Dark Shadows Episode 1238 3/24/71

You can stream today's episode free on TubiTV 

Kendrick visits Melanie. He explains that he saw Carrie, and he's already spoken to her real mother. She asks him to tell her who her mother is, and he says that she's on her way to see her. He says she'll be there shortly. She's very excited. There's a knock, and Kendrick goes to answer it. Melanie gasps and smiles. It's Josette. They embrace. Melanie says there's no one else she'd rather have as a mother. Josette says each time she saw here she considered telling her the truth. While Julia eavesdrops, Melanie asks her why she didn't keep her, and she says they couldn't, and ask to leave it at that. Julia bursts in and says Josette has told her enough. Josette says she should never have given her up. Julia says that she didn't have a choice, and Josette counters that she did. She says she could have taken Bramwell and the baby to Boston. Melanie asks what happened. Julia says she was persuaded that she couldn't take care of her children alone. Josette says she knew they'd take care of her. Julia tells her that telling the truth now can benefit no one. Josette tells her that nothing will stop her from telling Melanie the truth. Julia says she's so overwhelmed that she'll do anything for her daughter, no matter who she hurts. Melanie tells Julia to leave, and she does so reluctantly. 

Melanie asks her mother to tell her everything. Josette explains that her father, Justin Collins, insisted that she do what she did. Melanie can't believe it. Josette tells her that she's just as much a Collins as any of the others. Melanie says that she and her father must have been in love. She says it was after Barnabas died, they would spend time in Boston together. She says she got pregnant, and Melanie was their child. She says Justin hoped she would be a girl, having had three sons. Melanie thanks her for telling the truth. Josette says he offered to leave Flora, but she knew that was wrong. So she ran away to Boston by herself. She says he didn't track her down until after she was born. She says he convinced her that Melanie was the only thing that mattered. Melanie says it must have been hard to watch her grow up as someone else's child.

Julia finds Kendrick in the drawing room and berates him for prying into the family business and picking apart their secrets. She asks if he intends to tell everyone what they found out. Julia insists that Flora not be told. He says he will do whatever Melanie and her mother want. He then asks Julia how she found out. Julia explains that she found a letter in one of Justin's coat that she was donating to charity. She protected Flora, not letting her know that her husband had betrayed her with another woman.

Bramwell watches over Daphne. She wakes and is surprised to see him. He asks her how she feels, and she says she's tired. He says he's grateful she found her way back to him. She says she dreamed that she had his son, and the look on his face told her how much he loved her. She sees him change, and asks him what's wrong. She says she was wrong to come back. He tells her to chill out, and says that he does love her. She asks him not to turn away from her. She asks if he wants to have a child. He tells her that right now he wants her to get better. He says he may have failed her as a husband up until now, but he won't fail her again — ever.

Melanie is excited to realize that Bramwell is her half brother. Josette says she wishes she could have told them the truth when they were children. Melanie says she can't wait to tell the truth when Julia enters and interrupts them, saying that no one must know. Melanie says it doesn't concern her. Julia says she has obligations to the family, and she forbids it. Josette says she's not a child, and Julia tells her that she IS a child. A wilful child using Melanie for revenge against those she felt treated her badly. Julia asks Melanie if she wants to hurt Flora. She says she doesn't, but she also doesn't want to prevent her mother from telling the truth. Julia says that she owes it to Justin to take care of Flora. Melanie says if it's agreeable to Josette, they will say nothing. Melanie says that she needs to talk to Kendrick. Once she's gone, Julia tells Josette that she must never come to Collinwood again. Josette is shocked, and says she cannot treat her as an outcast. Julia says she made herself an outcast when she and Justin broke the laws of God and man.

Bramwell brings Daphne tea. Josette arrives and is pleased to see Daphne doing well. Bramwell tells his mother not to look sad. He asks her what's wrong, and she turns and runs from the room. 

Melanie says she doesn't know what to do. She says she doesn't want to hurt Flora or her father's memory. He says they will find a way, once they are married. She asks when they can be married, and he tells her they can go to the village and find out.

