Doc Martin: Series 7
Has there ever been a more dislikable, distasteful character who has dominated a vastly popular TV series? And yet why do we sometimes feel sorry for Dr. Martin Ellingham and hope he can find a modicum of happiness?
Not even the Frankenstein monster quite created the animosity one sometimes feels toward the onetime surgeon, now a general practitioner living in Portwenn, on the coast of Cornwall (actually Port Isaac).
Doc Martin (brilliantly portrayed by Martin Clunes) dresses impeccably in suit and tie, no matter what time of day or night. He never shows the slightest hint of friendliness, only a stiff face and curt remarks to those trying to be friendly to him. He’s a genius of a doctor, who makes brilliant diagnoses and never hesitates to help those in distress. And yet he is repulsed by the sight of blood and must turn his head away while taking samples.
He’s a hopeless human being. But he is needed by the oddballs of Portween. It would not survive without him. In these eight episodes, his estranged wife, Louisa (Caroline Catz), returns to him with their child, yet they cannot agree to live together. But they do decide to see a young woman psychologist (Emily Bevan) in hopes of finding a way to save their marriage. Back in action are Dr. Martin’s knowing aunt (Dame Eileen Atkins), his amusingly dressed secretary, Morweena ( Jessica Ranson), the inept cop, Penhale ( John Marquez), and pharmacist Mrs. Tishell (Selma Cadell), among others.
The fan base, which has been holding its breath to hear if there will be an eighth season, can relax. It’s just been announced that the good doctor will be back.
Bonuses in this package include nine featurettes, totaling more than an hour of amusing on-location, behind-the-scenes footage.