Lang works on his creature, which now appears to have a head (but perhaps not a face) covered by a sheet. He thinks about the dream he had when he hears a knock at the door. He goes to answer it and it's Julia. He tells her it's just like in his dream. She asks if something has gone wrong that will stop the experiment. He tells her that time is of the essence, and the body will begin to deteriorate within 48 hours.
Lang describes his dream to her. How she was at the door, and beckoned him to follow her. He says she led him to a door, and after he went through she closed and locked it behind him. He details the skull behind the first door, the guillotine behind the second door, and his headless creation behind the third door. He says then he knew his experiment would fail. Relieved of the nightmare, he thanks her. She offers to help him, and he says she wants Barnabas as he was before.
Barnabas tells Willie to bring a message to Elizabeth. Outside the dogs howl, and Willie suggests Barnabas may not have changed as much as he thinks he has. He tells Willie tomorrow that he will be in a new body, in a body he has chosen to call Adam. He says the letter will give Adam acceptance in Collinwood. He says he will tell her that Barnabas has gone to England indefinitely. Willie isn't happy, saying he might not be the same. Barnabas reminds him that it must go to Elizabeth only. He assures Willie that even in another body, he will recognize him as Barnabas.
Willie arrives at Collinwood and is greeted by Cassandra. She offers to take the letter, but Willie says he was told to give it only to Mrs. Stoddard. He asks who she is, and when she says she's Roger's wife, he explains that he's been away for a while. She invites him into the drawing room.
Cassandra points out that it's odd Barnabas doesn't have a phone, suggesting that it's like he's living in the 18th Century. Willie mentions that Barnabas doesn't stay in like he used to; he says he spends a lot of time with Dr. Lang. She asks if Barnabas was different before his accident. Willie says yes, but adds that sometime he's almost the same. Cassandra says he can leave the letter with her, and she'll see that Liz gets it. Willie says Barnabas is going away, and she says she really needs to reach him. Willie sees Mrs. Stoddard's car pull up, and quickly excuses himself. Cassandra smiles.
Lang explains how simply people can transfer all elements of life outside of the soul. He shows her the book in which he's got all the steps written down.
They discuss the procedure as Barnabas arrives. Lang unveils Adam's face, and asks Barnabas to lie on the adjoining table. Lang asks Julia to tighten Barnabas' straps as he places the soul-transformer on Barnabas' head. They begin the experiment.
Cassandra holds a clay figure of Dr. Lang, and describes how by manipulating it, he will suffer accordingly. She says her power comes from the devil himself.
Lang throws some switches, and as electricity races through the equipment, Barnabas screams. Lang spins dials like he's tuning into a radio station.
Cassandra pokes her clay doll.
Lang squirms as he calls for Julia to check Adam's pulse.
Cassandra pokes the pin deeper into the clay doll.
Lang falls over on his control panel, screaming. Julia calls out to Barnabas.
Our thoughts
John: So after several weeks left out on the operating table, Lang's body is rapidly approaching it's use-by date. I've seen bananas that haven't lasted that long.
Christine: It must be fashion week on Dark Shadows, with Cassandra trying to outdo Maggie's technicolor quilted pants with her neon butterfly caftan.
John: Julia tells Lang that her not speaking proves it must have been a dream. I wonder if that was a deliberate jab the writers snuck in the script...
Christine: They would only be jabbing themselves since they are responsible for creating her dialogue.
John: As soon as Lang showed Julia his notes on how to transfer a soul to dead tissue, I wrote him off as dead before the experiment would be completed.
Christine: He's not dead yet! He's getting better. I think he'll go for a walk.
John: Nice reflection of Barnabas' face above Adam's!
Christine: The camera crew often sets up some interesting shots with mirrors, but that one was particularly well done. It wasn't clear what caused the explosion behind Lang, but it was a cool explosion anyway.
Dark Shadows Before I Die Round Robin Nightmare tracker:
- Wide-eyed skull
- Guillotine
- Lang's Headless creation
3 comments:
I think your right about it being a deliberate jab. This episode was written by Grayson's husband, Sam. He may well have been commenting on her in real life. Grayson certainly seemed to enjoy delivering the line.
In that case, I could see how that might be a jab at her. I should pay more attention to who's writing episodes. Thanks for commenting, Gary!
I took it as a jab at the Julia character. After all, she's never been shy about expressing her opinions to anyone and everyone! It's amazing how quickly she's warmed up to helping Lang with his creation.
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