It helps, and I am listening to more - into series 2 now - as I am beginning to steal characters more blatantly I am wondering if this is more a negotiated kidnapping (I cannot give up the idea of Mycroft kidnapping someone now that I've thought of it) the whole crew.

Douglas, as an intellectual exercise - perhaps to make Martin feel he is more intelligent, with the in crowd - has been reading/performing Shakespeare with Martin during the interminable flights - Mycroft is aware of this because he makes regular use of his hold over Douglas for his own transport purposes.

Martin has a very good memory, and Mycroft is struck by his comedic talents; hence, when an emergency occurs - he springs into action and ensconces the entire crew in the relative lap of luxury of dotty Uncle Rocky's estate so that Martin can fill in for our lamented previously-cast family member.

How does that strike you?