MovieChat Forums > Doc Martin (2004) Discussion > Bert

Bert

posted 6 years ago by liscarkat (16621)
8 replies | jump to latest

What keeps this guy alive? In his sixties and planetoid. Why hasn't he died from heart disease or diabetes?

Not sure what you mean when you say planetoid, but I have often wondered how much longer he'll be around. Viewers must notice that he doesn't do much during his scenes - mostly sitting, standing and maybe some walking.

[–] liscarkat (16621) 6 years ago

Planetoid, as in massive and spherical, like a planet.

Yes, I've noticed some episodes where he doesn't seem very mobile. In the last one I saw Bert was in a wheelchair and I wondered if it was to accommodate Ian's condition.

[–] GlenEllyn (21118) 6 years ago

I remember that episode and the same thought had crossed my mind.

[–] GlenEllyn (21118) 6 years ago

Do you ever tire of Bert and all his schemes? At first I thought it was a character quirk, but it's beginning to wear on me. Sometimes it seems his favorite line is, "Don't worry, everything's under control." Except it isn't.

[–] liscarkat (16621) 6 years ago

That's the joke. But I can see how it would wear after all these episodes. I still like him, although I become exasperated with his schemes and irresponsibility, and I feel sorry for put-upon Al.

[–] GlenEllyn (21118) 6 years ago

I know it's the joke, but it's getting old. I think they could have done more with Bert, not just his schemes. Being a villager, he could have been a good resource for Doc Martin - you know, the guy who knows about everything in Portwenn because he's been there so long. I know they're a long way from Doc needing someone like that now. In the first few episodes he seemed like a knowledgeable guy, but then he started getting into all the schemes. Perhaps that was the intent all along.

I felt sorry for Al, too. The relationship between Al and Ruth is one of my favorites of the series.

[–] liscarkat (16621) 6 years ago

I agree.

[–] GlenEllyn (21118) 4 years ago

I finally just watched series 9, and Bert (Ian McNeice) seems worse, as in any walking is an extreme effort for him. Sad to see, actually, but it's nice they seem to be accommodating his limitations. But I keep expecting him to keel over. Well, Doc Martin is finished now, so...