‘Doc Martin’ Recap: ‘Season 10, Episodes 1 & 2’

Written by John Edward Betancourt

Caution: This article contains spoilers for the season ten premiere of ‘Doc Martin’.
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One thing that fans of television can agree upon, is that Doc Martin is a true fixture of the modern era. For it’s been on the air for ages and that is a rare feat in the television industry, where shows come and go. But Martin Clunes’ amazing performance as the lead character, combined with quality acting from the supporting cast, and stories that resonate with us on a fundamental level, have given this series the longevity it has outright deserved. But alas, all good things must indeed come to their end and after decades of bringing us joy, this series is set to bid farewell with a final season. One that got underway, yesterday in fact, on Acorn TV no less. Which in turn begs quite the important question regarding this series. In that, how does one end a saga with a legacy as storied as this one?

Well as it turns out… through incredible character growth. For something that was present in the first episodes of season ten… was growth for Martin like we’ve never seen before. Because quitting his practice put him at a fascinating crossroads. One where yes, he found meaning and joy through repairing clocks and being a family man while Louisa worked to start her own practice… but it obviously left him wondering, what his purpose was going forward and what his legacy was going to be in this life. Not to mention, the desire to help others and keep them safe also added to that mental quagmire for Martin. Because he loved being a doctor, and would never admit to doing so, but he did and being away from it was downright torturous for him. 

Which is why a complex case changed his tune about everything. Because he knew of his brilliance as a doctor, and he knew he could make a difference. But in order to get back into the good graces of the medical community, and practice again, he would have to grow and learn a touch of humility and that was no easy task for Martin. After all, he’s been the expert for a good long while and has never had to answer to anyone regarding what he can and cannot do since his record spoke for itself. But regardless of how difficult that was for him, in his own special way… he owned up to the reality that he needed to show a little more heart than he’s used to and of course… be humble and be open with the board and well… he did just that, and got his old job back in the process, and this was simply incredible to watch.

Because this was it, this was Martin growing before our eyes and seizing his destiny and his legacy and getting back to doing what he truly loves, and the wonder of this super-sized premiere didn’t end there. Because there was more growth to be found for Martin. For getting back into the medical game, meant getting the business and the reception area up and running and that was no easy task without Morwenna there. In fact, the kid they hired to handle this was a straight up disaster, since he didn’t do anything right and even took a high dose of a painkiller on the clock, when his back hurt, against the doctor’s instructions. Leaving Martin in a rock and a hard place, that is until a goodwill moment brought Morwenna back into the office where she was able to help and go through a powerful moment as well. Since Martin knew, he needed her back, and while his message to express that wasn’t perfect, he made his point.

Which is just… more incredible growth to witness and well, clearly, Martin is beginning to enter a new chapter in his life. One where he is more open and willing to express emotion and inner thoughts and that is the perfect way to end this series. Because Martin won’t be the same as this growth continues, and what we’ve been privy to is this specific chapter of his journey. But it also means, we will get to watch him grow into a new person and grow into this new phase of his life and that will make for some powerful and wonderful television. Where the ol’ doc handles some unique and troubling cases so that we can ease our minds into the reality… that this is Doctor Marin Ellingham’s last adventure with all of us and thankfully, it will be worth our while. Until next time.

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