Dark Shadows Episode 1245 4/2/71 - The Finale!

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Morgan goes to the room and unlocks the door. He steps inside holding a gun. The ghost of Brutus appears and says he shall not have them, they are his! 

In the secret room, next to the corpses, Bramwell tells Catherine that it's almost dawn. They embrace. He asks if they ended it. She says Brutus will try something else. Bramwell says that they have defeated him repeatedly, and can do so again. He asks if after this night, she has any doubt that they were meant to be together. He says he has money now, and they will leave Collinwood. 

Brutus appears before them, laughing about their plan, and calls to Amanda. He calls her to him. Bramwell tells him it's over. Brutus calls her and says that all he wants is Amanda's forgiveness. Catherine says yes and approaches him. She asks Brutus if he still loves her, and he says he never stopped loving her. He tells her to come to him and they will be together for all eternity. She tries to go to him, but Bramwell holds her back. Bramwell is mysteriously choked again, and Brutus laughs at him. Catherine comes out of her spell and Brutus says that he must die. They hear a rooster. Brutus tells her to come to him, and she says she ever will. She say s they will bury the bodies in holy ground, and Amanda will finally have peace. She tells him to go from this house and never return again. She says it's done. He asks if she refuses him, and when she says she will never come to him, he says she has won, and disappears.

She tells Bramwell the curse is over, and he says that it's because of their love. He says they must be meant for each other. She says she will leave with him today. She then realizes that Morgan will never let them go. They exit the secret room, and run into Morgan with his gun. He points out that Bramwell has ended the curse, and probably wants some sort of gratitude. He says he's not going to get it, or Catherine, and shoots him at point blank range. 

Catherine consoles Bramwell. She tells Morgan that if he kills Bramwell, he'll have to kill her, too. He picks her up, when Julia and Kendrick come in. Morgan threatens to shoot Catherine if they try to stop him. They run out, and Kendrick follows after them. Bramwell tells Julia that he'll be alright as she helps him out of the room. Kendrick returns and says he lost them. Bramwell tells him that they took a secret passage. Kendrick asks Julia to check on Melanie, and goes in search of Morgan. 

Flora tells Julia that she should be looking for Morgan. She says she could talk to him. Julia asks what she'd say. She says they need to check on Melanie. They go into the tower room and find her asleep. Flora wakes her. Her first words are, "Mama, did something happen to Kendrick?" Flora tells her that she's well now. She asks where Kendrick is, and they say he'll be there soon. She says she never should have married him, and they explain that Bramwell and Catherine stayed in the room, the curse is over, and so is she. She asks if they're okay, and Julia says they left the room sane. Melanie assumes Kendrick left her, and Julia offers to go get him. She asks her mother why he's not there, and she says he'll be happy to see her. She adds that her father would have loved to know that the curse was finally over. Flora says it will never be the same without Justin, without Gabriel, and with Morgan the way he is. Melanie asks her to tell her everything that has happened. 

Julia goes into the drawing room. Kendrick comes through the secret panel. Julia initially thought it was Morgan, but when she sees him, she tells Kendrick that Melanie is alright. He says he heard Catherine and Morgan, and Bramwell is upstairs searching. He goes upstairs to see Melanie.

Bramwell finds Catherine's handkerchief in the secret passages.

Melanie asks her mother if Morgan's madness is real, and not the result of the curse, and she says it is. Melanie says Catherine never intended to hurt Morgan. Kendrick comes in and hugs Melanie. He says he can't stay long. She tells him to be careful, and they kiss.

Morgan and Catherine end up on the roof of Collinwood. He says Bramwell will find them there, and calls to him. He tells Catherine to look down, and ask her to imagine falling to her death. He says her lover is coming. She screams for Bramwell not to come. When he comes out onto the roof, Morgan points out that he has come to watch Catherine die. Bramwell asks Morgan to let him take her place. Morgan says she is going to die first, and then he is going to die. Bramwell apologizes for turning Morgan into who he is now. Morgan says that this is the way it has got to be. Kendrick comes up from behind Morgan. Catherine runs free, and he Kendrick and Bramwell grapple before Morgan falls through the railing. 

