Doc Martin Series 7 Episode 5

Martin reaches breaking point with being followed around by Buddy: He resolves to find a vet to have him put him down. 

 

Morwenna (Jessica Ransom), and eventually Louisa, manage to persuade him that it isn’t quite that simple – a vet will not put down a healthy dog just on Martin’s say so.  They intervene and find a new home for Buddy, with Angela Sim Caroline Quentin), a local vet, though Martin will have to take him there himself.  Martin is not impressed by Angela’s alternative approaches to medicine, even if it is veterinary medicine, but at least he has managed to offload Buddy onto her.  

 

Meanwhile, Ruth (Dame Eileen Atkins) finds out what Bert has been up to, in trying to make his own whisky, and he eventually persuades her to keep his secret. 

 

Clive Tishell (Malcom Storry) is suspicious of Mrs Tishell (Selina Cadell) and who she might be cooking meals for, but decides to give her the benefit of the doubt so that they can really give their marriage another go.  

 

PC Penhale (John Marquez) wants to ask Janice (Robyn Addison) out, but only succeeds in asking her to a barbecue at his place, and then has to persuade Al (Joe Absolom) and Morwenna to come too, to make up the numbers. 

 

Louisa and Martin’s therapy homework results in a picnic, much to Martin’s dismay, but even this doesn’t go to plan, when they are interrupted by Angela and Buddy on the beach: Angela appears to be hallucinating, and Martin has to get Penhale to help him calm her down, so that he can treat her and find out what has been going on.

 

Newcomer to Portwenn, Debbie Sharrock, (Finty Williams) asks the Doc for a repeat prescription for her daughter Kelly. The doc refuses until he has been able to see Kelly’s notes and make his own diagnosis.

Found HERE at ITV.

9:00pm, Monday, 28 September 2015, ITV

As their couples therapy continues, Martin and Louisa are given some homework. They are told to embraceeach other three times a day and say something positive when they do. Meanwhile, Peter, a former student of Louisa's, somehow manages to convince the doc to let him do some work experience in the surgery, but Morwenna is less than impressed with the new recruit. Elsewhere, Mrs Tishell is indignant when Clive casually strolls back into her life. Enjoyable as ever.

Found HERE at What's on TV.

Doc Martin, Monday 28th September, 9pm

Series seven of the adventures of the nation’s grumpiest doctor and his patients in the Cornish village of Portwenn continues. In episode four, Education, Education, Education, Louisa (CarolineCatz) and Martin (MartinClunes) attend their first therapy session together– though neither of them is expecting that they will be given homework. 15-year-old Peter Cronk (Preston Nyman) approaches Louisa to ask if Martin will allow him to do work experience at the surgery. Louisa is surprised and impressed when Martin agrees –perhaps he is learning to change after all. Morwenna (Jessica Ransom), however, is not quite so happy about it when Peter starts trying to boss her around in reception. Meanwhile, Mrs Tishell (Selina Cadell) is surprised by the return of her husband Clive (Malcolm Storry), and stunned when he tells her he wants to give things another go. Bert (Ian McNeice), after losing the restaurant and having nowhere to live except his new camper van, is looking around for other opportunities. He is keeping everything close to his chest and definitely away from the eyesofPCPenhale(John Marquez),who is trying to impress Janice (Robyn Addison). Louisa has to call Martin to help her when one of her pupils, Jessy, collapses during a school excursion, and together they rush the girl to hospital. Peter’s work experience does not work out quite as well as he had hoped, though he is very grateful that he did it when Martin helps him to treat his mother successfully.

Found HERE at ITV. 

Doc Martin, series 7, episode 3, review: 'preposterous'

One of the beautiful things about Doc Martin (ITV) is the way you can dip into it and immediately feel welcomed back into the cosy fold of Port Wenn, with its ice-cream-coloured houses and charming seafront vistas, and its cast of bumbling eccentrics led by Martin Clunes’s curmudgeonly GP. Episode three of the current series slipped down just as easily as ever.

