Ep 8. Departure

Doc Martin is a beloved British television show that premiered in 2004 and has since become a fan favorite. The series follows Dr. Martin Ellingham, a brilliant but socially awkward surgeon who, after developing a fear of blood, moves to the picturesque seaside town of Portwenn to become a GP. Along the way, he must navigate a variety of quirky characters, both patients and locals, as he tries to adjust to his new life.

In Season 6, Episode 8, "Departure," Martin is forced to confront his feelings when Louisa announces that she's leaving for Spain with their son, James Henry. Throughout the season, Martin and Louisa have been struggling to repair their relationship after their disastrous attempt at marriage counseling, and Martin has been struggling to balance his new role as a father with his work as a doctor. When Louisa tells him that she's leaving, Martin is initially in denial, convinced that they can work things out. But as the reality of her departure sinks in, he becomes increasingly despondent, even questioning whether he's capable of being a good father.

As Martin grapples with his emotions, he's also dealing with several difficult patients. One woman who's been experiencing unexplained pain turns out to be suffering from a rare condition that requires surgery, but Martin's abrasive bedside manner causes her to panic and refuse the operation. Another patient, a man with a history of psychiatric problems, is convinced that he's been bitten by a werewolf. Martin tries to convince him that it's all in his head, but the man becomes increasingly agitated and eventually runs away, leading to a frantic search party.

Throughout the episode, Martin's colleagues and friends try to support him as he deals with Louisa's departure. His receptionist, Morwenna, urges him to be more open about his feelings, while his best friend, Bert, offers him a sympathetic ear. Even his once bitter rival, Dr. Timoney, shows a surprising amount of compassion, telling Martin that he shouldn't be too hard on himself.

As the episode draws to a close, Martin has a heart-to-heart with his Aunt Joan, who tells him that he needs to be honest with himself and Louisa about how he really feels. Martin takes her advice to heart and races to the airport to catch Louisa before she leaves. But when he arrives, he's too late - the plane has departed.

The episode ends on a bittersweet note as Martin sits in the deserted airport, realizing that he's missed his chance to reconcile with Louisa. As he stares out the window, the camera zooms out to show the plane flying off into the distance, leaving Martin alone with his thoughts.

Overall, "Departure" is a poignant and emotionally powerful episode that showcases the best of Doc Martin's writing and acting. It's a testament to the show's enduring popularity that viewers still care so deeply about these characters after six seasons, and it's a testament to the talent of the cast and crew that they're able to deliver such a nuanced and affecting episode. While "Departure" is undeniably sad, it also reminds us that life is full of second chances, and that even when things seem bleak, there's always hope for a brighter tomorrow.