Absolutely delightful news! I'm thrilled to report that Episode 2 of "Best Medicine" has undeniably surpassed the premiere, which bodes well for the series' trajectory. "Bean There Done That" effortlessly encapsulates the essence of place, imbuing the narrative with a small-town insularity that profoundly shapes the overriding relationship dynamics. Martin's character receives a delightful dose of development, as his connection to Port Wenn is more intimately portrayed. At a glance, one can envisage the myriad of potential relationships—both platonic and romantic—that are beginning to blossom within the community. This rich tapestry of storytelling is quite commendable.
While not groundbreaking, it's evident from the outset that "Best Medicine" wasn't designed to be. It's a heartwarming small-town medical drama, with a charming premise that explores how the local doctor serves a community so tightly knit and regimented that they often self-diagnose before even entering his clinic. In their minds, he's little more than a drug dispenser.
This week's case revolves around this notion. Apparently, Port Wenn is annually plagued by a local moth variety that triggers allergic reactions. Martin's waiting room overflows with self-diagnosed individuals seeking their usual remedy to get back to their daily routines. However, a young boy who enters his practice presents with atypical symptoms, prompting Martin to suspect something more sinister—something highly contagious. Consequently, the monthly baked bean supper, a mandatory community event, is canceled.
A notable aspect of "Best Medicine" is its transition from a medical drama to a cosy whodunnit. Martin embarks on solving the mystery, imbuing the narrative with a delightful detective-like quality that suits the show well. This week's mystery centers around a wealthy local who bullied Martin as a child and is now renovating his house. He's also the funder of the bean supper and universally disliked, leading to a satisfying confrontation later in the episode when Martin stands up to him.
Martin's arc isn't solely about being accepted as the town's doctor or detective but rather about being embraced as a community member in general. Port Wenn emphasizes this concept, which explains why Martin has been treated as an outsider since his arrival—despite his personal connection to the town—but it also underscores the sweetness of his gradual acceptance by the locals. Throughout this episode, Martin engages in more positive interactions with individuals who previously treated him with hostility, not just as their doctor but also as their neighbor and potentially even their friend.
In the case of Louisa, there's likely more to the story. Episode 2 of "Best Medicine" is a delightful blend of slapstick comedy and light romance, such as Louisa accidentally tumbling onto Martin. But it also features poignant moments of openness, as Louisa ponders whether to attend the baked bean supper, given the sheriff's quicker-than-expected progress. The highlight of the episode is a heartfelt conversation between these two, where Martin finally reveals his backstory. He had a sister named Rosemary who died in a car accident when they were children, and he would spend every summer at Port Wenn afterward. His accident in Boston involved a little girl of the same age who had also been in a car accident, causing him to freeze. This is the most vulnerable moment we've seen from Martin so far, and it's no coincidence that he chooses to share this with Louisa.
Again, I must emphasize that this isn't going to revolutionize the television landscape entirely. But I do think it's quite charming and will undoubtedly find a dedicated audience, especially as we grow more comfortable with the locals and their intricate relationships. It's still early days, but the initial signs are at least promising.
