Thank you.

Exactly.
I have watched this show from the start and it's something I still don't want to miss (I watch very few shows religiously now) but yet it's leaving me empty each week.

I keep tuning in to see if it finally turns a corner but alas I am still disappointed. I'm not sure if S.8 will be on my watch list if it doesn't end with some kind of finality about their situation. Either get them together or let them end it. Please don't leave me in limbo again! I hate limbo!

That is a very good point. I guess my counter would be that some folks have been complaining starting with Series 5, then came back and complained about how bad Series 6 was and now have continued to moan all the way through Series 7. It's not just the last half of this series. They have complained about the program for 6 years! It seems they would have come to the conclusion by now....they don't like the program anymore. Why must they subject themselves and some of us to the same old negativity? Is it a form of sadomasochism? I can probably go back into this forum to posts where certain folks threaten to stop watching during Series 6 and yet they come back and come back with the same old negative stuff every series again.

Of course you disagree LOL

I don't see wholesale complaining, I see more contributors and therefore more constructive discussion. People post because they have a (special) interest and not because they hate the show and different people at different levels. I would imagine the majority of people are interested in others views and opinions whether they agree or not but just enjoy the debate.

The 'my way or no way' attitude played a big part of why people stopped contributing, people were shot down with silly and rude responses if they dared comment on anything in the least negative (especially occasional or first time posters!!) - where's the encouragement/motivation or even discussion/debate in that kind of attitude on a discussion board? I agree with you on one point though (did I really just say that ) EVERYONE is entitled to their opinion and that is exactly why I find your last few posts a bit contradictory (you get to voice your opinions but the 'naysayers' lack class ) Bear in mind your 'askew' may be different to mine - remember the sandcastle I thought it was an ok sandcastle Here ..... you're not trying to out do the Doc - are you??

Just because you don't use profanity and 'try' not to be rude (you really need to try harder) doesn't make it alright or nice even.

I do find it kind of funny that a (retired) physician on this forum is the one who:
1. Apparently disdains others
2. Dislikes reading many view on the forum, but does so anyway
3. Can be quite rude
4. Sets herself above others
5. Has problems with communication and is upsetting people quite regularly.

...we seem to have a DM wannabee on the site!

Mofromco, if you could read between the lines, you'd see that many of us are disappointed and upset at the last two seasons because we loved the show so much we wanted it to continue in its greatness. Trying to understand what the creators of the show are doing in the last two seasons can at times help soothe the pain of seasons many of us were not fond of. To tell us, as others have written, to just go away because our analyses and comments upset your delicate equilibrium is a useless endeavor. Perhaps you might work on managing your stress or learning to be at peace when someone says "DM should not have tried to kill the dog".

Mona

Mona, you HATE the show. Nothing you say makes it apparent that you like it at all. You just suck the joy out of a thing, Woody. Mo

Well for me that would have to go down as the weirdest episode ever. So many things happening. And yet nothing really happened! Yep, I can't really put into words what I just watched!

I see we will be going down the same route as in previous endings. Unless of course they really are splitting them up. Therefore rendering the previous 6 series redundant for me as a viewer.
I actually have no words left.

Yep, I agree! That episode was just weird!

Did I hear the announcer correctly at the end of Corrie? "Sigourney Weaver stars in Doc Martin next on ITV!"

Yep…. everything else was surreal about the ep, why not the Alien chaser herself wandering into the pharmacy looking for eye drops !!!

All that was missing was Captain Kirk showing up at the surgery looking for Bones !

By the way since when did a bump on the head result in Giggling Indiscretion Syndrome !

There's life Jim, but not as we know it !!

Yes, that was what I heard too. I wonder if the build-up with Sigourney Weaver will positively affect the ratings.

Although Weaver's role was stereotypical American, she played it very well. She and Mrs. Tishell were great together. They must have laughed throughout that scene.

