Episode 200 - 3/31/67

Burke asks Sam to say it again. He says Roger was behind the wheel of Burke's car the night of the accident. He makes him repeat it several times. Sam repeats that Roger killed the man. Sam explains that his wife was sick and he was desperate for money. He gave Roger his paintings, and Roger gave him money for them—though he was really buying his silence. He says the money was worthless, as his wife died at the hospital. That led him to drink. Burke tells Sam that prison was hell, and Sam says he's known that and suffered with it for the past 10 years. Maggie comes in and finds Sam and Burke. She's proud that he told Burke the truth. She asks if Burke is going to send her father to prison. Burke reminds her that he spent five years in jail because of her father. She says that he's suffered, too. Burke tells her that she can't imagine what he's gone through. Sam says Burke wants revenge, not justice. He tells Maggie that he's waited 10 years for this day, and he doesn't know what he's going to do. He wants to think of all the things he might do to Sam and to Roger.

Liz tells Roger she's done explaining things to him. Roger says he doesn't understand why she lets Jason stay and snoop around. She asks where he's been that he shouldn't be. She asks if he's been in the basement. Roger says he's taking over Collinwood. Liz suggests he's upset that Jason is drinking his precious brandy, and Roger says that it's not that he drinks his brandy, his attitude is that it's his brandy. Liz explains that it's her house, and Jason knows it. Roger says that Jason doesn't act like it's her house. Liz tells Roger that he doesn't either.

Sam asks if they have to go to Collinwood. Burke says yes—they'll wake Roger if they have to. Maggie says he's not going, but Sam says he's got to do what Burke wants. Burke reminds her that it's his decision whether her father goes to prison. Sam tells her it's the least he can do. Sam says that Roger thought he'd never have the guts to tell Burke, so he wants to see his face when he finds out.

Jason pours himself a drink and lounges in the drawing room. Roger walks in, and Jason invites him to join him for a nightcap. Roger declines, saying he's come down for a book. Jason speaks of all the things he loves about Collinwood. Roger suggests that Jason leave first thing in the morning, and then asks him to. Jason refuses, and the two men enter into a shouting match. Jason suggests that while he doesn't own the place, neither does Roger. He says he's Liz's guest. Just then, Liz walks in, and Jason tells her that Roger has been reminding him that he's not welcome in Collinwood. Jason says that perhaps he misunderstood Liz's invitation to make himself at home. Roger asks Liz to tell Jason to leave tomorrow. Jason says that if she asks him to leave tonight, he will. He tells Liz it wouldn't reflect on their long history, and the memories of her husband. He reminds her that there are some memories he won't let her forget. He forces her to make a decision, and she says that he can stay. Roger is disappointed in her decision. Jason says he's relieved now that they've had this out, and Roger leaves the room.

Jason says that he hopes Roger is satisfied. She explains that he's puzzled by Jason's presence. He tells her that he would appreciate it if she made sure Roger didn't share his disappointment again. She says that while Roger can't make Jason leave, she can't make Roger happy to have him stay. He says goodnight, and when she doesn't reply, he presses her to return the sentiment. She reluctantly says goodnight and he goes to his room. There's a knock at the door.

It's Sam and Burke to see Roger. She says it's late, and Burke tells her to wake him. She says this is ridiculous, and Burke says she'll understand why it's important when she hears what they have to say. She asks Sam if this has to do with his paintings. He says no. She asks why they're there, and before she can respond, Roger starts downstairs and asks what all the racket is. He sees Burke with Sam. Burke says they've come to speak to him. Both of them.

Our thoughts

John: Wouldn't Burke have known about Sam's wife and financial situation? They've already established that they knew Burke before.

Christine: He may have known but not have realized the connection to Sam accepting a bribe from Roger and allowing Burke to go to jail, if Sam hadn't explained the circumstances.

John: I thought we might finally see Roger take to fisticuffs against Jason McGuire. Things are going to be mighty uncomfortable in Collinwood while this particular houseguest is present.

Christine:  It will be lots of fun to watch Roger not try to play nicely with Jason. Roger has a good question for Liz when he asks how much more Jason will force her to do. It seems the sky's the limit with Jason McGuire. His portrait may overlook the drawing room in another week.