We found Dr Martin Ellingham (Clunes) seeking professional help in sorting out his personal issues. But Dr Timoney (Emily Bevan), the young and attractive new local therapist, seemed more keen on seeing both Martin and Louisa (Caroline Catz) together for couples therapy than on treating Martin alone. Louisa was less than happy about the idea that she might need help, but changed her mind after her affection for Martin was reignited while hearing him perform an emergency tracheotomy on a suffocating teenager, broadcast live on the community radio station.

The broadcast was accidentally enabled by well-meaning but hapless new local radio DJ Melanie (Rosie Cavaliero), failing to operate the sound desk and doing a marvellously funny turn as a female Alan Partridge. Apparently she joined the station after the previous radio host was sectioned (given the state of some of the other residents of Port Wenn, you did wonder why the NHS sectioning team stopped there).

The medical plots were as preposterous as ever, but the dramatic moment of the tracheotomy was as sharp as the Doc’s scalpel, an urgent and surprisingly moving scene that nicely tightened up the episode’s otherwise messy bundle of storylines.

And although there was no sign of the megawatt beam of superstar Sigourney Weaver, who was spotted filming a cameo in July, there was a lively enough mix of humour, sweetness and action to prove that Doc Martin can still hold its own without the need for Hollywood glitz. 

Found HERE at The Telegraph.

Doc Martin Series 7 Episode 4 Trailer - Education, Education, Education

Doc Martin Series 7 - Episode 4 - Education, Education, Education

Louisa and Martin have their first therapy session together – though neither of them was expecting that they would be given homework.  

 

Peter Cronk Preston Nyman), now 15, approaches Louisa to ask if Martin will allow him to do work experience at the surgery. Louisa is surprised, and impressed, when Martin agrees to this: perhaps he is learning to change after all.  

 

Morwenna (Jessica Ransom) is not quite so happy about it when Peter starts trying to tell her what to do.  

 

Mrs Tishell (Selina Cadell) is surprised by the return of her husband, Clive (Malcolm Storry), and even more so when he tells her he wants to give things another go.  

Bert (Ian McNeice), after losing the restaurant and having nowhere to live except his new campervan, is looking around for other opportunities, but he is keeping everything close to his chest, and definitely away from the eyes of PC Penhale (John Marquez), who is trying to impress Janice (Robyn Addison). 

 

Louisa has to call Martin to help her when one of her pupils, Jessy Bawden (Phoebe Lyons), collapses, during a school excursion, and together they rush Jessy to hospital. A young supply teacher at the school, Miss Grappy, (Hannah Arterton) had failed to spot the signs that Jessy was unwell, as she concentrated on her mobile phone and topping up her tan.

 

Peter’s work experience doesn’t work out quite as well as he had hoped, though he is very grateful he did it when Martin helps him to successfully treat his mother, Mrs Cronk.

 

Found HERE at ITV.

21 September 9:00

Continuing this drama series about a curmudgeonly country doctor and his unfortunate patients in Cornwall... Martin decides to move out of the surgery and allow Louisa the space she needs, which she appreciates. Louisa is intrigued to meet Martin's therapist Dr Rachel Timoney but is less enthused when Rachel suggests they should have therapy as a couple. Janice's babysitting of James Henry does not get off to the best of starts, but fortunately Penhale is around to help her out. After his disastrous lobster special evening, Bert disappears and Al is very concerned when he finds out there are bailiffs at the restaurant. Mrs Tishell is worried that Martin will not be able to cope with living on his own, so decides that she is the best person to help him. The new Portwenn Radio DJ, Melanie, tries to get Martin involved with the station's new Healthy Eating segment, but she gets more than she bargained for when Martin has to perform an operation live on the air.

Found HERE.

10 reasons to be thankful Doc Martin isn’t actually your Doctor

Because "the Doctor will see you now" shouldn't sound like a threat...

See the list HERE at RadioTimes.

What To Watch Tonight: Doc Martin

Doc Martin, 9pm, ITV
The charming drama, starring Martin Clunes and Caroline Catz, continues tonight as Dr Ellingham decides to move out of the surgery to give Louisa space on her own. With Mrs Tishell worried about how he will cope on his own, Martin has other worries in the form of a local radio interview. Al also grows concerned when he finds out about Bert’s behaviour, and bailiffs arrive at the restaurant.

Found HERE.

Aw!

I hadn't seen this pic before, so thought I'd share. It made me smile.

