The WORST episodes of Doc Martin

Every episode of Doc Martin ever, ranked from worst to best by thousands of votes from fans of the show. The worst episodes of Doc Martin!

Make an appointment with the brilliant but socially awkward and neurotic Doc Martin. When Martin develops an aversion to blood, he abandons his career as a celebrated London surgeon and becomes the only doctor in a sleepy small town where his tactless manner soon has the whole town in an uproar.

Last Updated: 1/31/2024Network: ITV1Status: Ended
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Don't Let Go
star
7.10
287 votes

#1 - Don't Let Go

Season 5 - Episode 6 - Aired 10/17/2011

Maggie gets the all-clear from the doctor and decides she will return to Bude, forcing PC Penhale to take desperate measures to persuade her to stay in Portwenn. Ruth uncovers a raft of family heirlooms while clearing out a barn at the farm, and the mounting tension between Martin and Louisa peaks when she discovers he has booked a date for James Henry's christening without consulting her.

Directors: Ben Bolt
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In Loco
star
7.46
303 votes

#2 - In Loco

Season 2 - Episode 2 - Aired 11/17/2005

An outbreak of what the Doc suspects is Impetigo leads to problems for Louisa, who must decide whether to follow the Doc's orders to force the infected children to stay at home, or to help the parents by allowing the children to attend school. The decision is made harder by her impending interview to take over the job of Head Teacher - in front of a board of governors that (to his surprise) includes Doc Martin. Meanwhile, an accident in the Fish and Chip shop leaves Bert behind the fryers and the owner's son, Peter, in need of somewhere to stay while his mother is in hospital. His first choice is with none other than a certain Doctor Martin Ellingham...

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The Portwenn Effect
star
7.46
401 votes

#3 - The Portwenn Effect

Season 1 - Episode 4 - Aired 9/23/2004

It's the Portwenn Players dance, an auspicious event in the village's social calendar, and Bert is in charge of selling tickets. Louisa buys two tickets and invites Martin. But Martin doesn't do dancing, and most certainly doesn't do social occasions. Even Bert with his sharp sales tactics can't persuade him. Louisa offers her spare ticket to Mark. He thinks it must be his lucky day, especially when Bert suggests that Louisa fancies him. On a school wildlife trip, Louisa has to deal with troublesome ten year old Peter Cronk. He's a clever boy, but he's a rebel, and hates every minute of his school days. He's determined to wreck the trip to Mrs Potter's house where the children are learning about bird life. Sure enough when Mrs Potter steps into her garden she finds her prized bird tables have been smashed, and Peter is the prime suspect. Peter is called to the school head's office to be reprimanded. Mark says there has been a spate of criminal damage in village gardens. He suggests to Peter that he could help to make some new bird tables. But the belligerent boy says he'd rather be arrested. Peter's mother despairs of her son. At the surgery Mark has an appointment with Martin to discuss an embarrassing dilemma. He fears his lack of success with the opposite sex is something to do with size, and wants to hear the doctor's opinion of what is normal! After all he has a date with Louisa, and money is no object if he can make things 'normal'. Martin is flabbergasted by Mark's confession and may be just a bit jealous? Martin has to make a home visit to Stewart James, the park ranger on Bodmin Moor. Elaine tries to warn him about Stewart before he sets off, but Martin isn't listening. He's in for a shock.

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Movement
star
7.49
247 votes

#4 - Movement

Season 3 - Episode 2 - Aired 10/1/2007

Bert Large opens a restaurant in Portwenn, but when a food-poisoning alert appears to be connected to it, it could be a short-lived opening. When Louisa contracts food-poisoning, Martin is rather self-consciously forced to treat her in her bedroom. Episode is named "The Morning After" in the US DVD release.

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Sons and Lovers
star
7.56
268 votes

#5 - Sons and Lovers

Season 8 - Episode 2 - Aired 9/27/2017

Martin and Louisa search for a nursery now that Janice has left, and Mrs Tishell is shocked to find out that Al has very high blood pressure. Louisa also helps with the diagnosis of a pupil, which spurs her on to explore the possibilities of a change of career. This is not welcome news for Martin, who dislikes any kind of change, even if it could be for the better. Elsewhere, Ruth is approached about selling her farm. Starring Martin Clunes, Caroline Catz, Selina Cadell and Ian McNeice.

Directors: Nigel Cole
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Mysterious Ways
star
7.58
280 votes

#6 - Mysterious Ways

Season 8 - Episode 1 - Aired 9/20/2017

Portwenn is abuzz with activity for the preparation of Janice and Penhale's wedding, but a medical issue could prevent Penhale from making it down the aisle. Meanwhile, Al is struggling with the demands of being best man, especially when Bert's marketing antics mean there is only whisky available at the pre-wedding party.

