The latest trip to Port Wenn brought a murder mystery, a major personal secret, and some unexpected bonding for Dr. Martin Best. The February 24 episode of Best Medicine, titled “The Bogfather,” saw the town go on high alert after a body was pulled from the local bog. What started as a potential crime scene investigation turned into a fascinating historical puzzle that forced the grumpy doctor to confront his own past and his future in the small town.
A Corpse in the Bog Throws Port Wenn Into a Frenzy
The peaceful (and often quirky) life in Port Wenn was disrupted when a corpse was discovered in the town’s bog. Sensing drama and excitement, the residents immediately went on high alert. For Sheriff Mark Mylow (Josh Segarra) , this was the big case he had been waiting for. He approached the discovery as a present-day murder, ready to prove himself as a serious law enforcement officer.
However, Dr. Martin Best (Josh Charles) had a different perspective. He was tasked with examining the body, and his initial findings suggested something far less recent. Martin actually seemed to enjoy the process of examining the corpse because, as he put it, dead bodies don’t talk back, gossip, or ignore his medical advice. This preference for the deceased over the living was a darkly funny moment that highlighted his ongoing struggles with the living, breathing residents of Port Wenn.
The town’s enthusiasm for the mystery was on full display. Bert (John DiMaggio) and Greg (Stephen Spinella) tried to make a quick buck off the situation, showing their usual shameless entrepreneurial spirit. Even George (Jason Veasey), who initially disapproved, eventually joined in when he realized the money could help with repairs at the Salty Breeze, the local pub that serves as a central meeting point for the characters. The body was even stored at the Salty Breeze, leading to plenty of comedic moments as Martin and Mark tried to keep the curious public away from their makeshift investigation site.
Martin and Mark Bond Over the Investigation
This episode allowed for a significant shift in the dynamic between Martin and Mark. Usually, they exist in their own lanes—the irritable doctor and the not-so-bright sheriff. But “The Bogfather” put them on equal footing as they worked together to determine the cause of death.
Mark noticed that Martin seemed to be genuinely having fun for the first time. Martin applied his logical, fact-based mind to the clues, establishing timelines and eliminating suspects. It was a role that suited him because it involved pure facts, not the messy emotions that come with treating live patients. Mark, for his part, brought his enthusiasm and knowledge of the town’s people to the table. This collaboration strengthened their friendship, showing that they can learn from each other when given the right opportunity.
The Bogfather Was Not a Murder Victim, But a Piece of History
The mystery took a sharp turn when further examination and DNA testing revealed that the body was not a recent murder victim, but a centuries-old corpse from the 18th century. The man was later identified as James Brewster, an early settler of Port Wenn and, as it turned out, a direct ancestor of Martin Best on his mother’s side.
This revelation was a shock to Martin. As Mark read from historical records, he described Brewster as a notorious recluse who lived in a shack by the bog and always looked for reasons to quarrel with people. The parallels to Martin were not lost on the townspeople. “This sounds like Doc,” Mark laughed, and others quickly joined in, joking that Martin was just like his grumpy ancestor.
While others found it humorous, the comparison deeply affected Martin. He didn’t want to be seen as the town loner, isolated and destined to die without any real connections. This realization became the emotional core of the episode, pushing him to make a change.
Al’s Health Scare and Relationship With Elaine Deepens
While Martin and Mark were busy with the bog body, another storyline unfolded involving Elaine (Cree) and Al (Carter Shimp) . Elaine, who dreams of escaping Port Wenn to become famous, had been using Al to help film her “Claw & Order” podcast. They made a good team, with Elaine’s gossip skills and Al’s handyman abilities complementing each other.
However, things got complicated when Al referred to Elaine as his girlfriend. Elaine quickly corrected him, saying she only wanted to be “flirty friends,” which left Al feeling used. To make matters worse, genetic testing related to the bog body investigation revealed that Al has Marfan syndrome, a genetic disorder that affects the body’s connective tissue. This diagnosis, combined with the fact that he looks nothing like his father Bert, planted the seed that Al might be adopted.
The health scare made Elaine realize how much Al truly means to her. When she thought he might have a serious, life-threatening condition, her feelings became clearer. While their future as a couple remains uncertain due to their different dreams, this episode solidified that their bond is deeper than just friendship.
Martin’s Big Confession to Louisa About His Blood Phobia
The most significant moment of the episode came between Martin and Louisa (Abigail Spencer) . For weeks, Martin has been acting strangely around Louisa, especially when it comes to her medical treatments. Louisa has hemochromatosis, an iron overload disease that requires regular bloodletting. Martin, a surgeon, has repeatedly left the room or avoided the procedure, leaving Elaine to do the work.
Louisa confronted him, feeling hurt and confused. She thought he simply couldn’t stand to be near her. Martin initially deflected with his usual sarcasm, claiming he doesn’t have time for patients’ emotional insecurities. But after the discovery that he is a direct descendant of the town’s loner, he had a change of heart.
He went to Louisa’s house to apologize. When she pushed him for a real explanation, he finally confessed. “I have a hard time… with… blood,” he admitted, struggling to get the words out. “A phobia about blood. I came here hoping I could still practice medicine. It’s proven harder to do than I thought.”
This confession was a huge moment for the character. It explained why he acts like a “lunatic” whenever he has to take blood and why he relies so heavily on Elaine’s assistance. When Louisa asked why he was telling her now, Martin’s response was simple and vulnerable: “I don’t want to be the bogman.” He didn’t want to end up like his ancestor, isolated and alone. This honest moment opened the door for a deeper connection between them, as Louisa now understands his struggles instead of taking his behavior personally.
Also Read:
Mark Learns the Truth About His Goldfish
On a lighter note, the episode also delivered a hilarious subplot involving Sheriff Mark’s gullibility. He discovered that his childhood goldfish did not, in fact, “run away to join a rock band.” Geneva (Didi Conn), a kind older resident, had to break the news to him that his mother made up the story. Mark was genuinely shocked, asking, “Wait, he didn’t join a rock band? You and my mom told me that he was in a band called Cutie and the Goldfish.”
Geneva’s deadpan response, “I never could understand how he got into law enforcement,” perfectly captured the town’s affectionate view of their well-meaning but not-so-bright sheriff. Later, when Martin checked if Mark truly believed a goldfish could sing, Mark defended himself by saying he had a dog who could read his mind. It was a moment of pure, innocent comedy that provided a perfect balance to the episode’s heavier emotional beats.
Best Medicine airs Tuesdays at 8/7c on Fox. The series has found its rhythm by blending small-town quirks with genuine character development, and Episode 8 was a prime example of the show at its best.
Also Read: Natalee Linez TV Shows: 5 Must-Watch Performances From The Rising Star
For more entertainment news and detailed recaps, keep reading VvipTimes. We bring you the latest from Port Wenn and beyond, ensuring you never miss a moment of the drama.
