Dark Shadows Episode 524 - 6/28/68

Amazon Prime members can stream today's episode free!

Trask has disappeared, and Jeff has a headache. Vicki points out that the fact he recognized Trask proves he's Peter Bradford. He tells her he doesn't know what she's talking about. He doesn't remember anything. Vicki's upset that he can't remember what just happened. He tells her to stop trying to tell her that he's a two-hundred year-old man. Vicki suggests they could try hypnosis by Professor Stokes. She says if she traveled through time, then he could have, too.

There's a knock at the door and Jeff lets Joe in. Jeff acts oddly around him. Maggie comes down to leave with Joe. Jeff says he can come by and get his things, since it wouldn't be right for him to stay with her now that her father is dead. He goes into the drawing room, and Maggie asks what's wrong with him. Vicki tells her he just needs rest.

Vicki asks why Jeff stared oddly at Joe. He says it was just his headache. He reiterates that he's not going to undergo hypnosis.

Joe and Maggie return to her cottage, and she says she doesn't remember leaving the light on in the window. Joe offers to take her back to Collinwood, and she says she'll be fine. She says she'll leave her pop's things just where he left them. Joe turns on another light and notices several things have been knocked around. Maggie asks who that could be, and Joe suggests it might have been Adam. Maggie finds a pin on the floor, and says that if it was Adam, he wasn't alone. She says it's a stick pin with Professor Stokes' monogram. Joe asks why Stokes would come back to the house after the accident. Maggie finds the thought frightening.

Jeff arrives and apologizes for being rude to Joe. He says good night and retires to his room. Joe tells her he wants to stay the night. He says he'll stay on the sofa.

Jeff dreams, and sees Vicki led by a man with a torch. She's brought past a jail cell he's in, and tells him that Forbes turned her in.

As Peter, he tells her he'll kill Forbes when he gets out. He then dreams of Forbes drinking. He enters, and tells him he's coming for him. Forbes asks what he wants, and Peter tells him he's going to kill him for what he did to Vicki. Forbes laughs, and Peter lunges at him. Forbes pulls a gun on him. Jeff distracts him and grabs the gun. Forbes tells him to go ahead and shoot him. Forbes laughs at him for trying to be a hero. He tells Jeff that it's too late.

Jeff pulls the trigger, but nothing happens to Forbes, who continues laughing. He explains he's already dead, and Jeff wakes with a start.

Joe hears Jeff screaming, and goes in to wake him. Jeff sees him, calls him Forbes, and tries to strangle him.

Our thoughts

John: So where is Jeff going to stay if not at the Evans' cottage? Collinwood?

Christine: Where else is there for him to stay? It's not like he can afford the Collinsport Hotel. I am confused about the sleeping arrangements at the Evans' cottage. If Jeff is sleeping in Maggie's room, does that mean Maggie has been sleeping in Sam's room all this time? Maybe I don't want to try and figure this out.

John: While Jeff got the jump on Joe with the element of surprise, something tells me that Joe is going to turn the tables on him very quickly.

Christine: You also thought Peter Bradford would have bested Nathan Forbes the last time they mixed it up, though my money is on Jeff Clark. He may not be more powerful, but he's got the strength and impulsivity of a madman, though it's possible a good, hard crack on the noggin from Joe might set him to rights, and get him to remember who he really is.

John: Am I the only one upset that while we wait for the conclusion to the dream curse, we've now got unrelated dreams of Jeff to contend with? When his dream first started, I thought for a second that he somehow got swept up in Angelique's dream curse.

Christine: It is frustrating that we've gone for more than a week without a dream curse update, but I suspect it can't go forward since Sam didn't finish telling Vicki the dream and Angelique is not around to do anything about it. It's funny how Nathan Forbes seems to be spending his afterlife getting blotto and making appearances in dreams. Does Jeff's dream prove that he really is Peter Bradford, and if so, how did he manage to travel forward in time, and why is he is he so angry about it that he vehemently denies it? He was a real obnoxious lout today, which seems to be a common quality in Vicki's boyfriends.


