Ep 8. The Wrong Goodbye

After a long and successful fourth season, the finale episode of Doc Martin brings an emotional send-off to one of its beloved characters. The Wrong Goodbye opens with PC Penhale finding a visitor's car abandoned near the cliff, and Doc Martin and Louisa boarding a plane to Spain to sort out their issues. Following a series of twists and turns, the story takes a dark shift when tragedy strikes the idyllic village of Portwenn.

In The Wrong Goodbye, we see the arrival of Aunt Ruth, a character who's mysterious past has been mentioned throughout the series, but has never been fully fleshed out until now. During her visit, she shares her affection for a long-term friend, Joan, who is also one of the village's residents. As the episode progresses, Aunt Ruth reveals that Joan is gravely ill and has decided to end her suffering through euthanasia.

Interestingly, the emotional weight of the episode doesn't only come from Aunt Ruth and Joan's storyline. Doc Martin is still dealing with his own personal issues and has yet to resolve his concerns regarding his marriage and family life. Meanwhile, Louisa decides to take things into her own hands and buys a one-way ticket to Spain, leaving Doc Martin to ponder over his future.

One of Doc Martin's strongest elements is its distinct blend of comedic moments and melancholic undertones, and the finale episode is no exception. Despite the heavy subject of euthanasia, there are still plenty of humorous moments, primarily through the antics of village bobby PC Penhale. He continues his quest to find someone willing to sit for a portrait, which is always comically interrupted or ends in disappointment.

As the episode reaches its climax, there are several shock moments that will leave viewers reeling. The Wrong Goodbye features an unexpected plot twist that compounds on the emotional turmoil of the characters and adds a layer of tragedy to the show's already somber tone. This event, coupled with the endearing moments shared between Doc Martin and Louisa, provide the audience with an emotional rollercoaster throughout the episode.

The Wrong Goodbye is not only an exceptional season finale but is also a poignant send-off to one of the show's long-running characters, leaving its fans both in mourning and anticipation for what's to come. It successfully ties up many of the season's storylines, setting the stage for the next season's debut.