Ep 8. License to Practice

Martin Ellingham is a successful doctor who, despite his renowned medical expertise, has a somewhat difficult personality. He is stoic, blunt and struggles with social interactions. After moving to the picturesque town of Portwenn in Cornwall, England, Martin finds himself working alongside a charming and quirky cast of characters while trying to navigate his turbulent personal life.

In season 9 episode 8, entitled "License to Practice," tensions are high as an official inspector (Caroline Quentin) arrives in Portwenn to assess Martin's medical skills and grant him the license that he desperately needs to continue practicing. Martin is nervous and determined to impress the inspector with his knowledge and professionalism, but his abrasive personality could be his downfall.

As the inspection begins, Martin is shocked to learn that the inspector is an old flame of his, which only exacerbates his stress levels. Meanwhile, his wife Louisa tries to alleviate some of the pressure by organizing a large dinner party, but when things don't go according to plan, Martin's anxieties reach a boiling point.

Throughout the episode, it becomes clear that Martin's arrogance and lack of empathy are the root of many of his problems. As he navigates the inspection and tries to win back the approval of his old flame, he is forced to confront his own shortcomings and attempt to become a more well-rounded individual.

Despite the high-stakes inspection and Martin's personal struggles, there are still moments of lighthearted humor and touching character interactions throughout "License to Practice." Fans of the show will be delighted to see familiar faces such as Bert Large, Al Large and PC Penhale, all of whom play a role in the inspection process.

Overall, "License to Practice" is a poignant and entertaining episode that reminds audiences why they fell in love with the quirky cast of characters in Portwenn. While it delves into some heavier themes surrounding Martin's emotional growth, it remains true to the show's signature blend of humor and heart.