Found HERE.

Just call him Dog Martin! Selina Cadell - who plays Mrs Tishell in Doc Martin - tells how Martin Clunes' passion for pooches has taken over the set

Martin Clunes and I are taking a break between filming scenes on Doc Martin – in which I play chemist Mrs Tishell – in Port Isaac, Cornwall. Among the mob of fans waiting patiently, cameras in hand, Martin spots a woman with an eccentric-looking spaniel. 

'Aaah, hello,' he says, addressing the dog as an old friend. 'You've got lovely long ears.' 

'Yes,' says its owner, 'when he gets anxious he chews them.' With a large dose of self-deprecation, Martin shoots back, 'Don't we all?'

Fans of the show will know that the Doc is no dog-lover, but Martin himself is passionate about them. And word's got round: if you want to meet Martin on the Doc Martin set, you don't stand a chance without a dog. Any dog. Big, small, beautiful, ugly, sweet-natured, crotchety or even sick – he loves them all and they all love him. I reckon there's a canny local entrepreneur in the village running a Rent-A-Dog scheme from a Portakabin.

When I first met Martin 11 years ago now on this very set, I saw him as a tall, curious clown: gentle, courteous and very quick-witted. But I didn't realise just how doggy he is. So where did it all begin? Jemima, it transpires, was his first dog, a white rescue terrier bought for his sister Amanda when they were children. 'She lost interest in her quite soon and I gained interest,' he says. 'I mean, anyone who's felt the thrill of the weight of a dog on their bed... some children never have that.'

Keep reading HERE at the Daily Mail.

Series 7 - 4. Education, Education, Education (SPOILERS)

Louisa and Martin have their first therapy session together - though neither of them was expecting they would be given homework - while Morwenna is not happy about it when a teenager on work experience starts trying to boss her around in the surgery. Mrs Tishell is surprised when her husband Clive returns and tells her he wants to give things another go, and Louisa has to call Martin when one of her pupils collapses during a school excursion. Comedy drama, starring Martin Clunes and Caroline Catz.

Found HERE at Radio Times.

9:00pm, Monday, 21 September 2015, ITV

Help is at hand – but obviously Martin doesn't want it...

The Doc is in no hurry for media stardom and refuses point blank when local radio reporter Melanie (Rosie Cavaliero) tries to sign him up for some health bulletins. He and Louisa are living apart and while their therapist suggests couples sessions, Louisa is not terribly keen and blames her marital problems on Martin's aloofness and various phobias. He, on the other hand, 'wants to get this whole mess over with' but instead ends up face down in the mud when he's called out to a pig farm. Meanwhile, Melanie is determined to make Port Wenn sound exciting and hopes an interview with Al Large will captivate viewers, but the show is interrupted by an emergency and the doctor must operate live on air.

Found HERE at What's on TV.

Ian McNeice reveals Bert's latest dodgy schemes in Doc Martin

Watch the video HERE at What's on TV.

Series 7 - Episode 3 - It's Good To Talk

Martin Clunes plays the nation’s favourite grumpy medic as the brand new series continues. Martin decides that he will be the one to move out of the surgery to allow Louisa (Caroline Catz) the space she needs, which she really appreciates. Louisa is intrigued to meet Martin’s therapist, Dr Rachel Timoney (Emily Bevan), but is not quite so happy when Rachel suggests that they should have therapy as a couple. Aunt Ruth (Eileen Atkins) manages to persuade Louisa that therapy will allow her a chance to defend herself – if she needs to. Janice (Robyn Addison)’s babysitting of James Henry does not get off to the best of starts, but fortunately PC Penhale (John Marquez) is around to help her out. After his disastrous lobster special evening, Bert (Ian McNeice) disappears and Al (Joe Absolom) is concerned when he finds out that the bailiffs have arrived at the restaurant. Mrs Tishell (Selina Cadell) is concerned that Martin will not be able to look after himself living on his own, and decides that she is the best person to help him. New Portwenn Radio DJ Melanie (Rosie Cavaliero) is trying to revitalise the station with a healthy eating segment and tries to get Martin involved, but she ends up getting more than she bargained for when Martin has to perform an operation live on the air.

Found HERE at ITV.