Flora is despondent about Morgan. She says it's hard not to blame Catherine and Bramwell. Julia reminds her that they ended the curse. She then says they have to make arrangements for Morgan's funeral.

Melanie tells Kendrick that they can't leave yet. He assures her that Julia can take care of Flora. She agrees to leave with him. They kiss passionately.

Catherine and Bramwell also kiss passionately. He tells her that everything will be alright. She expresses guilt for being responsible for Morgan's death. He tells her that they will leave Collinwood, and they will forget everything that happened there. She says she won't forget — she says she will remember to follow her heart. They kiss again.

Flora tells Bramwell that the family has been split apart in troubled times, and suggests that perhaps now they should stay together if they possibly can. Kendrick comes in and asks if Melanie's ready. They say Harris is bringing her home from the cottage, where she was saying goodbye to Carrie. He tells Flora he appreciates her understanding when Harris and Stokes come in with an unconscious Melanie. He says that he found her lying in the woods. Stokes says she was attacked by a wild animal. They look at her neck — there are two bite marks. They all wonder what could have happened. Stokes says if he didn't know it wasn't possible, he says he'd swear there was a vampire at Collinwood!

We see Bramwell... and then transition to the repainted portrait of Barnabas Collins. Professor(?) Stokes provides a voice-over saying:

There was no vampire loose on the great estate. For the first time at Collinwood, the marks on the neck  were indeed those of an animal. Melanie soon recovered, and went to live in Boston with her beloved Kendrick. There they prospered and had three children. 

Bramwell and Catherine were soon married, and at Flora's insistence, stayed on at Collinwood, where Bramwell assumed control of the Collins' business interests. Their love became a living legend, and for as long as they lived, the Dark Shadows at Collinwood were but a memory of a distant past...

Our thoughts:  

John: You know what they say, sometimes you feel better after throwing up. I was kidding when I suggested that Bramwell and Catherine's love might end the curse. If anyone, I thought it would have been Kendrick and Melanie's love (considering they got their own little Robert Cobert love theme!). After 160 years of blustering about, it's sad to see Brutus fold his hand against this particular pair... But if you think about it, Brutus got both madness and death — in the form of Morgan Collins. So did he really lose? 

Christine: Brutus gave up too easily. It's almost as if he knew it was the last episode and that continuing the curse would be futile. 

                                                                                                                           

John: For the second time, at point-blank range, Morgan was incapable of dealing a lethal blow to Bramwell! And not only is it non-lethal, it's all but forgotten by the end of the episode!

 
Christine: I couldn't figure out why Catherine seemed to be laughing while being dragged off by Morgan. I suppose extreme stress can cause a person to laugh in inappropriate situations. Much like having the giggles during a funeral. 

 

John: I love how they wanted viewers to think that Melanie might be dead in bed this morning.

 

Christine: I love how Kendrick was flossing with Melanie's hair and then smooched it to try and be subtle about pulling it out of his mouth.

 

John: Back to the rooftop precipice from episode 1191, where Daniel made Gabriel (NOT of parallel time) fall to his death! I was kinda hoping Justin might appear to make it more like the last time... 

 

Christine: That was a very satisfying scene. Morgan's fall seemed entirely natural and Kendrick almost going over the edge with him lent some realism to the event. 

John: We can't bring Quentin back for one episode, but we can have Harris the servant show up for the first time ever? Come on!

 

Christine: Quentin was out because of appendicitis and was unable to return. Harris the servant was played by show writer, Gordon Russell, which seemed entirely appropriate. 

