Doc Martin began its final series tonight – read on for our review which does contain episodic spoilers.
At last, the Doctor will see us now. And we can all see the new series of Doc Martin. After a bit of hold up with production of Doc Martin series 10 due to the coronavirus pandemic, new episodes of the ITV drama are finally here.
And what a glorious return to Cornwall episode 1 of the new series proved to be. Portwenn – Port Isaac – appears to have been untouched by COVID but even here our main medical man has been undergoing quite a crisis.
In storyline terms, it is a year on since the events at the end of series 9. But time has been moving very slowly in the Doc’s life… and, whisper it quietly, it seems he’s faced up to the possibility he might not always be in the right.
Doc Martin new series: Season 10 episode 1 review
Initially, the Doc seems irascible as ever as he quibbles with guest star Fay Ripley‘s Abigail about whether the doctor is in or not.
This perfectly-pitched scene about mistaken identity brilliantly illustrated how both the Doc’s (played Martin Clunes, obviously) and Louisa’s (Caroline Catz) roles both in the home and work intertwined, changed and changed them, too.
The Doc may not be the ideal house husband – but he’s doing a lot better than might be expected, even if his customary rigour is still present. Nonetheless his uprightness is true – doting on baby Mary Elizabeth, preparing lunch, but also unnecessarily rearranging the drawers, all while wearing a suit, still. And spending so much time with his children (and hopefully Louisa) has mellowed him to an extent, too.
But he still bristles at any suggestion he has ‘retired’. And fixing clocks may soothe the Doc, offering him regularity and set structure. But as he sees the reflection of his own face in the face of the many timepieces he can literally see how time is ticking away.
Doctor, Doctor!
Ruth reckons the Doc has more of a hankering to get back to practising medicine that he’ll readily admit. Louisa feels the same, too.
But in a moment of convincing, earned ‘personal growth’ – it has been a long time coming, after all – the Doc takes on board what he’s told.
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