Tuesday, November 10, 2026

Shadows on the Wall: Episode 99

 

Before continuing, you may enjoy revisiting our original 50th anniversary summary and commentary: https://dsb4idie.blogspot.com/2016/11/episode-99-111016.html


Then & Now

John: I didn't get the sense that Mrs. Johnson was at all frightened by what she heard in yesterday's episode. She seemed determined to get to the bottom of it. 

Christine: This episode has a terrific ending with Vicki realizing that she was lucky to escape the killing shack with Roger and a clearer understanding of why he wants her to leave Collinwood.

John: If David believes Mrs. Johnson is connected to Burke, it would make sense that he wouldn't report finding her in the basement. But if she denies being friends with Burke, doesn't that put her more at risk. 

Christine: Why would Carolyn ask to borrow Vicki's blue scarf for her date with Burke? She's so giddy she doesn't even consider that wealthy Burke Devlin would take her to a fancier place than the Blue Whale if he were really that interested in her. 


Shadows on the Wall

John: I'm thrilled that Vicki now has all the puzzle pieces when it comes to the pen... but what will she do with that info???

Christine: Now that Mrs. Johnson is on the job, will we no longer see Elizabeth's iconic entrance into the drawing room with the tea or coffee tray, while some gallant gentleman offers to take the load off her hands? I thought I was building an Elizabeth tea-time collection. 

No need for Mrs. Johnson to dust the decanter!



Some moments in Collins family tea tray history…







What stood out to you in this episode?














Monday, November 9, 2026

Shadows on the Wall: Episode 98

 

Before continuing, you may enjoy revisiting our original 50th anniversary summary and commentary: https://dsb4idie.blogspot.com/2016/11/episode-98-11966.html


Then & Now

John: It seemed odd that Mrs. Johnson would move in and go right to work before even unpacking. Of course the work she starts on has nothing to do with helping the Collins clan — she immediately starts probing David for information, and then heads right into the basement!

Christine: It's a pretty bold move for Mrs. Johnson to go snooping around the basement where Elizabeth explicitly told her not to go on her first day of employment. For once, David's crystal ball seemed to make an accurate prediction, but Mrs. Johnson sent him to bed without his ghost. 

Elizabeth warned Mrs. Johnson about her hostile brother, but the warning about her murderous nephew never came. 

John: Since when does David answer to Matthew? I actually thought it was funny that Elizabeth told Matthew to go to bed!


Shadows on the Wall

Christine: I'm considering a collection of Mrs. Johnson's quotes to live by, as I expect she'll offer a wealth of them. 

Words to Live By (According to Mrs. Johnson)
"My business is my business and I think it's the same for other people too."

John: I think we need a basement moan-tracker. Was this the first time that it stopped as the direct result of one our characters doing something? 

I have to admit, I had higher hopes when the crystal ball was reintroduced today. But at least it hasn't yet been forgotten.


A few other scenes from today's episode…