Bramwell comes to Collinwood and asks Julia what happened tonight. He says his mother came home very upset. She says there's nothing she wishes to tell him. He says her mother has never been so upset. Josette bursts in and tells Bramwell that something terrible is happening to Daphne. He runs out, and Josette follows him, but not before casting a glance at Julia.

Daphne, back at Death's door, tells Bramwell there's something she must tell him before she goes. He says he won't let her go. She says that not even his love can make her stay. She explains that she only came back for a visit, and now she must return to the darkness forever. She tells him that it's comforting, and she's not afraid. She tells him to find comfort without her. She says that in time, he will want Catherine, and she will want him. She gives him her blessing. She says they are the two people in the world she loves the most, and they must comfort one another. He tells her not to give up, but she dies. He begs her not to leave him.

Our thoughts:  

John: So we finally get the grand reveal — Josette is Melanie's mother, Justin is her father... and Melanie accepts it immediately and without question. And then Julia interrupts thinking she's going to strong-arm people into not sharing the info. And after somehow getting them to agree to cooperate, she basically tells Josette to get lost? If she's being banished from Collinwood, why would she care about what would happen if all the other family members found out? It seems ridiculous to think that now that the information is out there, everyone is going to keep quiet about it. And Justin and Josette broke the laws of God and man? Really, Julia? Isn't that laying it on a bit thick?

 

Christine: I find it hard to believe that Josette would turn to a married man for attention while in the throes of grief over losing her devoted husband. Justin was truly a cad. I'm also not sure how this fits Carrie's image of Melanie's mother bent over her father's coffin. Did she nudge Flora aside for the privilege, or just wait for her to take a potty break from her vigil to pay her respects?

                                                                                                                           

John: What the hell? Daphne has been up and down the health yo-yo over the past several episodes, and now we get the full range in a single episode? Out of the blue, she was back to normal and perfectly healthy... and then... dead.

 
Christine: It felt something like this...

 

John: Nice of Daphne to use her final moments to set her married sister up with her husband...

 

Christine: We are certainly on a fast track now. Do you suppose Catherine will be having the baby by Friday? 

 

THE FINAL COUNTDOWN!

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Dark Shadows Episode 1237 3/23/71

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Melanie reiterates that she will marry Kendrick. Julia encourages her to wait, but she refuses. Julia wishes her all the best, and leaves her alone. Melanie turns and sees Gabriel in the room with her. She's shocked. He asks if she knew all of the secret panels and secrets in the house. He raises his knife and stabs her. Melanie lies on the ground, moaning. Gabriel goes to stab her again when Kendrick runs in and tries to take the knife from him. Gabriel punches him and escapes through the secret panel. Julia and Morgan come in, and Kendrick confirms that Melanie's been stabbed in the arm by Gabriel. Julia asks where he went, and Kendrick says he went through the secret panel. Julia sends Morgan to search for him. He grabs a gun and enters the secret panel. Kendrick and Julia help Melanie upstairs. 

In the secret passages of Collinwood, Morgan searches for Gabriel, gun drawn. He hears Gabriel laughing, and asks him to come out. Gabriel tells him it's more fun this way. Morgan vows to find him. Gabriel sneaks up behind him and knocks the gun out of Morgan's hand. They grapple, and Morgan punches Gabriel, who gets up and runs away.

Melanie tells Julia she feels better. She says she won't be able to rest until Gabriel is found, and asks to speak to Kendrick alone. Julia tells Kendrick that he can stay, but not for long. She leaves and Melanie kisses him, thanking him for saving her life. She asks if he still wants to marry her, despite all the madness and tragedy in the family. He tells her that nothing would change his mind. He says he came to find out if Carrie was able to help her. Melanie says she was, until Julia made her leave. She says that her mother is still alive, and very close by. She describes the vision, and explains that Julia sent her away before telling her what her mother looked like. Kendrick says that he's going to see Carrie to find out the truth. 

Julia stops Kendrick as he is leaving. She explains that Melanie told her of their marriage plans. She offers him her congratulations. She asks why Melanie wanted to see him alone, and he tells her that she can ask Melanie. Julia asks if the subject was who her real parents are, and he interrupts her, telling her that the subject never came up. 

