Doc Martin (2004–…): Season 1, Episode 2 - Gentlemen Prefer - full transcript

Martin's first official day on the job may be his last when he orders all and sundry, who seem to think the surgery is a town meeting place, out on the street. Having reached the end of his tether, he also fires his receptionist Elaine, only to find that pretty well everyone in village now shuns him. His aunt Joan suggests he should be a little more understanding, but that is not exactly Martin's style. One patient who does remain is Roger Fenn who has a lump in his throat that Martin fears may be cancerous. In a quiet moment, Martin reveals to him the phobia that has caused him to give up surgery and become a GP.

How did you...

Get out.

Get out!

Out!

(dog whines)

Good boy. Good boy.

Come on. Come on.

Come on.

(groans)

(whimpers)

- Don't let the dog in.
- (dog barks)



Thank you.

Sorry.
I cannot tolerate imbeciles.

Elaine; when we agreed that you'd start at 8:30;
you did understand I meant a. M?

Buying biscuits
in the supermarket; yeah?

And this bimbo won't let me through
on six items or less.

All baps up to here;
and them stick-on nails; she was.

She goes - wait for it:

- "Sorry; six items or less."
- And you had?

20; but all the same. Do you see?
Put the receipt in petty cash.

- These are for the surgery?
- (door bell)

Patient.

- Elaine; are you gonna let them in?
- I'm busy.

Elaine. Just do it.

- Mrs Walker.
- Marianne; please.



Am I your first official patient?

Indeed you are; yes. Collect a thousand
loyalty points; you get a free coffin.

If old Dr Sim could see this;
he'd be thrilled.

Er; thank you. Sit down; please.
What can we do for you?

I keep getting headaches;
on and off.

- Really? How long's that been going on for?
- I suppose all my life.

And now they're worse?
More intense?

No; not specially.

- More frequent; then?
- No; not really.

- So today the problem is?
- I just thought you should know.

- Consider me informed.
- You haven't thought of; um;

redecorating
when you were doing all this?

Mrs Walker;
do you have a medical problem?

Indigestion.

But that's much better
since I discovered aloe vera.

That was one of your Aunt Joan's tips;
as a point of fact.

- Good.
- Have you tried aloe vera?

- I do have other patients to see.
- Do you suffer from wind?

I'm happy to see you when you
actually have something wrong with you.

Are you saying?
But I haven't even had a cup of tea.

- Tea?
- Yes.

- Try a caf?.
- Well; I must say.

- I'll make a note of it.
- I haven't been here two minutes.

(Elaine) No.

Dad; I don't want to.

Are you deaf?
I'm not doing it.

- Right. Elaine.
- (man) I'm next.

- Oh; yes. I'll be with you in a minute.
- Bring a drop more milk in.

- Elaine.
- No!

Dad; I'm not gonna carry her skirts
down the aisle.

She's a grown woman; innit?

We've had some repeat prescriptions.
She's your fianc?e; you sort it out.

No; I want to see the patients
before I sign any repeat prescript...

Elaine. You do check prescriptions
before printing them; don't you?

Yes.

We seem to have a woman
with erectile dysfunction here.

Look; I can't be expected
to work your system.

That'll be the system
whereby we don't kill the patients?

- It's your job.
- No.

It is your job
to check before you sign.

(crash)

- (old man) It's all right.
- Yeah?

- It's the wife.
- Well; bring her in. I'll have a look at her.

Oh; I can't do that.
Never liked doctors. Not her cup of tea.

"Tea" being the operative word.

What are her symptoms?

Oh; you name it.

Blood pressure. Thyroid.

- Well; then I do need to see her.
- Bones brittle as twigs.

Osteoporosis. If she can't make it
to the surgery; I can arrange a home visit.

Well; it's a bit late now.
She's been dead nigh on 12 months.

How are you coping
on your own; Andy?

Eddie. I'm not on me own.

I talk to her every day.

Told her I was coming to see
the new surgery.

Now I can tell her all about it.

Is there anything I can do for you?

Fresh cup of tea.

- You'll be looking for a partner.
- No; I'll be wanting a patient.

I've made many a match in Portwenn.

So far; I've had four weddings;
no funerals.

- And quite a lot of babies.
- Mrs Black; do you have any medical reason...

Are you a leg or a breast man?

