Ep 2. In Loco

In Loco is the second episode of the second season of the British medical dramedy series Doc Martin. The episode starts with Martin Ellingham (portrayed by Martin Clunes) waking up from a night's sleep, only to find that his Aunt Joan (portrayed by Stephanie Cole) has returned home after staying away for a while in Plymouth. Martin is happy to see her, but it becomes clear that she has not come back just to see family.

Meanwhile, a passenger train arrives in Portwenn with a group of tourists, and they are all welcomed by the local residents. The train's conductor, John Slater (portrayed by David Roper), notices that one of the main attractions of the area, the steam train, has not been operational for a while. When he inquires about it, he discovers that the train's owner, Jim Sellick (portrayed by Kenneth Cranham), has shut it down after having a disagreement with the town's council.

When John understands that the train's closure could have a severe impact on the local tourism industry, he decides to take matters into his own hands. He asks Martin if he can help him convince Jim Sellick to reopen the train. Martin is not particularly enthused about the idea, but John's enthusiastic nature eventually convinces him.

In the meantime, the Portwenn methodist church is preparing for its annual Harvest Festival celebration. However, the church's vicar, the Rev. Ruskin (portrayed by James Fleet), falls ill, and his replacement is a visiting clergyman, Adam Lawrence (portrayed by Tim Dutton). Adam is newer to the area and still trying to get to grips with the local dialect, which leads to some amusing misunderstandings.

As the episode progresses, Martin's efforts to persuade Jim Sellick to reopen the steam train seem to be bearing fruit. Still, just as it seems that everything might be going well, disaster strikes. An incident at the harbor leaves Martin racing to the scene and puts his medical skills to the test.

As the day wears on, Martin grapples with a range of personal and professional dilemmas. He has to contend with being in close quarters with his Aunt Joan, who is still hiding something from him. Plus, he has to reconcile his own desires with the responsibility he has to his patients, which involves several difficult medical decisions.

As the episode draws to a close, the Harvest Festival takes place and the town is filled with music, food, and dancing. Martin attends with Louisa (portrayed by Caroline Catz), who he has developed a romantic interest in, while also keeping a watchful eye on his Aunt Joan and her secret.

In Loco is a delightful episode that blends comedy, drama, and an engaging story about the importance of community. It offers an insightful look into the complex character of Martin Ellingham and the challenges he faces as a rural GP in a small Cornish town. The episode also introduces some new characters, including John Slater and Adam Lawrence, who add some much-needed comic relief to the series. Overall, In Loco is a must-watch for fans of the show, and those new to it will find it an enjoyable and accessible entry point into the series.