Gabriel is near a suit of armor in the secret passages when he hears footsteps. He hides when they draw nearer. Morgan appears, gun in hand. Gabriel jumps out and knocks the gun away. They struggle. and Gabriel gasps as he is impaled on the sword held by the suit of armor.

Morgan returns to the drawing room, and tells Julia that Gabriel found him. And then he adds that he's dead — accidentally. He says the body is upstairs, and goes to get Quentin to help him with it. 

Kendrick arrives at the cottage to see Carrie. She says she can't tell him any more than she told Melanie. She apologizes. He asks about the woman she saw in her vision. She says she couldn't see her face. He asks if she was threatened by Julia, and she denies it. He says her father said Julia came to see her, and Carrie slips and says her father wasn't there when Julia came. Catching her in the lie, Kendrick asks what she's afraid of. She says Julia will make her life miserable. He assures her that she'll be fine, and asks what Julia said. She says Julia asked her to lie. Kendrick asks if she knows who Melanie's real mother is. She admits that she does. He begs her to tell him.

Later, Kendrick asks Carrie if she's certain. She says it is, and explains that he now knows why Julia tried to keep it from Melanie. He tells her that she's done the right thing, and then leaves to find Melanie's mother.

Julia comforts Melanie, explaining that Gabriel died almost instantly. Melanie thanks her for taking care of her. Julia says she gets impatient with her because she thinks of her as a Collins, just as her father did.

Julia finds Morgan and asks if  they took care of the body. He says they did. He asks her who will tell his mother. Julia volunteers. Kendrick arrives at Collinwood. He asks to speak to Julia alone about Melanie and her mother. Julia asks Morgan to leave them. Once alone, Kendrick tells Julia that he knows the truth.

Kendrick visits Melanie. He explains that he saw Carrie, and he's already spoken to her real mother. She asks him to tell her who she is, and he says that she's on her way to see her. He says she'll be there shortly. There's a knock, and Kendrick goes to answer it. Melanie is shocked by who she sees.

Our thoughts:  

John: With all of the potential weapons at his disposal, why do you think Gabriel attacked with what appeared to be a butter knife? If he had been smart, he would have taken the sword from the suit of armor.

 

Christine: Wasn't that the weapon that Brutus gave him, along with instructions to go murder the whole family? Perhaps it's all part of Brutus' evil plot to kill the family off by setting them loose with an inefficient weapon, causing the other family members to kill them in self defense.

                                                                                                                           

John: Speaking of which, who keeps their suit of armor armed with a sword sticking straight out into a walkway? On the bright side, Gabriel went out with a bang! That was quite the blood-curdling death scream!

 
Christine: That was pretty awesome! I thought it was particularly noteworthy that he was giving us all the finger when he died. His death scene may be one of the best images in the series. 

 

John: I thought for a brief moment that maybe they were going to surprise us and have Julia turn out to be Melanie's mother, but I think I'll stick with your Josette prediction.

 

Christine: When Kendrick said he was going to see Melanie's mother and then we saw him talking to Julia, it became obvious they were trying to throw us off track. I might have believed it until I saw how pleased Kendrick was to tell her that her mother was coming to see her. I don't think he would have looked so delighted about Julia being his future mother-in-law.

 

THE FINAL COUNTDOWN!

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Dark Shadows Episode 1236 3/22/71

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Julia and Morgan go into the 'curse' room. Neither seem concerned that there are candles burning. Before they go into the next room, he tells her that what's inside isn't very pleasant, and confirms she that wants to go in. She tells him that she does. They go into the next room and Julia is terrified by what she sees. It's the bodies of James Forsythe and Amanda — perfectly preserved and covered in spiderwebs. Morgan tells her not to go in. He says when he touched him, that's when he became possessed. She says they must get a Christian burial. Morgan says that's not in Brutus' plans. The room goes dark, and the door behind them slams shut. He says the door is locked. They pound on it. Julia gasps, saying that one of the bodies is moving. 

