Doc Martin Collection: Series 1-4

Doc in a box! He may be surly, tactless and self-centered-but he's the only doctor in town! Suddenly afraid of blood, hotshot London surgeon Martin Ellingham (Martin Clunes, Demob) is forced to retrain as a GP and relocate to the charming Cornish seaside village of Portwenn, where he immediately clashes with the quirky villagers. Louisa Glasson (Caroline Katz, Murder in Suburbia) is the teacher he loves and offends in equal measure. Co-stars Stephanie Cole (Waiting for God).

Series 1
One of Dr. Martin Ellingham's patients described him best when she said, "Underneath your gruff, monosyllabic, well-meaning-but-rude surface you're...gruff, monosyllabic and, well, rude." There's a new doc in the tiny hamlet of Portwenn and the brilliant, socially awkward and neurotic Doc Martin (Martin Clunes, Men Behaving Badly, Jeeves & Wooster) isn't exactly the remedy the townsfolk were looking for. But you'll roar with laughter as Martin mingles with the town's hysterical mix of quirky residents and finds new ways to put his foot into his mouth! Winner of the 2004 British Comedy Award for Best TV Comedy. Includes all six episodes of this delightful show's first season. "Absolutely bloody hilarious!"-London Evening Standard. Co-stars Caroline Catz (Murder in Suburbia, The Vice) and Stephanie Cole (Waiting for God, Midsomer Murders).

Series 2
The impeccably suited and socially clueless doctor continues to offend everyone in his sleepy Cornish fishing village, including beautiful Louisa Glasson, the one person he wants to impress. Getting her attention proves even more difficult when Louisa's former flame, suave Danny Steel, returns to Portwenn. You'll laugh out loud at the complications in nine new episodes starring Martin Clunes (Saving Grace, Men Behaving Badly), winner of the British Comedy Award for Best TV Comedy Actor. About 7 ¾ hours on 3 discs

Series 3
The only doctor in the sleepy Cornish village of Portwenn gets even grumpier and funnier in Series 3. His patients continue to annoy him with cases of narcolepsy, hypochondria and food poisoning. His receptionist, Pauline, takes up gambling. And he consistently botches every romantic opportunity with Louisa.

Series 4
This doctor is way out! Martin Clunes (Men Behaving Badly) heads a prestigious cast, including Stephanie Cole (Waiting for God), as a phobic physician whose lack of bedside manner causes mayhem in a small Cornish hamlet. If his patients are expecting tea and sympathy from their curmudgeonly GP-messages from beyond the grave, money and midwife problems aside-they are going to be disappointed!

Series 1
Episode 1: Going Bodmin
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
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: Sh*t Happens
When an epidemic of diarrhoea strikes the village the doctor takes immediate action. This however does not go down well with the population.

Episode 4: The Portwenn Effect
The doctor pays a visit to the forester, who apparently shares his shack with a giant squirrel. Little Peter Cronk gets into trouble over some nest boxes.

Episode 5: Of All the Harbours in All the Towns
An old friend of aunt Joan's turns up, stirring up old memories. In the meanwhile both Doc Martin and Elaine are struggling with other people's affections.

Episode 6: Haemophobia
Word is getting out in the village about the doctor's 'little problem' with blood. When Peter Cronk is hurt concern about him brings Martin and Louisa closer together.

Series 2
Episode 1: Old Dogs
With Elaine away with her boyfriend, Martin finds himself with a new receptionist in the form of her cousin, Pauline who arrives unannounced. He assists his aunt Joan by examining her friend, Muriel Steele. Her son, Danny Steele thinks she is displaying early signs of dementia and wants to put her in a home. Martin's initial examination reveals her to be perfectly normal but he must re-evaluate his diagnosis when she behaves oddly. Martin is also concerned when learns that Danny Steele and Louisa were once quite close and that they are apparently seeing each other again. Finally, he deals with the case of Eddie Rix who has a long history of injuries. He diagnoses any number of possible causes but the truth proves to be something completely unexpected.

