Dark Shadows Episode 785 - 6/27/69

Amazon Prime members can stream today's episode free!

Magda stares at a mangled-face Evan, who sits in a chair at the old house. There's a knock at the door, and she tells Evan to get up, and she leads him to the basement. Outside, Quentin calls to Magda.

After Evan is hidden, she answers the door. He asks her where Barnabas is. He reminds her that there will be a full moon tonight. He hears something coming from the basement, and Quentin asks who she's got locked down there. Mangled-face Evan looks out through the cellar bars, and Quentin demands that Magda tell him who it is.

He asks what happened to him, and tells her to let him out. He's concerned that he heard what he said. When he leads him out, Quentin asks him who he is and what he hears. Mangled-face walks back to the chair he had been sitting in, and sits down. Quentin asks where he came from and why he's there. Magda says she found him in the woods. Quentin asks if Barnabas knows the man is there and she says yes. She tells Quentin the man's mind has been destroyed. She assures Quentin that the man has nothing to do with him, and tells him to go back to Collinwood. Quentin tells her to get rid of the man so she can tell him what's going to happen to him tonight without the man hearing. She says if he wants to know what will happen to him tonight, she will show him.

She leaves the room. Quentin questions mangled-face, but gets no response. Magda returns with the box. Quentin asks to see the hand. He notices that mangled-face is upset, and Magda escorts Evan out of the room. When she returns, Quentin asks her if he was frightened of the hand. Magda tells Quentin that the hand will rip the curse from him. He asks what it can do besides curing him, and she says only the ancient gods know. Quentin laments how he explored the black arts. He asks her if he has to decide by dusk, and Magda says he does.

Judith unsuccessfully tries to reach Evan Hanley on the phone.

Edward returns to Collinwood wearing a top hat. Quentin arrives shortly after. They enter the drawing room. Judith says that she hoped dear Gregory would be back by the time they got back. Edward scoffs at her describing Trask that way, and she tells them that he is her husband. Quentin laughs. Edward is shocked, and calls her mad. Quentin congratulates her. Edward says he doesn't mind him as a teacher to his son, but he didn't want him in the family. He accuses him of marrying Judith for her money, and she slaps him.

Judith tells him that Gregory will be living with them, and if he doesn't like it, he can leave. Judith says that marriage has changed her. She is relieved that someone else will take charge. Edward asks of what, and she says she won't be bothered with business. Edward reminds her that their grandmother left her the money, and after her, it goes to Jamison. He asks what will happen if she dies before Jamison comes of age. She says Gregory will administer the estate, and she's drawn up papers to that effect, and she's just waiting to meet with Evan. Edward storms out, and Quentin goes upstairs.

The doors to the drawing room close mysteriously. Judith re-enters the room to find torn papers on the floor. Her changed will is now in pieces. She asks who's in the room with her. She turns again and is shocked to see a bible open on the desk with a dagger stuck in it. She reads a passage referencing that the 'evil is still to come.' She then sees a child's drawing of Mrs. Trask on the wall, which she realizes is Minerva.

Edward tells Quentin to quit staring at the clock. He says they must come up with a solution. He refuses to consider Gregory as the master of Collinwood. He says they must go see Evan together after dinner. Quentin tells Edward not to count on him, and storms out.

Magda arrives at Collinwood to see Quentin. She tells him that if he doesn't try tonight, she doesn't think he'll have another chance. He says he'll be there at dusk. Edward comes in, and she congratulates him on having a new man in the family. She leaves, and Edward asks if he's meeting with Magda at dusk instead of Evan. Quentin leaves him.

Edward goes into the drawing room to talk sense into Judith. She says she is Judith Trask, and he asks if she already regrets it. She says she does not, and he tells her that he will see to it that she does.

Quentin arrives at the old house at dusk. Mangled-face is sitting in the dark. Quentin asks who he is, and mangled-face says he is Evan Handley. Magda comes in, and Quentin asks if it's true. Magda gives Quentin the box with the hand, Evan says, "hand," and cowers. Magda leads Evan away.

When she returns, Quentin says if the hand could do what it did to Evan, he doesn't want to have anything to do with it. He begins convulsing as the transformation takes effect. Magda says it can't be any worse, and asks if he wants her to try. He tells her to try. She recites an incantation to remove the curse, and places the hand on Quentin's heart.