Dark Shadows Before I Die Round Robin Nightmare tracker (bold appearing in this episode):

1. Wide-eyed skull
2. Guillotine
3. Lang's Headless creation
4. Skeletal bride 
5. Educational Bat-footage
6. Giant spider-web 
7. Mounted wolf's head 
8. Carolyn's tombstone 
9. Maggie with Sam's coffin

Dark Shadows Episode 523 - 6/27/68

Amazon Prime members can stream today's episode free!

In the cellar, Blair finds Reverend Trask's skeleton. He asks where Angelique is, and tells Trask that he cannot be resisted. He commands Trask to come back from the grave. Trask's voice asks who summons him. Blair commands him to appear, and Trask reappears behind the brick wall.

Trask says that he knows who Blair is, claiming that he's the devil himself come to tempt him. He says he will not be tempted, nor listen to him, and Blair explains he has no choice. Trask tries to cast Blair back to hell, and Blair applauds at his efforts.

Blair demands to know what Trask has done with the witch. Trask explains that the demon has been exorcised from her. Blair demands to know where the exorcism took place. Trask refuses to tell him, and Blair says he will allow him to return to his grave in peace only if he does as he asks. Trask pulls a cross on him, and Blair cowers in fear. Trask disappears, and Blair screams he hasn't seen the last of him.

Blair returns to Collinwood and finds Carolyn in the drawing room. He sits down, and she explains that they might not be related by marriage much longer. He asks how his sister has aroused such hostility. Carolyn says if he wants to know why Cassandra alienated the entire family, he can talk to Tony Peterson. He asks if she's implying Cassandra and Tony were lovers. She says he couldn't resist her, and Blair likens it to her having some power over him.

Blair says he's going to visit Mr. Peterson, when Vicki enters. Carolyn introduces them, and Vicki is a bit shocked. Blair excuses himself, and Vicki asks her how Cassandra could have a relative.

Tony is working in his office when the doorbell rings. He opens the door, and Blair says he represents a corporation that will be suing the Collins family, and shows off a jeweled cigarette case that hypnotizes Tony.

Blair points out his extraordinary resemblance to Trask. He then asks Tony to tell him about Cassandra. Tony says he loves her. Blair asks where she is, and he says Collinwood. Blair tells him to clear his mind, and tell him the first image that comes to his mind. Tony describes a tree, and Nicholas tries to get him to identify the precise location of the tree. He leaves, and Tony gets up, as if no one had been there.

Vicki is in the drawing room, wondering about Nicholas Blair, when there's a knock at the door. It's Jeff, and she's thrilled to see him.

Jeff explains he still doesn't know who he is. He tells her he couldn't find out any more information from the police. She tells him he exists here and now, and that's all that matters. They kiss, and Jeff tells her he brought her a present.

He goes to  the car to get it. Trask appears before Vicki, and tells her to beware the devil.

Jeff returns and tells Trask to leave Vicki alone, because she's innocent. Trask disappears, and Jeff gets a headache. Vicki points out that the fact he recognized Trask means he's Peter Bradford.

Our thoughts

John: I have to give them credit - making Trask appear over the skeleton via chroma key was the most effective use of the technology yet.

Christine: I suppose so, if you don't pay attention to how the brick shapes cut out of his black robe don't quite match up with the wall. It was still quite good, though I should remind you of some other  impressive uses of the chroma key:

John: If Blair could get Tony to provide information about Cassandra that he didn't know, how come he couldn't just conjure it up on his own?

Christine: It would seem his powers aren't without limits. Blair says it must have amused Cassandra that Tony closely resembled Trask, but he should be as concerned as the rest of us with the fact that she's forced him to fall in love with her and has been playing around with him, suggesting that she's got the hots for Trask. She must have fallen for him when she learned he also likes to play with fire.

John: Interesting that Jeff recognized Trask, but more importantly, Vicki is skipping over the important detail Trask provided about the devil being a guest in Collinwood...

