Ep 3. Blood Is Thicker

In the third episode of season two of Doc Martin, titled "Blood Is Thicker," we find our favorite grumpy doctor, Martin Ellingham, sorting through some personal issues.

The episode begins with a man named Phil Pratt coming to see Dr. Ellingham. Phil is a middle-aged man who is experiencing some strange symptoms such as aching joints, heart palpitations, and insomnia. Martin decides to run some tests on Phil and asks him to return in a few days for the results.

Meanwhile, Martin's Aunt Joan is upset because her friend Ruth is considering selling her farm. Ruth is struggling to make ends meet, but Joan doesn't want to see her friend lose her home. Martin tries to cheer up his aunt, but he's not exactly known for his sunny disposition.

Later, Martin runs into a young woman named Julie Mitchell who has bruises on her arms. She is hesitant to tell Martin how she got them, but he insists on examining her. When he discovers that Julie has been a victim of domestic violence, he urges her to report it to the police.

As the episode progresses, Martin receives Phil Pratt's test results and discovers that Phil has leukemia. Martin wants to begin treatment right away, but Phil is hesitant. He has been estranged from his brother, and he doesn't want to reach out to him now. Martin urges Phil to call his brother, but Phil is resistant.

Meanwhile, Ruth's farm is facing foreclosure, and Martin's aunt is desperate to help her friend. Martin agrees to make a house call to Ruth and suggests that she try to raise some money to save her farm.

Julie Mitchell returns to see Martin and tells him that she finally reported the domestic violence to the police. Her boyfriend has been arrested, and Julie is relieved that she can start a new life.

At the end of the episode, Martin receives a phone call from Phil's brother. It turns out that Phil's brother has leukemia as well, and he is a match for a bone marrow transplant. Phil is hesitant at first, but Martin urges him to reconsider. Phil finally agrees, and the surgery is scheduled.

Overall, "Blood Is Thicker" is a poignant episode that deals with themes of family, friendship, and personal responsibility. Martin's interactions with his patients reveal his compassionate side, and we see him grappling with his own familial relationships as well. The episode is a satisfying addition to the Doc Martin series, and fans will enjoy seeing Martin in action once again.