"Improvement. Is that an adjective? It’s about the Doc trying to improve himself and then actually finding he’s fantastic anyway. It’s about the two of them trying to improve, trying to change, trying to fix things. I won’t spoil it!"

From the Variety piece...what an ego freak. The Doc is "fantastic"?!? When I hear him describe the Doc in interviews, as brilliant it just makes me groan. I have even heard him say "...he's brilliant, she's not" He's a better dancer...blahblahbalh. He and his team writes the 'ish.

I remember watching the recent PBS special (Behind series 7) and I had to turn it off at a point...it was all so nauseating. (Martin/Clunes worshipping, etc.) Ugh.

LOL had to laugh at this comment "They watch it illegally" and under his breath he's saying something quite differently, I would guess.

I don't think it's a stretch to think that anything on the show may be done as a vehicle to further the career of Martin Clunes. He and his company are taking all the financial risks to produce the show, so it is understandable that they may strongly consider how the program showcases his acting talents. Decisions made are not only for the good of the show but also the good of Martin Clunes. I, for one, don't blame them for that. I think they balance the two very well - the show is good and he is good. He is most famous for his comic abilities, so it makes sense that they would want to showcase his dramatic acting skills.

He didn't get any roles between 6-7 except for a show he produced himself. Between 5-6 he had a few television roles and the Christmas movie role. On a talk show between 5-6 he said he auditioned for a role. That's very unusual of an actor of his experience and caliber. It means that he really wanted the job.

Now, after series 7 we've not heard about any definitive upcoming roles. The only plans we know of are for documentary programs. I would like to see him in more shows. He had a great final speech in "Strike Back" that was delivered perfectly, and then suddenly his character was riddled with bullets and never to be seen again, which was a bummer for this fan.

Whether he gets more roles isn't due to questions of his acting ability. There are many actors out there, and who says MC wants to act, act, act all the time? MC just said he looks forward to being at home. Yes, he wants to act more, perhaps, a little bit here and there. But, he also loves his farm/ranch, loves working with his animals, has a lot of money so doesn't need to work, and so forth. That fact that fans may want him working more, (which is understandable) and so are escalating their own idea that the last seasons were solely designed to show MC's acting skills, makes no sense. They made the seasons because MC--as he said--wanted to take DM down to the bottom; BP etc. thought that was where they had to go creatively. It had nothing to do with trying to get DM more acting roles.

I totally agree. If MC wanted to work continuously he could, but he happens to be ITV's golden boy, as he deserves and can pick and choose whatever he wants. It's obvious that he can do drama and comedy and whatever else. DM doesn't exist to promote his brand. He has just reached a point where he can demand top dollar for his work.

My experience at Buckham Fair last summer showed me that this is a man of extremely high energy and he needs down time to avoid overexposure. I have no doubt that BP and his agent have this issue firmly under control. He's lovely, but he exudes energy...time on the farm is absolutely necessary. And more power to him...he's earned the money to do it.

When Martin Clunes says he loves the Doc and he is fantastic he isn't self aggrandizing. He said in the special that the Doc is his favorite CHARACTER...and actually joked about being vain. It's a CHARACTER in a story.....it clearly didn't mean anything else. He has a dry and subtle wit. Perhaps some people just can't "get" it.

Break for a mini-quiz!

Who was Portwenn's GP before Dr. Sim?

For me, that would require a total rewatch, which isn't in the plan right now. Great piece of trivia if you know it.

If you haven't listened to this do...hear Martin spill his drink...hear Martin having to use the loo. Listen to Philippa expound and reminisce about audio clips these ladies brought. It's really fun.

http://www.rockthedocpodcast.com/201...aithwaite.html

And Ms. Sarah, Martin actually says, "I'm a big fan of myself." Presumptuous bastard! Lolololol !

Well I'll just spill it. I believe it was mentioned during "In Loco" when DM is surprised to learn that Pauline had signed him up to be on the school governing board that would be interviewing for new head of school.

He was told, "Doctor Sim was on the board, Doctor Blake before him."

PS: Thanks for the link to the podcasts.

Oh Roscarrock, what a good catch. I remember that scene between Doc and Pauline, but did not recall the name. Excellent piece of trivia.

Did anyone else find it odd that the woman who did the Podcast went on a little too much about herself leaving Braithwaite and Clunes nodding politely? If you have an hour to talk with two terrific "gets" do you natter on about yourself?