Episode 2: In Loco
When his mother has to go to hospital, Peter Cronk needs a place to stay. The doctor isn't too keen, but Louise is busy with her candidature for headmistress.

Episode 3: Blood Is Thicker
Martin has to deal with PC Mark Mylow's sister Sandra, a naturopath who has returned to Portwenn selling her natural remedies. Martin's effort to have her consult before "prescribing" any of her concoctions falls on deaf ears. Martin also has to deal with a odd family where the father is a bit of a ruffian and his two adult sons are in fear of him. They obviously rely on their mother to calm the home situation, but Martin is concerned when he observes that she is kept locked in a room to which he is refused admission. Al Large and receptionist Pauline start dating and a chance remark on the colour of his eyes leads him to believe that Bert may not be his biological father. Aunt Joan helps Al deal with his doubts.

Episode 4: Aromatherapy
Martin has to deal with local radio host Caroline Bosman, who seems to be developing an dependence to alcohol and prescription drugs. Several people in the village are concerned about her well-being, but she refuses all help. Her problem may be more serious, however. Martin also has to help Mr. Cooke, who has a particular problem with bad odor. A new arrival in the village, Julie Mitchell, convinces local constable Mark Mylow to give her driving lessons.

Episode 5: Always on My Mind
When Helen Pratt dies at home, her husband Phil blames Martin. To make matters worse, the Pratts are aunt Joan's neighbors and in spite, he starts using pesticides near Joan's land thereby threatening her organic license, which is just now up for renewal. Pauline is thrilled to have been invited to join the Portwenn lifeboat squad but she uses the opportunity to flirt with the team captain in the hopes of making Al Large jealous. When he doesn't respond, she wonders if he's really interested. Mark Mylow and Julie Mitchell spend a pleasant afternoon together. Martin is asked to treat Tricia Soames, a teacher at the local school who has obsessive-compulsive disorder. Martin and Louisa make an effort to re-establish their friendship

Episode 6: The Family Way
Martin's somewhat difficult parents come to visit from their home in Portugal. They have not spoken to one another for seven years and Martin finds his mother to be very withdrawn. His father, a retired surgeon, is somewhat dismissive of Martin's decision to become a small town doctor. Things come to a head when they all visit aunt Joan and the real reason for his father's visit comes to light. Martin also deals with Maureen Tacy who has been putting on weight despite attempts at dieting. Martin's conclusions are both surprising and delightful. Louisa's friend Danny has a serious attack while renovating his new home, but Martin comes to the rescue.

Episode 7: Out of the Woods
With Mark Mylow's wedding fast approaching, Martin is asked to be best man but he is at his abrupt best when he simply says no. Mark then enlist Al Large for the job telling that he doesn't have to organize a stag night as all Mark wants to do is go on an overnight camping trip in the woods. Things go from bad to worse when, after getting lost somewhere in the forest, Mark is bitten by a deadly snake. When Martin goes off to find him, he too gets lost.

Episode 8: Erotomania
Mark Mylow comes in for his medical check up and Martin is concerned at one particular aspect of his physiology. Combined with fiancée Julie's big news, this could mean some bumps in the road as far as their relationship is concerned. Danny asks Louisa something important but her ambivalence is compounded by the fact that he is also planning to return to London to undertake his dream architectural project. Martin and Louisa have a heart to heart talk and, in his cups, he tells her exactly how he feels. Martin takes pharmacist Mrs. Tishell to task for constantly wearing a neck brace pointing out that in most cases, it isn't required. When she removes it however, it becomes apparent that it is anything but a psychosomatic crutch.

Episode 9: On the Edge
Christmas special. The tranquility of Portwenn is disturbed when a group of birdwatchers descends on the village in search of a rare bird. Pauline announces that she wants to go to university, so Martin has to start looking for another receptionist. Louisa's father Terry arrives unannounced in Portwenn - could this have an effect on the relationship between Martin and Louisa?

