It almost feels like writing
an essay for a class 4th assignment. But interestingly that is the
feeling that drives me to write it- innocent and uncomplicated. The only irony
is that when I was in class 4th there weren’t any web-series and
back then I felt writing on such topics was lame (also think- an essay on Cow)
But with 34 years of life getting
on me with its tagalongs of bitterness, cut throat competitions, judgements and
my struggles to overcome these and many more, I look for respite in simple
things. Those things which I might have found lame during adolescence.
One of such things that I came
across recently is a web-series by the name ‘Doc Martin’. It was sheer
chance that I decided to begin with this series as I was fishing on Netflix
disappointed to see that there was barely anything left for watching. Well,
what attracted me the most was the name of the series starting with ‘Doc’. By
virtue of working with so many doctors in my organization, I always have an
interest in validating if all of them are the same? And this series intrigued
me further to validate if even the on-screen ones are represented in the same
way as I know them for real. Not to discount that ‘Health’ takes priority as
you grow old and 34 counts well for that.
There was enough interest
already given how much I related to the name, with fingers crossed that I don’t
get compelled to switch off the Tv after few minutes of boredom, I started
watching ‘Doc Martin’
The episode opens with a scene
where there is this professional gentleman both in appearance and conduct
called Doctor Martin totally fitting into my image of my last supervisor who
always used to wear a suit no matter what season. Doctor Martin preferred to be
called Doctor Ellingham (his last name) He is a no-nonsense medical
professional and cant get over the anatomy and biology in a person even during
utmost critical social situations. While he had been a top-class surgeon in
London this story begins with his placement as a ‘General Practitioner’ for the
village of Portwenn. His limited social skills are a matter of discussion in
the selection committee as well but he is unanimously approved given that in
terms of his expertise there is barely any match.
Portwenn like any small place is beautiful
both visually and in terms of the people who live there. The simplicity is
striking: a typical village where everyone knows everyone: everyone likes to
keep a record of what’s going on in other’s lives, there is a dedicated group
of gossip girls whose meeting point is the road outside Doc Martin’s clinic,
most of the service providers such as plumbers, electricians, restaurant owners
are mediocre but still loved and treated as the best. When the clinic is under
renovation before Doc Martin official started practice, the plumber turns the
whole clinic into a flood zone and in response to the annoyed look of the
doctor he responds ‘what the matter that you look disgusted.. all is well and
under control’
The sense of solidarity in the
village is such that the clinic
receptionist literally bullies Doc Martin by never reaching clinic on time
& always taking on phone with her boyfriend but on being fired has the
whole village on her side to create pressure on the doctor leaving him no
choice but to get her back on the job. And why not, the wating area in the
clinic is more of a hang out place with tea and biscuits for all courtesy
Elaine (the receptionist). Infact, who goes to the clinic to see the doctor,
the idea is to have a cup of tea and snacks and some chit-chat with people and
after some socialization has happened, see the doctor. Going to the doctor and
expecting a cup of tea is inherently normal for the people of Portwenn but hell breaks
when Doctor Martin refuses to engage in socialization and sticks to
professionalism. He is lovingly and popularly labelled as ‘Tosser’ by one and
all.
What I loved the most about
the initial seasons is that the doctor is shown committing relatable assessment
errors where how a wife’s excessive use of estrogen turns out to be the cause
of the husband’s man breasts while he had assessed it otherwise. It also opens
an awkward can of worms for the couple in the process and the couple indirectly
blame the doctor for their relationship fiasco.
Well, there is a lot to say
about Doc Martin but I want you to find out yourself. So, don’t delay & go
watch – Doc Martin. It wont give you the thrills and the chills of GOT or Money
Heist but what about some rustic, slow living experience for the mind that is
always on the run.