Because if it's the breast you're after; and she's
a Scotch pancake; there's plenty could be done.

Chicken fillets.

Right. Attention; everyone.

Listen up.

If there's anyone who hasn't come to gawp;
drink tea or otherwise waste my time;

please put your hand up.

Anyone at all
got a genuine medical problem?

Thank you. Goodbye.

- Put your teacups down; and leave.
- (Elaine) Sorry.

You all right; Doreen?
You all right; Molly?

- Do you want a Jammie Dodger for the way?
- No.

(Elaine) I'm so sorry; everyone.
I don't... I don't...

(hoarsely) You won't last five minutes.
You know that; don't you?

Wait a minute.

Do you have a problem
with your throat?

You think if you're professional;
they'll appreciate you. They won't.

Could you breathe in
and hold your breath; please?

And again.

- How long have you been hoarse?
- 25 years. Shouting at ungrateful pupils.

Open.

Hm.

What's with the MOT?
Give me something for the throat; and I'll be off.

- Why don't we let the doctor work; Mr Fenn?
- "We." I do love the medical profession.

A grammar all its own.

You have a lump in your neck.

Had it since I was a boy.

I don't think so.
I'm gonna refer you.

There'll be a biopsy.
We'll take it from there.

A referral. Great.
Otherwise known as "covering the arse".

Otherwise known as
"providing specialist treatment".

Nobody makes it their business to know
anything these days. Always passing the buck.

In cases like this; it's appropriate
to make investigations before diagnosis.

So you're not giving me anything
for my throat?

Nope. I'm not giving you anything
for the chip on your shoulder; either.

Great.
Now who's having their time wasted?

You can stuff your referral.

- What's that?
- Message.

"Roy or Steven."

"Boy of seven."

Dr Sim could read my writing.

- "Stomach pain."
- "Temperature 104."

That could be appendicitis.
What's that name?

Er...

"Robson"? "Johnson"?

Look; the mum was hysterical.

Like no kid's ever had
bellyache and temperature.

A child could die from appendicitis.

I didn't worry about the name;
cos I thought you called the number.

- "Number not recognised."
- No; that can't be.

So there's a sick child somewhere; but you didn't
get the telephone number or the name.

I suppose we could always get the name
from the obituary; couldn't we?

Right. Well; maybe...

- Look...
- No; you look; Elaine. For a new job.

What?

You are the most incompetent person
I have ever encountered;

and that incompetence could very well end up
costing someone their life. You're fired.

Hello.
You must be Doc Martin.

- I'm Bruce; Elaine's dad. Come to say hello.
- Hello.

We know it's late notice; but Carmen and I
want to invite you to our wedding.

On Saturday.

- Right. Whatever.
- As a thank you.

For looking after my daughter.

- Is she in?
- Not for much longer. I just fired her.

- Why?
- I'm sorry. I've got a medical emergency.

- Please; love...
- I don't need this now; innit.

Elaine.

(Martin) Seven years old;
surname's Johnson or Robson...

No. Nobody's off in my class.
We can ask Colin.

Can you lot finish
what's on the board; please?

Is this another patient
you've chased from your surgery?

What? Oh; your friend Roger Fenn.
God; that was quick.

Roger?

I haven't seen him in ages.
Roger was forced to take early retirement.

He thinks I took his job.
Well; I did take his job.

So; no; we're not exactly friends.
It wasn't him.

So it must have been
one of the 30 other patients you dispatched.

I did not dispatch patients. I dispatched people
who think "surgery" is another word for "caf?".

- Being the doctor is more than handing out pills.
- Yes; handing out biscuits as well.

You always have a line. Every conversation's
a competition; and you have to win.

It's so male.

Thank you.

- Can you help me find this child or not?
- Bobby Richards was sick yesterday.

This is Miss Glasson from the school;
Mrs Richards. I'm checking on Bobby.

Oh; dear.
I'm sure the doctor will. He's...

Mrs Richards.
It's Dr Ellingham here.

Yep.
Is his temperature still elevated?

Right; I'm on my way.
What's the address?

Yep. Yep.

- OK. I'll be with you in 15 minutes.
- Half an hour.

30 minutes. Bye.

- Do you know where the; um...
- Map.

Thanks.

- Dr Ellingham.
- Thank you. I've never seen him like this before.