Christine: Devil shmevil, she's found her lost love! It's possible that Nicholas Blair might actually be Q. I love when he tells Trask: "You were a blind, overzealous fanatic, a bigot and a fraud, intolerant, cruel and unjust! A man after my own heart."

Dark Shadows Before I Die Round Robin Nightmare tracker (bold appearing in this episode):

1. Wide-eyed skull
2. Guillotine
3. Lang's Headless creation
4. Skeletal bride 
5. Educational Bat-footage
6. Giant spider-web 
7. Mounted wolf's head 
8. Carolyn's tombstone 
9. Maggie with Sam's coffin

Dark Shadows Episode 522 - 6/26/68

Amazon Prime members can stream today's episode free!

Roger admits that Cassandra wasn't happy at Collinwood. He says he's been selfish, knowing it's hard for someone new to fit in. Barnabas returns, shaking his head. Roger then mentions the portrait that Vicki bought, and pulls it out, saying he found it in a locked closet. He points out how it has become faded, and says he plans to bring it into town to be restored. There's a knock at the door, and Roger wonders who would be calling so late. Barnabas goes to answer it. The man at the door introduces himself as Nicholas Blair, Cassandra's brother.

Roger invites him in, and introduces him to Julia and Barnabas. Blair says he is excited to see Collinwood, having read about it in his sister's letters. Roger offers him a drink, and he explains he doesn't have 'little' vices. Barnabas asks where he's from, and he says Martinique, and asks if Barnabas has been there. Barnabas replies that he hasn't been there recently. Roger mentions Cassandra has been missing for the past 24 hours, and Blair seems disappointed to hear that he has already contacted the police.

Blair suggests that someone in the house didn't like her, and asks if it was Julia. She says she barely knew her. He says Cassandra is not well liked by many women. Blair then asks Barnabas if he barely knew her, too. Blair suggests that she has walked away in similar situations, but she'll return. He adds that nothing can happen to her that cannot be undone.

Roger invites Blair to stay at Collinwood, and leads him upstairs, bringing the portrait of Angelique with him.

Barnabas tells Julia that Angelique has no blood brother, though he's sure Blair knows what he is. Julia points out that Roger took the painting upstairs. Barnabas tells her to call Stokes and tell him everything, in case he has any idea what to do.

Roger brings Blair to a room and sets down the portrait. Blair says he's glad his sister found a man like him to appreciate her. He admires the portrait. He tells Roger that now that he's here, Cassandra is sure to show up. Roger is surprised she hadn't mentioned him. Blair points out it's a shame the portrait is faded, and Roger says he will have it restored. Blair says he has done restoration, and asks Roger if he'll let him do it.

In the old house, Barnabas prepares to leave to go see Professor Stokes. Willie is carrying the rifle. Barnabas tells him to put it away, and after he leaves, Willie does.

Outside the window, Joe Haskell watches him. Willie starts to go upstairs when Joe knocks on the door, threatening to break in.

Willie asks what he wants, and Joe tells him to let him in. Willie asks if something has happened to Maggie, and opens the door. Joe says she's as fine as anyone can be whose father has just been murdered. Joe says Adam killed Sam, and Maggie knows Willie knows who Adam is. Joe says he wants to find Adam, and Willie is going to help him. Joe grabs his arm and holds it behind his back. Willie says Adam is a bum he fed once. Joe continues to twist his arm, and Willie says Adam hates Barnabas, not him. Joe lets him go and he runs and gets the gun. Joe tells Willie to let Barnabas know that he'll be back.

Blair looks at the portrait, and says that Angelique has gotten herself into a mess. He asks her to whisper to him where she is. He then asks for a sign, and Robert Cobert's creepy music starts to play. Then it stops. Blair determines he needs to go where Barnabas lives.

Willie prepares to brick up the wall where Trask's skeleton resides. He hears someone upstairs, and realizes it can't be Barnabas. He wonders if it's Adam, or Joe. He goes upstairs and finds a strange man in the foyer.

