‘Doc Martin’ Recap: ‘Season 10, Episode 6’

Written by John Edward Betancourt

Caution: This article contains spoilers for Episode 1006 of ‘Doc Martin’. To revisit the previous episode, click here.
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We like to believe, that our lives will always be steady and filled with routine. For we are creatures of habit through and through, and once we’ve found our groove, we are happy and tend to do our best to ignore change and any of the surprises it can send our way. Simply because, we’ve found that habit and that comfort through and through, so why bother worrying about anything else other than what makes us content in the moment. But time and time again, we’ve come to learn in some capacity that the status quo will never remain. For change really is the only constant in this universe and this life and one way or another… it will find us and task us. 

If anything, that particular surprise is top of mind today, simply because Doctor Martin Ellingham and his lovely wife Louisa had to deal with that very surprise in the next episode of Doc Martin. For when we caught up with them, here, they were off to London for a conference in which Martin was going to be the keynote speaker. Which was quite the honor, one that would require them to be away for a bit. Which meant that this was Janice’s time to shine. For she was in charge of the kids in their absence, and she did a wonderful job while they were out, and initially, that plot thread made it seem for a brief moment this was going to be another day in the life tale for Martin and his friends. 

After all, even Martin and Louisa’s arrival in London seemed pretty by the numbers. Complete with a quirky moment of medicine on a plane that backfired for Martin, and the fact that Sophie was at the conference and ready to tussle over their romantic past, only added to that reality. But as this episode continued along, and we began to see how the folks at this conference really revered Martin and treated him with the highest caliber of respect, it became obvious that this story was going to be something far more than just a quirky adventure to London… it was going to be about how change finds us and tasks us as life goes on. 

For Martin was asked before leaving the conference, to become a dean at a university. Simply because his knowledge and professionalism were too great for the university to ignore. Putting him in quite the difficult place. Because to accept such a job would mean great change to his life, such as bidding farewell to Portwenn and upending his life. All because the universe will never let our lives stay a constant, it expects us to be in motion and pushing ahead. And while Martin didn’t make a decision here as to whether or not to accept the job, the stage is set for one big decision. One that will change Martin’s life one way or another. For if he accepts, a new chapter begins, and if he decides to stay at home… nothing will quite ever be the same.

Simply because he will now know what he means to the medical community and others will learn of this move and treat him with new reverence. So, one way or another, change is coming to his life and kudos to this show for pointing out how quickly it arrives and how big it can be sometimes. But of course, this is a move that also likely serves to set up the series finale of this incredible journey. Since such a surprise will undoubtedly push Martin toward a new chapter in this life, one that follows one of the two paths outlined a moment ago and that… compels us to continue the journey. So, we can see what path Martin chooses and see how his journey and this chapter of his life, comes to a close. Until next time.  

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