Directors: Nigel Cole
Writer: Jack Lothian
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Blood is Thicker
star
7.59
238 votes

#7 - Blood is Thicker

Season 2 - Episode 3 - Aired 11/24/2005

The Doc deals with a strange family who seem reluctant to let him make house calls, and whose passion for taxidermy seems to hint at a dark secret involving their missing mother. PC Mystow also has family problems when his overbearing sister moves in a sets up shop - much to the Doc's disgust - as a herbalist. A chance remark by Pauline sets Al on a path that could well destroy his relationship with Bert.

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Aromatherapy
star
7.59
269 votes

#8 - Aromatherapy

Season 2 - Episode 4 - Aired 12/1/2005

The people of Portwenn are concerned for Radio Portwenn's DJ Caroline Bosman, whose increasingly erratic behaviour has them suspecting that she has been hitting the bottle. The Doc has to deal with an elderly patient whose personal aroma can clear a room, but is unable to determine a medical cause for the stench. PC Mylow hopes that his pheremone spray will endear him to a pretty newcomer to the village, while the Doc/Louisa/Danny triangle gets even more complicated.

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Always on My Mind
star
7.61
180 votes

#9 - Always on My Mind

Season 2 - Episode 5 - Aired 12/8/2005

Pauline looks set to achieve her ambition of joining the Portwenn Lifeboat crew. However, her joy is short lived when she is confronted with the chauvinistic behaviour of her shipmates. Martin is accused of murder by the husband of a woman who died in his care.

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Farewell, My Lovely
star
7.61
270 votes

#10 - Farewell, My Lovely

Season 8 - Episode 3 - Aired 10/4/2017

The curmudgeonly GP is perturbed when he discovers Louisa, who is already spending much of her time away from home, has applied to take up a child and adolescent counselling course. However, achieving a work-life balance is far from the greatest of concerns for some of the Ellinghams' neighbours, not least of whom is Al, whose plans to demonstrate his business acumen are placed in jeopardy when Ken decides to close the pub. Unless Ruth agrees to serve as a guarantor, Ken will not allow Morwenna and Al to take over the establishment, so the pair arrange a race-walking event to raise funds and prove the community is on their side.

Directors: Nigel Cole
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Out of the Woods
star
7.62
239 votes

#11 - Out of the Woods

Season 2 - Episode 7 - Aired 12/22/2005

PC Mark Mylow can't persuade Dr Ellingham to be his best man, but Al Large agrees. The stag weekend – a camping trip – goes wrong when an adder bites Mark’s ankle and he suffers a potentially fatal allergic reaction. Meanwhile, Dr Ellingham deals with a spate of weever fish stings among teenage boys playing a dangerous game of dare.

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The Family Way
star
7.63
179 votes

#12 - The Family Way

Season 2 - Episode 6 - Aired 12/15/2005

Martin's estranged parents charming Christopher (John Woodvine) and Margaret (Claire Bloom) make a surprise visit, school secretary Maureen Tracey (Ruth Sheen) visits the doctor with what she thinks it is a thyroid problem, PC Mark Mylow announces he's getting engaged, and when Danny Steel collapses, Dr Ellingham has to carry out emergency surgery to save his life.

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Control-Alt-Delete
star
7.63
273 votes

#13 - Control-Alt-Delete

Season 7 - Episode 5 - Aired 10/5/2015

After reaching breaking point with being followed around by Buddy, Martin resolves to find a vet to have it put down, while Ruth finds out that Bert has been trying to make his own whisky. Clive is suspicious of Mrs Tishell and who she might be cooking meals for, Penhale makes a hash of asking Janice out, and Louisa and Martin's therapy homework results in a picnic on the beach, where they are interrupted by local vet Angela Sim - who appears to be hallucinating.

Directors: Charles Palmer
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Facta Non Verba
star
7.64
296 votes

#14 - Facta Non Verba

Season 7 - Episode 7 - Aired 10/26/2015

Louisa is not best pleased when her new art teacher Erica wants to try out some rather alternative ideas on the children, while Dr Timoney is involved in a car accident outside the school. Penhale is confused when he is offered a transfer to Exeter, Bert decides to go back to being a handyman, and Louisa and Martin are intrigued when Dr Timoney invites them for an additional therapy session. Plus, an American tourist seeks help from the GP.

Directors: Ben Gregor
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From the Mouths of Babes
star
7.64
262 votes

#15 - From the Mouths of Babes

Season 8 - Episode 5 - Aired 10/18/2017

Louisa has problems at school with Toby, Angela Sim's Nephew. Meanwhile, Al has a 'Large Whiskey' order and has to ask Bert for some help, and Mrs Tishell seems to be having a delayed onset of mourning. Elsewhere, Martin and Louisa decide to try Mel's suggestions of using amber beads to help James while he is teething.

Directors: Stuart Orme
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The Apple Doesn't Fall
star
7.67
222 votes

#16 - The Apple Doesn't Fall

Season 3 - Episode 1 - Aired 9/24/2007

Martin suspects Louisa may have anaemia. Aunt Joan is forced to receive treatment from Martin after nearly running someone over. The Doc is approached by Alison Lane, who worries about her daughter Delph's behaviour. Episode is named "Tick Tock" in the US DVD release.

