"The Family Way" is a show that contrasts Doc Martin's family with a new family to be in town. As for Martin, his father and mother come to visit and immediately it's apparent that his parents are awful. The father talks and talks and most of the time it comes off as criticism of Martin. He's a real horse's butt, that's for sure. As for the mother, she says nothing...nothing at all through most of the show. And, when she does talk, she is an evil viper--and you just have to hear her talk about her son to realize this. At the same time, a 50- something year-old lady has a variety of complaints--and Martin surprises her by telling her she' pregnant. This is a HUGE contrast to Martin's parents, as the mother and especially the father are overjoyed. The other subplot involves dust and a collapsed young--and you'll just have to see what all that is about as well. All in all, one of the best episodes--as it gives you nice insights into why the Doc is as cranky and cold as he is.
4 Reviews
Meet the Parents
Hitchcoc23 January 2018
Martin has not seen his parents for years, so when they show up, he is confused. They are both incredibly difficult people. His father, a former surgeon, is a windbag who has an ego that's off the charts. His mother (played by Claire Bloom) is a taciturn, tightly wound woman. Eventually, we are let in on one of the mysteries. Martin's father wants to get his half of the farm where Martin's aunt has lived for forty years. They are keeping secrets and are incredibly condescending. There is an ugly scene with Martin and his mother. We can see why Martin would choose to just stay away from them. This is a sad and touching episode.
This episode is heart-rending
tunix_200816 August 2018
I've loved his show for its funny yet subtle story lines but this time the feels just got to me. The Doc's heart was rent by everyone he cared about. First by his dad who came after Joan. Then by Joan who didn't bother to hear his explanation. Then by Louisa's rekindling romance with Danny. But worst of all by his mother. Claire Bloom who portrayed the Doc's mom was so great she left me hating her by the end of the episode. She was so poignantly indifferent you wanted to throw her off the moor just get a reaction from her. I'm sure by the end the Doc realized blood didn't matter, family are those who love you. In that sense, Port Wenn is more family to him than his parents that's why he finally decided to break free from his past.
horrible parents
SamPamBam12 June 2020
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