Ep 5. The Departed

In Doc Martin season 4 episode 5, titled "The Departed," the small town of Portwenn is at the heart of some major changes. Doc Martin, the cantankerous physician played by Martin Clunes, is about to lose his receptionist Elaine, who has decided to quit her job and take a new opportunity elsewhere. As Doc Martin navigates his feelings about her departure, he also must deal with the local undertaker, who has experienced some personal troubles that are impacting his work. Doc Martin's attempts to help his patients and manage his staff lead to some hilarious and heartwarming moments throughout the episode.

One of the main conflicts in "The Departed" revolves around Elaine's decision to leave her job at the surgery. Doc Martin is understandably upset by the news, as Elaine has been a reliable and indispensable member of his team. However, he struggles to express his emotions and instead comes across as cold and dismissive. As Elaine prepares to leave, she reflects on her time working with Doc Martin and the other staff members, sharing memories and expressing gratitude for the experiences she's had on the job. While Doc Martin may not always show it, it's clear that he has valued her contributions to the practice and will miss her greatly.

Another storyline in "The Departed" centers on the local undertaker and his struggles to keep up with his workload. Doc Martin is called in to consult on a death certification and quickly realizes that the death was not natural causes, but something more sinister. As he investigates further, he discovers that the undertaker has been overwhelmed by personal issues and has made a mistake in his work. Doc Martin must balance his obligation to correct the mistake with his desire to help the undertaker, leading to a difficult decision and some unexpected consequences.

Throughout the episode, there are also several humorous moments that play up the quirky personalities of the residents of Portwenn. From a patient with a phobia of bananas to a local pub owner who insists on serving fried food despite health concerns, Doc Martin encounters a wide range of unusual situations. However, even as he rolls his eyes and grumbles about the absurdity of it all, it's clear that there is a part of him that cares deeply about his patients and wants to make a difference in their lives.

Overall, "The Departed" is a poignant and entertaining episode that showcases the best of the Doc Martin series. With its mix of heartfelt moments and quirky humor, it's a standout installment in a beloved show that has captured the hearts of audiences around the world.