 

John: Well, that was something of a surprise to end on. I have to admit, I'm of mixed emotions. I love the fact that it basically ended with Melanie brought in with a vampire bite! And while I welcomed a denouement, they didn't need to so solidly deny the possibility of there being a vampire in parallel time. Worse yet, we are provided with summations on these, to be frank, throwaway parallel time characters. How nice it would have been for them to bring us back to 1971 one last time, and tells us what happened to the characters we actually cared about; those we came to know and love (and hate) over the past five years. 

 

Christine: It is disappointing that the principal characters were left mostly dead with an unresolved storyline, but to try and touch base with them in this final episode would have felt too rushed and may have done a disservice. While it is a little sickening that Catherine and Bramwell's love was legendary and banished the "dark shadows" from Collinwood, in a way it provides some resolution to Barnabas and Angelique's story. The nice thing is, we can go back and revisit those characters we knew from the beginning. I'm ready to start over again with the beginning episodes. How about you? 

 

THAT'S IT! IT'S ALL OVER! OR IS IT???

We've concluded our five year mission, but you haven't heard the last of us...

Dark Shadows Episode 1240 3/26/71

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Morgan tells Flora that it's just as well that she didn't see Gabriel. She says he deserved a better fate, and Morgan replies that they all do. He tells her that Gabriel is now at peace. Julia comes in and tells them that they must hold the lottery again. Morgan asks what she's talking about. She says that she had another attack, and she and Kendrick had to lock her in the tower room. She says that they then saw the ghost of Brutus Collins in the drawing room. She says he told them that Melanie would never be sane unless someone else went into the locked room. Flora says to gather the family this afternoon. Morgan says Quentin is in Boston until Monday, and she says they'll have to hold it without him. She asks to speak to Kendrick, and Morgan goes to get him. Flora asks Julia who they will lose in this latest lottery.

Kendrick finds Catherine in the drawing room. He asks about Julia, and she says she hasn't seen her this morning. He expresses his condolences about Daphne, and asks when the funeral will be held. She says it's up to Bramwell, and then almost passes out. He helps her into a chair. 

Morgan comes in and asks her what's wrong. She tells him not to be alarmed. She explains that she's just dizzy with emotion over Daphne. He goes to call a doctor, and she begs him not to. He thinks there's more she's not telling them. She tries to assure him that she would tell him if there was something wrong. Morgan tells Kendrick that Flora would like to see him. After he's gone, Morgan says they are going to have to do another lottery. She asks why. 

Kendrick comes to see Flora. She tells him she's sorry about what happened with Melanie. He says he should have taken her away. Flora assures him that she would have had the attack wherever she is. She suggests that he consider having the marriage annulled. He refuses. He vows to take care of Melanie. He says Melanie will be herself when the curse is broken. Julia asks when that will be, and he says when he ends it. He says that he is a Collins now, and he intends to be the one chosen to spend the night in the room.

Morgan tells Catherine that she doesn't need to worry about the lottery, as she was chosen the last time. She reminds him that he took her place, and he says he'll do it again. She says she will take part if the family agrees that she should. 

In the drawing room, Julia tells Kendrick she's thinking about how few of them are left. She says she's frightened that she may be the one chosen. She says something frightened her the day Morgan took her into the secret room. Kendrick means when she saw the bodies. She says that the two bodies were mummified and preserved all these years. She said she had the feeling that they might still be alive. Kendrick says she could have imagined it under the circumstances. He tells her that he always thought she was the strong one in the family. Flora comes in and asks if Kendrick is certain he wants to go through with it. She concedes that he is a member of the family now. She prepares the slips for the lottery.

Morgan tells Catherine that it will be time soon, and that it could be goodbye this time. He says he has the strangest feeling that he will be the victim of fate. He says if he were to die, with Bramwell already free, then she would be free. He asks her to promise him that she will not marry Bramwell if he goes into the room and dies. She says he's not going to die, and he says she didn't answer his question. Julia arrives to let them know that it's time to hold the lottery. Morgan stomps out, and Catherine lies on her bed, crying.