John: Just when Roger thought things were as bad as they could be, he comes downstairs to see Burke and Sam confronting him.

Christine: What a great way to celebrate 200 episodes of Dark Shadows!

Episode 199 - 3/30/67

Maggie finds out that the money Roger paid for his paintings 10 years ago was to keep him from testifying against him in Burke Devlin's manslaughter trial. She asks why he would do that. He explains that he did it for Maggie and her mother. He said that the two years before her mother died, she was very sick and they couldn't afford it. Taking the money from Roger was impossible to resist. She realizes that Burke wasn't driving the car; that Burke was—and that he saw the accident. Sam says the car was swerving on the highway, and hit a man walking on the highway. It happened too fast for him to warn the man. He said the car stopped for a fraction of a second—it was Burke's car, but Roger was driving. He said Roger came to the house the next morning and offered $15,000 for the paintings. Maggie tells him that he let an innocent man go to jail for five years. He realizes that she's not only disappointed in him, she's also ashamed of him. She goes for a walk, leaving Sam alone.

In The Blue Whale, Burke tells Vicki he's never heard of Jason McGuire. She tells him Liz has invited him to stay, and he seems to intend to stay indefinitely. Vicki says that Liz has been acting strange since she returned from the hospital. Jason enters, and walks over to Vicki. She introduces him to Burke. He says the name sounds familiar, and asks if he owns a local business. He says Carolyn told him all about Burke. A stranger enters and calls to Jason. They go sit at another table. Burke says he seemed in a rush to keep his friend from them.

Jason tells Willie Loomis to stop staring at Vicki. He asks if she's up at Collinwood, too. He asks if the Stoddard dame has come around, and Jason tells him that they'll do all right, and he'll get his share. Willie clarifies that he'll get half. He says to ask Mrs. Stoddard if he can move into the house as well. Jason tells him to be patient. Another man bumps into Willie by accident, and he gets up to fight him, only to be held back by Jason and other bar patrons.

Burke tells Vicki that McGuire has a strange taste in friends.

Maggie returns home, and Sam tells her he's giving up drinking. She says she'll make him dinner, and then she's got a date with Joe. He says he couldn't eat anything, and asks her to sit down. He tells her he wants her to understand why he did what he did. He says it was a mistake, but it's in the past. He asks her if there's a way he can change it. She says he could go to Burke, and Sam says he could go to the sheriff, and that could end up with him in jail. He says that's too drastic. Maggie goes to change, and Sam pours himself a drink, but doesn't drink it. He puts it down and walks to the phone. He dials the Inn and asks to speak to Burke Devlin.

Sam paces back and forth, until he hears a car pull up. Burke comes in and asks what's going on. Sam says he's got to tell him something, and offers Burke a drink. Burke asks what's the emergency. Sam tells him that he had a talk with Maggie about him this morning. They spoke of the accident 10 years ago, and Burke's manslaughter charge. Burke asks if he saw it, and Sam says yes. He describes the car hitting the man, and says that Burke, Roger and Laura Collins were in the car. Burke asks if he was driving. Sam says that Burke was passed out in the back seat. Burke implores him to tell him who was driving, and Sam admits it was Roger.

Our thoughts

John: Today's biggest shocker—Willie Loomis wasn't always played by John Karlen! Okay, maybe not the episode's biggest shocker. But he certainly has an interesting introduction into the series. He's not as much of a weasel as I recall him being from future episodes.

Christine: Willie #1 is played by James Hall, who seems to be channeling Mr. Linden from Carnival of Souls. He may not be as much of a weasel as Willie #2, but his violent outburst, manner of speaking about himself in third person, and creepy ogling of Vicki makes him seem a lot more unbalanced than the Willie we will come to know and love. I liked how Jason says Willie will get "a share of the part." That about sums it up. Of course we know he'll be getting more than he's reckoned for. I wonder why Jason whispered to Bartender Bob Rooney when getting Willie under control.

John: Nice, Sam. Ask your daughter what to do, and then tell her you can''t do what she asks. Chicken.

Christine: Pretty much. Sam told Maggie he was going on the wagon. He almost made it to the end of the episode before he fell off.

