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Doc Martin Season 1 Episodes
Season 1 Episode Guide
6 Episodes 2004 - 2004
Episode 1
Going Bodmin
Thu, Jan 1, 200447 mins
Dr. Martin Ellingham is a successful London surgeon who decides to relocate to the seaside village of Portwenn to practice medicine as a GP. His reasons for doing so are his own and even his aunt Joan, who lives locally, isn't quite sure what his motivation is. As Martin settles into the village he comes across the village characters: Bert Large and his son, who as general handymen take on fixing the plumbing in Martin's house; Colonel Gilbert Spencer who has a peculiar medical condition; and Louisa Glasson, the local school teacher who also happens to be the only member of the local medical advisory committee to argue against Martin's hiring in the first place. Martin's gruff demeanor and poor bedside manner brings him into conflict with several locals and he seriously considers packing it in.
Episode 2
Gentlemen Prefer
47 mins
Martin's first official day on the job may be his last when he orders all and sundry, who seem to think the surgery is a town meeting place, out on the street. Having reached the end of his tether, he also fires his receptionist Elaine, only to find that pretty well everyone in village now shuns him. His aunt Joan suggests he should be a little more understanding, but that is not exactly Martin's style. One patient who does remain is Roger Fenn who has a lump in his throat that Martin fears may be cancerous. In a quiet moment, Martin reveals to him the phobia that has caused him to give up surgery and become a GP.
Episode 3
Shit Happens
47 mins
Martin tries to find the cause when there is a severe outbreak of diarrhea in the village. When his initial suspicion that the water in the swimming pool at the recreation centre proves false, he baldly announces on Caroline Bosman's radio show that the village's water supply must be the culprit. He's unaware however that similar accusations three years before, subsequently proved false, nearly ruined the village's economy. Bert Large sees a business opportunity and sells water from his natural spring, but he also has a falling out with son Al who wants to go away to school to study computers.
Episode 4
The Portwenn Effect
47 mins
With the the Portwenn Players annual dance coming up, Louisa tries to interest Martin in attending, but when he turns her down she gives her extra ticket to Mark Mylow who immediately misunderstands and thinks they now have a date. When Martin hears about it, he too misunderstands. Martin visits Stewart James, a recluse who thinks he lives with Anthony, a giant 6-foot squirrel. Martin wants to have him sectioned, but reconsiders following a subsequent visit. Young Peter Cronk gets into trouble when he's accused of destroying bird houses and feeders in various back gardens and runs away.
Episode 5
Of All the Harbours in All the Towns
47 mins
Martin's aunt Joan receives a visit from an old flame, John Slater, with whom 30 years before she had an affair. His visit re-lights old flames but Martin takes an immediate dislike to him. He is concerned as to his true intentions but also his health when medical tests reveal a serious condition. Martin also has his own problems with 15-year old Melanie Gibson who develops an infatuation with him after he repairs her dislocated shoulder. Things get serious however when she shows up in his bed. Al Large finally sees his chance when Elaine apparently breaks up with her boyfriend.
Episode 6
Haemophobia
47 mins
Martin's secret is finally out and his phobia becomes common knowledge in the village. As villagers begin to question the wisdom of having and MD who can't stand the sight of blood without becoming nauseous, Martin tries to go about his business in a normal way but doesn't take it all very well. When young Peter Cronk suffers a fall at school, Martin diagnoses a ruptured spleen but Peter may not make it to the hospital in time forcing Martin to face his fears.