If it's appendicitis; what am I gonna do?
I can't have him in hospital.

Let's have a look at him; shall we?

- His room's just up there.
- Righto.

Hello; Bobby.

- I'm Dr Ellingham. How are you?
- He can't go to hospital.

- I can't stay overnight with him...
- Would you make me a cup of tea?

- I've got five kids.
- Milk; no sugar; please.

Yes; Doctor.

Well; now; Bobby. You've got everybody
in a bit of a pickle; haven't you?

Let's have a look at you.

Oh; yes. This; er...
This leg'll have to come off.

(gasps)

Oh; don't worry.
Modern anaesthetics. You won't feel a thing.

Just kidding.
Don't look so upset.

Open.

Under your tongue. Under it.
Lift it. That's it.

That'll do.

- There we are.
- What is it? Is it bad?

Good news. No need for the hospital.
It's not appendicitis.

- Thank God. So what's he got?
- Tonsillitis.

- Sore throat?
- Hm; yes. A bad sore throat.

- He's been throwing up...
- I'm aware of that.

- He's got stomach pain.
- Both common symptoms of tonsillitis.

His stomach is soft;
the tonsils are the colour of cardboard.

Oh; Doctor.
I can't tell you.

I'll just write you a prescription. I might even
have the right antibiotic for you in here.

- You sacked Elaine Denham?
- For no good reason. Tosser.

Shouldn't you be giggling
outside my house?

- They say Elaine's a good girl.
- Yeah; I'm sure they do.

Maybe up in London
you can mess people around.

Yes; as often as we can.
Thank you.

Right. Well. Give Bobby one of these
three times a day with water.

And if you're still worried in 24 hours;
give me a call.

- Er; excuse me.
- Yes.

Mineral water and the pasta; please.

- It's finished.
- Oh.

- What's the soup?
- Finished.

I'll have the chilli con carne; then.

I guess you're a friend of Elaine's;
aren't you?

Right. I get it.

I get it.

Look; um...

Pamela. We both know
what's going on here.

But if you let me have some petrol;
I won't tell anyone.

Sorry.

I get it; OK?
But no one's looking.

- Are you deaf?
- Number 3; please.

- ?25.50; please.
- And this.

OK. Let me paint you a little picture.

It's snowing outside. You're about to give birth
to your fifth child in three years.

Your waters break; you're frightened.

And you're lonely
because your boyfriend's rotting in borstal.

You call good old Dr Ellingham;

the only man in a hundred miles who can
help you; and I say; "I'm sorry. I don't do births."

- You all right; mate?
- No; I bloody well am not.

- Ah; you must be Doc Martin.
- It's empty.

What's he put in his car?
Horse urine?

You can't have this Mars bar
unless you give Elaine her job back.

God forbid you upset
the village of the damned.

We don't have any petrol.

Then what's he just put in his tank?

Diesel.

Right.

- What is it with you people?
- Are you driving with your eyes closed?

Mr Fenn.

I might have known.
Oh; great. Look at this.

- I was on my way to see you.
- Well; forget it.

I got myself some cough medicine
from the chemist.

You didn't want a referral;
so I'll give you my opinion.

I didn't want your opinion.
I wanted medicine; which I have got.

So just go and drive into somebody else.

Mr Fenn. There is a high probability
you have a cancer of the larynx.

You'll need surgery and you may well
lose your voice; which has a certain appeal.

You may not care about this;
but unfortunately I'm paid to.

I'll arrange for a referral.

(Martin) Richard Edgerton; ENT.

Yeah; it's Martin Ellingham here.
I've got a patient needs an urgent laryngoscopy.

Yes; that is my opinion.
Stop it.

Stop it.

Hm?

Well; I'd say it was
a carcinoma of the larynx.

Because I'm a doctor;
he's a smoker with a lump in his neck.

Would you like the tumour
to write to you?

Will you get out of that bin?

Right. You; dog.
Dog; dog; dog; dog; dog. Here.

Fetch!

(woman) Cornwall's lovely; isn't it?

All this sea breeze
makes you feel so alive.

- I'm Carmen.
- Oh.

Doc; I understand about Elaine.
Hard to be her employer; I should imagine.

- It wasn't a decision I took lightly.
- Pretty hard to be her father; too.