John: No sooner than we've lost all respect for Sam, he fooled us all, and went and did what Maggie asked. Burke Devlin finally knows the truth!

Christine: I think he realized it was the only way to earn Maggie's respect back. Did someone lag on Cue 136: "Small Sting" or was it played too soon? It played after Sam said Roger was driving, and then as Burke looks stunned and backs up, there's an awkward silence before we hear the cue again.

Burke pours the wine for his second date with Vicki.

"But remember this: Willie is not a patient man." -Willie Loomis

Kathryn Leigh Scott's turn with the slate today.

I think she's giving us a hint that someone with fangs is on the way.

Episode 198 - 3/29/67

Roger descends into the basement of Collinwood and begins working at the padlock on the door. Liz interrupts him, and he refuses to stop unless she opens the door. She tells him if he puts his hand on the door, he can leave Collinwood for good. He says she can't be serious. He implores her to check for the paintings. He says he told Sam Evans he could use them in a showing. Liz says that he wouldn't go to such trouble for Sam. She says she hope he has no reason to have to do a favor for Sam Evans. He denies keeping something from her, and he asks if she's keeping something from him. She says the room has old things of Paul's that she doesn't want disturbed.

Sam is sure Roger won't be able to find his paintings. Maggie asks who has them, not knowing it's Roger her pop is referring to. He says it's just somebody he sold them to. He barks at her and she leaves for work, saying she's used to it. He says he'll make it all up to her once the paintings are found.

Wearing what appears to be a new suit, Jason is on the phone with Willie, telling him how wonderful and generous Mrs. Stoddard will be. Liz enters and he tells her how much he enjoys living at Collinwood. He says he has a request of her. He'd like to live in a manner consistent with living in a house like Collinwood. She says she won't give him money. He says he hopes she'll consider it, as all he's got to lose is an allowance, while she has a lot more to lose.

Roger tells Sam he can't find the paintings. Sam tells him to search again, and not to come back until he has results. Roger tells him that he won't go to Burke, because he'd be implicated, too. Sam says that the satisfaction of seeing Roger get what he deserves may overcompensate for that. Roger storms out, and Sam tells him he's going to see Burke. Roger reminds him that his daughter will suffer. He tells Sam that he wouldn't even get the paintings now if he did find them and slams the door. Sam throws his glass at the door.

Jason offers Roger some of his own Brandy. Jason apologizes, saying he thought Collinwood and everything in it belonged to Liz. Jason says that Liz told him that while he lived at Collinwood, he should consider himself like a member of the family. Roger says that doesn't sound like his sister. He asks if Jason plans to be a member of 'the family' for a very long time. He says he plans to stay for a short while. Roger asks for a more precise timeline, and Jason says that will be up to Liz, "like everything else around here."

Maggie returns home to find Sam drunk and sitting on the floor. He complains that he could have had recognition. He whines that the chance of a lifetime is gone. He tells her that he stood right in the room and told him the paintings couldn't be found. He said he told him that he searched Collinwood and couldn't find them. Maggie realizes that he's talking about Roger Collins. She says those were the paintings he sold for $15,000. She says that's more than they were worth, and Roger wouldn't be interested in his work. Maggie sees through Sam's lies. She asks if the $15,000 was for something other than the paintings. He asks if she wants to know what it was for, and she guesses it's so he wouldn't testify against Burke. She asks why he did it.

Our thoughts

John: Wow! Liz wastes no time in laying down the law with Roger. And he seems to realize that she may not be kidding about kicking him out of Collinwood for good. He didn't even have a chance to counter with a threat of taking David with him.

Christine: Jason is feeling pretty confident about getting anything he wants from Liz. I wonder why she doesn't call his bluff. It seems that if he spills the beans on her, then he's also going to be implicated.

John: Interesting pickle between Roger and Liz. She pretty much knows he's lying about Sam, and he's quite confident she's lying about the basement room. Of course Liz didn't help her case by saying, "Yeah—that's it, it's all Paul's stuff..."

Christine: That was classic! What a wonderful scene. Interesting that they're essentially experiencing the same problem of having some criminal secret with an accomplice who is using their knowledge of it to control them. She did say that she loves him, which I believe may be the first outward expression of sisterly devotion we've heard so far, even if it was an 'I love you, but'.