Catherine wakes up, terrified. She tells Melanie she's responsible for her being in a coma. She says that in her dream, she couldn't help her. Melanie tells her that Daphne chose who to marry. Catherine says that if that were the worst of it, perhaps she could live with it. Melanie asks her what else she has done to Daphne.

Julia says that she could have sworn one of the bodies moved. She asks Morgan what plans Brutus has for them. She says they'll never be found, and then screams and pounds on the door. Brutus's spirit appears outside the room, laughing.

Melanie tells Catherine that it's best not to think too much. Melanie offers to leave her alone for a few minutes. Catherine falls asleep, and Melanie leaves. 

Gabriel is outside Catherine's room, and after Melanie leaves, he goes in. Catherine wakes to find Gabriel standing over here. She asks what he's doing. He says he's leaving. She gets out of bed and tells him she'll call someone. He says no one must know. She asks what he wants, and he says he wants money. She explains that she doesn't have enough for him to get away from Collinwood. He says if he stays, he'll die. He says that the two of them are the only sane ones. She says the family wants to take care of him, and he says they want to kill him. Or lock him away. He says his mother gave him a book of his father's meditation. He says they want him to be their victim. She says she wants to help him, but she doesn't have any money. He says they taught her to lie. He pulls out his knife and says he has to teach her something. She begs him not to hurt her. She says she's his friend and she wants to help him. She says she doesn't have money, but she can give him jewelry. She offers to trade it for the knife. He lunges at her but she dodges him. He hands her the knife and takes the jewels she offers.

Morgan gets a lamp lit, and Julia says that now they'll be able to see death when he comes to take them. She becomes hysterical, so Morgan slaps her. 

Melanie is walking by when she hears pounding on the door and calls for help. She asks where he is, and he tells her they're behind the iron door. Melanie asks if he's really Morgan. She opens the door and Julia rushes past Morgan and Melanie. They all leave the room without looking back.

Gabriel is about to leave Collinwood when he hears a voice telling him it's not his time to go, and beckoning him to come to the voice. Gabriel walks back upstairs.

Morgan says that have got to do something about Brutus' room. Melanie says that might only make him angrier. 

Gabriel goes to Brutus' room. He doesn't want to go in, but he hears the spirit voice demand it. He goes in and sees a knife on a table. Brutus' spirit appears and tells him to pick it up. He says he doesn't understand. Brutus says he is his servant, and will do as he is commanded. He asks why Gabriel didn't pick up the knife. He says that servants need not understand — only obey. He says Gabriel will do his bidding; killing everyone one-by-one. After giving his orders, he tells Gabriel he must prove himself worthy. Gabriel picks up the knife and says he will be worthy.

Catherine tells Morgan that she gave Morgan the necklace and he went away. She tells Morgan that she wants him to take her away from Collinwood. He agrees, suggesting a trip. She clarifies she wants to leave Collinwood and never come back. He says it's not possible. He tells her that he loves her, and he doesn't think she loves him. She tells him he's talking nonsense. He says that if anything happens to Daphne, Bramwell will be free again, and that's why she wants to leave. She says her fear has nothing to do with Bramwell and Daphne. She says she's afraid of losing him. He tells her that Collinwood is his home. She tells him the house is cursed. He clarifies that the family is cursed, and will be wherever they go, so it does them no good to run away. He asks if she loves him. She says she does. He begs her to stay with him. He says there's no reason for them to eve leave Collinwood.

Melanie tells Julia that after all that has happened, she shouldn't be surprised to see he leave. Julia explains that it's not as simple as that. Melanie says it will be better after she marries Kendrick. Julia says that they all want to help her. Melanie adds that she also wants to keep her confined to the house. She reiterates that she will marry Kendrick. Julia says she'll have a husband, and Kendrick will have a patient, not a wife. Julia encourages her to wait, but she refuses. Julia wishes her all the best, and leaves her alone. Melanie turns and sees Gabriel in the room with her. She's shocked. He asks if she knew all of the secrets in the house. He raises his knife and stabs her.

Our thoughts:  

John: I know I'm not retaining a lot of parallel time details, but hadn't we seen Amanda in skeletal form in the hidden room?

