As the citizens of Port Wenn get competitive during their annual floating crate race, Martin urgently tries to give important medical advice when three men have positive pregnancy tests. Meanwhile, Eden learns she wants to be liked after her singing "causes" a man to pass out and former record-holder Sarah coaches Peter in the art of crate racing.
Eden is certain she kills at karaoke. At first, she wants to shut down The Salty Breeze for the noise. However, she's just as transfixed by the activity as the rest of Port Wenn. She wants to be cheered on too. It's not fair that everyone has such disdain for her. Martin shames the town. They brag about their town spirit and welcoming attitudes. That hasn't been shared with Eden. Her singing doesn't endear her to anyone. Moreover, it convinces people that her voice is lethal. Lorenzo passes out whenever she starts singing. It's ridiculous and amusing. Eden never gets through a full performance. The second time around everyone is just going through the motions. They aren't extending kindness. They are tolerating what must occur before the full festivities can begin. Martin and Eden's priorities shift when Lorenzo needs medical attention. It's one of the mysteries that plays out over the course of the episode. In fact, a lot of disparate plots are stuffed together here. That makes the narrative somewhat feel like too much is going on. As such, none of the emotional beats are able to resonate for as long as they probably need in order to be effective. It's easy to understand everything that happens. None of the moments really have enough time to breathe. It's cute when Copernicus also mocks Eden though.
The crate race is the town event happening this week. It's the latest example of Martin thinking this town's traditions are insane and unsafe. He wants everyone to have a physical before competing. That's prompted entirely by Lorenzo's lack of activity before starting to train for this competition. Martin tells him to take it easy. Lorenzo still gets to be involved in the day. That inclusion helps Martin arrive at a proper diagnosis. The motion ringing the bell was the same audience engagement in Eden's karaoke song. That action cuts off his circulation. Lorenzo isn't the only patient Martin sends to the hospital for further evaluation. He expects three guys from out of town to take it more seriously when they may have testicular cancer. The bloodwork and urine samples don't add up. Martin deduces that it wasn't their urine shared with him for this test. It was all a deception prompted by Glendon to ensure no one shuts down his job site. He too is making money from the sea urchins. He doesn't trust Martin. He belittles him over memories of when they were kids. He acts the same way as adults. He hasn't grown up. He threatens Martin's career. As such, he doesn't listen to his medical advice until he's forced to do so.
The stakes are established early on with the crate race. It's important to Sarah because she holds the record. She's also tampered with the course ever since so that no one could ever break it. She only changes her ways now to give Peter the shot he deserves. He doesn't ultimately win. That's surprising. However, it's established as fair. Sarah extended that opportunity to all the competitors. Martin is the one who walks away with the prize and new record. He does so to convince Glendon to take his health seriously. It's the only way to get him to do so. The buildup to Martin's run could have produced any outcome. It was just as likely that he would fall on the first crate. It would be redemption because he didn't pee himself like he did when he was a kid. Sarah apologizes for forcing Martin to do all of these activities when he was young grieving his sister's death. She thought she knew what was best for him. She still behaves that way. She's certain he belongs in Port Wenn. Others are allowed to have uncertainty. Sarah gets the win while being proud of her nephew. He carries on the family legacy. His victory proves he carries the spirit of Port Wenn. Eden isn't present though. As such, that conflict over whether Martin will stay or go will continue. It's a celebratory moment. It's still not quite that deep.
In addition to all of this, the rest of the ensemble deal with some major moments. It's the anniversary of the death of Elaine's dad. She takes it out on Al because he's been rejecting his father for months. Bert has been everything a father needs to be. It doesn't matter that he and Al aren't biologically related. Bert raised Al. Everything he is stems from that. He can't be angry forever. They finally make up. Meanwhile, Elaine doesn't mourn alone. Her mother shows up. It's a bit random as that's the only time Sheila appears. As such, it's bittersweet. It allows this remembrance to continue as it always has. It was never truly in danger though. That ruins the moment slightly. Furthermore, the narrative keeps throwing Louisa and Mark into situations. Sure, it highlights their friendship. They function well in that regard. However, any moment could reignite something romantic between them. They carpool for their respective dates. It's not weird even though others are concerned. It doesn't go well for Louisa. It's awkward to be trying to date and get pregnant at the same time. It's easier for Mark. That makes it less consequential. He just gets to have sex offscreen. That's all the enjoyment he needs. At least his run on the crates is entertaining. That's just not quite enough cohesion to keep everything together in a strong thematic way.
