Ep 1. Sickness and Health

In the first episode of season 6 of Doc Martin, titled "Sickness and Health," we find ourselves once again in the charming seaside village of Portwenn, Cornwall. As always, the gruff and socially inept Dr. Martin Ellingham (played by Martin Clunes) is at the center of the action, making waves with his abrasive personality and unconventional medical practices.

In this episode, we see Martin struggling with some personal health issues of his own. After collapsing at his own wedding to the lovely Louisa (Caroline Catz) at the end of last season, we learn that Martin has been diagnosed with a rare blood disorder that can have serious complications if left untreated. But true to form, Martin is stubbornly resistant to accepting outside help, insisting that he knows best how to manage his own health.

Meanwhile, the other residents of Portwenn are dealing with their own medical challenges. Louisa is grappling with her own issues as a new mother, trying to balance the demands of caring for a newborn with her job as headmistress of the local school. Bert Large (Ian McNeice) is facing financial troubles as his restaurant struggles to stay afloat. And of course, there are plenty of quirky patients and medical emergencies to keep Martin busy at the surgery.

One of the most interesting storylines in this episode involves a young couple who come to Martin for help with what they think is a routine pregnancy. But as Martin delves deeper into their medical history, he begins to suspect that there may be something more serious at play. With some detective work and some unconventional methods, Martin is able to uncover the root cause of their issues - but not without ruffling some feathers in the process.

As always, the episode is full of the dry wit and clever dialogue that have made Doc Martin such a beloved show for fans around the world. There are plenty of laugh-out-loud moments, as well as plenty of touching moments that will tug at your heartstrings. And of course, there's the always-enchanting backdrop of the picturesque Cornish coastline, which serves as a perfect setting for the show's quirky characters and charming storylines.

Overall, "Sickness and Health" is a strong start to season 6 of Doc Martin, setting the stage for what promises to be another season full of laughs, drama, and plenty of medical mishaps. Whether you're a die-hard fan or a newcomer to the series, this episode is definitely worth a watch.