Our thoughts

John: Now that's an unexpected turn of events! Evan Hanley lives! Well, sort-of, anyway. I'm happy to have him still around, drooping eye and all (is that the Jeremiah Collins eye?). I thought he would be relegated to another silent character, so it was a nice surprise to see him start whimpering when Magda brought out the hand to cure Quentin. I can't imagine that mangled-face Evan will have a long tenure, but I hope we get him for a few more weeks anyway.

Christine: It sure looks like the Jeremiah Collins droopy eye! Barnabas wanted the Hand to make him his servant, so we'll see how much serving he's able to do in his current state.

Ghost of Jeremiah in Episode 394

John: I was amused that Quentin is not at all put-off by Evan's mangled face! He's just upset that a stranger was present. You'd think that he might make a bigger deal out of someone so disfigured just lounging around the old house.

Christine: Well, it's just another freak hanging out at the Old House, after all. He really should have been able to recognize Evan by the suit and hair though. Speaking of suits, Edward was looking rather dapper today.

John: I look forward to the coming conflict between Trask and Edward. It was quite a shock to hear Judith even refer to herself as Trask (and not Collins-Trask).

Christine: It had me thinking the drawing might have actually been her and not Minerva. I wonder who was responsible for that fine piece of artwork. Too bad Carl is not around to hear this terrible news. I guess you were right about the family not being too broken up over losing Carl. It seems he's already been forgotten, though the past few weeks have been quite eventful with a high mortality rate, Barnabas being outed, a magical severed hand, and Judith's elopement. This week really ended on a high note with a demonstration of the awesome powers of the Hand of Count Petofi. It will be interesting to see what the Hand does to Quentin, and what Trask will do to Judith.

Dark Shadows Episode 784 - 6/26/69

Amazon Prime members can stream today's episode free!

Barnabas returns to his coffin in the cave. He hears someone, and calls out to see if it's Magda. He sees Evan, holding a cross. He bids Barnabas a good morning. Barnabas asks how he found him. Evan says he thought he'd be more interested in what he intends to do, now that he has found him. Barnabas asks if he brought a hammer and stake, or silver bullets. He stands with his back to Evan and tells him to get it over with.

Evan lowers his cross so Barnabas can look at him. He says that he is not planning to kill Barnabas now. He tells Barnabas that he will be at his mercy. He says that Barnabas knows much that he wants to know. Evan asks him about the hand from the forest of Oshden. The hand of Count Petofi. Barnabas says he admires his imagination. Evan says he wants the hand that cured Charity. Barnabas is surprised to hear that. Evan demands that Barnabas give him the hand. He asks if it's in the cave, and Barnabas says that it's not, but that it will be back at dusk. He adds that he must be alive at dusk in order for Evan to get it. Evan agrees to return at dusk, threatening that it might be Barnabas' last.

Judith can't believe that Barnabas was the secret their grandmother kept. Trask tells her that the evil men do live after them. He says he has come to Collinwood on a sad mission. She tells Trask to let her help him. He says he has decided to close the school and leave Collinsport forever. She asks him to think of the children, and then suggests that he's leaving because of the Collins family. Trask says that just one of them has made him make the decision. She asks him who is responsible, and he tells her that it is her. He says that she would never consider marrying him. And then he asks if she would.

He apologizes for his impetuousness. He says he knows there's no hope, but at least now she knows why he must leave Collinsport. She tells him to stop. She says that no one has ever proposed to her before. She says her grandmother said she frightened men away. He brings up Minerva, acknowledging that Judith's probably thinking of her, too. He says that they could marry, and she tells him yes. She says it will be an understanding between them, and at the proper time they will announce. He tells her they shouldn't worry about what others think. She tells him they must be proper. Trask tells her that they must marry today, before someone tries to come between them.

He asks if she trusts him. She says she does, and he tells her to come with him, and they will return as man and wife. She explains that it can't happen this way, and Trask casts away her concerns.