Like father; like daughter.
Isn't that right; Lady Lancelot? Yes; it is.

She is bloody-minded.
No point pretending otherwise.

No.

Well; she's got; um; personality.

- Oh; yeah. By the bucketful.
- Oh; she'll be at that church. She'll come round.

- Elaine and Carmen just don't get on.
- He's exaggerating. She's not used to me yet.

Well; that's a shame. Um...

I've gotta look for the dog.

Oh; we'll come with you.

- Elaine's mum died young.
- Really?

Yeah; and Elaine...
Well; she doted on her mum.

Oh; you.
Lady Lancelot ate my lipstick.

- That's the fifth one this week.
- Go on; make poopie.

Elaine can't handle me
being with anyone.

- Are you married?
- Er; no.

- Why not?
- See; I thought; "What is the point?"

You know; a life alone - what is it for?

I mean; obviously not you. You do
something positive. I just mean the rest of us.

You contribute; and that must feel...
You know; saving lives...

- What is your dog doing?
- Ah. Um...

Your dog; he has been done; hasn't he?

- It's not my dog.
- Oh. Um...

(Lady Lancelot whimpers)

Hello. Fancy a drink?

Er; no; thanks. Don't want to get
tar and feathers on my jacket.

- The wrath of Elaine?
- Yeah.

Come back to mine.
I've got a good single malt on the go.

No; thanks.

Night; Doc.

(phone rings)

Hello; Mrs Winter.

Just a guess.

Right.

Thank you for letting me know.
Goodbye.

(phone rings)

- Ellingham.
- It's Richard Edgerton here at ENT.

- Yeah.
- I've got the histology back on Roger Fenn.

Uh-huh.

(Roger) We set to sea

In a boat made of flowers

Drifted for days
till our lips tasted land

- It was bitter
- (knocks)

Hello.

On the last breath of day

Chased the hot metal skies
of the ocean

- With no emotion
- Roger.

We came by night

To the fortunate islands

Laying like fish
'neath the nets of our kisses

That's why this is...

Don't stop on my account.

Are you lost;
or looking for children to frighten?

- You used to be in a band.
- Yes; l; er...

I gave it up
for something more sensible.

Something that would see me through
to a nice; safe retirement.

Well; that; er...

That sounded; um...

Hoarse.

What do you do
when you're not working?

I'm always working.

And there was me
thinking this was going to be a social call.

Well; I went in for my biopsy.
When do I get the results back?

Oh.

I can talk you through
what happens next.

I've booked you in for surgery
next Friday.

The 13th; actually.

Perfect.

(door bell)

Got more in the van.
Where do you want it?

- I didn't order this.
- You Ellingham?

The person who ordered this
is no longer here. Take it away.

- Oh; I can't do that.
- Yes; you can. You've got a van.

- I can't take it away until you accept delivery.
- What?

- You can't return something until you accept it.
- I see.

It's not rocket science. You accept delivery;
then you get a returns number;

then you arrange a time
to have your packages picked up.

- I come and collect 'em.
- You do?

- Yeah.
- Well; why don't you just take it now?

Mind if I use your loo?

(toilet flushes)

- You all right?
- That took a while.

- What?
- Poor urine flow. Any discomfort?

- You what?
- Have you had your prostate checked?

- What?
- It might be enlarged. I should have a look at it.

- What? Up the?
- Won't take a minute.

Hello; Bobby.

- Feeling better?
- I don't like you.

That's all right; because; um; I like you.

You were mean to Elaine.
My sisters say you're the w-word;

the t-word; the p-word;

and the z-word.

- What's the z-word?
- It's a word.

This is your new owner;
and this is your new home; which is a farm;

which dogs are supposed to enjoy;
so bugger off and leave me alone.

Look; all I'm saying is that it isn't exactly politic
to sack a perfectly good receptionist.

"Perfectly good"?
She made appointments before I'd opened.

She printed out prescriptions
that were potentially lethal.

- Well; surely you checked them?
- I had to go to the school to trace a child

because she couldn't
take a phone number.

- It was pure luck...
- That he had a sore throat. Bobby Richards.

- Oh; come on; Marty.
- But Elaine wasn't to know that.

Everyone makes mistakes.

But she can't admit them. You pick her up
on something; she comes back with a complaint.

