Doc Martin makes a bad impression on one Portwenn resident before he's officially hired. Things go downhill from there after he casts a pall over a local festival and gets punched in the nose.

Martin fires his receptionist and informs the locals that they can no longer use his waiting room as a social center. In return, the villagers shun him, the cafe won't serve him, and patients cancel their appointments.

A stomach bug sweeps through Portwenn. Martin creates mass panic by declaring it's the swimming pool, and then infuriates the locals by blaming the village water supply. Meanwhile, plumber Bert Large is making a mint off his new business: bottled water.

The annual Portwenn Players Dance is a highlight of the village's social calendar. Louisa invites Martin, but the doctor turns her down. Martin also pays a visit to a park ranger who believes he lives with a six-foot squirrel.

Aunt Joan's old flame arrives in Portwenn and rekindles their romance. Confidentiality prevents Martin from telling Joan about the man's health problem. And the doc has love problems of his own: a local teenager has a crush on him.

When Martin's fear of blood becomes common knowledge, the practical jokes begin. Tourist season commences, and Martin shocks one buxom visitor by offering to examine her chest. Later, an emergency compels Martin to confront his phobia.