Ep 4. Mother Knows Best

In Doc Martin season 5 episode 4 titled "Mother Knows Best," we see Martin and Louisa struggling with their relationship. Louisa has decided to go back to teaching and trying to move on with her life after their failed marriage proposal. Meanwhile, Martin deals with a difficult case involving a pregnant woman with strong beliefs about childbirth.

The episode opens with Martin and Louisa sitting in his car, discussing the state of their relationship. Louisa tells Martin that she needs time to think, and that she wants to go back to teaching. Martin is taken aback by this news, and they continue to argue about their future together.

Meanwhile, Martin is called out to see a patient, who is pregnant and has strong beliefs about childbirth. The patient, Jennifer, is a devout Catholic and believes that all children should be born naturally, without the use of any pain relief or medical intervention. Martin is torn between respecting the patient's wishes and ensuring the safety of both mother and baby.

As Martin deals with Jennifer's difficult case, he also has to confront his mother, who has come to visit him. Martin's mother, Margaret, is critical of Martin's career and personal life, and constantly makes snide remarks about his choices. Martin tries to keep his mother happy, but eventually reaches a breaking point and confronts her about her behavior.

As the episode progresses, we see Martin and Louisa struggling to find common ground. Louisa is still hurt by Martin's lack of emotion and inability to express his feelings, while Martin is frustrated by Louisa's constant need for emotional validation. However, despite their differences, the two continue to care for each other and support each other through their respective struggles.

Overall, "Mother Knows Best" is a poignant and realistic portrayal of the ups and downs of relationships. It explores themes of trust, communication, and compromise, and presents a nuanced and thought-provoking look at modern relationships. With strong performances from the cast and a well-written script, this episode is a must-watch for fans of the series.