The man asks him to tell Barnabas that Nicholas Blair is here. Willie says he's gone, and Blair says that he'll do. He says Willie will do exactly as he says, and show him through the house. He adds that Willie is good at following orders, and reminds him to keep his eyes focused on him. He calls Willie by name, and then says if he trusts him completely, he can tell him his name and take his eyes away. Willie says he's Willie Loomis. Blair adds that he won't remember anything they say. He asks Willie about Cassandra, and Willie says she's a witch. He adds that they told the ghost of the skeleton downstairs that she was at Collinwood. Blair asks if the skeleton is there. Willie says yes, and Blair tells him to sit in a chair and forget their discussion. Willie sits in the chair while Blair goes downstairs.

In the cellar, Blair finds the skeleton, which he recognizes as Reverend Trask. He asks where Angelique is, and tells Trask that he cannot be defeated.

Our thoughts

John: It's clear that Nicholas Blair is going to be a fun addition to the cast, the likes of which we haven't seen since Jason McGuire. Nice to have another charismatic character come in just as we've lost the great Reverend Trask again...

Christine: He is delightfully devilish. I especially enjoyed his interactions with Barnabas. His asking if he's ever been to Martinique seems to indicate that he knows Barnabas' past history and misadventures with Angelique. He was also able to bring Willie under his power pretty easily, which may mean that he's even more powerful than Angelique.

John: Barnabas is going to have his hands full as he deals with Joe, and now Nicholas Blair. I hope for his sake that Professor Stokes has a plan, because he seems to have nothing!

Christine: For those who are studying Bob Cobert's music cues at home with The Complete Dark Shadows Music Collection, the music cue that serves as a sign that Angelique is still with us is Cue 80A, and is appropriately titled, "Angelique's Spook." I love how Julia smiles when she talks about how the faded portrait makes it seems that Angelique is almost dead.

John: Impressive that Blair is able to recognize Trask from his skeleton. Makes you wonder if he would have recognized him if he was wearing the wedding dress...

Christine: It may not be that he recognizes Trask's skeleton, but that he has the same all-knowing qualities his 'sister' has. He would probably recognize him in the wedding dress since it would be typical of the type of joke Angelique would play to have Trask appear as a bride in accursed dreams. Can't wait to hear more of his modern views on women!

"She has felt hostility and she has reacted to it in a typically feminine way. She has simply walked away from it." -Nicholas Blair

"It just gives me the...willies even being here." -Willie

Dark Shadows Before I Die Round Robin Nightmare tracker (bold appearing in this episode):

1. Wide-eyed skull
2. Guillotine
3. Lang's Headless creation
4. Skeletal bride 
5. Educational Bat-footage
6. Giant spider-web 
7. Mounted wolf's head 
8. Carolyn's tombstone 
9. Maggie with Sam's coffin

Dark Shadows Episode 521 - 6/25/68

Amazon Prime members can stream today's episode free!

Roger and Barnabas are in the foyer talking about Liz' condition. Barnabas says that she can't be Naomi Collins. Roger says that Naomi Collins didn't die of poisoning, and Barnabas says that she did. Roger tells him that he's read the family history and she died a peaceful death. Roger wonders what it will be like if she dies. He asks how Barnabas knew to check the tower room for her, and he says it was just luck. Roger points out that there's a legend that someone was locked up in there, but he couldn't find any information on who it was or why.

In the drawing room, Roger says that Cassandra might know why Liz did what she did, and Barnabas agrees. Julia comes in and says that Liz will be alright, physically. She adds that she will need treatment, and Roger takes offense at her implication that she is mentally ill. He decides to go see her himself. He goes upstairs, and Julia ponders if Cassandra is still alive, why would Trask's skeleton reappear. They realize that Professor Stokes may have information, and call him.

The phone rings at Stokes house and Adam picks it up. He hears, but does not speak, even though he recognizes Barnabas' voice.

Julia thinks something has happened to Stokes. Barnabas hangs up the phone.