Series 3
Episode 1: Tick Tock (aired in the U.S. as "The Apple Doesn't Fall")
Louisa faints in front of her class, Aunt Joan nearly runs someone over with her car, and Portwenn's new policeman is falling asleep on the job. When a young girl exhibits symptoms of ADHD, Doc Martin's diagnosis is true to form: "She's very annoying."

Episode 2: The Morning After (aired in the U.S. as "Movement")
Taking Doc Martin's advice to "make some life changes," Bert Large abandons his plumbing business and opens a restaurant. Soon Portwenn is plagued by an outbreak of food poisoning. When Louisa falls victim, the doctor spoils a tender moment.

Episode 3: Love Thy Neighbor (aired in the U.S. as "City Slickers")
A family of city slickers moves in next to Louisa, bringing modern ideas about parenting and a bratty son. Doc Martin learns that the constable is agoraphobic as well as narcoleptic. When he threatens to report him, Aunt Joan puts phobias in perspective.

Episode 4: GP Always Rings Twice (aired in the U.S. as "The Admirer")
Romance is in the salty air of Portwenn: Doc Martin is pursued by a glamorous divorcée. Aunt Joan is wooed by a handsome artist 30 years her junior. And Pauline's old boyfriend, Al Large, returns home. No wonder the doctor drives a bit erratically.
Episode 5: Breaking Up Is Hard to Do (aired in the U.S. as "The Holly Bears a Prickle")
Martin and Louisa go on their first proper date. When he ruins a kiss with a tactless remark, it's the last straw for Louisa. Meanwhile, Pauline's gambling causes problems in the office, and a near-fatal accident has repercussions for Martin and Louisa.

Episode 6: The Two of Us (aired in the U.S. as "Nowt So Queer")
The news of Martin and Louisa's engagement spreads quickly through the village; Aunt Joan is annoyed to hear it from Dave the postman. While plans are made for the wedding, mushrooms are making people sick, and Bert Large struggles to keep his restaurant afloat.

Episode 7: In Sickness and in Health (aired in the U.S. as "Happily Ever After")
It's Martin and Louisa's wedding day. The bridesmaid is injured, the vicar is drunk, a burst pipe floods the reception hall, and Martin has a personal encounter with a pig. Things go downhill from there.

Series 3
Better the Devil - The Doc is taking steps to cure his Haemophobia as part of a plan to leave Portwenn. Whilst accompanying a patient to Truro, he bumps into an ex-girlfriend of his, who he soon knocks heads with. Meanwhile, with Louisa out of the way, Mrs Tishell is hoping to win the Doc's affections - but her husband's announcement of early retirement from his job on an oil rig is spoiling her plans.

Uneasy Lies the Head - The Doc struggles to cope with Louisa's surprise news. Louisa has her own struggles when her return to the school is made difficult by the increasingly erratic behaviour of the head master.

Perish Together as Fools - Edith seems to be moving in on the Doc, but a scare over Louisa's pregnancy and a subsequent scan seem to be thawing him. PC Penhale has a scare, too, when it appears that his visiting brother may have a hereditary condition.

Driving Mr McLynn - The Doc is appalled to discover that Louisa is moving furniture and even further angered by her decision to interview for her old job as head teacher. Aunty Joan is having money problems, as is Al - who's cash-in-hand work for Louisa sets tongues wagging in the village. Meanwhile, an elderly couple raise the Doc's suspicions over their motives for needing a disabled car badge.

The Departed - When one of the Doc's patients dies, the man's widow is convinced that her husband is trying to pass on a message from beyond the grave. Louisa takes a school trip to Aunty Joan's farm, but it goes wrong when one of the boys misbehaves and Joan takes his punishment into her own hands and it seems that she may have caused the child to fall ill. Determined to conquer his phobia and return to a surgical position, the Doc tries therapy.

MidWife Crisis - The Doc clashes with the new district midwife, whose insistence on natural methods put Louisa's health at risk. Bert takes a shine to a new employee at the restaurant, but her culinary preferences leave something to be desired. Edith tries to help the Doc secure a return to London.

