Plot

The tranquility of Portwenn is disturbed when a group of birdwatchers descends on the village in search of a rare bird.

Christmas special. The tranquility of Portwenn is disturbed when a group of birdwatchers descends on the village in search of a rare bird. Pauline announces that she wants to go to university, so Martin has to start looking for another receptionist. Louisa's father Terry arrives unannounced in Portwenn - could this have an effect on the relationship between Martin and Louisa?—Anonymous

Martin learns that he is under investigation for rude and condescending behavior with the end result that he may have to go on a 2 week course to improve his people skills. Pauline advises him that he will have to find a new receptionist as she is returning to university to study nursing. Bert Large thinks he's struck gold when word gets out that a rare bird is nesting in the local cliffs so he borrows the police van to offer guided tours. Louisa Glasson's father Terry suddenly re-appears in the village accompanied by his bi-polar friend, Jonathan. Terry had left the village under a cloud when he was accused of stealing money from the lifeboat fund but he has always maintained his innocence and Louisa remains his staunchest defender. Things get serious when Jonathan stops taking his medication and takes Martin, Louisa and Pauline prisoner.—garykmcd

An unctuous, officious plattsmier barges into Doc Martin's private office and tries to force the surgeon to run his own medical practice to suit him. The old Colonel gives Doc the bird when Auntie Joan catches a load of buckshot from the Colonel's own shotgun. An ill wind blows Terry Glasson, Louisa's father, and mad cohort, Jonathan, into Portwenn. Doc makes pastie fans in Portwenn totally pugnacious. Pauline is keen to study as a nurse but Al does not want to lose her. The local baker gets a strain of campylobacter bacteria and falls from a cliff. Doc Martin, Louisa, Pauline and others get tied up trying to save the day.—LA-Lawyer