in line.

More than 800 local people turned up for auditions in Port Isaac for extras roles in the new series earlier this month. As the doors of the church hall opened for the auditions there was a queue of 150 babies in prams and pushchairs hoping to be selected for the role of 11-month-old James Henry, the son of Doc Martin and Louisa.

Following its launch in 2004 Doc Martin was an instant success, winning a place in the hearts of the audience despite the Doc’s lack of social skills.

Philippa Braithwaite will produce the series and Mark Crowdy will executive produce. The directors are Nigel Cole, Charles Palmer and Ben Gregor. The writers are Jack Lothian, Richard Stoneman and Julian Unthank.

Doc Martin has been recommissioned for ITV by Steve November and Victoria Fea.

“We’re delighted Doc Martin is returning to ITV,” said Steve. “Martin has created a unique and very watchable character who for all his faults is hugely appreciated by the audience. We look forward to working on the series with the Buffalo Pictures production team,” he added.

Doc Martin is screened worldwide including in Africa, Australia, Canada, Chile, Colombia, France, Italy, Russia, Malaysia, Mexico, Poland, Sweden, Uruguay and Venezuela.

As you wrote earlier, no harm done.

I agree, Carol, especially the bolded words. I think his withdrawal from her was the real hurt which caused her to want to separate to think things over, but in addition to that, if they are no longer close, then his other aggravating behavior becomes really insupportable. In the hospital, just before we see her pull out her mobile and make the plane reservations, she has been pissed at him for doing something to Mike to make him leave (her view), and at his peremptory way with the medical staff, not to mention his outrageous and deeply embarassing, humiliating (to her) behavior at Sports Day.

I wish she had let her anger calm down, and then address with him the main issue of his shutdown, and see what he did with it. But then, without the real threat of losing her, the answer would probably have been nothing.

As for what I want in S7 -- I think and hope that it will play out in a way analogous to S4. That is, they will start at odds and gradually, by working together and building on their relationship strengths, they will show us that their gradual reconciliation is giving them a solider foundation to go forward with, just as in S4 we saw them each working toward the realization that they wanted to be together.

Remember that CC said in a recent interview that Louisa is going to have to come to terms with accepting "the love of her life" as he is. We'll see that process play out over 8 episodes, I think.

Plus, I would so like to see Louisa accept her role in the (temporary) breakdown of their marriage.

mmDerdekea, I couldn't agree more.

Another thing to keep in mind when discussing Louisa's ability (or lack thereof) to manage Martin's decline in S6 is this: Louisa likely has significant abandonment issues, stemming from her mother's departure to Spain, as well as her father's excommunication from the village and subsequent incarceration. The important people in her life, who are supposed to be there for her no matter what, have all bailed in the past. Martin himself has been inconsistent in his commitment to being with Louisa, and so it would be easy to see how she would have difficulty trusting that he will stay.

Often, when someone fears abandonment, they are more likely to jump ship first - a defensive/preventative measure that says, "If you're going to leave me, because everyone always leaves me, then I'm going to beat you to the punch and be the first to leave when things get difficult, before you have the chance to abandon me."

Usually it's a lot more subtle, as fears often are, so Louisa might not realize that's what she's doing. But I think this helps to explain her decision to leave for Spain at the end of S6. She can see that Martin is in decline, and if she believes that she's the cause of his unhappiness, she's assuming/afraid that he's going to leave her. So if the relationship is on the rocks, she wants to be the first one gone.

As for what I'd like to see in S7.....

- Martin and Louisa TALKING, ideally with the support of a counselor who can help them identify, articulate, and express their needs/wishes/dreams/hopes

- Louisa learning the full extent of Martin's childhood experience. It's easy for me to forget that she only has snippets of the big picture. Maybe Aunt Ruth could be the one to fill her in, as others have suggested before?

- Some romance for our couple! To somehow find our way back to the sweetness of the outdoor concert date, and to not have it end in a break-up

- Morwenna continuing to grow in maturity and competence. I personally love the character development we've seen in her since her arrival. She's gone from being a flighty and gormless girl, to someone who is able to keep her cool in the middle of emergencies, and who can offer her knowledge of PW and her fellow villagers which is beneficial to Martin (ie the episode with the old man and the pigeons). I'm not keen on her and Al together - it's quite tiresome that he quickly jumps from one receptionist to the next!

- No other love interests / jealousy-inducing relationships for M & L. That's been done with both Danny and Edith, as well as Mrs. T, and I'm done with that.

- And for good measure, a few more pratfalls with Martin hitting his head on door posts, etc. I'm not usually one for slapstick humour, but I missed that in S6