Cream was prescribed in lashings on Doc Martin (ITV), as two goat farmers went down with an itchy infection that left one paralysed in hospital - all because he wouldn't apply the ointment as the doctor (Martin Clunes) instructed.

After a couple of weary seasons, this long-running show has found its rhythm again. That's chiefly because the doc and his wife Louisa (Caroline Catz) are happily reconciled and devoted to their toddler, James... a boy who is showing all his father's obstinate lack of interest in other human beings.

Doc Martin fans are happy to see villagers stricken with respiratory crises caused by an allergy to gulls. They're positively disappointed if a patient with mildly raised blood pressure isn't incubating a plague of boils. Even a case of ebola would be acceptable. But this is entirely the wrong show for marital hostilities.

Doc Martin, episode 2 review

This grumpy GP's diagnostic skills are unlike any other.

Martin Clunes interview

The Doc Martin star tells Susan Griffin how it is.

Doc Martin review

Overall, the whole thing is like an advert for Ginsters pasties, and just a bit too twee and Cornish, like Poldark with a stethoscope.

Doc Martin review

It's been two years since we were last in the village of Portwenn, but in a ninth series, Martin Clunes's doctor is as grumpy as ever.

Martin Clunes: Doc Martin has helped cancer patients

Martin Clunes receives letters from cancer patients who say Doc Martin has helped them through their treatment "every day".

A starry but sleepy series finale: Doc Martin, review

This ever-popular, televisual equivalent of a hot water bottle returns for a ninth and final series next year. It's so gentle that it could end by simply nodding off.

The curse of the penultimate episode in a comedy-drama season: setting up the big storyline that will power the finale means there is too much dramatic legwork and not enough comic relief. The supporting players in this show are too good, however, for there to be no pleasure. Everything John Marquez says as dumb copper Joe Penhale is funny, so pressing him into service as an umpire-commentator for Portwenn's annual, injury-plagued gig race is gold.

The gentle comedy series continues. Day-to-day life is complicated by Dr Ellingham's uniquely abrupt people skills and the strands of the plot stretch out from there. Tonight, Morwenna's absence from work becomes a dubious research opportunity for her replacement, while there is friction on Louisa's course when an ex-pupil shows up. And what is up with her co-student Tina, exactly? In other news, Al and Morwenna go glamping, with faintly humorous consequences.