Series 7 - 3. It's Good to Talk

Just for one fleeting moment it looks as though Dr Ellingham is going to crack a smile.

Not, obviously, because Dermot the pig farmer has presented himself with a nasty skin infection on his leg. Nor is it because the irascible doc is still being stalked by an adorable stray dog and Mrs Tishell from the pharmacy.

And obviously he’s not happy because Melanie (The Enfield Haunting’s Rosie Cavaliero), the jokey jolly DJ on Radio Portwenn is pestering him to do a radio interview for her Healthy Eating Week. Actually she’s so desperate to fill airtime that she even asks the hapless Al on to talk about his fishing holiday business.

No. That minuscule muscle twitch around his mouth is because his dramatic radio broadcast brings him one painfully tiny step closer to repairing his marriage.

Found HERE at Radio Times.

John Marquez: 'Penhale decides it's time to take a wife in Doc Martin!' (VIDEO)

Doc Martin star John Marquez says his character Pc Penhale has decided it's time to take a wife and new Portwenn resident Janice is the woman for him.

John told What's on TV that he's become infatuated with Janice (Robyn Addison), who is about becomes the nanny to Doc Martin and Louisa's baby James Henry, so he tries to make himself known to her - with predictably amusing consequences.

What's on TV asked John if he's happy to see Penhale in love. "That’s a funny question, isn’t it, because as an actor I don’t mind, whatever keeps it funny and going well. I mean it would be kind of strange for Penhale to have some sort of success because he usually runs on being unsuccessful. At the same time it’s sort of opened up a nice opportunity to play a nicer, sweeter side to him and also, as well, just because you’ve met someone it doesn’t mean it’s going to go smoothly!"

John said he had no hesitation in returning to Doc Martin for series seven.

"It’s very well written for me. I immediately, as soon as I read it, I can visualise what I can do," he said. "Also it taps into my creative thing. Sometimes I go, 'If I say this or do that it will be even better', and [the producers] will always be really, really open because they know I know the character so well…

"It’s still creative for me, I guess that’s the answer, that’s why it’s easy for me to come back."

Watch the video HERE at What's on TV.

Martin Clunes returns as TV's grouchiest GP in new Doc Martin series

Martin Clunes' Doc Martin is back for another series – good news for his 'Clunatics'. Susan Griffin meets the man behind one of TV's most grouchiest characters.

They might have played best mates in Men Behaving Badly, but in real life it transpires Neil Morrissey and Martin Clunes have had a falling out.

It's because Caroline Quentin, who played Martin's put-upon girlfriend in the hit Nineties sitcom, has been asked to appear in the new series of Doc Martin, but not Morrissey.

Martin, who lives in Dorset, jokes that Neil is fed up about not appearing in the series which sees him playing the grouchy Dr Martin Ellingham once more. The show now has fans all over the world and boasts a cameo from Sigourney Weaver in the upcoming run.

Caroline will play Angela Sim, a holistic vet ("everything the Doc hates") and the daughter of the previous GP – "who he hates although they've never met".

"I see Caroline all the time because we are friends but it was the first time we've filmed a scene together in 17 years. The pair of us just laughed like children," says Martin, who adds the part was written for her.

In the last series, viewers saw the Doc marry head teacher Louisa Glasson (Caroline Catz), but their wedded bliss was shortlived and after a life-threatening incident, she decided to take their son James Henry to stay with her mother in Spain.

Fans are apparently furious about the break-up, particularly the Americans who, Martin divulges, "are so vocal".

"They have discussion groups on every single episode and they pull it apart and break it down, making notes and queries," he reveals.

One dedicated group call themselves the "Clunatics" and have showered Martin, his wife Philippa Braithwaite – who he's co-produced the show with since its debut in 2004 – and their teenage daughter Emily with gifts, such as paintings of their horses and hand-knitted sweaters. Meanwhile, another fan has suggested that the actor, who's also made various documentaries, including Islands Of Britain and Man & Beast With Martin Clunes, make a programme about autism.

"I said, 'I'm the last person who should do that', because this never was a study in autism. I just think people have noticed some similarities [in the Doc], but it's fiction."

Does he believe the Doc is autistic?

Keep reading HERE at Western Daily Press.

