Shadows on the Wall: Episode 12

 

Before continuing, you may enjoy revisiting our original 50th anniversary summary and commentary: https://dsb4idie.blogspot.com/2016/07/episode-12-71266.html

Then & Now

John: Assuming the show was set in contemporary times, the house being 150 years old would suggest it was built in the early 1800s. Does that match up with our upcoming flashbacks, or the as-yet unseen old house versus the new house?

This is the first time a ghost whisperer (Roger) isn't making a joking reference...

We are to believe that Burke and Elizabeth are in the drawing room, when those of us in-the-know realize they both had the day off today. As a result, we get a lot of lingering outside those closed doors today.

Christine: No, the timeline doesn't match up, though it seems many of the series' historical details changed after Vicki was transported to 1795–perhaps because of her interference. 

Her hair may still be blonde, but this episode feels like the debut of the Maggie we've all come to know and love. 

Shadows on the Wall

John: Based on the Sam Evans paintings we've seen, it's a bit of a stretch for Maggie to suggest he's better than Michelangelo.

Christine: From what we've seen so far, perhaps. Fortunately, for Sam's reputation, his Angelique and Phoenix period lay ahead. Incidentally, I think I may have discovered another Sam Evans painting–a rocky ocean scene–propped behind the easel beneath the windows that I had not previously catalogued.

The striped throw blanket on the Evanses' couch caught my eye. Now I'm wondering how long it remains before Maggie's afghan first appears, and whether this blanket eventually finds its way into other households and timelines. Perhaps it's one we should keep an eye on. 

What caught your eye in this episode–something you had never noticed before or something that stood out in a new way?

Shadows on the Wall: Episode 11

   

Before continuing, you may enjoy revisiting our original 50th anniversary summary and commentary: https://dsb4idie.blogspot.com/2016/07/episode-11-71166.html

Then & Now

John: There's that fire burning in then drawing room again — in the middle of the summer!

Is Burke the first 'guest' to be offered a drink in the drawing room?

I laughed this time when Mr. Wells told Sam his hair looked fine, despite the fact that it could definitely use a combing.

When Elizabeth asks Carolyn if Burke put the Venezuela letter where she'd see it, it certainly gives you the feeling that she's reading the full scripts for each episode, and not just her sides...

I kept waiting for Maggie to return to the diner, only to finally realize that she's not one of the players in today's episode.

Ten years on, I still think Burke is convincing when he says he's not out for revenge. 

Carolyn is today's ghost-whisperer, telling Joe over the phone that she thinks ghosts are all gone.

Christine: Where was Mr. Wells when Carolyn visited Burke at the Collinsport Inn? He somehow knew she'd called Burke's room, yet he was nowhere to be seen. Was he hiding behind the front desk? 

Shadows on the Wall

John: Hmm... I'm wondering how often phone booths come into play.

Nice of Burke to help with a history lesson to reinforce key historical family members like Jeremiah Collins.

Christine: Are you trying to instigate a phone booth collection? I can't help wondering if the phone booth at the Collinsport Inn is the same one that appears on the Blue Whale set. 

I was surprised by how many car horns can be heard as Sam walks to the Collinsport Inn. Given his condition, I can't help wondering if they're honking at him. 

What did you notice during this viewing that you had never noticed before?

Shadows on the Wall: Episode 10

  

Before continuing, you may enjoy revisiting our original 50th anniversary summary and commentary: https://dsb4idie.blogspot.com/2016/07/episode-10-7866.html

Then & Now

John: Burke seating Carolyn next to the letter on the couch is a bit obvious. Perhaps if he had placed it on the end table...

I do admire David holding his aunt's protection over his father's head. 

Christine: I hadn't appreciated how early the writers began planting the idea that Roger's animosity toward David might stem from doubts that he was the boy's father. 

Shadows on the Wall

John: Lots of letters left lying about in this series.

Roger drinks! Of course, it's probably easier to track how often he comes into the drawing room and doesn't pour himself a fresh one.

David's Japanese robot toy is still a standout piece. It appears to be a Horikawa "Attacking Martian" robot. I seem to recall he'll have other toys in his room, though I don't know if they warrant cataloguing. 

Christine: I was amused that, shortly after insisting that one drink won't make him an alcoholic, Roger pours himself another. 

With the amount of grease, dirt–or perhaps Bosco chocolate syrup–covering David, I'm surprised he didn't leave a trail of evidence throughout Collinwood. 

While I don't recall seeing David play with toys very often, I think enough interesting toys appear throughout the series to warrant cataloguing. 

Would anyone else be interested in a Collection page devoted to the toys that appear throughout Dark Shadows? 

Shadows on the Wall: Episode 9

 

Before continuing, you may enjoy revisiting our original 50th anniversary summary and commentary: https://dsb4idie.blogspot.com/2016/07/episode-9-7766.html

Then & Now

John: Why didn't Bill Malloy go up to Burke's room after he hung up on him on the hotel house phone?

With all of the time travel in our future, it's interesting that they never developed the other governesses who leap off Widow's Hill. 

Carolyn provides this episode's ghost whisper!

Elizabeth also provides one, but quickly points out that she's referring to David. 

In the outro, we learn that 2026 is also the 60th anniversary of The Newlywed Game!

Christine: Perhaps the stories of governesses leaping from Widows' Hill became a convenient way of explaining away more mysterious ends. After all, consider the fates of Phyllis Wicke, Rachel Drummond, Daphne Harridge–and, ultimately, Victoria Winters herself. 

Yesterday I said Joe doesn't fire Carolyn up the way bikers and reanimated dead men do. I forgot to mention wealthy ex-cons who threaten her with a paddling.

Shadows on the Wall

John: Isn't it odd that the shattered teacup is on the ground in the foyer, but none of the broken pieces are? Where are the missing pieces!

Christine: Perhaps David is getting the blame for real poltergeists who spirited away the broken pieces.   

Three favorite teacups on the tray.

Two favorite teacups on the tray.

What kid would leave the cup and pick up the shattered pieces?
Perhaps our first evidence of paranormal activity at Collinwood?

What stood out to you during this viewing of the episode?