And when you make a mistake;
you roll over and let them tickle your tum?

(sighs)

Elaine.
What's happened to you?

- It's tan.
- It's orange.

I need my wages.

Don't think you can charm me
into taking you back.

I don't want to come back.

I'm going to Majorca; innit?

- I don't know how much I owe you.
- I do.

- How long are you going for?
- Month. Two.

You'll miss your father's wedding.

Diddums.

You got cash?

- I think it would mean a lot to him.
- So?

Why do I have to make him feel good
about his decision?

I don't feel good about it.

Don't know what he sees in her.

What is it with men and big baps?

It's offensive.

Elaine...

were you very young
when your mum died?

I mean; I think; you know; people
will understand how hard that must have been;

and difficult for you to move on
and see your father move on;

whoever the woman was.

I suppose I could have been
more understanding.

Get paid for that in London; do you?

Look; I don't mind him
having a woman.

Just not one with a bloody dog
in her handbag.

Hasta la vista.

(seagulls squawk)

Oh; Louisa;
have you seen Martin?

No; sorry. On my way to see Roger in hospital.
He's having his main op today; so excuse me.

Now; maybe that's where Martin is.
Look; if you see him;

can you tell him that his dog seems to have
decided not to play "Spot on the farm"?

Actually; Joan; I gather Martin
hasn't been by or near the hospital.

Yes. Yes; I heard that
he and Roger didn't hit it off.

- I'm not very impressed; to be honest.
- Roger is a very difficult man; as you well know.

He's got cancer. He needs care. It's not as if
Martin's got any other patients to worry about.

If you're annoyed with Martin;
I suggest you take it up with him.

He's your nephew.

Weren't you on the committee
that appointed him?

Roger.

Again?

We don't speak in over a year; now it's
twice in two days. I must get cancer more often.

I can't stay so long this time. I've...

Of course. You have my job
to get back to; don't you?

I'll ask the nurse on the way out.

Well...

So...

- Everyone at school sends their love.
- Oh; really?

Last time they sent their love;
it was in an envelope with a P45.

So...

Did the surgeon say
exactly what they were going to do today?

I don't know.

This guy makes Ellingham
look like Florence Nightingale.

So still no sign of Martin.

Why does that bother you so much?

- Why would I want to see him; anyway?
- Maybe he could tell you what was going on.

Oh; I'll tell you what's going on.

I've been pushed out of my job
an inch before I qualify for a pension.

And minutes before
I am about to lose my voice forever;

I find myself having to chat
with the woman who replaced me.

(nurse) Visiting time's over.

Roger...

I'm so sorry.

- ENT; please.
- Down the glass corridor; second floor.

My keys.
I'm parked in Mr Brownlow's spot.

- And you are?
- Dr Martin Ellingham. Portwenn.

- You're a GP?
- That's right; yes. And you're a receptionist.

Excuse me.
Come back here.

- You can't park in the staff car park.
- I've a patient to see.

Is it me; or do you not
understand plain English?

It's you.

Martin. Martin.

- Adrian. Adrian Pitts.
- Oh; yes.

The great Martin Ellingham;
who abused myself and others at St Mary's.

Buggered us senseless;
but taught us a lot about medicine.

So what brings you here; chief?
Knifing a bigwig?

- No; actually; I've given up surgery.
- You're kidding?

- I've got a patient to see.
- Of course.

- I'd heard he couldn't hack it.
- I'll tell you about that.

(nurse) Don't worry.
It's just a nosebleed.

Are you all right?

Here; let me do that for you;
Mr Ellingham.

I read you on blocked carotids.

Don't suck up.

Has the surgeon been in yet?

Yeah.

And I thought
you were a smug bastard.

God. I'm gonna miss swearing.

If the cells haven't spread;
there's a chance the voice can be saved.

Yeah; yeah. He said that.
Same choice of words; too.

"The voice".
It's not "the voice".

Sorry. Your voice.

Mind if I have a glass of water?

Are you all right?

- You're a funny colour.
- I'm fine.

I've got cancer; but you look worse.

Whatever.

L; um...

sometimes have a heightened
emotional reaction to certain events.

Which is medical speak for?

Panic attacks.
I sometimes have small panic attacks.

What kind of panic attacks?

Er... nausea; sweating; chest pain.

