Doc Martin Season 1 Episode 2
Doc Martin
Season 1

Ep 2. Gentlemen Prefer

  • TVMA
  • September 9, 2004
  • 46 min
  • 7.9  (457)

In the second episode of season 1 of the popular British television series Doc Martin, titled "Gentlemen Prefer," viewers are transported back to the picturesque village of Portwenn, Cornwall, where the titular character, Dr. Martin Bamford, has relocated from London to begin anew as the town's General Practitioner (GP).

The episode opens with Martin arriving at the surgery, only to find that it is closed, much to his annoyance. When he does finally enter, he is met with the sight of his receptionist Elaine (Lucy Punch) frantically trying to deal with an overbooked appointment schedule. Martin is irked by this, as he is a stickler for punctuality and abhors inefficiency in the workplace.

Meanwhile, one of Martin's patients, Mrs. Wilson (played by guest star Stephanie Cole), is complaining of chest pains, and Martin orders an ECG machine to be brought to her home. However, when he arrives, he is met with her two sons, both of whom are keen to demonstrate their masculinity and expertise in all things medical. This sets up a comedic clash of egos between Martin and the Wilson brothers throughout the rest of the episode, with each trying to outdo the other in diagnosing and treating Mrs. Wilson's condition.

Elsewhere in the village, Martin's receptionist Elaine is having problems of her own. Her car has broken down, and she is forced to hitchhike to work. She is picked up by a local businessman named Robert Brooke (played by Tristan Sturrock), who quickly takes a shine to her. However, when Elaine is late for work, Martin berates her and tells her to find alternative means of transport in the future.

As the day progresses, Martin is forced to deal with a string of eccentric patients, including a hypochondriac with imaginary symptoms and an elderly woman who is convinced that her husband is trying to kill her. Despite his gruff exterior, we see glimpses of Martin's compassionate side as he patiently listens to each patient's concerns and tries to find a solution to their problems.

Later on, the Wilson brothers are still trying to one-up each other, with one of them even going so far as to suggest that Martin is not qualified to practice medicine in Portwenn. This leads to a hilarious scene where Martin challenges him to a medical quiz-off, which the GP wins hands down.

At the end of the day, Elaine returns home, only to find Robert waiting for her with a surprise gift. Martin, who is still annoyed with her lateness, orders her to open the gift in front of him, revealing a posh dinner dress. Elaine is mortified, and the situation ends with an awkward exchange between the three of them.

Overall, "Gentlemen Prefer" is a light-hearted, comedic episode of Doc Martin that showcases the quirky characters and picturesque setting that make the show such a beloved favorite of British television audiences. Through Martin's interactions with his patients and colleagues, we get to see both his professional expertise and his gruff, no-nonsense personality, which is tempered by occasional moments of empathy and kindness. Fans of the show will not want to miss this charming and entertaining installment in the series.

Description
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Doc Martin, Season 1 Episode 2, is available to watch free on Crackle, Tubi TV, Pluto TV and stream on Digital Rights Group. You can also stream, download, buy, rent Doc Martin on demand at Apple TV Channels, Amazon Prime, Netflix, Amazon, Vudu, The Roku Channel Free, Google Play, Apple TV online.
  • First Aired
    September 9, 2004
  • Content Rating
    TVMA
  • Runtime
    46 min
  • Language
    English
  • IMDB Rating
    7.9  (457)