Doc Martin Star Martin Clunes Makes Gripping Debut in Best Medicine
Doc Martin star Martin Clunes makes his debut as Josh Charles‘ father in the Fox remake Best Medicine.
In an exclusive clip from Us Weekly, featuring the Tuesday, March 3 episode, Robert (Clunes) and his wife Vanessa (Judith Ivey) share an awkward breakfast with Aunt Sarah (Annie Potts) and their son, Martin (Charles).
“I can’t imagine you both growing up in Port Wenn,” Martin says to his parents. Vanessa clarifies that some traditions, like the Blueberry Festival, were initiated after their time, stating, “After we left, we never looked back.”
Robert agrees about not dwelling on his time in the small town, but his sister Sarah isn’t pleased with this perspective.
“Better just to sweep it all under the rug, right?” she questions, to which Vanessa responds, “Sarah, your tough act does not conceal your deep regret and shame about your life choices. If anything, it highlights it.”
Martin interrupts the escalating argument to inquire why Robert and Vanessa are in town. It turns out they plan to sell their house — the one Sarah currently resides in.
“So you’re off on a safari, gazing at zebras while I’m left here, living on the street and digging donuts out of a dumpster,” Sarah retorts. “How would I afford [the house]? In lobsters?”
Sarah concedes that her brother has faced “harder times than most,” referencing his daughter’s passing but adds, “But that doesn’t justify your cruelty.” Robert, however, is infuriated that Sarah would mention his late daughter.
Clunes’ role in Best Medicine, which has already been renewed for a second season, marks the first appearance from an original cast member of Doc Martin. The ITV series aired from 2004 to 2022 and was created by Dominic Minghella, who developed the character of Dr. Martin Bamford from the 2000 film Saving Grace.
Best Medicine follows a doctor relocating from Boston to a small practice in an East Coast fishing village where he spent childhood vacations. Aside from Charles, the cast features Josh Segarra, Abigail Spencer, Cree Cicchino, Annie Potts, Didi Conn, Clea Lewis, Stephen Spinella, Jason Veasey, Cindy De La Cru, John DiMaggio, Carter Shimp, and a dog named Wattson.
“The way that [executive producer] Liz Tuccillo has structured the show, every episode features a fantastic star who gets to do something delightful — and perhaps something you’ve never seen them do before,” Spencer, 44, exclusively told Us Weekly in January. “What I particularly appreciate about the show is that it offers excellent opportunities for some of our more seasoned actors in the industry.”
She went on: “There are numerous roles across different ages that make me think, ‘Wow, we could enlist so many talented actors.’ I loved that.”
Best Medicine airs on Fox Tuesdays at 8 p.m. ET.
