While Martin continues to struggle with his blood phobia, a mermaid washes ashore in Port Wenn to the amazement of everyone in town. Meanwhile, Judith, a well-meaning townsperson, creates havoc while on prescribed oxygen, Louisa continues to see Martin's girlfriend Eden for medical guidance and Greg and George's success from the sea urchin boom take its toll on the both of them.
No more secrets. That's the refrain as the second season premiere hits its climactic moment. The citizens of Port Wenn gather to comfort Cecelia as she feels all alone. For a moment, Martin has an out. He doesn't have to confess his blood phobia. The town takes over. They share all the embarrassing things they did over the course of the first season. They're not exactly something they wear with pride. They are being open and honest about their actions. They trust that the community they've built will love them regardless. That's what makes Port Wenn special. Martin can only connect with them for a few brief moments. He knows exactly what it's like to be paralyzed by a personal secret. It's put his entire medical practice into jeopardy. Glendon reported Martin to the state medical board. That means Martin has to endure yet another annoying person at work. He doesn't like the person sent to monitor him at all. Yet he's handling it. Elaine is pursing her certificate to be able to draw blood legally. The appropriate steps are being taken. Martin hid his fear out of shame. And now, he openly shares it. He too is the benefit of this community's generosity. Glendon thought he could weaponize it. It backfired. Sarah is the only one who feels personally betrayed by Martin.
Sarah thought Martin was making real progress too. She believed he was coming to love Port Wenn. He was changing. Martin's furious at the people constantly telling him he needs to change. His attitude is what's out of place here. He feels legitimate in every action he takes. He gives his patients honest medical advice. They don't take it. He knows precisely how to improve their lives. He can't make those choices for them. He simply has to be there when people are in trouble. He's capable of springing into action when danger strikes. Cecelia is drowning in the bay. Martin jumps in while wearing his suit to save her. She constantly wants to leave. He refuses to let her until he has successfully diagnosed and treated her. He cares about his patients. He doesn't want something bad to happen after they leave his office. The difference comes in those who need immediate care and those who need to make lifestyle changes. Both have frequently dropped into Martin's life. He is always busy. He's exasperated by people demanding even more of him. He has contempt for the people of Port Wenn. And yet, the neighborly spirit is enough to change lives. That's been enriching to them even as Martin resists every step of the way.
That's why Martin finds so much comfort in Eden. She's not asking him to be different. She sees no reason why he would want to stay in Port Wenn though. She expects him to return to Boston with her once the state medical board completes its investigation. That means Martin must find a reason to stay. That's the way the show functions. It's not with Martin in Boston. It's with Martin in Port Wenn as he suffers from his blood phobia. Sharing that may actually free him to make progress. This isn't something he carried throughout his entire career. It was triggered when he faced a case similar to what happened to his sister. He never recovered from that loss. His parents never talked about it. It's difficult for Martin to open up. Sarah always demands that from him. She's not operating with all of the information either. She thinks she knows what's best for Martin. That's certainly not Eden. He belongs in Port Wenn with Louisa. She's confident about that. And yet, she can't fight for Martin more than he fights for himself. He's on his own journey. Meanwhile, Sarah has to be satisfied with the lucrative sea urchin business. She's putting her own health in jeopardy in pursuit of this windfall. It's working. It brings more attention to the town. That invites even more people who are critical of those who call this place home.
It's a curious time for all of the familiar characters. Al still hasn't forgiven Bert for lying about being his father for his entire life. Elaine is reluctant to go to New York City with Al but ultimately agrees. Louisa remains terrified of trying to have a baby. She turns down Mark's offer to be co-parents. They are better as friends. It would be too complicated if they tried for anything more than that. That leaves Mark feeling miserable. He just wants someone who will make his face hurt from smiling all the time. That arrives with Cecilia. She's not a mermaid. The costume she's wearing suggests otherwise. It fuels the town gossip. Ultimately, she's just a person. She's lonely. She feels no one truly loves her. It's insane when people start to do nice things for her. She doesn't understand it. She pushes them away fearing the worst. Help is all that's been offered. Once she's willing to accept it, more opportunities are presented that are worth pursuing. The journey in the future will remain a struggle. Judith knows that all too well. People are constantly telling her to quit smoking. She desperately wants to do so. The addiction keeps winning even after she blows up two homes. Martin thinks Sarah is insane for inviting Judith to live with her. She needs to be under constant monitoring. One second is enough for disaster to strike. She wants to do better. Martin understands the struggle. He accepts Sarah's good-hearted nature. The frustrations remain. He tries to relate. Sometimes, he can. Other times, he would love to do anything but that. That's the hook of the show. Not everyone needs to understand each other. It's still important to reach out and find those connections anyway.
