Families have changed, both in real life and on television.
I applaud Best Medicine for highlighting many kinds of families. It’s not explored enough, and it’s no longer taboo.
Any time the series has featured George and Greg or Bert and Al’s relationship has warmed my heart, and now they’ve added Louisa’s quest to start a family.
Most importantly, Martin has realized that these quirky people matter to him as his “found family.”
During Best Medicine Season 1 Episode 13, Martin attempted to stay out of the Port Wenn versus the Norwegians war and only treated Sigrid when her baby arrived early.
It didn’t seem fair that Sigrid popped out so many babies and treated Port Wenn so dismissively, while Louisa couldn’t even have her dream child.
Louisa excelled at understanding children of all ages, so we’re left to wonder whether she’ll form a nontraditional family with a friend and whether the love triangle becomes a love quad.
Sigrid Remained Cold and Dismissive, Even After Giving Birth
Singing before going into labor was a new one, as was giving birth to twins a day apart when she didn’t even know she was carrying two babies.
It at least explained why the first twin had an excessive hormone imbalance, but never explored why Sigrid developed such a bad infection, or if that was bad karma for her actions.
She only cared about control, whether it was in her company or her family.
It’s not fair that people like Sigrid pop out babies like Pez dispensers and don’t seem appreciative of her children or the help.
I almost felt sorry for Lulvig as it was obvious who ruled their household, and he didn’t want any more children.
I felt more sympathy for Louisa as she helped Martin with the births, and she felt such a longing to experience that.
Sigrid couldn’t even be kind and compassionate to the locals, but only kept threatening them, even after Martin and Eden discovered why one baby had distinctly more hair.
She seemed more like a dictator than a mother, and I hope we’re done with the Norwegians.
Eden Montgomery Returned to Reclaim Martin, But There Was No Chemistry
I didn’t dislike Eden Montgomery (Eliza Coupe) as much as I thought I would. She’s calculating and practical, and she wanted Martin back.
I didn’t appreciate how she treated the Salty Breeze workers like servants or implied that Louisa wasn’t a good match for Martin. It was almost like Eden thought she was above Port Wenn.
I didn’t see any chemistry between her and Martin, whereas he and Louisa light up the screen in every scene they’re in.
However, there was something to be said about her admiration of Martin’s work ethic. She appreciated it and also knew how he valued his patients.
They honestly made a formidable team when they saved Sigrid and her baby.
I suspect Eden does not know the truth about why Martin left Boston, but that he may need her assistance if he’s going to keep practicing medicine.
Now, we’re about to see if Martin will follow his heart or his head. His dad probably loved Eden, whereas he could tell instantly that his heart belonged to Louisa.
Sometimes practical works, but it can get lonely fast.
This is Port Wenn
Port Wenn is a special town where locals fight for what’s right, and friends take care of each other.
Yes, the residents strive to be successful, but it’s always been about the community, protecting their own, and even the environment.
I loved that the teens, who were often blase, hated that the fish would be trapped in a prison.
Apparently, leading a protest and getting arrested in Port Wenn is a rite of passage, and everyone seemed so proud of taking a stand and caring about something besides themselves.
Mentoring others is part of Port Wenn.
So is celebrating them. George and Greg have been the heart of the town, so it shouldn’t have surprised me that Louisa and Sarah arranged a surprise wedding for them while making them think it was a birthday party for Sarah.
The men go above and beyond for everyone, which is why everyone came out for them.
It’s why Martin fought for the town because they show up for people, even when they don’t always deserve it.
These locals ensured that Sigrid and her baby were safe, even if she tried to cheat them. They’re honest, hard-working people. Even if they wanted to fight her, they’d never harm a baby.
Martin’s Blood Phobia Came Out and Could Destroy More Than Him
Martin always tried to abide by the rules, except when it came to saving lives. Only Elaine and Louisa knew the truth about his blood phobia, and both have tried to support him.
Martin could not hide his fear as much in front of a big crowd at the legion hall. He was lucky that the baby was covered in more hair than blood.
But then Martin panicked when he saw the blood on his cuff. It wouldn’t have been a big deal, but Glendon spied him running out and Louisa chasing after him.
Glendon has it out for Martin since the beginning of Best Medicine. It looked like they formed an uneasy truce after Martin saved his son, but that truce has been destroyed.
Glendon gleefully threatened Martin, saying he figured out that Elaine had drawn blood without an official license.
I thought she said she drew blood and helped Dr. Resse, too, so wouldn’t that point be invalid?
I despise Glendon, but I appreciated that Martin felt concerned that this coming out wouldn’t affect only him.
He’s come to care about Elaine. She’s more than his assistant and has been one of the few people to stand by him.
I hate that the board will investigate both of them, now that Martin has grown more comfortable with his patients, and he and Elaine have found a rhythm.
What will that mean for his career and Elaine’s?
When Are Lies Productive?
I’ve been waiting for the series to address Al learning his paternity again since his DNA results showed Bert wasn’t his biological father on Best Medicine Season 1 Episode 8.
It would have been different if Al had known from a young age. Bert raised him. He’s his father in every way that counts.
That’s why the lies cut so deep since they used to share everything and work together.
I suspect Al mainly applied to schools in New York to follow Elaine there. He loves her and wants to see her follow her dreams.
But he also needed to follow his own path, which makes me wonder if the two of them will still go, or if they’ll find their dreams in Port Wenn.
So many people love Elaine, not just Al, and she’ll likely stay and support Martin.
While Elaine was made for drama, maybe she could apply her dramatic flair and lead a theatre in town.
Could Louisa and Mark Become a Different Kind of Family…That Cliffhanger
Best Medicine could not have been more obvious if they tried. They’ve pushed that Louisa and Mark were the best of friends all season, but in the finale, suddenly, Mark loved babies as much as she did.
It was super cute how Mark cuddled and gushed over Sigrid’s babies, whether they were adorable or as hairy as Chewbecca.
It seemed like the writing was on the wall when Louisa bailed out the teens, and they commented on how laidback Louisa and Mark were, meaning they would be the cool parents.
I originally wondered if Louisa would ask George to be the baby’s father, as I’ve seen so many shows where someone asks their gay friend to help.
But Mark made perfect sense in a way. They both have a child and are fun-loving and laidback. They know each other’s personalities and what matters to them in raising a child.
Best friends have raised children before and co-parented. This could be interesting and nontraditional.
It could also cause them to fall back in love. I’m here for the drama, and I love this different approach to Louisa’s fertility issue.
Over to you, Best Medicine Fanatics. Will Martin and Elaine beat this lawsuit?
What are your thoughts on Louisa and Mark having a battle together? What do you want to see in Season 2?
Let us know in the comments.
Best Medicine Season 1 is currently streaming on Hulu.
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