John: So Maggie finally knows the truth about her father, Roger Collins, and old family friend Burke Devlin. I wonder if Sam's letter is still locked in the safe at the hotel.

Christine: The truth is out! And so is the portrait of Isaac Collins after a lengthy time spent in the shadows. There were quite a few strange occurrences surrounding the portrait of Isaac Collins early on in the show, which makes his presence during Jason's conversation with Roger seem significant. It may indicate that grave matters lie ahead for Collinwood. It's interesting to look back at Episode 22 when we were wondering about the events of ten years ago and realize we are finally getting some answers more than 170 episodes later.

Episode 197 - 3/28/67

Jason makes himself comfortable in Collinwood. Liz tells him he may think of himself as a guest, but the truth is that he's an intruder. She demands to know how long he plans to stay. He says he might stay for some time, and if she did anything to make his stay difficult, he might have to do something to retaliate. He tells her that she was in trouble, and he helped her. She takes him into the drawing room. She asks if he has a conscience. He tells her that if he did, he'd run right down and talk to the police. He asks her why she hasn't been to see the police in the last 18 years. He tells her that they're stuck with what happened 18 years ago. She says that doesn't make them partners, and he tells her he just wants a little consideration. She says that he had quite enough to take care of him, and suggests that now he's come back for more. He admits that he's broke. All he has is what he's wearing. He asks her to call the local haberdashery to let them know he'll be by to charge a few things.

Sam Evans picks up the phone and calls Collinwood. Roger answers, and Sam asks if he's found the paintings yet. He tells Roger that if he doesn't find them, he's going to blow the whistle on him.

Roger explores the basement with a flashlight. There are plenty of antiques, but no sign of any paintings. He finds his way to the padlocked door, and rattles it. As he wanders deeper into the basement, Jason makes his way into the basement. He goes right to the door, and lights a match before the padlock. Roger then shines his flashlight on him and asks if that helps. He asks what Jason is doing. He says he was lost. Roger asks why he was looking at the lock. Jason tells him he used to collect old padlocks. He also explains that he's curious what lies behind the door. Roger says that if he accepts his story that he's just a tourist in the basement, why is he in Collinwood? He  then asks if he left with Paul Stoddard 18 years ago. Jason explains that he last saw Paul in Collinwood, 18 years ago. He asks Roger about Liz having become a recluse 18 years ago. He does confirm that she hasn't left the house in 18 years. Jason points out how that coincides with when Paul disappeared. And then he asks Roger what he was doing in the basement.

Liz clutches the key to the padlock when Roger walks in. He asks if she's seen a dozen paintings that he had picked up 10 years ago. He says he's looked everywhere but the locked room in the basement. She says they're not there. Those are personal belongings that she doesn't want anyone poking around. He tells her that her house guest was exploring that lock, which shocks her.

Roger meets Sam in The Blue Whale, and explains that he can't find the paintings. He says they must be around unless someone threw them out. Sam scolds him, explaining that some of them took months to finish. Roger says he shouldn't have given them away so readily, and Sam says that he needed to give them to make their transaction look legitimate. He says if Roger doesn't find them, he's going to Burke Devlin. Roger says there's one more place they might be.

Jason prepares to visit the haberdashery, and Liz asks to speak with him first. She asks what he was doing in the basement. He says he was socializing with Roger. She claims he was trying to open a lock. He says that he probably could pick it, and says he has a rather large stake down there. He says that Roger doesn't seem to know anything. He tells her that he hopes the door never gets opened.

In the basement, Roger tries to break the padlock.

Our thoughts

John: It's amusing how they call upon the fact that Liz hasn't left the house in 18 years, just days after she returns from being out of the house for what might be the longest stretch since Paul's disappearance.

Christine: It seems that something was edited out of this Take #2 episode. When Jason is talking to Roger in the basement about how Liz becoming a recluse coincides with Paul Stoddard's departure, it suddenly jumps to them in a new position with Roger saying, "Shall we go?"

John: So once again we're led to believe that it might be the remains of Paul Stoddard behind the locked basement door. The fact that both Roger AND Jason have been poking around down there has got to be freaking Liz out.

Christine: If so, then how did Paul Stoddard die, and why is she keeping his remains in the basement instead of having him buried somewhere out on the large estate?

