Emily Bevan

After their tumultuous time last series, Louisa has gone for a break to visit her mother in Spain: to have some time to think and get some perspective on her marriage. Martin has promised to see a therapist but as usual, life in Portwenn transpires to get in his way in the shape of a Lifeboat training exercise. Will Martin be marooned at sea, and will he miss his first therapy session with Dr Timoney?

Martin has decided he will be the one to move out of the Surgery to allow Louisa the space she needs. Louisa is intrigued to meet Martin’s therapist, Dr Rachel Timoney, but is not quite so happy when Rachel suggests that they should have therapy as a couple. Bert disappears after a disastrous lobster special evening at the restaurant, and Mrs Tishell decides that she is the perfect person to look after Martin now he’s living on his own.

Louisa and Martin have their first therapy session together, though neither of them was expecting that they would be given homework. Morwenna is not happy when Peter Cronk, now 15, starts work experience at the Surgery. Mrs Tishell’s husband returns and wants to give things another go, and Bert starts looking around for new opportunities after losing the restaurant.

After Martin’s first session with Dr Rachel Timoney, we see he may have met his match: if anyone is going to be able to help Martin change, then Dr Timoney seems well qualified. Louisa returns but decides she and Martin still need some space. Al welcomes his first guests to his new Bed & Breakfast. Morwenna asks for a pay rise, and PC Penhale gets his brand new police issue Taser.

After their failed date night, Dr. Timoney asks Martin and Louisa to consider the advantages of living apart. Martin has a new neighbor: an ambitious art teacher who shakes things up at the school. Bert tries to make it as a handyman, and PC Penhale considers a transfer.