Those two gave the best performances of the evening, followed by Bernie Holbrook and her classmates who sat in horror as their toys were stapled to a board. The boy who gave us his seal is my new standard for child acting.

I hated to see Dr. Timoney get all goofy from her head injury. She had held her character so well, and her silliness -- albeit reflective of her condition -- ruined her for me. if she is in Ep. 8, it may be hard to take her seriously.

You guys are going to despise Episode 7. It will be interesting to follow your comments. LOL

Weird show. I liked parts of it and the "regulars" are always enjoyable. The kids were the best part. The art teacher's story seemed to go on and on. The point of it isn't lost on me - I just don't give a fig.

Enjoyed SW (didn't enjoy the American slam,etc) Right back at ya, BP. If only...

It felt as if they were throwing everything in the pot. Penhale 3021 was a funny scene. I like Janice and Joe but with BP's track record, I won't even bother to take a second look or invest in this couple's story. (Shout out to JM)

BP has disappointed, again. The lead characters have been at this for how long and they have nothing meaningful to say to one another - nothing. Good, bad, bitter, ugly...nope, nothing. I guess this is what the actress meant when she talked about how they trip up and can't open up...and how touching it is to play. Sorry, I cannot relate. Its the show's two lead characters and BP, again, cripples them making the two leads pathetically sad at times, or pathetically stupid. I wanted better for Louisa and for the couple's story.

There were opportunities for growth of some kind but BP doesn't want it, apparently. They're saving it all for the last 20 seconds of the last show. Will I care and will it matter?? Btw: Doc has returned to being miserable and one who cannot tolerate noise or disorder. This doesn't bode well for married life with a toddler.

Its a cash cow and they're to going milk it for every cent they can. Story integrity means nothing. Whatever...thiscose to not caring.

To BP and Dr T: Bye Felicia (my "slam" with more likely to come)

(This is a little more negative than I intended but I am frustrated) Always happy to watch Louisa/CCatz, though.

It just felt like filling time until the grand, emotional finale, which will be the last 2 minutes, more or less of E8. As per usual.

It's time to bring this storyline to a decent, believable ending.

I would choose to believe that Louisa had a change of heart on which they can base a renewed try at marriage, if they went that route. I emphasize that I would CHOOSE to believe it, because at this point, all plausibility has gone out the window.

I do think, however that to end on a cliff-hanger is unconscionable, but to end with them permanently splitting up does render the last 6 seasons and most of this one, "redundant" -- a good word. Or, a "nonsense.'" This is what we watched 7 seasons for -- to have them say, oh, never mind, it wasn't really a good idea after all?

However, I don't think they will go that route. Another last minute conversion experience is in the works, I would bet. And I'll be happy to go along with it., just because I seem to be an incurable romantic.

Who is Felicia?

And "I feel you" in the immortal words of the Wire.

I think what gets my back up here is knowing that I"m being toyed with, but also being unable to look away. If they do leave them on another cliffhanger though, I think I'll be "leaving Portwenn" as a FB post-er put it.

Speaking of weird --

Bye Felicia is a phrase used for the person that is irrelevant (or leaving) but you're not sad to see them go. BP is so irrelevant to me ((I will never watch anything they produce and DrTim was a major flop, and will hopefully, fade away). Major credibility issues, imo.

Here's my take: An ending with a short convo = marriage saved.
An ending with a lengthy convo= marriage over. (as in longer than 90 seconds)

I might check in on the show in two years (honestly, will I remember?) just for her story. I'm so proud to announce my short fascination with this show has ended.
I'm also proud to say that of the 50+ shows, I have only watched 15 (or so) of them more than once. The other 35 were forgettable, imo.

They took some shots at Americans, just because they could. Doesn't bother me a bit. I thought they were funny. "I have a credit card", and his reference to practicing medicine on the back of a covered wagon like it's still the wild west. And then the accent bit.

SW had a pair of wings on her shirt. Do you think there is meaning in that? I don't remember the Alien movie very well. Was she the captain of a spaceship?

