This episode fails to draw on the strength of the cast. Martin is back in full swing, but he is gentler and less brutal with people than in the past. There are a couple men who are in serious need of his services as well as the woman who took Louisa's place at the school. The weakness in this plot is Stewart's survivalist training. Stewart is the forest ranger from the first season. Penhale and Al go with this nut (who thinks he is visited by a giant red squirrel) and are supposedly being taught skills. Penhale is all in on it but as time goes by, Al can see just how potentially dangerous this guy can be. The man is mentally ill and even Doc is a bit frightened of him. At one point he jumps at the doc, dressed as a sheep. This is just an over the top episode that doesn't work. The whole running around in the woods thing has been done a couple times before.
4 Reviews
Another downward spiral
Pegasus-1025 October 2022
I watch the show because of Doc Martin, and whenever he is on screen, it's bearable. Sort of unbelievable that he can diagnose the most obscure ailments by looking in a patient's eyes of listening to them breathe (or whisper "99.")
Many long running shows seem to suffer from not allowing minor characters much to do, showcasing only the three or four headliners in most episodes. This (and the previous Season Ten shows) goes to the opposite extreme.
The whole survivalist plot was tedious and Penhale acted like a complete twit (Al behaved maturely, though.) And I think the trope of Sally Tishell still wearing that neck brace had run its course many seasons ago. Missed Eileen Atkins in some episodes, but please stop with the peripheral characters who are mostly annoying. Other than that, fun to watch.
Many long running shows seem to suffer from not allowing minor characters much to do, showcasing only the three or four headliners in most episodes. This (and the previous Season Ten shows) goes to the opposite extreme.
The whole survivalist plot was tedious and Penhale acted like a complete twit (Al behaved maturely, though.) And I think the trope of Sally Tishell still wearing that neck brace had run its course many seasons ago. Missed Eileen Atkins in some episodes, but please stop with the peripheral characters who are mostly annoying. Other than that, fun to watch.
Not at its best
nmottel7 December 2022
Two stars for the brief time we saw Martin and Louisa. The show is at its strongest when it concentrates on the main characters. Once again it veered off into the weeds with Penhale, Joe, and squirrel crazy Stewart who may or may not have lost his mind again. Most of the episode had the three lads traipsing about in the woods, a theme we've seen before. Martin shows up to save the day and has hs own misadventures.
Something that has changed is Martin's personality. I don't know if the writers intend to show Martin's willingness to change or have forgotten that he is a curmudgeon who would never talk gently to his patients. That is a HUGE flaw in this final season.
Something that has changed is Martin's personality. I don't know if the writers intend to show Martin's willingness to change or have forgotten that he is a curmudgeon who would never talk gently to his patients. That is a HUGE flaw in this final season.
An old character returns...but who cares?
planktonrules7 April 2024
In a few of the early episodes of "Doc Martin", Ben Miller played Stewart James, a ranger who took care of the forests nearby. I know this because I read it...not because I could remember him or his character. So, although I've seen all the episodes, these never really stood out for me. And, after seeing "How Long Has This Been Going On?", I can see why I couldn't remember him.
Ranger Stewart returns and he wants the town thickie, Penhale, to help him work out his new survival course. Al Large also comes along, which in hindsight is a great thing, as something called Q Fever has made Stewart begin to hallucinate once they are in the woods. As you'd expect, Penhale is no use whatsoever. Ultimately, Doc Martin arrives to help untangle the mess.
An additional plot involvesa strange infection of the soil at the local school and its effect on the head mistress as well as many of the kids.
Overall, this is a very weak episode following a couple very good ones for season 10. The plots weren't all that interesting and Doc Martin seems like the only adult in the show. Skippable.
Ranger Stewart returns and he wants the town thickie, Penhale, to help him work out his new survival course. Al Large also comes along, which in hindsight is a great thing, as something called Q Fever has made Stewart begin to hallucinate once they are in the woods. As you'd expect, Penhale is no use whatsoever. Ultimately, Doc Martin arrives to help untangle the mess.
An additional plot involvesa strange infection of the soil at the local school and its effect on the head mistress as well as many of the kids.
Overall, this is a very weak episode following a couple very good ones for season 10. The plots weren't all that interesting and Doc Martin seems like the only adult in the show. Skippable.
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