Doc Martin Episode Two: Martin Clunes continues to shine in a somewhat overcrowded instalment (Spoilers)

Last week in my review of Doc Martin I commented on how the quaint comedy drama is a consistent ratings winner for ITV. Whilst the series seven opener did indeed win that evening’s slot, it was down two million on the first episode of series six back in 2013. It seems odd to me that the ratings dipped quite so dramatically and unless the same audience decided to watch the documentary about The Queen on BBC One then it appears that people may have tired of Doc Martin. Indeed, tonight’s episode does follow the format of most of Doc Martin’s prior episodes and my suspicion is that people are switching off due to the formulaic nature of the show.

I did find this week’s Doc Martin particularly muddled with five storylines occurring throughout the episode three of which intersected with the instalment’s only memorable set piece. The big news this week was the return of Louisa who came back from Spain at possibly the most inopportune time. After settling back in, Louisa reveals that she needs to create some space between her and Martin, making the eventual decision to move out. I personally felt that Martin and Louisa’s separation should have had more time devoted to it even if it was only temporary. Indeed, as it seemed that the split was being rushed, I thought that in the end Louisa would decide not to make the move and try to work at her marriage. There were at least a few little hints that Louisa and Martin would resolve their differences however ultimately it seems that the writers are going to keep them apart for now.

Keep reading HERE at Unreality TV.

Doc Martin Series 7 Episode 3 Trailer - It's Good to Talk

Doc Martin Series 7 Episode 3 (Spoilers)

Martin has decided he will be the one to move out of the surgery to allow Louisa the space she needs, which Louisa does really appreciate.  

 

Louisa is intrigued to meet Martin’s therapist, Dr Rachel Timoney (Emily Bevan), but is not quite so happy when Rachel suggests that they should have therapy as a couple, instead of Martin having it on his own. Aunt Ruth (Dame Eileen Atkins), however, manages to persuade Louisa that being a part of it will allow her a chance to defend herself - if she needs to.  

 

Janice’s (Robyn Addison) babysitting of James Henry does not get off to the best of starts, but fortunately PC Penhale (John Marquez) is around to help her out.  

 

After his disastrous lobster special evening, Bert (Ian McNeice) disappears, and his son Al (Joe Absolom) is very concerned when Ruth tells him about Bert’s behaviour, and when he finds out there are bailiffs at the restaurant.  

 

Mrs Tishell (Selina Cadell) is concerned that Martin will not be able to look after himself living on his own, so decides that she is the best person to help him.  

 

The new Portwenn Radio DJ, Melanie (Rosie Cavaliero), is trying to revitalise the station with a healthy eating week segment, and tries to get Martin involved. But she ends up getting more than she bargained for when Martin has to perform an operation live on the air. 

Found HERE on ITV's site.

Get set everybody!

Episode Two - The Shock of the New - is nearly upon us! Boil the kettle, grab your knee rug and settle in for the return of Louisa. Keep in mind that the course of true love never did run smooth.

Picture found HERE.

The Shock of the New - Tonight 9pm ITV

If anyone can help the curmudgeonly doc (Martin Clunes) change his ways, it's Dr Rachel Timoney. Louisa's return further raises questions about her and Martin's relationship and Al welcomes his first fishing guests, although an uninvited one means a good review in not guaranteed. Meanwhile Bert tries to rejuvenate business at the restaurant by joining an online voucher scheme and offering two-for-one lobster specials with the help of local fisherman Gus.

Found HERE.

Talk Talk

Doc Martin

The Shock of the New

Al welcomes his first fishing guests, but an uninvited one means that a good review is definitely not guaranteed, while Bert decides to try to rejuvenate trade at the restaurant by joining an online voucher scheme. Morwenna asks Martin for a pay rise, and Louisa has to find a new babysitter to look after James Henry and reluctantly decides to offer Janice a trial. Penhale is excited to receive his new police issue Taser, but Portwenn does not exactly offer him plenty of opportunities to try it out. Comedy drama, starring Martin Clunes.

 

Found HERE.

