New Fox Drama “Best Medicine”
This is the American rendition of the popular British series, “Doc Martin.” Typically, the U.S. adaptations don’t maintain the same charm. They often stumble, but American writers excel at crafting quirky, small-town narratives featuring characters out of their element, which perfectly sums up this new show.
Opening Scene: We see a picturesque coastal Maine landscape. A sign outside a small community hall announces a hiring committee meeting for local doctors. An Audi rolls into the parking lot, and a stern-looking man in a suit steps out.
Key Points: Dr. Martin Best (played by Josh Charles) is a renowned heart surgeon from Boston. So, naturally, his qualifications impress the hiring committee in the town of Portwen. He’s the only applicant to fill the position vacated by a long-serving doctor who recently passed away.
However, not everyone is convinced. Louisa Glasson (Abigail Spencer), a local teacher, has her reservations. She met Martin in an online interaction at a coffee and bait shop, and his rude behavior—along with an awkward fixation on her eye—didn’t leave a good impression. Adding to her complexity, Louisa’s just emerged from a broken engagement with the town sheriff, Mark Myrow (Josh Segarra), which was further complicated by the dismantling of their wedding decorations during their meeting with Martin. He claims concern for her health, suggesting she might need a glaucoma check.
Martin, weary of being addressed formally, took this job while visiting his Aunt Sarah (Annie Potts) for the summer. There’s also something he’s hiding—he once thrived in surgery but now can’t stand the sight of blood. Even a minor scrape sends him into a dizzy spell.
When he meets Elaine Denham (Cree), the former doctor’s assistant, he finds her more interested in being an influencer than actually helping. The town turns to him for medical guidance at all hours, and his bedside manner? Well, it’s less than ideal. When a patient rushes in with concerns about breast growth, Martin’s reaction isn’t one of sympathy. His fainting at the sight of blood reveals his struggle.
Show Background: “Best Medicine,” created by Liz Tuccillo, is an adaptation of the long-standing British show, “Doc Martin,” where Martin Clunes originally starred as the lead. Clunes makes a guest appearance later in the season as Dr. Best’s father, creating a sort of nostalgic connection. Elements reminiscent of “Northern Exposure” permeate this series.
Our Take: One of the standout elements is Josh Charles’s portrayal of the cantankerous Martin Best. His interactions paint a picture of a man whose gruffness stems from deeper issues and personal loss. Charles adeptly navigates the character’s vulnerabilities—especially evident in moments spent with his aunt or a chance encounter at the grocery store with Louisa. His ability to convey the underlying pain within his character is truly impressive.
Clearly, the writers are setting up some romantic tension between Martin and Louisa. Their sarcastic banter suggests a budding relationship, although the plot also extends to include other townsfolk, like the not-so-sharp Sheriff Mark and Elaine. Martin’s medical expertise becomes useful as he encounters quirky patient dilemmas, highlighting just how bizarre small-town life can be.
Performance Highlights: Beyond Charles, Abigail Spencer impresses as Louisa, embodying both strength and vulnerability.
Content Note: While the show includes some adult themes, it remains family-friendly.
Final Scene: After looking at a childhood photo with his sister, Martin makes a decision to embrace the small-town life, tossing aside a “FOR RENT” sign outside the clinic. A stray dog—which happens to love the place—enters, much to his annoyance.
Sleeper Star: Aunt Sarah, played by Annie Potts, shines in her role as a skilled lobster fisherman, gently coaxing Martin to open up about why he left his Boston career.
Memorable Line: One line stands out: when Elaine asks Martin to guess the name of her video series featuring a teddy bear, he nails it with “Bear With Me.” It’s a delightful moment that encapsulates the show’s humor.
Our Recommendation: Definitely stream “Best Medicine.” The first episode was a quirky delight, showcasing layered performances from both Josh Charles and Abigail Spencer.