Flora places the slips in the vase. Morgan and Julia come downstairs, and Flora asks about Catherine. He says she was pulled last time. She says he took her place, and by his logic shouldn't participate. He refuses to discuss it, and they proceed to draw lots. Flora's is blank. Morgan's is blank. Julia asks Kendrick to go next. He does, and shows that he was selected.

Our thoughts:  

John: So just to be clear, in order to restore Melanie's sanity (assuming we can believe that would even happen), someone else has to die or go insane? How does that make any sense to the family?

 

Christine: Right. What makes them think he'd hold up his end of the bargain anyway? Why wouldn't they expect him to continue demanding more family members go into the locked room to pick them off one by one?

                                                                                                                           

John: Ah, Morgan, loving, faithful, trusting husband... oh wait. I'm surprised he didn't just come out and tell Catherine that if he died and she married Bramwell, he'd vow to come back to haunt her...

 
Christine: Would now be a good time for him to find out she's pregnant?

 

John: So the right answer appears to be, get out of town before the next lottery takes place, and get a participation pass like Quentin did. Or course Kendrick had already all but volunteered to take the spot. Does anyone really believe that Brutus would be appeased by someone who had married into the family being the one to go into the room? Seems to me that his beef with the Collins clan would require the continued suffering of a true Collins.

 

Christine: You would think that wouldn't work since his possessed wife has already said he's not a Collins, though it could be the secret of surviving the locked room is to actually want to go into it. 

 

Final mirror shot?

THE FINAL COUNTDOWN!

Just 5 more episodes to go...

Dark Shadows Episode 1234 3/18/71

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Carrie holds Melanie's handkerchief. She says that something's happening. She pictures a woman leaning over Melanie's father's coffin. She says he's dead. She then says that her mother is still alive, and somewhere very close by. Melanie is surprised. She asks if Carrie knows where the woman is, and who she is. Julia interrupts them, and asks what Carrie is doing. Melanie says that she was helping her, and that she now knows that real her mother is alive. She's angry that Julia broke her conversation. Julia threatens to tell Carrie's father, and she agrees not to do it again and runs off to the cottage. Melanie accuses Julia of not wanting her to know the truth. Julia tells her that she doesn't know the truth, and she never has. She says Carrie was wrong to raise her hopes. Melanie tells Julia that she doesn't believe her anymore.

Locked in the tower room, Gabriel paces around when Morgan comes to see him. Gabriel asks if he brought it, and Morgan shows off a flask. He asks if he really wants it. Gabriel explains when he needs it, and Morgan gives it to him. Gabriel tells Morgan that he'd like to see their mother. Gabriel asks if he thinks he'd do anything to harm her. He says not in his present state, and agrees to tell her that Gabriel wishes to see her. Once alone, Gabriel takes off a scarf and holds it tightly, like he wants to strangle someone with it.

Flora returns to Collinwood. Julia asks where she was. She explains she went to see Daphne at the old house. Julia asks if there's any change, and she says the doctor reiterated that there's no hope at all. She adds that Bramwell is really grieved. Morgan comes in and tells Flora that Gabriel wants to speak to her. Julia warns her to be careful. Morgan offers Julia a brandy. She explains that she has things to attend to and leaves.

Julia comes to the cottage and asks about Ben. Carrie tells her that he's not there. She says that's good, because she needs get answers. She insists that Carrie give her honest answers about what happened when she tried to help Melanie. She describes the woman in her vision standing over Melanie's father's coffin. Julia presses her for more details. Julia accuses her of knowing who Melanie's real mother is. She says she can tell when she's lying, and threatens to tell Carrie's father. Julia gets her to admit she recognized the face of her mother, and she admits that she does. She explains that Melanie must never know. She explains that she and Justin agreed long ago that Melanie was never to know the identity of her mother. She gets Carrie to promise not to tell Melanie.

Flora visits Gabriel. He asks her if he looks insane. She says he does not. He asks if that's proof that he's all right. She tells him a little more time won't hurt. He takes his scarf and holds it like he's going to strangler. She tells him that she can't do anything without consulting the family. She apologizes to him and he raises the scarf over her head, as if to strangle her. They hear Julia outside and he lowers the scarf. She asks him to understand, and he says he'll do anything she wants. She leaves the room and he listens by the door.