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Other People's Children
star
7.69
290 votes

#17 - Other People's Children

Season 7 - Episode 6 - Aired 10/19/2015

Louisa helps out her ex-boyfriend Danny when he brings seven children from London to camp on Ruth's farm - supervised by Al and Bert - while she and Martin plan a date on the advice of Dr Timoney. However, their night at the restaurant is interrupted when Danny calls saying one of the youngsters has gone missing. Things get worse for the couple when Martin uncovers a health scare at James's first birthday party that makes all the guests leave very quickly.

Directors: Ben Gregor
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Cats and Sharks
star
7.70
254 votes

#18 - Cats and Sharks

Season 5 - Episode 7 - Aired 10/24/2011

Bert Large's restaurant business is financial trouble. He can't even afford the food and drink for a charity event to raise money for Florence Dingle's cat sanctuary. Mrs Dingle is distraught. She desperately needs the money to continue to look after the cats and kittens in her care. Bert is also being chased by loan sharks Alastair Tonken and his son Norman for the repayment of £1,000 they gave him to clear his debts, warning of repercussions if he doesn't pay up.

Directors: Paul Seed
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Nowt So Queer
star
7.71
208 votes

#19 - Nowt So Queer

Season 3 - Episode 6 - Aired 10/22/2007

As an excited Portwenn digests the news that Martin and Louisa are engaged, it's business as usual for the doctor. Beth Sawle's knee wound is not responding to the treatment he's prescribed, and when Martin visits the remote cottage where she lives with her strange sister Janet, he makes a disturbing discovery. Meanwhile, Bert's restaurant is in financial trouble, prompting son Al to take decisive action. Episode is named "Just The Two Of Us" in the US DVD release.

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The Admirer
star
7.72
218 votes

#20 - The Admirer

Season 3 - Episode 4 - Aired 10/15/2007

Mrs Wilson, the hypochondriac owner of the Wilson hotel, forces her attentions on a very indifferent Martin, which makes Louisa jealous anyway. Joan dates a much younger man than her, much to Martin's surprise. Episode is named "The GP Always Rings Twice" in the US DVD release.

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Equilibrium
star
7.72
167 votes

#21 - Equilibrium

Season 9 - Episode 6 - Aired 10/30/2019

Martin and Louisa have their first fertility consultation with Dr Emma Ryder. Meanwhile, a case of vandalism at a local surf school is reported and PC Joe Penhale investigates. Elsewhere, Dr Edward Mullen returns to the surgery, and Bert is feeling the pressure from Caitlin. Starring Martin Clunes, Lucy Russell and Conleth Hill.

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Accidental Hero
star
7.73
264 votes

#22 - Accidental Hero

Season 8 - Episode 6 - Aired 10/25/2017

Penhale decides to have a Police Open day to raise community awareness, but the only genuine visitor is an angry farmer who has had three of her sheep stolen. Meanwhile, Morwenna decides to take Al away for the weekend to try out Hannah's new glamping site, but the trip does not go well as Al accidently burns down the yurt. Elsewhere, James has started biting not only Louisa but other children at the nursery. Louisa speaks to Tina about it, but is surprised to find out Tina has spoken to their lecturer about it too.

Directors: Stuart Orme
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It's Good to Talk
star
7.73
313 votes

#23 - It's Good to Talk

Season 7 - Episode 3 - Aired 9/21/2015

Martin decides to move out of the Surgery to give Louisa space, leaving Mrs Tishell concerned he will not be able to look after himself on his own. Elsewhere, PC Penhale helps Janice babysit, and Al is very concerned when he finds out about Bert's behaviour and hears there are bailiffs at the restaurant.

Directors: Nigel Cole
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Wild West Country
star
7.73
165 votes

#24 - Wild West Country

Season 9 - Episode 5 - Aired 10/23/2019

Martin investigates after local farmer Dennis Thorpe shoots at Robert for taking some of his eggs. Meanwhile, Emily returns to the surgery to see Martin after her acne medication caused a bad reaction, a secret bidder buys the Crab and Lobster pub, and Louisa ponders if she should see a fertility specialist.

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Blade on the Feather
star
7.74
252 votes

#25 - Blade on the Feather

Season 8 - Episode 7 - Aired 11/1/2017

It is the annual Portwenn versus Port Carran gig race and school gig festival, and this time Penhale is the umpire and Morwenna is the Portwenn team captain. However, Morwenna is forced to find a replacement rower when Eric dislocates his finger. Meanwhile, Mel Hendy goes to see Martin at the surgery worried about a rash that could be infectious, but she ends up opening up to him about her concerns over her husband's drinking. Elsewhere, Martin and Louisa arrive home to find Chris Parsons waiting for them.

Directors: Nigel Cole
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