I know they're making a lot of money, But a simpler path would be marital happiness, medical mysteries, and villager mayhem. Making these two characters trudge through the mud like this back to their relationship must be harder to write.

There's a lot of insight in your post, I won't comment on all of them, but I do appreciate them!

Wow, I thought you'd "ignore" me by now....I'm really disappointed.

Well I enjoyed it

In a watch for an hour escapism way I liked it. the art teacher story was good but we will never see her again and Bert was back to being Bert (they should have paid him so he could carry on....but no lets make him miserable again)

I didn't like the Dr Timany stuff that was just painful to watch.

nice cameo by SW and penhail had some lines

not bad, It might look out of place but at least it was enjoyable which is more than the last few episodes have been.

IMO of course.....carry on.

After sleeping on it i still don't know what the point of the art teacher was. If they had focused on her story and her story alone we could have learnt something. And I know the Doc is good with diagnosis but surely he should check out a few more things before prescribing stuff? Look at her medical history for one thing.

Obviously I am no medical expert and would not have a clue how things are done but it just seems weird that he can diagnose on the spot and then say I'll sort out a treatment plan for you.

Bert is a wasted character and just wandering around. Much like his spending all day working and then not getting paid for it. I spent an hour watching him do that and didn't get anything out of it either! LOL!

Why is Al there? He had a business to run and that could have spawned some good stories. And could have included Bert to do the cooking or something. A joint venture as it were.

Penhale. I felt like most of the characters did tbh, don't really care whether he stays or goes. He's a sad excuse for a policeman and seems very slow on the uptake. Which I do understand goes towards the comedy factor but not every week. At least give him a decent storyline once throughout the series!

The therapist. Dr Timoney. Um. no clue what the purpose of that accident was at all. Her sessions seem so cold. We never see any deep conversations going on, it seems that Martin and Louisa haven't really learnt anything either. I had such high hopes for the therapy sessions. I knew we wouldn't see the whole session each episode but I had expected more. Not just short sentences! I bet if someone glued all the therapy session scenes together we wouldn't learn anything that we didn't already know.

Louisa. Well. I don't know! LOL!

Doc M. Um, he seems grumpier than usual and I don't like that. Other than that I have no real comment.

Seems like groundhog day every time I watch an episode.

Quite right, Derdekea.

We have indeed reached an odd place when someone feels that they have to apologize for having enjoyed an episode.

To dcdmfan:
Who asked for "simple" or "happy"? There is something in between, no? I'm sick of their misery, their misunderstandings, their fumbles, their mumbles, the stupid interruptions. I agree with Louisa - its all too difficult.

I want something better to waste my time on - I am, afterall, an American.

Straight up: I want a ******* conversation that is uninterrupted and meaningful.

I will only watch another season if or when they get another
hair stylist. She's the damn lead actress and she deserves
better. The hair/bangs should frame the face. The makeup
did improve from last season. One more demand: The Red
Coat and those hideous shoes have to go. I want a tailored,
stylish jacket for MsCatz and a shoe stylist. EasyPeasy.

And...
I want SigWeaver to come back and kick Clunes' scrawny ***
on a regular basis.

I cannot imagine watching another season - the thrill is gone. LOL

I thought they were just having a bit of fun with the Americans, I believe it is a popular programme in the U.S, in fact I have watched it there myself. I liked the digs at their expensive medical system by her saying she had a credit card, when I visited a doctor in the U.S. that was the first thing they asked before my name or what was wrong, and then telling her there was no charge, although I think there is for foreign tourists? Her saying her doctor must be good because he was expensive.
It was funny when he said he couldn't understand her accent, because I have had that same experience in America.
Is she just a one off ? or will she be staying and perhaps becoming a new love interest for Martin.
As for her saying she had Cornish ancestors, there was a large community of Cornish tin miners in Michigan called "Cousin Jacks" and they still eat Pasties there.