The Family Way

Not going to discuss it---claire bloom has to be this horrible in real life to play such a horrible mother

I've loved his show for its funny yet subtle story lines but this time the feels just got to me. The Doc's heart was rent by everyone he cared about. First by his dad who came after Joan. Then by Joan who didn't bother to hear his explanation. Then by Louisa's rekindling romance with Danny. But worst of all by his mother. Claire Bloom who portrayed the Doc's mom was so great she left me hating her by the end of the episode. She was so poignantly indifferent you wanted to throw her off the moor just get a reaction from her. I'm sure by the end the Doc realized blood didn't matter, family are those who love you. In that sense, Port Wenn is more family to him than his parents that's why he finally decided to break free from his past.

Martin has not seen his parents for years, so when they show up, he is confused. They are both incredibly difficult people. His father, a former surgeon, is a windbag who has an ego that's off the charts. His mother (played by Claire Bloom) is a taciturn, tightly wound woman. Eventually, we are let in on one of the mysteries. Martin's father wants to get his half of the farm where Martin's aunt has lived for forty years. They are keeping secrets and are incredibly condescending. There is an ugly scene with Martin and his mother. We can see why Martin would choose to just stay away from them. This is a sad and touching episode.