 

Christine: You may be thinking of James Forsythe's sister Sarah's skeleton he dug up in the cottage while possessing Morgan.

                                                                                                                           

John: Is today the day? Have we seen the last slap of Dark Shadows original run? Julia certainly deserved it, so good job, Morgan! That's a hat-trick, having delivered the last three slaps on the show! And each one to a different recipient!

 
Christine: Moreover, is this the last time we'll hear Julia scream hysterically? If not, perhaps there are more slaps to be delivered.

 

John: How exactly did Gabriel recognize Brutus' spirit? It's not like we've seen his portrait anywhere in the house. And do you think we're supposed to believe Melanie is dead after being stabbed in what clearly seems to be her arm?

 

Christine: I assumed Gabriel recognized him because he spent part of the night in the room with him. Perhaps Gabriel needed a little more direction from Brutus as to how to go about killing the family since he's unaware what part of the body he needs to target to achieve a fatal blow. What do you think the chances are that the corpses of James Forsythe and Amanda Collins will rise and start shambling through the halls of Collinwood in search of brains to consume? Justin Collins seems to lack that sort of ingenuity.

Collinsport Slap-Tracker

20 Roger slaps Burke Devlin's drink out of his hand!

93 Roger slaps David!

128 Joe slaps Maggie's butt!

383 Barnabas slaps Jeremiah!

438 Naomi slaps Reverend Trask!

467 Elizabeth slaps Roger!

535 Julia slaps Cassandra!

619 Blair slaps Angelique!

768 Quentin slaps Beth!

790 Trask slaps Judith!

805 Trask slaps Charity!

865 Quentin slaps Aristede!

963 A zombie slaps Julia!

964 Zombies slap Roger and Quentin!

1119 Samantha slaps Gabriel! 

1129 Quentin Slaps Samantha! 

 

1183 Gerard Slaps Samantha!

 

1206 Morgan Slaps Bramwell!

 

1215 Morgan slaps Melanie! 

 

1236 Morgan slaps Julia!

 

THE FINAL COUNTDOWN!

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Dark Shadows Episode 1235 3/19/71

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Morgan goes to the tower room and asks if Julia's in there. There's no response, so he asks if Gabriel if Julia is in there. Unbeknownst to Morgan, Julia is unconscious on the floor in the tower room. He pounds on the door and calls to Gabriel.

Morgan tends to Julia. He says Gabriel locked her in the tower room. He asks what happened to him. She says he fooled her. She says he seemed so normal, and asked her to stay and talk to him while he ate. She says she felt sorry for him. The last thing she remembers is turning her back on him. She says they need to lock him up forever. He says he's going to join Quentin and the servants in their search for Gabriel.

Tossing in her sleep, Daphne tells Bramwell that he has to take her away. She wakes, and he tells her they'll leave and start a new life as soon as she's better. He tells her the doctor will arrive from Boston tomorrow. She tells him that he belongs with Catherine because they are so much alike. She says he could never be completely happy with anyone else. He blames himself, and she tells him he must think about the future. He tells her there's no future without her. She reiterates that she wants he and Catherine to find happiness. 

Catherine comes downstairs and finds Morgan. He asks if he's heard about Gabriel. He says he's about to join the search. She says she's going to the old house. He stiffens, and says he's surprised that she would want to be with Bramwell after what he's done — destroying Daphne. She refuses to discuss it with him further. She reminds him that her sister is dying, and then rushes out.

Bramwell is pacing downstairs when Catherine arrives at the old house. She asks how Daphne is, and he tells her that she's getting weaker by the moment. He tells her that there has to be a chance. He says the specialist will arrive from Boston in the morning. Catherine says she'll try to help Daphne with her will to live. Catherine tells him that whatever happens, they will look back on this time of their lives with a sense of shame. 

Daphne tells Catherine that she knows that she and Bramwell still love one another. She starts to breathe heavily and asks her to bring Bramwell. Catherine calls for him. He comes in and Daphne asks Catherine to leave them alone for a moment. Daphne tells him that she wanted to be alone with him. She says she doesn't want him to feel guilty about her. She reminds him that she has loved him. She then drifts away. Bramwell calls for Catherine. He tells her to get the doctor immediately. 

