Ep 1. Mysterious Ways

Doc Martin season 8 episode 1, titled "Mysterious Ways," continues the story of Dr. Martin Ellingham, a brilliant but gruff physician who relocated to a sleepy seaside village in Cornwall to practice medicine. The episode opens with "Louisa Day," Doc Martin's wife, on the phone with her mother, who's begging her to come back home to Spain. Meanwhile, Dr. Ellingham is making a house call to the local farmers, where he diagnoses a sick cow.

As the episode progresses, Martin is called to the home of a retired surfer who's suffering from a suspected concussion. However, soon after, Martin starts experiencing strange sensations, causing him to become disoriented and affected by a mystery illness. He's forced to take a break from work and rest. Throughout the episode, the audience learns that Martin's medical condition is expanding and just as mysterious as that of his patient, the retired surfer.

Throughout the episode, Martin works with Louisa and his colleagues, including Dr. Penhale, to diagnose his medical mystery, and what also appears to be astigmatism, causing him to become unable to see his surgical instruments. The vision blurry challenges Martin though he's gentle with his hands. Martin's condition continues to worsen, and his colleagues begin to express their concerns about him continuing to work.

As the episode reels on, Martin travels to London to consult an ophthalmologist who runs a battery of tests on Martin but can't seem to pinpoint what's afflicting him. The writing team keeps the mystery thick by providing unclear results but a few conclusions.

Whilst in London, Martin is drafted to help a colleague who's experiencing heart problems, something that pulls at the doctor's soul. Martin is torn between his medical obligations and his home in Portwenn, where Louisa, and his dream of medical practice.

As Doc Martin season 8 episode 1 comes to an end, Louisa continues to pressure Martin to rest, which is something he's not very good at. Meanwhile, Martin's professional future remains in doubt due to his medical mystery, and it's still unclear which way the show will take us. The episode concludes with the Doc touring Portwenn once more, never missing the chance to fix something medically as he contemplates what the future may hold for him and his practice.

And with this cliffhanger, "Mysterious Ways" ends. The storyline, combined with the humor that Doc Martin is known for, makes it an episode that fans of the show won't want to miss. This episode's unique take on health and life scenarios sets it apart from other medical shows. Doc Martin season 8 episode 1's storytelling offers exciting possibilities for future episodes and the possibility of exploring other characters as they search for ways to help Doctor Ellingham.