Simply Perfect

A Masterpiece!

It's entirely possible that sending the audience out feeling lousy was intentional

The film makes a home in your brain and the only cure is to see it again.

Best written drama/comedy I've watched. Superbly written, never preachy, and the music sets the perfect tone. A wonderful way to spend precious time. You want to love these characters; they all have a back story and you are drawn to their struggles. Dr. Ellingham is a hero because he always tells the truth, even when it hurts. Louisa sees his sterling character, but struggles with his personality. One blooper I gleefully noted: at one moment a character fires a shotgun, and the sound of a pump action shotgun is heard before the second shot. However, the gun shown is an over/under model, and cannot make the pump sound. My wife and I have started watching the entire series a second time and we are enjoying in at least as much as the first time. I must agree with those who wish to keep this from the "yanks," of which I am one! Unfortunately many USA writers feel compelled to insert multiple agendas and causes into whatever they write. Doc Martin, Downton Abbey, and all the other UK TV we've seen is free from this compunction. How refreshing. DJS

Having just completed viewing every episode of this series, there's some obvious problems with such a program. Number one being, it's impossible for the lead character to exhibit any growth or development, otherwise the whole raison d'etre for the show crumbles.Here you have a humorless, rigid, gruff, by-the-numbers doctor who seems utterly incapable of understanding anyone else's feelings or viewpoint. That's the central point of the whole series, so the doctor can't really change without killing the plot device off. So the show is locked into a ridiculous repetition of the same issues over and over again.But one has to wonder why the prettiest girl in town wants to spend any time with the Doc at all, let alone marry him. And yet they do marry, or try to, then separate and then get together again, then separate, then REALLY get married, and then separate, ad infinitum for no particular reasons whatever. It was kinda cute for the first few seasons, but eventually got really old. You could see the problem the writers had, trying to maintain the sexual tension between the two primary characters, and yet somehow have their relationship progress. And I think they did as well as they could, given what they had to work with. But ultimately it just got pretty silly.The overall lack of realism in the show eventually took it's toll. All the supporting characters in the town were somewhere between hopelessly stupid to the point of pathology to being just plain nuts. "Bert" in particular I found really annoying. No one could be that inept in real life and survive for more than a few hours. And the local constable (played by two different actors to the same effect) shows all of the ability of a retarded Jerry Lewis. Pathetic.So, watch the first couple of seasons, maybe. But the hackneyed plots only get worse with time. And then the Doc Martin movies are pleasant enough, though really lacking in any substance altogether. They show an altogether different Doc, though Martin Clunes is still playing the role. He's a far more likable character in the movies, though the writing is nearly non-existent.

I found this show on Netflix, and I was hesitate at first to watch it, but now I am so glad I did. I absolutely love this show. I am almost finished with seasons 1 - 6 and I only started watching it less than a week ago. I can't even sleep at night because I have to see the next episode. Absolutely loveeeeeeeeeeee this show. It is different from anything I have ever watched. The doctor seems to be one way but really surprises you with his honesty. This is one of the best shows on the television to this day. It amazes me how much I actually laugh at this show. The twists and turns of this show do keep you guessing. If there is one show that I will ever recommend, it is this one.

There's really no way this show should have lasted seven seasons.. and only one of two ways that it can wind up. Either he gets professional help..(which was obvious he required after the very first episode).. or they part ways, and go on to live separate lives.. (anyone like to make any wagers). It's not a bad show, there's just very little to it. None of the other characters are much interesting.. and if it wasn't for 'her'.. it would not have lasted very long either. He plays a good role, but watch this streaming, and you get soooo tired of his bizarre personality mannerisms so fast, you have to quit watching to gather strength to go onto another episode. (Thank goodness for fast-forward streaming!!)