Bramwell comes downstairs and Catherine asks if she's still alive. He says the doctor says she's in a coma, with very little signs of life. She asks if there's any chance at all, and he says the doctor doesn't think there is. She asks him what they've done, and he says they'll have the rest of their lives wondering about that.

Morgan tells Julia that they still haven't found Gabriel. He says if Quentin finds Gabriel, he'll kill him. Julia is shocked. He explains that Gabriel made Quentin promise that he would do that if he ever went mad. Catherine arrives and tells them that Daphne is in a coma, and may never come out of it. She turns and runs upstairs. Morgan tells Julia that Bramwell is responsible for it, and he will pay. He regrets not killing him earlier.  

Melanie comes downstairs and finds Julia in the drawing room. She says she wants to talk to her right now. Julia asks her what's happened. Melanie says that before she interrupted them, Carrie was about to tell her who her real mother is. She says that Julia then went to the Stokes cottage and threatened her. She says that she knows Carrie and Julia both know who her real mother is. Julia says she hopes she can prove her accusation. Melanie asks her why she thinks the truth would be so damaging. Julia tries to dismiss her. Melanie asks her if she sticks with her story that her parents were both dead when she was adopted. Julia says she does. Melanie then says she doesn't need Julia, and she can find out who the items belong to, and shows her the items they found in the study. She says she knows Julia knows who the items belong to. Julia reiterates that she's not allowed in Justin's room. Melanie tells Julia that she can't trust her, so she will find out the answers on her own.

Morgan comes downstairs and goes into the drawing room. Julia is sitting by the fire. She asks about Catherine, and he says she was up most of the night, and is sleeping now. He asks Julia what's troubling her. She wonders how many nights until they'll need to hold the lottery again. She thinks that she'll be the one chosen. She asks him what happened to him in the room. He tells her to join him and they can go into the room together now. 

Julia and Morgan go into the room. Neither seem concerned that there are candles burning. Before they go into the next room, he tells her that what's inside isn't very pleasant, and confirms she wants to go in. She agrees. They go in and she is terrified by what she sees.

Our thoughts:  

John: For someone at death's door, Daphne sure seems like she has been doing extremely well. And then, suddenly, she's in a coma.

 

Christine: Morgan is pretty callous. It's sad that Julia has to remind him to go comfort Catherine instead of getting worked up about Bramwell. 

                                                                                                                           

John: Julia keeps doubling down with regard to Melanie's parents... despite the evidence that Melanie continues to confront her with. I hope she's serious when she says she's not going to ask Julia about it again.

 
Christine: Maybe Julia is her mother. 

 

John: Why is Julia suddenly talking about the Lottery again? It's once in a generation, not once a week! I do hope that there's something more interesting to be seen in that room on Monday than two skeletons.... maybe Gabriel's body?

 

Christine: Since when were two skeletons not interesting enough for you? I'd love to see the the skeletal bride and the wide-eyed skull make a final appearance together on the show. 

 

THE FINAL COUNTDOWN!

Just 10 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 1233 3/17/71

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Bramwell is sitting by the fire when Catherine arrives at the old house. She asks him about Daphne. He tells her that the doctor told him that Daphne is dying. She can't believe it. She asked what's wrong with her, and he tells her that the doctor wasn't able to diagnose her illness. Catherine doesn't understand, considering how young and healthy Daphne is. Bramwell says that it if she dies, it will be his fault. He tells her that he'd give up his newfound wealth if it would make her well again. Catherine says that she's to blame, considering how she's treated her sister since they got married. Bramwell tells her that Daphne should have listened to her. He admits he married her for the wrong reasons, but adds that he has now come to love her. Catherine implores him not to give up. She asks if Daphne even knows, and he tells her that she has no idea. Catherine breaks down, crying, and Bramwell refrains from consoling her. She asks if she can see Daphne, and he tells her to be careful not to reveal anything to her. She heads upstairs. 