Flora comes out and tells Julia that she feels sorry for Gabriel. 

Carrie apologizes to Melanie, and explains that she didn't see who her mother is. She says she's tired, and Melanie asks her why she's so upset. She asks if she's keeping something from her. Carrie denies it. Melanie then asks if Julia came to her. Carrie denies that, too. Melanie bids her goodnight. After she's gone, Carrie breaks down in tears.

Julia finds Flora talking to Morgan in the drawing room. She asks where Melanie and Quentin are, saying she wants to consult the family about Gabriel. Morgan asks what she wants to discuss. Melanie comes in, and Flora tells them Gabriel made a strong argument for being released from the tower room. She says he has shown an improvement, but the family had to agree. Julia asks if she thinks his insanity was temporary, and she says yes. Morgan reminds her of their father's behavior, and says Gabriel could show violent signs after a long period. Julia agrees, and says they have to think of the safety of the rest of the family. Melanie agrees that he should stay in the tower room. Julia says that she'll tell him when she takes him his food. Morgan tells Flora that perhaps they'll have a change of heart in the future.

Flora tells Morgan that she's getting worried, since they haven't heard from Julia in an hour. He goes upstairs to check on her. 

Morgan goes to the tower room and asks if Julia's there. There's no response, so he asks if Gabriel is there.

Unbeknownst to Morgan, Julia is unconscious on the floor in the tower room.

Our thoughts:  

John: Well, we now know that Julia and Carrie both know who Melanie's mother is. As the clock winds down on the show, will Melanie and the others find out? How long can Carrie hold her tongue?

 

Christine: I was thinking that she might feel free to spill the beans if Julia should become incapacitated or die.

                                                                                                                           

John: I do love how people are excused from important family meetings when they have the day off! Come on, Flora. Gabriel says he's okay, so he must be okay?

 
Christine: I wonder what excuse they'll come up with for Quentin's absence. Business overseas, perhaps?

 

John: Of all the residents of Collinwood, Julia is the one that I don't think Gabriel was capable of fooling. Perhaps we'll find out tomorrow that Julia just slipped in spilled soup...

 

Christine: So, the family is concerned enough about Gabriel's violent, unpredictable behavior that they'll keep him locked in the Tower room, but not so worried that they believe it's safe to go visit him alone. You'd think Morgan might at least go with his mother to make sure she was safe after he pulled a knife on her. 

Dark Shadows Episode 1227 3/9/71

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Flora waits for Gabriel in the gazebo. He arrives, and it appears he's hiding a knife behind his back. Flora is startled. She tells him that he looks tired. She assures him that the worst is over, and approaches him. He turns away from her and says he's got to keep moving. Flora tells him that she can't deny he failed the  family, but now's not the time to dwell on that. She asks him to come home with her, and he says that he'll be found. He says he's leaving the country. He tells her that her jewels will help him. She says she'd give him anything he needs if it would help. He tells her she talks too much. He raises the knife and demands that she give him her jewels. He tells her that he hates her. He then asks what she's doing there. She says he asked her to meet him. She reminds him that she's his mother. He tells her that he's going to kill her and everyone else. He approaches her with the knife raised. 

Kendrick knocks him out and tells Flora to run away. Gabriel gets up and attacks him. Kendrick wrestles the knife from him and stabs him. Flora says that he killed him.

Quentin goes to Melanie's room and pounds on the door. He asks her to come out, and she tells him to go away. He says she can't lock herself up because Kendrick knows about her condition. She says she killed his sister. Quentin tells her that she can't blame herself. She says she's a mad Collins', and she won't leave the room. She tells him to leave her alone, and go find their mother and Gabriel. 

