Ep 4. Paint It Black

In Doc Martin season 9 episode 4, titled "Paint It Black", the sleepy village of Portwenn is buzzed with the excitement of the annual Portwenn Players' Mystery Play. But amidst the cheerful festivities, the residents of the village are in for a surprise as a well-known local artist appears to be the victim of foul play.

As the investigation into the suspicious death unfolds, the gruff and tactless GP Martin Ellingham, played by Martin Clunes, finds himself drawn into the murky world of Portwenn's arts scene as he tries to uncover the truth behind the artist's death. But Ellingham's already prickly demeanor is put to the test as he encounters resistance at every turn, including from the victim's own daughter, who has little regard for the doctor's clinical bedside manner.

As the autopsy results roll in and the case becomes increasingly complex, Martin must navigate the tricky waters of his personal life as well. Still reeling from the revelation that he has a daughter, Martin struggles to connect with the child and reconcile his uneasy relationship with her mother, Louisa.

Meanwhile, the rest of Portwenn is busy preparing for the annual regatta, where the villagers will compete against neighboring hamlets in a series of salty sea-faring competitions. But as Martin's attention remains fixed on the death of the artist, the excitement of the regatta is tempered by the dark cloud of suspicion that hangs over the village.

With his usual dry wit and understated humor, Martin Clunes delivers another outstanding performance as the irascible doctor who constantly finds himself embroiled in the most unexpected of situations. With a cast of beloved characters and clever writing, "Paint It Black" is another standout episode in this much-loved British comedy series.