Do Not Disturb - Pauline finds out that the Doc is going to leave Portwenn, and starts a work to rule when she receives her somewhat terse reference. Auntie Joan's new lodger has a somewhat unusual affliction and Bert organises a baby shower for Louisa. The Doc goes on a trip to a conference in London with Edith that both shows what each of them wants from their relationship and that he can deal with blood again.

The Wrong Goodbye - It's the Doc's last day in Portwenn, and it seems that everyone wants to wish him goodbye. Another of Bert's money-making schemes goes wrong, resulting in Louisa going into premature labour. Will the baby be alright, and will the Doc's growing doubts about his decisions concerning Louisa and the baby change his mind about the future?

Series 4
Better the Devil - The Doc is taking steps to cure his Haemophobia as part of a plan to leave Portwenn. Whilst accompanying a patient to Truro, he bumps into an ex-girlfriend of his, who he soon knocks heads with. Meanwhile, with Louisa out of the way, Mrs Tishell is hoping to win the Doc's affections - but her husband's announcement of early retirement from his job on an oil rig is spoiling her plans.

Uneasy Lies the Head - The Doc struggles to cope with Louisa's surprise news. Louisa has her own struggles when her return to the school is made difficult by the increasingly erratic behaviour of the head master.

Perish Together as Fools - Edith seems to be moving in on the Doc, but a scare over Louisa's pregnancy and a subsequent scan seem to be thawing him. PC Penhale has a scare, too, when it appears that his visiting brother may have a hereditary condition.

Driving Mr McLynn - The Doc is appalled to discover that Louisa is moving furniture and even further angered by her decision to interview for her old job as head teacher. Aunty Joan is having money problems, as is Al - who's cash-in-hand work for Louisa sets tongues wagging in the village. Meanwhile, an elderly couple raise the Doc's suspicions over their motives for needing a disabled car badge.

The Departed - When one of the Doc's patients dies, the man's widow is convinced that her husband is trying to pass on a message from beyond the grave. Louisa takes a school trip to Aunty Joan's farm, but it goes wrong when one of the boys misbehaves and Joan takes his punishment into her own hands and it seems that she may have caused the child to fall ill. Determined to conquer his phobia and return to a surgical position, the Doc tries therapy.

MidWife Crisis - The Doc clashes with the new district midwife, whose insistence on natural methods put Louisa's health at risk. Bert takes a shine to a new employee at the restaurant, but her culinary preferences leave something to be desired. Edith tries to help the Doc secure a return to London.

Do Not Disturb - Pauline finds out that the Doc is going to leave Portwenn, and starts a work to rule when she receives her somewhat terse reference. Auntie Joan's new lodger has a somewhat unusual affliction and Bert organises a baby shower for Louisa. The Doc goes on a trip to a conference in London with Edith that both shows what each of them wants from their relationship and that he can deal with blood again.

The Wrong Goodbye - It's the Doc's last day in Portwenn, and it seems that everyone wants to wish him goodbye. Another of Bert's money-making schemes goes wrong, resulting in Louisa going into premature labour. Will the baby be alright, and will the Doc's growing doubts about his decisions concerning Louisa and the baby change his mind about the future?

Series Written by Dominic Minghella, Mark Crowdy, Craig Ferguson, Kirstie Falkous, John Regier, Jack Lothian, Richard Stoneman, Edana Minghella
Directed by Ben Bolt, Minkie Spiro
Produced by Philippa Braithwaite
Executive Produced by Mark Crowdy, Sandy Poustie
Original Music by Colin Towns
Cinematography by Chris Howard
Film Editing by Nick McPhee, John Stothart, Catherine Creed
Costume design by Les Lansdowne, Lindsey McLean

"Absolutely bloody hilarious" -London Evening Standard

"Delightful ... You'll be hooked in no time." -The Globe and Mail (Canada)

"Delightfully quirky" -Los Angeles Times

"This show is just what the doctor ordered" -TV Times