Following the complaint to the medical authorities by a patient the Doc was treating he has been advised by Chris Parsons (Vincent Franklin) not to practice for a week before his hearing. However this does not stop patients asking for his help. Bill Potter, a local potter, approaches Martin with a suspected ganglion. Martin sends him to a surgery in Wadebridge, but Bill decides against it – he has too much work on.

Martin wakes up to an empty bed. When he goes looking for Louisa he discovers she is trying to write her resignation letter.

Penhale decides to have a Police Open day to raise community awareness. The only genuine visitor he has though, is an angry farmer, Hannah Butler. Another three of her sheep have been stolen and Penhale seems to be doing nothing about it.

Louisa has arranged to get a lift with Tina a classmate on her course. Louisa is questioning her decision to go back to studying – can she fit it all in as Tina does?

James is teething: nothing seems to be working, and nobody is getting any sleep. In desperation, Martin and Louisa agree to try Mel Hendy's (Rosie Ede) suggestion of amber beads. They appear to be working, until James gets a bead stuck up his nose.Mrs Tishell seems to be having a delayed onset of mourning and is "speaking to" Clive. Bert tries to offer advice, which only leads to Mrs Tishell shutting the pharmacy, inconveniencing everyone.

Having worked as missionaries in Kenya, Morwenna's parents, Jack and Tara Newcross, pay her a surprise visit, and are surprised by the relationship between her and Al. Morwenna is shocked to discover the real reason for her parents' return is that Tara has cancer. She has decided against treatment because of her faith. Both Morwenna and Martin think this is a foolish decision.

Martin is left holding the baby when Louisa has to take Year Six pupils sailing. He has to collect James from nursery every afternoon, but with surgery hours Martin is constantly late.

With Janice gone, Martin and Louisa are looking for a nursery for James. Mrs Tishell is shocked to learn that Al has very high blood pressure. Ruth is approached about selling her farm. Louisa helps with the diagnosis of a pupil, which spurs her on to explore a possible career change. This is not welcome news for Martin, who dislikes change of any kind, even if it could be for the better.

After having therapy to save their marriage in the last series, Martin and Louisa face the challenge of living happily together with their baby James Henry. Meanwhile wedding bells are ringing for Portwenn's police constable, Joe Penhale and the Doc's nanny Janice Bone.