Barnabas has arisen, and waits for Evan to return to the cave. Magda shows up with the hand, and Barnabas tells her that her psychic abilities have failed her. He tells her that Evan knows about the hand, and he wants it. She says she'll bury it in the woods. Barnabas says he must outwit Evan, and he needs the hand. He tells her the hand cured Charity, and asks if it can do evil. She says yes. Barnabas tells her she must use it to make Evan his servant. She tells him that's not how the hand of Count Petofi works. It does what Petofi wants it to do.

Magda begins a ritual over the hand, asking for help. Evan shows up and is excited to see Magda talking to the hand. He asks Barnabas to please give it to him. Barnabas says that if Magda gives him the hand, it will do him no good. Barnabas tells him the hand belonged to the most evil man, and tells Evan to look at while wearing his cross. Evan says he won't take off the cross in his presence. Magda tells Barnabas to let the hand kill him, and Barnabas says that Evan didn't disturb him while he rested, when he could have. Magda lets Evan approach the box. Evan puts his hands on the box, and tells Barnabas to leave the cave. He does, and Evan removes his cross. He then opens the box.

In Collinwood, Judith tells Trask that she can't believe they did it. She says it feels wrong, and he tells her that she will soon become accustomed to happiness. He adds that he will take care of her family. She screams, saying she saw Minerva by the window.

The hand rises and covers Evan's face. He screams as Magda watches. Barnabas returns, and she says that he's dead. Barnabas says they can't take a chance using the hand on Quentin. She confirms that it's back in the box. They look down at Evan's mangled face.

Our thoughts

John: It looks like I gave Evan too much credit. When he started toying with Barnabas in the cave, my immediate thought was that his ego would be the death of him. I don't know why he felt that a cross alone would allow him to become Barnabas' master.

Christine: Did he steal it from Trask or is there some shop down at the docks that sells large crosses hung on long chains?

John: Trask is a master manipulator! In the course of one episode, he has convinced Judith to marry him, AND they actually got married. Why do I think this moment will soon be wiped from the official Collins family history.

Christine: Before Judith claimed she saw Minerva's ghost, I thought she was reacting to Trask telling her he'd make her a proper wife. How frightening!

John: No! Not Evan! If he's truly dead, he will be missed, but what a way to go! I particularly loved mangled-face Evan, which almost looks like it was crafted out of Papier-maché.

Christine: It actually looks pretty good close up. Bulging eyeballs are always a hit on this show. Magda and Barnabas might want to check the box for an instruction manual before they use the magic hand again.

Dark Shadows Episode 783 - 6/25/69

Amazon Prime members can stream today's episode free!

Charity removes the cross from the window and places it in a drawer. She turns to see Barnabas standing in her room. She says she was afraid for him. He tells her that he is safe now, thanks to her. She says it's too dangerous for him to return to her. He tells her that her father has underestimated his powers. She says she must not stay long, as he must find a permanent hiding place where he can take her with him. She tells him that is what she wants. He leans in to bite her neck as Nora walks into the room.

Barnabas sees her and shuts the door. She says that they told her he's bad, and that he hurt Charity. Charity tells Nora that she let him in. Barnabas tells Nora to look at him, and Charity asks him not to hurt her. Nora refuses to look at him and runs to Charity. He assures her that nothing will happen to her. He tells her she can look at him without anything happening to her. She turns, and he tells her to come to him. She does. He reminds her that they were friends, and says that he hasn't changed. She asks why they're hunting him, and he tells her to look into his eyes. She looks in his eyes and sees that he doesn't want to hurt her. He tells her he's going away, and she won't remember that he was in the room. He tells her to close her eyes, and he disappears.

Charity begs him not to leave her, and Nora asks who she was talking to. Charity asks why she came to her room. Nora says she just wanted to see her. Charity asks if she saw anyone else, and Nora asks who else she would see in her room. Charity gets into bed to rest. Nora leaves her. Charity calls to Barnabas, asking him to come back to her.

Evan arrives at the school and finds Nora crying. He asks her what's wrong, and she says that Charity is going to die. She asks her 'uncle' Evan to help her. Evan asks if Charity was alone. He asks if Barnabas was with her, and Nora shakes her head, no.

