Doc Martin, The Doctor I Prefer

It is very easy to like House MD. The character played by Hugh Laurie has everything going for it. Gregory House is brilliant but a troubled person. He is effervescent. Each and every case is more intriguing than the one in the previous episode. There is lot of action.  

On the other hand, Doc Martin is polar opposite in almost every way. Yes, he is weird and brilliant, too. But that is the only commonality. Doc Martin is set in a small picturesque seaside town of Portwenn. A brilliant doctor who has a peculiar problem. He has blood-phobia! Of course, he is eccentric too like House but with a lot less drama. 

The difference between House MD and Doctor Ellingham (as Doctor Martin prefers to be called) is that Martin Clunes' character is more human. And not just him, all the characters based in Portwenn are lovable. The large Bert Large, the serial entrepreneur, is naughty and mischievous. Al, his son is a affable with esteem issues. Ms. Tishelle, the pharmacist, who develops strong feelings for Doc Martin with disastrous consequences. The eccentric PC Penhale. All the characters are heart warming and relatable.  

And, of course, the cases this doc solves are equally interesting. Unlike House's cases that seem to be rare and complicated, Doc Martin solves many day-today problems. 

In my opinion, House's character escapes from the realities and troubles in his personal life. On the other hand, Doc Martin is braver and he attempts to address them.

While House dazzled me, Doc Martin is lovable and real. 

Watch it on Netflix. There are seven series available. And eighth is likely to be aired this year. 

Also recommend Doc Martin movie and A Man and His Dogs a documentary about dogs by Martin Clunes. More about the documentary in the next post.