‘Doc Martin’ Recap: ‘Season 10, Episode 3’

Written by John Edward Betancourt

Caution: This article contains spoilers for Episode 1003 of ‘Doc Martin’. To revisit the season ten premiere, click here.
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It is definitely safe to say, that our modern society is quite biased when it comes to individuals in need of mental health care and that suffer from mental illness and sadly… it makes sense as to why. Because we live in a society that for countless years, has believed that such matters aren’t real or easily overcome. Where a can-do attitude and hard focus on a task at hand, can overcome any concerns or problems we might be having and to top it off… we’ve also made a habit of just tucking those who are indeed suffering from a major mental illness away from society. So that such matters are out of sight and never discussed. But thankfully… that is indeed starting to change. For science and a new way of thinking are putting mental health front and center and educating us along the way. 
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Which is helping us to learn how important it is to care for one’s mental health and to not treat people who are suffering from an illness or a rough patch as though they are some kind of monster to be shunned and something that is helping with this, is pop culture. For it subtly gets the message out and shows us the right way and believe it or not, the next episode of Doc Martin, offers up that latter message. For when we caught up with the Doc in this tale, he ran into an old patient, Stewart James. A poor soul that used to suffer from vivid delusions regarding an animal roommate. But he got the help he needed, and he was trying to put the pieces of his life back together by creating a survival camp to teach people new skills. A camp that Al and Penhale took part in to humor the man. 

But while they were out and about in the wild with Stewart, they had grave concerns about his mental health standing. Because Stewart was acting out of place and wiry regarding this camp and that is where the show really took a positive turn regarding its commentary on mental health. For in an older series, Stewart’s turn would become a source of worry and danger. As though he would threaten Al and Penhale and harm them if they didn’t do something about their situation and his outright ‘craziness’. But rather than get into a standoff or say horrible things about Stewart to degrade him and his possible issues, they simply sought to get him help. Which is huge. Because that is how such matters should be handled, we should simply acknowledge that someone is just ailing and in need and do what needs to be done to help them and leave it at that.

Which led to wonders in this tale, wherein we came to learn… that Stewart was actually suffering from something else. Specifically, a sheep borne illness that was giving him a high fever and other ailments. That thankfully the Doc was able to fix once he headed out into the countryside to find him and the others… and after he fell into some survival traps that were set up as well. Giving rise to a supremely happy ending. Wherein Stewart would quickly be cured… and more importantly, still seen in a positive light. Where he could now continue his self-work and continue to rebuild his life, armed with the knowledge the community would support him as needed, and that was beautiful to see here and truly hammered home the message this episode was eager to send our way. 

All of which made this, an inspirational and refreshing episode. One that did a lot to remove the stigma surrounding mental illness and mental health care and to top it off… it had other important moments to offer as well. Since we saw some other cases in this tale revolving around the importance of caring for our health period. Which is an important message to send since we only have one body and work or no, it’s not a bad thing if we take a moment to heal. If anything, it is obvious that this final season is simply pulling out all the stops and offering up some wonderful thoughts before the Doc bids farewell and truly, it will be interesting to see what other poignant musings await us as Martin continues to settle into this new chapter in this life and before he switches off the lights in the office, one last time. Until next time.  

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