Kendrick and Carrie arrive at Collinwood. He tells her that he understands she can see and hear things that others can't. She says that sometimes she can. He asks if she can help him, and she explains that her father has forbidden her from ever using it again. Kendrick tells her it's Melanie who needs help. He explains that it would give Melanie great peace or mind to find out who her real parents are. Carrie says she thought they were dead. He asks her to put herself in Melanie's position, and begs her to help her. She tells him that her father might find out. He asks her to think of Melanie.

Daphne wakes to find Catherine by her side. Daphne tells her that she feels foolish; taking ill so suddenly. She asks what's troubling her sister. Catherine admits she's been unkind since she married Bramwell. Daphne tries to let her sister off the hook. She asks Catherine if she heard that Bramwell's ship has finally come in. She says that Bramwell told her she'd have everything she wanted. Catherine starts whimpering, and Daphne asks her what's wrong.

Melanie is thrilled to find Kendrick in the drawing room. She runs up and kisses him. He points out that she's had enough time, and reminds her that he asked her to marry him. She begins making excuses. He tells her that he's willing to accept all the risks. He tells her that Carrie has agreed to help find out who Melanie's real parents are, and determine if they are still alive. He points out that Carrie needs something that belonged to her parents. She says that if there's anything in the house, it will be in her father's study.

Catherine comes downstairs. Bramwell notices that she's been crying. She says she told Daphne it was due to her shame in trying to come between them. She says there has to be something they can do for her. He says the doctor said there was no hope whatsoever.

Melanie and Kendrick seach Justin's study. They don't find anything. Melanie suggests that after Julia found her there before, she may have destroyed anything that remained. He pulls out a drawer in a desk and finds something hidden in a secret compartment. In a box labeled Melanie, they find a lace handkerchief, a brooch, a bracelet, and a note saying, "the items are for Melanie when she grows up." They assume it's from her mother. He wonders why Justin didn't tell her about them, and she says after his stroke he probably forgot all about them. She has him put the drawer back so no one will know they were there.

Bramwell checks on Daphne. She says he shouldn't spend his whole day with her now that his ship has come in. He tells her there's nowhere he'd rather be. She asks why he's sad. He says he's worried about her, and reminds her how she nursed him back to health. She points out that he can't nurse her back to health. He starts to tell her that he can, but stops. She asks if he knows that she's going to die. He asks why she would say that. She tells him that she knows it's true, and that she's not afraid. She tells him that she's known from the beginning. He tries to convince her that it's not true. She says it's easier for all of them if they don't have to lie to one anther. She asks him how much time she has. He says he has all the money he needs now, and can send for a specialist. She tells him they have to face this without fear. He tells her that he loves her. She says he told her that before, and she didn't believe he meant it, but she does now. He hugs her and tells her that he doesn't want to lose her.

Carrie sneaks to Collinwood, and asks Melanie if she found anything from her parents. She shows Carrie the box, and she take the handkerchief. Carrie 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.

Our thoughts:  

John: As we prepare for Daphne to die of a broken heart, is anyone else the least bit curious about the fact that Catherine is still, at least as far as we know, carrying around a mini-Bramwell in her belly? They'll be lucky if Daphne kicks the bucket before that bit of news lands in her lap.

 

Christine: Perhaps that will be what takes her out.

                                                                                                                           

John: Why would items Melanie's mother left for her need to be hidden? They could have just as easily kept those set aside for her while maintaining the charade that her mother had died before she was adopted. I have to say, I'm getting tired of all this drama for drama's sake!

 
Christine: Well, duh, John. They were hidden so no random psychic could show up and use them to tell her who her real mom is. It had me wondering why her mother would leave such a random assortment of items for her anyway. It reminds me of Vicki clinging to the note her mother left with her when she dropped her on the doorstep of the foundling home in a cardboard box. 

 

John: I think you were right about Josette being Melanie's mother. I can't wait to see how Bramwell reacts to the news.

 

Christine: Yes, but what we may have missed was that she was Barnabas' daughter! Carrie did say her father was in a coffin. I guess that rules out Justin, but doesn't explain why he'd want to take care of her. Unless he thought she was his daughter!