In the Season 8 premiere, Martin and Louisa are living together again in the surgery. Portwenn is buzzing with activity as preparations for Janice and Penhale's wedding go ahead. Penhale has his own medical issue, which could prevent him from making it down the aisle.

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.

Martin is put out when he hears a voicemail left for Louisa inviting her to interview for a place on a child and adolescent counselling course. Clive takes up race-walking in a bid to get fitter for Sal, but disaster strikes when he takes a turn for the worse.

Morwenna's parents pay her a surprise visit where she finds out her mum has terminal liver cancer. Louisa's first Skype call for her course does not go as planned when Martin decides to intervene.

James is teething and nothing seems to be working, so Martin and Louisa try Mel's suggestion of amber beads. Mrs Tishell seems to be having a delayed onset of mourning.

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.

It is the annual Portwenn versus Port Carran gig race and school gig festival. Morwenna needs to find a replacement rower after Eric dislocates his finger. One of Martin's patients passes out during a consultation, causing Martin to pass out as well.