Flora sees that Gabriel is still alive. Kendrick says he'll pay for Stella's murder. Flora says he didn't kill Stella. She says she knows. Kendrick asks who killed his sister, if not Gabriel. Flora says she doesn't know, but she knows it wasn't Gabriel. Quentin arrives and tells Kendrick that he should go. He tells Flora that he'll be back. Quentin checks on Gabriel, and helps him up. 

Kendrick arrives to see Melanie. She lets him in and he tells her that he loves her. He says they're going to face her attacks together. She assures him there's no happy endings for a Collins. She says he might find out other things about her. He tells her that she can tell him anything, and it won't make a difference. She says she can't harm anyone as long as she doesn't leave her room. He tells her that she's going out with him tonight. She asks what will happen when her attacks come. He says they will face them together. He begs her to come out with him tonight. She says she has to think about it. He assures her that unlike his sister, she still has a chance if she'll take it.

Quentin and Gabriel are in the tower room. Quentin says that Gabriel needs to tell him what he found in the room, so they can better understand the curse. Gabriel says Morgan stayed in the room. Quentin says that he doesn't think Morgan staying there met the demands of the room. Quentin says that Gabriel owes the family. Gabriel tells him that he felt desperately alone in the room, and then not alone, but then he can't remember. Quentin tells him to try. Gabriel says he felt terror... and then says he knows what he saw in the room. Quentin asks what he saw. Gabriel snaps, and tells Quentin that he hates them all. Quentin sits him down and tells him to shut up. Quentin locks him in the tower room for the night. Alone in the tower room, Gabriel says the door will open again, and they will all be dead.

Flora asks about Gabriel. Quentin tells her that he was about to tell him what he needed to know, and then he had an attack and tried to kill him. Flora tells Quentin that she has to talk to Kendrick. Quentin offers to go talk to him. He says he's going to tell him a few things, including that Melanie, nor any family members, had anything to do with his sister's death.

Kendrick arrives at Collinwood to see Flora. She says she has nothing to tell him. He says he's come to take Melanie out. She says that's impossible. He says he intends to help her. She says that only the family can take care of her. Kendrick offers to help. He says they must work together. He asks who killed his sister. She says no one had any reason to kill her. He asks who did it. She says she doesn't know. Melanie comes in and begs her mother to tell him.

Our thoughts:  

John: It wasn't quite clear if Gabriel was having an attack when he attempted to kill his mother. If he just needed jewelry to fund his getaway, you'd think he'd just take it, as opposed to threatening her life. Considering that Kendrick basically saved her life, Flora might have been a little more gracious towards him.

 

Christine: I loved how Quentin told him to sit down and shut up when he started having another attack.

                                                                                                                           

John: How exactly did Kendrick get into the house to see Melanie?

 
Christine: Well, if it's like Collinwood in all other time periods, then he probably came in through the unlocked front door. 

John: I love how Gabriel had an attack right before telling Quentin what he wanted to hear. Do you think we'll ever find out what's in the room that causes family members to die or go insane?

 

Christine: I don't know that we will ever find out since it probably won't be quite as terrifying and horrible as its been made out to be. Unless it turns out to be Pansy Faye singing "I Wanna Dance With You" on an endless loop. That could be traumatic enough to cause insanity or death.

 

Dark Shadows Episode 1226 3/8/71

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Kendrick asks Julia why everyone is lying to her about her background and the identity of her real parents. Julia says that no one is lying to her. He calls her a liar, explaining that he's been to the orphanage, and there's no record of Melanie there. He asks her what is it that they don't want Melanie to know. She tells him to leave and never return. She threatens him, and starts to escort him to the door. She sees Melanie coming downstairs, seemingly possessed. She closes the door and says they can talk a little longer. He opens the door and finds Melanie in the foyer. He asks her what's wrong. She barks at him, saying that he's not a Collins, and he doesn't belong there. She says everyone in the house is destined to die. He turns to Julia and demands that she tell him what's wrong with Melanie. Julia tells Melanie to look at her. Melanie does, and Julia tells her where she must go. Melanie says she can walk there herself, and starts up the stairs.                                                                                                                                                               

