Ep 9. On the Edge: Part 1

On the Edge: Part 1 is the ninth episode of the second season of the British medical comedy-drama series Doc Martin. The show revolves around Dr. Martin Ellingham, a brilliant but tactless doctor who moves to a sleepy Cornish village to become a GP after leaving his prestigious job as a vascular surgeon in London. This episode starts with Martin preparing for his hearing in front of the General Medical Council (GMC) after he was accused of malpractice in the previous episode.

Martin is on edge as he awaits the verdict of the council, and his anxiety is not helped by the fact that the hearing is taking place in a large, intimidating courtroom. Martin's lawyer, Edith Montgomery, is confident that she can help him win the case, but Martin is more worried about what the hearing will do to his reputation.

Meanwhile, Louisa Glasson, Martin's love interest and a primary school teacher in the village, is also feeling anxious. She is due to receive the results of an important test which will determine whether she has passed her first year as a teacher.

When Louisa visits Martin in his office, he reveals to her that he has been having trouble sleeping and she suggests he should try hypnotherapy. Martin reluctantly agrees and visits a local therapist, but is skeptical of the process and ultimately ends up arguing with the therapist.

Back in the courtroom, Martin's hearing is not going well. The prosecutor has called several witnesses who have all testified against Martin, making it seem increasingly likely that he will be found guilty of malpractice. Edith does her best to defend Martin, but she is struggling to counter the accusations of the prosecution.

As the episode draws to a close, the verdict is announced and it is revealed that Martin has been found guilty of malpractice. The court orders him to attend a six-month refresher course in London and suspends his medical license for the duration of the course.

On the Edge: Part 1 is a tense and dramatic episode that keeps viewers on the edge of their seats. The series' trademark dry humor is still present, but the serious subject matter gives this episode a more somber tone than previous ones. The episode sets the stage for the season finale, which promises to be just as gripping as this one.