Ep 4. The GP Always Rings Twice

The GP Always Rings Twice is the fourth episode of the third season of the hit British medical comedy drama, Doc Martin. The show, which is set in the fictional seaside village of Portwenn in Cornwall, follows the life of curmudgeonly and socially-inept GP, Dr. Martin Ellingham (played by Martin Clunes). In this episode, the eccentric doctor finds himself unwittingly drawn into the sordid and tangled lives of the village's residents, as he tries to unravel a series of mysterious deaths and uncover a shocking truth.

The episode begins with Dr. Ellingham being called out to the home of elderly resident Vera Dingley (played by Stephanie Cole), who has called him in to investigate the sudden death of her husband, Reg (played by Dudley Sutton). Despite Vera's insistence that Reg died of natural causes, Martin is immediately suspicious and orders an autopsy to be carried out. Meanwhile, the villagers are abuzz with rumors of a sordid love triangle involving the recently-deceased Reg, Vera, and their neighbor, Dennis Dodds (played by Richard Hope), a shady local businessman and suspected gangster.

As Martin conducts his investigation into Reg's death, he becomes increasingly convinced that foul play was involved. His suspicions are further fueled by the unexpected arrival of a beautiful Spanish nurse, Carmela Hernandez (played by Montana Bassett), who claims to have been sent by the government to investigate the high rate of deaths in Portwenn. Martin is initially skeptical of Carmela, but soon finds himself drawn to her, despite his usual aversion to romantic entanglements.

As Martin delves deeper into the mystery surrounding Reg's death, he discovers a web of deceit and betrayal that stretches back years. With the help of his loyal receptionist, Pauline (played by Katherine Parkinson), Martin begins to uncover the truth about Reg's relationship with Vera and Dennis, and the shocking secrets they have been hiding from the rest of the village.

As the investigation reaches its explosive climax, Martin finds himself facing some tough decisions about his own future in Portwenn. Will he be able to overcome his own fears and insecurities to finally make a real connection with someone? And will he be able to bring to justice those responsible for the deaths that have plagued his beloved village for so long?

Fans of Doc Martin will love this episode's clever blend of hilarity and heartbreak, as Martin navigates his way through the complex world of Portwenn and comes to terms with his own inner demons. With its witty writing and pitch-perfect performances, The GP Always Rings Twice is a standout episode in what is already a classic series.