So when Doc Martin flashes his uncomprehending, blank look or his practically virtuoso look of utter derision ... that's me gone.
Clunes as the doctor/surgeon has the remarkable ability of absolutely disappearing into his roles. Having him back on screen is like having your favourite book back ... you know, the one you didn't want to end.
The programme is set in the fictitious Cornish fishing village of Portwenn, picture-postcard perfect with a cast of characters from the quirky and mildly cute to the downright balmy or barking mad in a couple of cases.
So the haemophobic Doc - once an eminent surgeon in London - is now the village GP. His low-ceilinged waiting room in the quaint cottage is constantly bustling with people old and young with an encyclopedia of medical gripes ... in saying that a hypochondriac would be hard pushed to make it past the first question with the doc.
His wife, the appealing school principal Louisa Glasson (Caroline Catz), has an innate sweet nature.
She is far from socially challenged and she loves her Martin even though he is dour, stodgy, and unromantic.
More amazing is baby son James Henry, who gazes steadily at his dad and who is happy to slurp his dinner off the spoon proffered by the straight-faced old boy staring at him with fixed concentration.
Maybe this blue-eyed babby sees more than we do; maybe he knows that underneath the old man is a kind soul and a pushover.
What is incredible is how Doc's perpetually lazy receptionist Morwenna (Jessica Ransom), she of the colourful revealing clothes, isn't fazed at all by his off-hand exasperation.
And not because she's a bit dense either. She just thinks he's being a bit stupid ... you know like ... sigh!
So great subplots, great show, great viewing.