Series 7 Episode 2 - The Shock of the New (Spoilers)

Martin Clunes returns to play the nation’s favourite grumpy medic in a brand new series. After Martin’s first session with Dr Rachel Timoney (Emily Bevan), he realises that if anyone is going to be able to help him change, then Dr Timoney seems well qualified. The return of Louisa (Caroline Catz) raises more questions around their relationship – in order to stay together, perhaps they need to spend more time apart, living in separate houses until they have worked through their issues.

Meanwhile, Al (Joe Absolom) welcomes his first fishing guests, but an uninvited one means that his good review is not guaranteed. Bert (Ian McNeice) decides to try to rejuvenate trade at the restaurant by joining an online voucher scheme offering a 2-for-1 lobster special. Morwenna (Jessica Ransom) thinks her responsibilities in the surgery have increased and asks Martin for a pay rise. With her return to school imminent, Louisa has to find a new babysitter to look after James Henry, and reluctantly decides to offer Janice (Robyn Addison) a trial. Aunt Ruth (Eileen Atkins) has to face up to the fact that there is no escaping the ageing process, but does not want Martin to be constantly making her accept her health limitations. PC Penhale (John Marquez) is excited to receive his new police issue taser, but Portwenn does not exactly offer many opportunities to try it out.

9:00pm, Monday, 14 September 2015, ITV

With Louisa back in town, can the grumpy GP finally find happiness?

'I think that happiness is overrated,' the Doc (Martin Clunes) tells his relationship therapist, who's surely earning every penny of her fee dealing with the grump. Still, at least Louisa is back and hinting that perhaps the pair could have a future together, but their marriage still looks in need of serious repair. The Doc also has other worries, namely the health of his Aunt Ruth (Eileen Atkins), who he catches buying a load of medicine at the chemists. Meanwhile, Pc Joe is delighted when his new taser gun arrives, although not everyone else is so pleased! Plenty of laughs can be had here, though sadly none for the Doc.

Found HERE at What's on TV.

Series 7 - Same Trailer, Different Song

Doc Martin Series 7 Episode 2 - The Shock of the New Trailer

Series 7 - 2. The Shock of the New (SPOILERS)

Al welcomes his first fishing guests, but an uninvited one means that a good review is definitely not guaranteed, while Bert decides to try to rejuvenate trade at the restaurant by joining an online voucher scheme. Morwenna asks Martin for a pay rise, and Louisa has to find a new babysitter to look after James Henry and reluctantly decides to offer Janice a trial. Penhale is excited to receive his new police issue Taser, but Portwenn does not exactly offer him plenty of opportunities to try it out. Comedy drama, starring Martin Clunes.

Found HERE at Radio Times.

Guess Who’s Back? Doc Martin Returns!

After the fantastic news that Doc Martin was being recommissioned for a seventh series by ITV, we’ve had to wait a while for the popular medical comedy drama to come back to our screens. But fear not, the wait is nearly over as Martin Clunes (Men Behaving Badly) returns tonight as the grumpy Martin Ellingham.

But just in case you forgot what happened to the Doc and co, lets take you back. Series six saw Martin and Louisa (Caroline Catz) finally get married, but a life-threatening incident saw Louisa taking their son James Henry to live with her mother in Spain while they worked out their issues.
And so, as series seven begins, Martin is faced with questions: will Louisa come back to him; and what can he do to make sure that she does?  The good doc knows that he needs to change for the sake of his marriage, and in episode one, seeks out a therapist to try and effect this change. However, life in Portwenn transpires to get in his way – namely in the shape of Steve Baker, and a Lifeboat training exercise.

In this sense we get a familiar view of the unique and very watchable character that Clune has delivered us  over the past few seasons – assuring us that Doc Martin will remain the warm-hearted classic we know it to be.

Found HERE on TV Daily.

Doc Martin series 7 premiere review: Martin Clunes’s Dr is in therapy!

