Dark Shadows Episode 445 - 3/8/68

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Millicent prepares to go into town when Naomi comes downstairs. She tells her cousin that Nathan has proposed to her, and they are going to be married. Joshua overhears the news and is not pleased. He asks if she seriously intends to marry Forbes, and she says that she does. Joshua says Forbes' sudden appearance to 'rescue' her was suspect. Joshua asks if she has forgotten his deceit, and suggests that Forbes is only interested in her money. He asks if she thinks Forbes would look twice at her if not for her money. She assures Joshua that Nathan does not care about her money. He says he forbids it, and she tells him that he cannot control her. He threatens to have her declared insane. She tells him he can't do that, and he assures her that he can and he will. There's a knock at the door, and Forbes arrives. He asks to speak to Joshua, and says they won't marry without his permission. Joshua agrees to hear him out. They retire to Joshua's office, leaving Millicent and Naomi in the foyer.

Nathan tells Joshua that he and Millicent love each other. Joshua calls him a liar and hypocrite. Nathan adds that he knows Joshua's secret. Joshua says he has no secret, and Nathan tells him he knows the truth about Barnabas; that he never went to England. He says he's seen him in Collinsport, as have others, including Suki. He says she died murmuring Barnabas' name. Joshua says she couldn't have known what she was saying. Nathan says Maude also saw Barnabas before she was killed. He says she described her attacker, and it looked just like Barnabas. Joshua sits down and asks where he saw Barnabas. Nathan says he saw him at the old house. He was following Ben, heard voices from within the house, and saw Barnabas talking to Ben. Joshua says that's impossible. Nathan says the man who attacked Millicent was dressed like Barnabas, and dropped his cane. He pulls out the cane, and tells Joshua he knows that he's hiding Barnabas in the old house. Nearly breaking down, Joshua says it's impossible. Nathan realizes that Joshua doesn't know what he's talking about. Nathan says he should go to the authorities, but he'll give Joshua time to consider approving his marriage to Millicent. He leaves Joshua, who says to himself that it can't be Barnabas, as he's dead.

Nathan waits in the drawing room when Naomi comes in asking about Joshua. He explains Joshua is in his office considering giving his consent to the marriage. She tells him that Joshua won't change his mind, and Nathan says she may be surprised by his power of persuasion. She says she once liked him, but then he deceived Millicent and helped convict Vicki. She tells him that Millicent is fragile, and he tells her he intends to marry her right away, provided Joshua gives his permission. She leaves to speak to Joshua, and Nathan smiles. He pours himself a drink.

In his office, Joshua tucks a gun into his belt.

Naomi bursts in and says they must speak to him. She asks if he's going to consent to the marriage, and he walks past her out of the room. She pours herself a drink.

Millicent talks to Nathan in the foyer when Joshua comes out. She asks if he made his decision, and he says he can't talk now, and leaves. Nathan tells her he's going to the old house to think, after which he'll return to approve their marriage.

Joshua arrives at the old house. Inside, he finds Ben and demands to know what he's doing. Ben tries to make an excuse, and Joshua demands to know where Barnabas is hiding. Ben says he's dead. Joshua asks why he was going to the basement, and suggests Barnabas is hiding down there. Ben explains the sun is about to set, and he can't go down there. Joshua threatens to send him back to jail, and tells him to leave. Ben reluctantly leaves the old house.

Joshua descends to the basement as the sun sets outside. He comes across a coffin. He holds his pistol ready, and watches as the coffin opens, revealing a hand wearing Barnabas' ring.

Our thoughts

John: Damn, Joshua! Why don't you just call Millicent an ugly troll! Sure, she's no Josette, but cut her some slack.

Christine: I don't think he meant to suggest that Millicent was ugly, but that Nathan has a taste for more worldly, painted women with looser morals.

John: Funny that Joshua threatens to have Millicent institutionalized. Of course it doesn't seem like an idle threat, as anyone could make a pretty good case for her being nuts.

Christine: I wonder if he'll agree to the marriage after confirming that Barnabas is not in the mausoleum where he expected he would be.

John: Exciting times! I can't wait to see how he responds to learning of his late son's affliction. I'm sure you'll confirm that's our regular hand actor in the box considering Jonathan Frid had the day off.

Christine: Sure enough, that smooth, young hand belongs to handy Timothy Gordon, who has also been known to moonlight as the Ghost of Jeremiah on a few occasions. I wonder if Reverend Trask will make Monday's episode even more exciting by rasping for help behind the brick wall.