John: Where, oh where could Sam's paintings be? It would seem more likely they would be in one of the closed off areas of the house than behind the locked basement door, but curiosity may be getting the best of Roger as well. The only question is, who will be the one to find him trying to break in—Liz? David? Mrs. Johnson? I guess we'll find out tomorrow.

Episode 196 - 3/27/67

Liz says Jason is the last person she expected to see. She introduces Carolyn to Jason as someone she used to know. Liz asks him what he's doing there, and he says surely she should know. He asks if she received his letter from Tierra del Fuego, and says you never know what happens to mail in places like that. He references the last time he was in Collinwood 18 years ago. She sends Carolyn away and asks her to tell Mrs. Johnson to prepare coffee.

Jason tells her she's exactly as he remembers her. He says he was passing through town and wanted to say hello. She's sure he wants something. He says he wants nothing, and shortly he'll be leaving, unless she wants him to leave immediately. She reluctantly tells him that's not necessary. He says he'll be gone before she knows it, and it might be 18 years before she sees him again, if ever. He says the events of 18 years ago have had a lot to do with how he's spent the rest of his time, and he'd like to forget about it. She says she agrees with that. She asks where he's staying, and he says he's hoping for an invitation from her to stay in Collinwood. She says she can't ask him to stay, and he corrects her, saying she can and will.

Vicki finds Carolyn and asks why the drawing room is closed. She says her mother is meeting with an old friend, Jason McGuire. Vicki says she met him at the coffee shop. She says he was asking all kinds of questions about the family, including Carolyn's father.

Liz says he can't force his way into the house. He says the events of 18 years ago are what they base the future on. He says they were allies, not enemies, and they owe each other. He suggests that turning him away is not the wisest thing she can do. She asks how long he'll stay. He says to tell the others he's there for a brief stay. Liz paces back and forth, and he tells her to think of him as someone she'd like to have as a house guest. She says she'll have a room prepared. He says he won't settle for one on the main floor, like a servant. He wants a room on the second floor, with an ocean view. He asks if they dress for dinner, and she suggests he could eat in his room. He explains that he likes dinner company.

Roger enters, and Liz introduces him to Jason. Jason says it's good to see him again. Though Roger doesn't remember, Jason says they met 18 years ago. Roger offers him a drink, and he says he'll take one later. Liz explains that she invited Jason to stay at Collinwood. Jason goes to collect he gear, and Roger asks what's going on. She says Jason was a friend of Paul's. Roger says he's amazed she would invite a friend of Paul's to stay in the house. He asks if he's seen Paul, or brought a message from him. He continues to question Liz, but she remains evasive. He says if Jason is a friend of Paul's, he's probably as bad as Paul—or worse! He asks how long he'll be staying, and she says his stay will be brief, but nothing more specific.

Carolyn enters and says she wanted to say goodbye to Jason. As Vicki walks in, Liz says she's invited him to stay over. Carolyn is surprised, and says she seemed shocked to see him. Liz barks that she won't have her motives cross examined. Vicki reminds her not to get excited. Roger and Carolyn leave, and Vicki asks her if there's anything she can do, and suggests that Liz get some rest. She tells Vicki that she'll need her support, and asks her to promise once again that she won't reveal what she saw in the basement.

Jason makes a call from a pay phone, and tells the recipient that everything is going beautifully.

Our thoughts

John: I do love the way Jason McGuire chews up the scenery and all the other characters, too. He should make for a strong presence at Collinwood. Looking forward to seeing what develops in his relationship with Liz.

Christine: He's sure to liven things up at Collinwood. I look forward to seeing what develops in his relationship with Roger.

John: Roger eases up rather quickly on the thought of there being another house guest in Collinwood. He wasn't this comfortable when Mrs. Johnson came aboard!

Christine: I think he's in shock. He's probably trying to figure out if Liz had an affair with Jason eighteen years ago, causing hubby Paul to leave.

John: Maybe if Liz didn't keep bringing it up, Vicki might actually forget that she saw her in the basement in the middle of the night...

Christine: She obviously wants to talk to somebody about her basement issues and may be testing Vicki to see if she can keep whatever damnable secret she hides down there.