DVD Review: Doc Martin Series 7

The smash hit dramedy returns with Doc Martin, Series 7 debuting on DVD and Blu-ray on December 8, 2015 from Acorn, an RLJ Entertainment, Inc. (NASDAQ: RLJE) brand. Doc Martinstars BAFTA winner Martin Clunes (Arthur & George, Men Behaving Badly, Shakespeare in Love) in an uproarious lead performance as a tactless, self-centered, and uptight doctor in a quirky seaside town in Cornwall. In Oct. 2015, Series 7 made its U.S. premiere on Acorn.TV, the premier streaming service for world class television from Britain and beyond. Winner of the British Comedy Award for best comedy drama, the series also features Caroline Catz (Murder in Suburbia) as his estranged wife Louisa and Dame Eileen Atkins (Upstairs, Downstairs, Cranford) as the Doc’s formidable Aunt Ruth, with guest stars Sigourney Weaver (Aliens, Avatar and self-proclaimed Doc fan) and Caroline Quentin (Blue Murder, Men Behaving Badly). The DVD and Blu-ray 2-disc set each feature eight episodes plus 72 minutes of behind-the-scenes featurettes ($39.99 each, AcornOnline.com). Also available on Dec. 8, Doc Martin: Six Surly Seasons + The Movies collection includes 46 episodes (Series 1-6), two TV movies, plus behind-the-scenes featurettes (DVD 16-Disc set, $124.99).

Doc Martin has become one of the most successful British series in the U.S. with new fans continuing to discover the series on Acorn TV, public television through syndicator American Public Television, and on DVD. Public television stations begin airing Series 7 in January 2016, and the Acorn co-produced, new public television pledge special, “Doc Martin: Seven Grumpy Seasons,” begins airing the weekend of Thanksgiving.

Years of grumpiness have finally caught up with Dr. Martin Ellingham (Martin Clunes). With his marriage in trouble, Martin agrees to see a therapist. He may have met his match in the young and smart Dr. Rachel Timoney (Emily Bevan, The Casual Vacancy), but can she cure his caustic personality and crippling blood phobia? And more importantly, can she help bring Louisa (Caroline Catz) back to Martin? 

If that weren’t enough, Martin contends with the declining health of his aunt Ruth (Eileen Atkins), the Large family’s calamitous business endeavors, and a know-it-all vet (Caroline Quentin) who is the daughter of the GP that Martin replaced. Also in this series, Oscar® nominee Sigourney Weaver guest stars as an American tourist visiting the scenic Cornish village. Can Martin make time for his wife and son while dealing with Portwenn’s idiosyncratic inhabitants?

Also returning this season are Ian McNeice (Doctor Who, Rome), Joe Absolom (Hatfields & McCoys), Jessica Ransom, and Selina Cadell. Doc Martin is created by Dominic Minghella, produced by Buffalo Pictures, and distributed by DRG. Picturesque Port Isaac on the North Cornwall coast is the setting for the fictional town of Portwenn.

Street Date: December 8, 2015                          8 episodes, approx. 383 min., plus bonus - SDH subtitles

Blu-ray 2-Disc Set (SRP: $39.99) – UPC 054961241590 - DVD 3-Disc Set (SRP: $39.99) – UPC 054961241590

BONUS Nine behind-the-scenes featurettes (72 min.) and a photo gallery

My Thoughts

Doc Martin Series 7 is a great continuation to a fabulous series. Doc Martin is a physician with a phobia of blood. He moves to the little village where his lack of personality makes it hard for him to fit in. The actor who plays Doc Martins is really fabulous. So often he says more with his facial expressions than he does with words--something that takes real talent. This set includes eight new episodes:

 Rescue Me - Doc Martin is home alone without his family while Morwenna is rescued from a lifeboat. 

The Shock of the New - Louisa finally returns home and Doc is in therapy. PC Penhale invests in a taser.

It's Good to Talk - Doc and Louisa try couples therapy while Bert struggles to escape his debt.

 Education, Education, Education - Doc continues to work on his therapy while Louisa recalls old memories. Rx Tishell’s spouse makes a reappearance.

Control-Alt-Delete - Doc wants to get rid of his dog and Louisa tries to become the head of the household. Ruth discovers Bert's distillery.

 Other People's Children - Jame's first birthday is up-heaved when his mom's old boyfriend returns to the scene.

Facta Non Verba - Doc & Louisa are still having trouble connecting. Bert becomes a handyman. Sigourney Weaver  makes a guest appearance.

The Doctor Is Out - It's the last straw for Doc & Louise when he is taken hostage and we're left with a cliffhanger that will leave us anxiously awaiting Season 8.

In addition to all these great shows, there is also some bonus footage that includes Producing the Show, A Welcoming Set, and  New Characters & Favorites. Series 7 was a great addition to the show with tons of laughs and crazy antics. I'll be counting down the days until Series 8.