Julia comes downstairs and finds Kendrick in the drawing room. Julia says that now he knows why they shelter Melanie. He asks what they've done to help her. Julia says nothing can be done to help her. She says it's not a physical ailment — it's a condition of her mind that causes her to become someone else. He says he wants to know more. He asks Julia how it started. Julia describes how fond Melanie was of Justin. She says Justin experienced a stroke 10 years ago that sent Melanie into a state of shock, and her current behavior is the result. He doesn't accept it. He asks her how often the transformations occur. He asks if Melanie is under a spell or curse. Julia says she thinks such things only occur in fiction. He brings up the villagers legend of a curse at Collinwood. Melanie comes in, acting as if nothing had happened earlier . He says goodnight and walks out on her. 

Melanie asks Julia why he left so abruptly. She asks what she said to him. Julia explains that it was Melanie herself. She tells her that she had an attack and Kendrick saw her change. Melanie asks what she said and did. Julia says he saw her personality change. She says this is why she encouraged her not to see him. Melanie asks if he said he wouldn't see her again. She says he did not, but it's not right for her to love anyone. Melanie says she's going to tell him how she feels. Against Julia's protests, Melanie runs out of the house. Flora comes downstairs and asks her what happened. Julia explains what Kendrick saw. Flora says they can send Quentin to intercept her before she makes it to Kendrick. 

Melanie wanders through the woods, calling for Kendrick. She runs into Gabriel. He promises not to hurt her. He says he heard her call for Kendrick. Gabriel tells her that he needs her help. She asks where he's been, and he says he's been running. He gives her a letter to give to their mother. She takes it, and runs back towards Collinwood.

Flora tells Julia there was no need to tell Kendrick anything at all. She says they should have come up with a way of dealing with him. Julia says he turned down money. Flora asks if she thinks he'll ever return. She says that if he's truly in love with Melanie, they'll never get rid of him. Julia asks about Morgan, and Flora says there's no change.  

Melanie returns to Collinwood. She says she ran into Gabriel. Flora is shocked. Julia asks where she saw him. Melanie explains that she saw him in the woods, and he asked her to bring Flora a letter. She gives it to Flora, who reads it aloud. It says she's the only one he trusts talking to. He asks her to meet him in the gazebo at midnight. Julia tells her she can't go, and Flora says that she has no choice. Julia says he could kill her. Flora asks if he seemed coherent when they met, and she said he seemed fine. Flora says she's going, and tells them not to tell Quentin anything about their meeting. They agree. Flora leaves them.

Flora waits for Gabriel in the gazebo. He arrives, and it appears he's hiding a knife behind his back. Flora is startled. She tells him that he looks tired. She assures him that the worst is over, and approaches him.

Our thoughts:  

John: So Kendrick now knows that Melanie goes a little mad sometimes. I think it's safe to say that her condition won't be enough to keep him away from Collinwood.

 

Christine: He is devoted to her, so I imagine he'll try and find some way to cure her madness. Maybe he believes love is the answer. 

                                                                                                                           

John: In this timeline if not all of them, I think the Collins family motto should be, "If he's truly in love, they'll never get rid of him."

 
Christine: That was an enjoyable piece of dialogue. 

John: Any ideas why Gabriel's out to stab his mother? General craziness? Or some as-yet undisclosed plot device? Of course if killing her was truly his plan, you'd think they would have set that up better in the cliffhanger.

 

Christine: He may have the same "death is the only answer" problem that Melanie has. Now that we know Brutus was killing everyone within reach, perhaps he is the one possessing those who've gone into the room, turning them into killing machines. Of course, that doesn't explain why he'd spare Melanie and lure his mother out to the gazebo to carve her up. Why not Julia?

