Doctor Finlay

Seasons

1993

7.6

Following his service in World War II, Dr. Finlay returns to the practice at Arden House, at a time when the National Health Service is about to be instituted.

Episode List

S1 • E1

The Return

In 1946, Dr. John Finlay is finally demobilized and he returns to life in private practice in his native Scotland. His partner, Dr. Alexander Cameron , has stayed on passed his retirement age to keep the practice open pending his return but it is now far less prosperous that when he left it and is barely paying for itself. Dr. Cameron hires a new locum, Dr. David Neil, to join the practice but fails to consult Finlay before doing so. Finlay and Neil begin to question the elder member of the practice's judgment when they suspect he had mis-prescribed medication to a pregnant woman.

S1 • E2

Working Together

With Dr. Finlay and Dr. Neil having reluctantly agreed to form a partnership, Dr. Cameron is free to move into his new home and formally retire. He's seems unable to do so however and still shows up for work every morning. Neil and Finlay don't see eye to eye on how to grow the practice. Finlay is disgusted at the generally poor health of many in the village and is a strong advocate of providing medical service where and when it is needed, regardless of one's ability to pay. In the absence of the forthcoming National Health Service, it means they have many patients who simply cannot pay. Neil doesn't object to that but argues the practice is a business and they also need paying patients. When a young girl falls ill, Neil steps in but now may face a complaint against him from the child's regular physician as Neil did not seek his permission as required.

S1 • E3

Winning the Peace

Dr. Cameron moves to his country cottage. Dr. Finlay is called upon to treat Mrs. Henderson, the mother of Archie Henderson, who deserted from the army and is rumored to be hiding out on his parents farm. Reverend Gill invites Dr. Neil to join the church choir.

S1 • E4

A Bitter Pill

An urgent smallpox vaccination program is underway in Tannochbrae. Dr. Neil suspects that Mary Thomson's illness remains because she is not taking her medicine. To Brenda's discomfort, Steve arrives at Arden House and for the first time meets Dr. Finlay. Alan Thomson is attacked by his father-in-law. Janet and Angus Livingstone begin to move the last of Dr. Cameron's possessions to his new cottage.

S1 • E5

Forbidden Fruit

A patient of Dr. Finlay's breaks down in the surgery when he implies that her ailments are psychosomatic. Dr. Cameron continues his lectures to the German prisoners of war at the local camp. Angus invites Janet to spend the week-end in Glasgow. Anne Stewart and Dr. Finlay share a quiet moment in the countryside.

S1 • E6

The Good Doctor

With Janet off to Glasgow with Angus Livingstone, Dr. Neil attempts to do the cooking at Arden House. Dr. Finlay and Dr. Gilmore once again cross swords about the National Health Service. Margaret Williams, a famous singer, seeks treatment at Arden House. Dr. Finlay receives an offer to practice medicine in Canada.