Adam hangs up the receiver, and sits down at a table to continue writing. Stokes enters and says good evening, and Adam responds in kind. They work through flash cards, having Adam read the words on them. One of the words is telephone, which upsets Adam. Stokes proceed through more cards.

Barnabas suggests they should call the police, and Julia suggests they go to see Stokes instead.

The next word is dictionary, and Stokes asks Adam to find it. He gets the dictionary and recites the letters of the alphabet. Someone rings the bell, and Barnabas announces himself. Adam breaks a pencil when he hears Barnabas. Stokes tells Adam to go to the bedroom. Stokes says he'll be there in a moment, and Barnabas asks if he's alright. Stokes leads Adam to the bedroom, and then goes to the front door, letting Barnabas and Julia in.

She says they telephoned, and Stokes says he was out visiting a dignitary. Barnabas says someone answered, and he points out the phone is off the hook. Stokes blames his cleaning woman, and thanks them for their concern. He invites them to join him for a sherry. Julia tells Stokes that Cassandra has disappeared, and Trask's skeleton has returned to the basement of the old house. Barnabas adds that Liz believes she is Naomi Collins, and he thinks Cassandra is responsible. He wants to know if Cassandra is truly gone. Stokes offers them cheese, and Julia suggests another seance. Stokes says no, and asks what happened to the portrait of Angelique. They walk through what happened to it, and the last known location was when Sam painted her to look old, after which Cassandra took it. They think it could be in her bedroom.

Back at the old house, Barnabas tells Julia to distract Roger. Barnabas says he wants to go see Liz, and Roger offers to go with him. Julia suggests that Roger play a game of chess with her. He doesn't want to, and excuses himself to go to bed, but she pressures him to stay and talk with her.

Barnabas looks around Cassandra's bedroom looking for the portrait. He's disappointed she didn't hang it, and proceeds to check the closet.

Roger admits that Cassandra wasn't happy in Collinwood. He says he's been selfish, knowing it's hard for someone new to fit in. Barnabas returns, shaking his head. Roger then mentions the portrait that Vicki bought, and pulls it out, saying he found it in a locked closet. He points out how it has become faded, and says he plans to bring it into town to be restored. There's a knock at the door, and Roger wonders who would be calling so late. Barnabas goes to answer it.

The man at the door introduces himself as Nicholas Blair, Cassandra's brother.

Our thoughts

John: Yes, Roger, Cassandra could tell you exactly why Liz is behaving the way she is. I was kind of hoping that the portrait would turn up on the wall in Liz' bedroom!

Christine: It still bugs me that we don't know how Sam's modifications to the painting, as well as the corresponding effects, were reversed.

John: What kind of teacher would tell their student that the letter L was not important. Shame on you, Professor Stokes! And then telling Adam that he was perfect? Clearly whatever his plans are, they are going to be self-serving.

Christine: It does make me wonder why Stokes dislikes letter L. There were a few of the usual bloopers in today's episode, though I couldn't understand why someone would open the door after Barnabas closed it upon their arrival at Collinwood. It was especially funny that it happened right after Roger said, "I find myself thinking every time the door opens...I'm thinking Cassandra will come in."

John: I can't wait to find out more about Nicholas Blair. Anyone claiming to be related to Cassandra has to be evil, right? Since as far as we know, there really is no Cassandra, just Angelique. I wonder if we'll find out in time that he's been lurking around for the past 200 years, too.

Christine: I love the dramatic music that plays after he announces he's her brother, as we see their shocked faces. For those following along at home with The Complete Dark Shadows Music Collection, that's Cue 240, "3 Notes, Repeated to Build." It certainly will be interesting to find out more about this impish fellow.

Dark Shadows Before I Die Round Robin Nightmare tracker (bold appearing in this episode):

1. Wide-eyed skull
2. Guillotine
3. Lang's Headless creation
4. Skeletal bride 
5. Educational Bat-footage
6. Giant spider-web 
7. Mounted wolf's head 
8. Carolyn's tombstone 
9. Maggie with Sam's coffin