Ep 3. Born with a Shotgun

In Doc Martin season 5 episode 3, titled "Born with a Shotgun," the quaint village of Portwenn is once again faced with a series of bizarre medical cases that only the town's resident GP, Dr. Martin Ellingham, can solve. The episode opens with Martin being summoned to a local farm where a man has been accidentally shot in the leg by his son. As he tends to the wound, Martin learns that the son has a rare genetic disorder called Fanconi anemia and that he is in desperate need of a bone marrow transplant.

Meanwhile, Martin's wife, Louisa, is struggling with her new role as head teacher of the local primary school. She receives an unexpected visit from her mother, who is hell-bent on convincing Louisa to move back to London with her and start a new life. Louisa is torn between her love for Martin and her desire to escape the pressures of small-town life.

As if that weren't enough, Martin is also tasked with treating a young girl who has been having severe headaches and visions of ghosts. He initially diagnoses her with migraines, but when her symptoms worsen, he begins to suspect that something more sinister is at play.

To make matters worse, the town's beloved pub, the Crab and Lobster, is in danger of being shut down due to a lack of business. Martin, always the pragmatist, suggests that the pub be turned into a gastropub to attract a more upscale clientele. The idea is met with resistance from the pub's owners and regulars, who fear that their beloved watering hole will lose its charm.

Throughout the episode, Martin juggles these many different cases and tries to maintain his gruff exterior while grappling with his own personal demons. Despite his best efforts, he finds himself being drawn into the lives and problems of the people of Portwenn, and begins to realize that he might care about them more than he thought.

"Born with a Shotgun" is an engaging and often heartfelt episode of Doc Martin that showcases the show's signature blend of quirky humor and small-town drama. With its intricate plotlines and well-drawn characters, it's a must-watch for fans of the series and a great introduction for newcomers. Whether you're looking for a heartwarming story or a medical mystery to solve, this episode has something for everyone.