- What brings them on?
- Smells.

The smell of cauterised flesh.

And blood. The smell of that;
sometimes just the sight of it.

I used to have the Midas touch. I couldn't look
at a body on the operating table without fixing it.

Then one day;
in the middle of the most mundane procedure;

another set of arteries
laid out in front of me;

it suddenly dawned on me;
for the first time; that this was somebody's wife.

Somebody's mother.
And I couldn't do it.

I couldn't go on. Like I was on a high wire;
I made the mistake of looking down.

I haven't operated since.

So now I'm your GP.

You probably want to keep that quiet.

Yeah. I wouldn't want the village
to fall out of love with me.

Your secret's safe with me.

Well; it's not like you're gonna be able
to tell anyone anyway; is it?

Had any family in?

Grown-up daughter;
decided not to call her.

She stopped needing me
a long time ago.

- She has a TV set all of her own.
- Oh.

- How about you?
- No. Only child.

- Parents dead?
- No. Retired. Portugal. Gone.

Nice.

Vile. We don't speak.

You are a miserable bugger.

Thank you.

(church bells)

Doc.

- Glad you came.
- Have you heard from Elaine?

Not even a postcard. Well...

- How are you?
- Been sick twice.

My heart's beating
300 times a minute.

- Perfectly normal; I understand.
- (man) Bruce. Time.

- Wish me luck.
- Yep.

Louisa. You're looking...

Straight through me.

- Have I done something to offend you?
- It's what you haven't done.

Well; that narrows it down a bit.

You didn't visit Fenn in hospital.
He didn't have a clue what was going on.

- What in God's name are you going on about?
- (woman) Shh!

(organ plays Mendelssohn's "Wedding March")

(door opens)

If you haven't got your health; what have
you got? Nice to see you on your feet.

All right; then; boy.

- You all right; Fenn?
- Hi.

How you doing?

Fenn. Good to see you.

- It's a little bit late for the concerned routine.
- Pardon?

You have one patient.
I'd have thought you'd visit him in hospital.

- Hang on.
- You...

- No; Roger; don't try to speak.
- (very hoarse) He did come to see me.

- Depressed the hell out of me.
- It was mutual.

- Right. Well; you could have told me.
- I tried; but that woman shushed me.

See you later.

- Can I come and talk to you about the chemo...
- Shh. Shh; shh. Rest that voice.

I'll see if I can squeeze you in.

Thanks for coming; Dean.
Thank you.

- Thank you for coming.
- Thank you very much.

- Elaine.
- Hello; Dad.

Thanks for coming; sweetheart.
It's made my day.

Come here.
Give your dad a hug; eh?

Thanks.

Elaine.

Elaine.

Thank you. Thank you.

- Congratulations.
- Thank you very much.

To the white house;
to the white house

Walking along the cliff

To the white house;
to the white house

Walking along the cliff

What will I do
in the middle of the night

Walking along the cliff?

And what will I do
when I know the time is right

Good wedding.

You was right.

Yeah. Sometimes you have to
swallow your pride and do the right thing.

Yes.

And I think the right thing
would be for me to come back to the surgery.

Right.

Well; we'd need to establish
a few ground rules first.

Attention to detail; use of the phone.
That sort of thing.

I agree.

- Do you?
- Yeah.

Well; you can have your job back; then.

- Yeah?
- Yeah.

Everything all right?

Good news. Yes.
Elaine's coming back to the surgery.

Oh; that...

That is marvellous.

Whoa!

Everyone!

Everyone. Thank you.

Small announcement;
but I know you'll all be pleased.

My daughter Elaine
is returning to the Portwenn surgery.

For he's a jolly good fellow

(all) For he's a jolly good fellow

For he's a jolly good fellow

And so say all of us

Er; so I'll see you Monday; 8:30; then.

No. That's one of my ground rules.

- You have ground rules?
- Yeah. I've written them down.

Er... One; I'm not made
to feel responsible for your mistakes.

Two; I'm free
to use the phone whenever.

And three; I start at nine;
not half eight.

There are a few more;
but you can read 'em later.

(band) Well; I went for a walk
in the middle of the night

And I'm walking along the cliff

Well; I went for a walk
cos I know the time is right

And I'm walking along the cliff

To the white house;
to the white house

Walking along the cliff