Dark Shadows Episode 1220 2/26/71

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Catherine visits Bramwell at the old house. He explains that Daphne has gone into the village, and she asks to come in to speak to him privately. He lets her in. She says she didn't faint due to a dizzy spell. She tells him that she's pregnant — with his child! He asks if she's sure, and she confirms that she is. She tells him that she didn't tell him to hurt him, and he replies that he's always dreamed of having a child with her. She assures him that it's not Morgan's child. She says that she knew he shouldn't have married Daphne. He says there's only one thing to do — the two of them will leave Collinwood forever. He suggests that they go to the South of France and rent a villa. She brings up Daphne. Bramwell says he would send her to hell if it would solve anything. She tells him Daphne will find hell enough here with him. He asks what she wants from him. She says to let her go back to her husband. Bramwell points out that it's his child, and Catherine says that it will be the child of who she says it is.

Flora is shocked to hear that Bramwell and Daphne have married. She tells Julia they must decide on a gift. Morgan says they have more important things to worry about. Quentin comes in and says he's been to every sleazy boardinghouse looking for Gabriel. He says that he saw Kendrick Young at the police department, and he's intent on finding Gabriel. Morgan doesn't understand how no one has seen Gabriel. Quentin points out that he could be dead. Flora says they will proceed with the lottery this afternoon, with or without Gabriel. Morgan says that Carrie Stokes found a letter in the cottage addressed to James Forsyte, from someone with the initial A. He says that after reading it, the letter burst into flames. Quentin says there may be other letters. Flora tells him that they only have a few hours, adding that everyone needs to be there, including Catherine. 

Bramwell offers to take her back to Collinwood, and she says she can make it back on her own. She says they're planning to meet about the lottery. He brings up the child, and she says she's not telling them anything. He says that if necessary, he will go to Collinwood and tell everyone she is pregnant. She says they'll want to know how he knew. She storms out. 

Morgan and Quentin dig through letters in the basement of the cottage. Just as they're about to give up, Morgan finds a document on James Forsythe. They find a reference to Brutus Collins, and someone with the initial A. Quentin points out that Brutus' wife was named Amanda. Quentin finds a date that links it to the time the curse began. Quentin wonders why the spirit didn't burn the letter they have. 

Catherine returns to Collinwood and Julia tells her she missed the meeting. She tells her the lottery will be at 3 o'clock. She then asks what the doctor said. Catherine makes up a story that Julia doesn't believe. She demands that she tell her the real reason she fainted. Catherine doubles-down with her denial. Julia reminds her that they've known each other for a long time. She asks Catherine what's really wrong. Catherine tells her that she wants to be her friend. Julia is reluctant to commit.

When the boys return without more information on the curse, Flora says that they will proceed with the lottery. She then spells out the rules, and asks if anyone will refuse to do what has to be done if chosen. Quentin says that one Gabriel in the house was more than enough. They each draw and take turns unfolding their slips of paper. It gets down to Morgan and Catherine. They open theirs at the same time, and Catherine announces that she was selected.

Our thoughts:  

John: Was anyone expecting that response from papa-to-be Bramwell? I can't believe he volunteered that he'd send Daphne straight to hell. Not exactly a solid foundation on which to build a marriage.

 

Christine: The whole purpose to marrying Daphne was to try to get Catherine back, and he may have been hoping the news of a child together would be the ticket to bring them together. Who really believes he'll be okay with letting Catherine pass his kid off as Morgan's? 

                                                                                                                           

John: Can't say that I'm particularly interested in the Brutus/Amanda/Forsythe love triangle. Just get over it and explain why there's a curse already!

 
Christine: Right. Unless we're about to travel back in time to meet those characters next...

John: Can't say that Catherine being selected in the lottery was much of a surprise. The only question is, which of her competing paramours will step in to do as they promised? Morgan suggested that he would take her place if she was selected, and Bramwell has threatened to tell the truth before letting her go into the room. Or will it be something behind door number three?

 

Christine: Perhaps we'll find out that James Forsythe is about to be reincarnated as her unborn child and she'll survive the night in the room because of it!