Posted: 04/16/2011 |
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 Doc Martin Collection, Series 1 - 4by Del Harvey | |
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Audiences enjoy offbeat, quirky characters. And they don’t come more offbeat and quirky than Doc Martin. A social misfit, in any normal setting he would be ignored or ostracized for his obnoxious and grating attitude. But in the small fishing village of Port Wenn, a fictional locale, he is difficult to ignore. As the only doctor in town, Martin Clunes’ character is as important as the policeman, the banker, the butcher, or the candle-stick maker. And the real entertainment in the show is watching Doc Martin try to cohabitate with these gentle folk in this absolutely idyllic setting. Stephanie Cole plays his aunt, Joan Norton, who provides emotional support in the face of the disquiet among the villagers. The beautiful Caroline Catz plays primary school teacher, and later headmistress, Louisa Glasson. Doc Martin is attracted to her but unable to express his feelings. Glasson appears to share this mutual attraction, although her caring and nurturing, particularly for her students, is in contrast to his emotionally detached and at times neurotic behavior towards his patients. The current series is filming this year with a few minor cast changes. ITV confirmed the commissioning of a fifth series of Doc Martin in a press release on April 1, 2010. Dame Eileen Atkins will join as Doc Martin’s Aunt Ruth and Jessica Ransom is the new surgery receptionist, Morwenna Newcross. Martin Clunes, Caroline Catz, Ian McNeice, Joe Absolom, John Marquez and Selina Cadell will all return to the series. Releasing April 19, 2011, from Acorn Media, Doc Martin is a huge hit in the U.K. with 9 million viewers and a fifth series commissioned, and is syndicated by American Public Television in the U.S. The 9-disc collection includes all 30 endearing and off-beat episodes from the first four series. Also included are these extras: Del Harvey is the founder of Film Monthly, a film teacher, a writer and a film critic in Chicago. Got a problem? E-mail us at filmmonthly@gmail.com |