Doc Martin is quite an unassuming programme which rakes in the audiences whilst doing very little at all. However millions of people seem to love seeing Martin Clunes doing his grumpy routine and the audience will be very happy to learn that not much about the show has really changed.
In fact the only change in this first episode was the fact that Doctor Ellingham’s wife Louisa had scarpered off to Spain with their son leaving him alone once again. This first episode’s central narrative was the fact that Martin was desperately waiting for a call from Louisa even though he hadn’t heard from her in the three weeks since she’d arrived in Spain. In the meantime we follow him around as he looks forlorn, constantly checks his phone and barely sleeps even though he can’t admit to anybody else that he misses his family. One sacrifice he is seemingly willing to make is to see a therapist and one is eventually recommended to him via his Aunt Ruth. However, due to one calamity or another, he ends up cancelling one appointment and almost missing another. When we finally meet Martin’s new therapist Dr Rachel Timoney it appears as if the grouchy doctor may have met his match in this feisty young woman. I’m personally already anticipating the sessions between Martin and Rachel primarily due to the fact that the the therapist is played by the fantastic Emily Bevan.

Keep reading HERE at Unreality TV.

The grouchy Doc Martin is back... and we can't help but smile

The grumpy doctor is back on our screens. And we couldn’t be happier.

But unfortunately for him, things are a bit rocky in the seventh series – his wife Louisa has taken herself and her son to Spain to stay with her mother.

And Martin Ellingham (aka Doc Martin) has no idea when they’ll be back – which the village folk can’t stop winding him about. And some of us can’t help feel sorry for him.

Keep reading HERE at the Irish Examiner and check out a bunch of Tweets.

Um, well...ok

Found HERE at Metro UK. 

Warning - contains FanFic quotes that are not for the faint hearted.

Doc Martin, series 7 episode 1, review: 'soothing'

You could imagine a great collective sigh of sofas as millions of us sat down to enjoy the new series of Doc Martin (ITV), the first for a couple of years. It didn’t seem such a long time to wait for the appointment when, in the first scene, a nosy postman probed the grumpy Cornwall-based medic (Martin Clunes) for gossip, and we were transported instantly back to precisely the same place we were when we last saw him – floundering over the fact that his wife Louisa (Caroline Catz) had left him.

It is an essential part of Doc Martin’s appeal that even if the last time you caught an episode was way back in series four (2009) – or even series two (2005) – you would still have found him floundering over Louisa. The Doc loves Louisa and Louisa loves the Doc. But never the twain shall meet harmoniously. Not even now they’re married and have a son. The principal pleasure, perhaps even the whole point, of this hugely popular drama is that nothing much ever changes.

The doc, the beating heart of the show, is an emotionally challenged incomer whose goodness is sheathed in a taciturn inability to connect fully with the world. Even after six series he remains a mystery. And that’s how we like it. Here, the Doc’s opening plea to his Aunt Ruth (Eileen Atkins), a retired psychiatrist, was to help him find a therapist to who could resolve his issues. But we already know it’s not going to work. 

Keep reading HERE at the Telegraph.

Doc Martin review: If I was Cornish I’d be cross – why are they all portrayed as bumbly, workshy idiots?

I’m only recently back from there – Cornwall, family “holiday”. Now it’s back down the M5 again, for Doc Martin (ITV). They’re very good at making it look idyllic, and for being there in glorious weather. Poldark too. Next time we go, if there is a next time (there were threats of mutiny and Spain), I’m going to time it to coincide with the filming of a popular television series.

He – Doc Martin Ellingham – wakes up alone. Actually it looks like he’s been awake for a while, thinking dark thoughts, way over on his side of the bed. At least spread out a bit man, do some starfishing, it’s one of the joys of being left alone. But joy – or starfishing – isn’t Doc Martin’s style. He’s more of a razor clam, long and straight and stiff.

Louisa has gone to Spain with little James, to escape their unsunny English husband/father, though it’s not clear whether the arrangement is a permanent one or not. There are little reminders everywhere, to make the pain worse for him – a hairbrush in the bathroom, a child’s toy to tread on. And further accidents – a dropped box of fish, a dropped shopping basket (that’s pretty much the same, isn’t it?), a bump on the head and a tumble down the stairs – are reminders that although the sit may be lovely, the com of Doc Martin isn’t the most sophisticated or subtle. Millions of viewers know better than any critic, though, and will continue to watch. To be fair, Martin Clunes is very good at stiff and alone and joyless. He carries the show, pretty much singlehandedly. Without Clunes, it’s just a series of bumps and mishaps and testical examinations (two in this episode) by the sea.

Keep reading HERE at the Guardian.