Mrs. T. : I could make sandwiches. Do you eat tongue?
Doc: Mrs. Tishell stop talking and write M the list of of all the people in this village with diarrhea

I would say there are a couple of pivotal scenes in this episode that set the tone for this and the next six series.

One is the first significant social exchange between Martin and Louisa, other than his interview and the few other brief interactions. Here they actually make plans for a “date” and follow through on it, although naturally the plans are interrupted, this time by Mark Mylow. Unlike in future episodes, where Martin is often oblivious of any subtle cues, here he readily picks up on Louisa’s hint that she wants to be invited out for a drink. However, we also see the traits that will repeat themselves in the future…Martin and Louisa’s inability to communicate with each other.

The other pivotal scene is our introduction to Mrs. Tishell. Although her amorous tendencies are not yet apparent, it is obvious that she is a major part of the village of Port Wenn and will become a prominent character in the Doc’s interactions with the villagers. The dialogue between the two provides nice humor.
Doc: “Mrs. Tishell, it really is not necessary for you to apologize quite as often as your do.”
Mrs. Tishell: “I’m sorr…”

Mrs. Tishell: “I’ve noticed that you’ve taken care to insure a dose just below 400.”
Doc: “I try to remain current. I find that I kill fewer patients that way.”

Throughout this episode, I wondered if Martin Clunes had a cold during filming. His voice sounded different from usual to me. Of course with their limited filming window, the show had to go on, regardless.

This episode includes more examples of what other fans have pointed out before…how the Doc’s personality in the earlier series is more congenial than the later years. Here he shows some understanding of the father/son issues between Bert and Al and intervenes to facilitate a solution. Then, he protects Bert by not making public Bert’s role in infecting the villagers through his contaminated water. He also continues to relate to Roger Fenn and his situation, going out of his way to do what he can within his principles to assist Roger in obtaining a pension. And, Martin actually smiles when seeing and listening to Roger playing the piano with the school children gathered around, singing.

Finally, on my initial viewing of this episode, I knew nothing of MC and PB, their family or Buffalo Pictures. So, I had no idea at the time of the significance of using the name Emily Braithwaite for the name of a patient. However, when it seemed to have such a prominent scene in the show, I was curious about whether it had a significance. Now, I know that I should pay attention to most of the character names used in the show; there very likely is some connection to the cast or crew or some humorous undertone. Such subtleties provide another level on which to enjoy the show.

Sue has pretty much covered my observations. I too did notice that he sounded as if he had a cold in this episode and in fact noticed it the first time I watched it.

I did think DM asking Mrs. Tishell if she had noticed an increase in people buying diarrhea medication and she answered “yes, you might say there has been a run on them” was very funny.

I like the fact that he smiled when he saw Roger playing piano at the school and nodded his approval. I think he likes Roger even though he doesn’t seem to like most people in the village.

One of the few times we get to see DM without his jacket on…washing the car in his dress shirt and suit pants!

Like Sue, I too had no idea when I began watching the series to watch for character names as I knew nothing about anyone on this show. I have since become addicted to all things Doc Martin and Martin Clunes.

Being the mother of teenage boys, my favorite scene was with poor Ricky and his mother talking about his “bott hum”. Hysterical. Elaine also made me laugh with her explaination of how she determines who should get to see the doctor. No belly ache or diarrea.
Although doc did smile twice, I kind of felt he was well on his way to the grumpy and socially awkward man we all enjoy. Is it the first time he says “stop talking”?
One thing that I thought was a bit contradicting was that he assumed that the people where sick from Berts water. I would think he’d have it tested to be sure after he was mistaken twice before.
Funny episode.

Great comments by all. I will just add I loved the scene when he cleared the swimmers out of the pool, Jaws music and all the splashing and yelling.

Just before the scene when Elaine tells the person on the phone they can’t see the doc for bellyache and DM calls her into the consulting room and finds out she’s blocked a lot of people from coming in with that complaint, he seems to be entering the surgery from a door down the hall to the right of the screen. I don’t recall that location used in any other episode…this a series 1 anomaly. Also like Al’s long sideburns which disappear in subsequent series.

I concur with what previous posters have written. Elaine was really annoying, with her obstinate attitude toward Doc (“Elaine, can I please decide who comes to my surgery?” “No.”) and her phone conversations with Greg (“Black thong.”) Also, Bert was kind of mean to Doc throughout most of the episode.

A few lines dialogue that stood out for me were the following:

Doc: I need to pee.
Bert: You could say it with a bit more feeling.
Doc: I really need to pee.

Bert:It’s only a number one. If you don’t wash, it don’t count.
Doc: I’ll inform the medical community.

Doc: It’s not even eight yet.
Elaine: Great. Still got time to kill myself.

I loved the introduction of Mrs. Tishell and way she enunciates “MRHA.”

It was telling to hear Louisa say she was looking for her “Martin” when she meant to say her “marking.”

Another great episode!

One scene that stuck was Louisa walking up Roscareock Hill after accepting the drinks date with Martin. She was swinging her arms back and forth and seemed quite happy. Contrast this with the scene after they failed to marry, and she walked down Roscarrock Hill, her head bowed as Martin turned away from her and entered the surgery.

Also liked Martin’s exchange with the reporter when he claimed the water was fine and had to rush to the lavatory with an onset of the leurgy. He was wearing more contemporary pajamas and a robe.

The scene with the children in the pool was poignant as they began to call Martin “Smellingham.” Wonder if that was one of the names bullies called him at school

Last week was a whirlwind for me so tonight I’m watching two episodes. So far in E3 I’ve noticed that the mens’ room at the radio station is pink. I thought maybe they filmed in a women’s room because it was roomier, but there’s a urinal on the wall. Also, of course, Bert is eating lunch in there, which makes people say, “Ew”.

Gremlin was just so perfect. He was the perfect grungy, scrungy, ugly enough to be cute dog Yes, I love Dodger/Buddy, but he’s pure cuteness, which isn’t quite as funny. When Louisa reached down and petted Gremlin and her hand went through his fur, it stayed UP after her hand moved away, just like an unwashed dog’s fur would do.

More later. Still watching. Catching up.

Biff

I’m back with just a couple of comments. 1. Martin without a suit jacket washing the car was yummy. No wonder Louisa was attracted. 2. Our introduction to Mrs. Tishell was priceless. “Do you eat tongue?” Selina Cadell is a genius. 3. The patients in these early episodes were hilarious. Particularly in this one, the massively embarrassed teenage boy and his mum — “Show him your bottom”. Love it.

Biff