Doc Martin Season 5 Newbie Reaction: New Aunt, New Baby, and a Pharmacist's Breakdown

Doc Martin newbie Patty is back for Season 5, a favorite season for many Doc Martin viewers.  Auntie Joan’s (Stephanie Cole) death hits Patty hard and Aunt Ruth (Dame Eileen Atkins) doesn’t seem like a very warm substitute.  Of course, Patty does laugh at Martin’s (Martin Clunes) eulogy of his aunt, which is completely true but, really?  Aunt Ruth doesn’t strike Patty as a typically compassionate mental health professional, until Chesla explains that being a psychiatrist at Broadmoor isn’t a typical mental health assignment. Patty and Chesla discuss whether Martin is on the autism spectrum, triggered by Aunt Ruth making the surprising statement that people don’t change.  Does she mean people who might be psychologically predisposed to missing social cues or does she just think she knows Martin well enough that he’s fixed in his ways due to his horrible upbringing?Season 5 has other departures and arrivals:  Pauline (Katherine Parkinson) is out and Morwenna (Jessica Ransom) is in as the receptionist.  We meet Joe Penhale’s (John Marquez) ex-wife Maggie (Julie Graham) and Louisa’s (Caroline Catz) absentee mother, Eleanor (Louise Jameson).  Patty is surprised by Martin’s willingness and aptitude at parenting, and comments again on Louisa’s coping strategy of running away instead of discussing problems. Both Patty and Chesla really enjoy the final scene of the season, both for it’s normally excellent acting and it’s fantastic writing. There’s a quick Best Medicine checkin, as well as numerous questions on US vs England ways of doing things.  Podcast viewers from England – you know the assignment!Do you think Martin’s behavior can be entirely explained by his appalling childhood?