Definitely...and a little to much excessive gushing, but Martin and Philippa handled it well. It wasn't perfect by a long shot but it's so fun to hear them so candid and discussing particulars about scenes and certain fan questions. So much better than "Are you going to be doing a new series of "Men Behaving Badly?" I'm familiar with the interviewers and that is pretty typical of Linda.

That's gossipy.....sorry....in a way...lol

The Clunes' were charming (especially her) and I agree, the hosts went from congenial to fangirl-ish. He was painfully polite as I'm sure he felt the walls begin to close in... Thanks for sharing the link Mofromco!

Did you like the part where Phillipa said that people complained that Louisa was too mean or didn't treat him right, but completely ignored the fact that Martin was very annoying a lot of the time?

I've been doing a rewatch of S5 and S6 (it passes the time on the exercise bike), and I must say, I've been struck by just exactly how annoying and even infuriating he was at times.

I thought she sounded very definite that it was over after S9.

Frankly, as we've discussed ad infinitum, I hope they can come up with enough quality material for 2 more series. If anything, one can expect an "ending to MASH" type of turnout for the final episode.

Agree. And I have my doubts that they can, but we live in hope.

They can start by bringing back Dominic M! Anyone know why he left, anyway? He seems to be very coy about it when asked, unless I missed the time that he did say.

I don't mean to be contrary, but why do some of you believe bringing back Dominic Minghella would be so important. He really is ancient history and only worked on the show in series 1 and 2. He developed the character Doc Martin, for the television program, elaborating on Dr. Martin Bamford of the movies. Who knows exactly why the factions went their separate ways, but I dare say money was involved. It's reported that they had "creative differences" as Minghella didn't like the development of Louisa as a main character or the romance that much. He also didn't like the Doc Martin character being as absolutely rude as Martin suggested making him. I really don't know how having him back could make that much difference...it could, I suppose, but just the same the story all the way along hasn't been his. He probably doesn't think of Doc Martin except when that residual check goes into his bank account every month. There's too much water under the bridge and writers like Jack Lothian, Charlie Martin and Richard Stoneman are fine. The call for Dominic Minghella comes from fans that don't like the way the storyline has gone. There is a lot of water under the bridge and I think that new, absolutely original storylines are what will happen. Eliminating the "will they/won't they opens the door for those, not Minghella personally.

I suppose it's because some people, myself included, preferred the DM from the first seasons and Dominic appears from the outside to be the missing link. I've had people to whom I've suggested the series bail after 3 or 4 seasons because they felt the character became just too caustic. At least that was the excuse I got. I accept that DM as a whole isn't for everyone.

I don't know how much writers can influence their characters once a script is put into production, but perhaps it was a Lennon/McCartney-like balance between Dominic and MC that made DM an ornery yet lovable character to those people.

You know they will always play it the same. The two of them pretty much endorse that
in the podcast. Whether its MnL or the Doc and Mrs. Tischel, expect the same. It works and they are comfortable with it.

I was surprised that she mentioned a Series 9. I thought it was just rumor. LOL - 2019.
A sudden mood came over me as I add the years to my own....

Clunes and Braithwaite do what is expedient to move along the story line. Look at the good characters they wrote out of the show. Roger Fenn, Elaine, Pauline, Aunt Joan, Jennifer Cardew, Chris Parsons, Rachel Timoney, and even Caroline Bosman. None of the very intriguing storylines from villagers ever re-appear. It is like aliens abducted them from the village.

Dominic Minghella created one version of Doc Martin and it has morphed into another version with the multiple, less talented writers. The character Minghella created remains fascinating to me so I continue to watch it in its many transformations. I think we will see multiple writers -- hopefully better than the current team -- continue as BP wants. It is their property.

As to a MASH like ending, not on your life. I think more like Men Behaving Badly. After all, it is a British show no mater how much many fans in the States want it to be otherwise

I only meant the "MASH" ending in terms of viewer numbers, sort of like "Who shot JR" in Dallas. I don't even know what the "MASH" ending was about? Was there something uniquely American about it? I wasn't particularly enamored of the show and didn't watch it. So, I guess a "MBB" ending would suffice as an example. Guess we'll see....

OK -- I don't get either the MASH or the MBB reference. Can someone please explain?