Magda makes her way through the woods with the hand-in-a-box. She enters a cave and finds Barnabas and his coffin. He asks why she's there. She tells him that she had to see him. He asks why she brought the hand. She tells him Quentin came to the old house to see the cure. She says that she was concerned he would come back to the house to find it before he turned tomorrow night. Barnabas says he's concerned that Quentin will be changed in a way that will impact Chris Jennings in the future; a man locked in the mausoleum, changed into a werewolf and unable to change back. He wonders about the power of the hand. Magda says it can be good or evil. He asks how can they know it will be good for Quentin, particularly if she stole it. She says they can test it out on someone else who needs help. Barnabas realizes they could use it on Charity.

Evan goes into Charity's room, where he finds her sleeping with bloody bite marks on her neck. He wakes her, and says that Barnabas has been there. He asks if she knows where Barnabas is. He tells her that she's going to die, and she says she'll be with him. He tells her that Barnabas is dead, and she will be, too. He asks her if she wants to die.

Barnabas asks if the hand, now out of the box and sitting on the coffin,  can cure Charity. Magda says it can if he lets it. She says he can make Charity come to them, no matter how sick she is. He calls her, beckoning her to come to him.

Evan notices a change in Charity and asks what it is.

Barnabas tells her to come to him now.

Charity tells Evan to leave her. She gets up and says it's time. He tells her that he won't let her go to Barnabas.

Barnabas continues to call to her.

Charity tells Evan to let go of her.

Barnabas realizes that someone is preventing Charity from coming. Magda asks if she died, and he tells her that she would be with them if she had. Magda turns and finds the hand is missing.

Charity says he needs her, and Evan says Barnabas is using her. Suddenly, Charity's mood changes. She says he doesn't want her anymore. Evan helps her back into bed. She says no one can help her. Evan goes to get a doctor when Charity screams as a disembodied hand approaches her face.

She stops screaming as the hand disappears. Evan notices the marks are gone from her neck. Charity gets up and says that Evan shouldn't be in her room. He says the legendary Hand of Oshden was in the room, sent by Barnabas. She doesn't understand what he's saying. He tells her to get up and look in the mirror. He tells her to look at her neck, and she seems to recognize that the marks on her neck are gone. He asks her what else she remembers.

Magda says the hand is nowhere to be found. Barnabas says it has gone on a mission, to see Charity. He asks if the hand has such power. She says it does, but she didn't believe it. Barnabas points out that the hand is back. She says it's a miracle.

He tells her to take it to the old house and hide it from Quentin. He's going to check on Charity. He leaves, and Magda tells the hand that she knows it will help Quentin.

A bat flies into Charity's room. Barnabas appears, but the room is empty. He wonders why she isn't there.

Nora tells Charity that she was worried about her. Charity assures her that she will not fall into the valley of sin again. She asks Nora to pray with her.

Barnabas returns to his coffin in the cave. He hears someone, and calls out to see if it's Magda. He finds Evan, holding a cross. He bids Barnabas a good morning.

Our thoughts

John: Gotta love a magic severed voodoo hand! Try it out on your friends! Bad case of Lycanthopy? Talk to the hand! Reluctant Vampire Bride? Talk to the hand! Acne? Talk to the hand! Bad breath? Talk to the hand!

Christine: It is a mystery how this was never marketed. Who wouldn't love to have their very own Hand of Count Petofi to wish upon? It's kind of funny that it's so eager to do Barnabas' bidding that it just takes off on its own accord.

John: Dismembered hands have come a long way on Dark Shadows. I don't know how they'll ever top this particular severed hand (The Hand of Oshden? The Hand of Count Petofi?) with a mind of its own!

Christine: You may be interested to know that handy Timothy Gordon lends a hand to portray the floating Hand of Count Petofi, just as his floating hand once tormented the original Reverend Trask in Episode 440. He's got his hands all over this show.

John: So are we to assume that Charity knew where Barnabas was hiding, and she passed this information on to Evan? Or does Evan have the severed hand equivalent of Find My iPhone to track the hand's location?

Christine: I like to imagine that he followed it as it floated back to the cave. Incidentally, the box that contains the Hand of Count Petofi can be seen in early episodes on a table outside Vicki's room. After doing a little research, I found that The Dark Shadows Almanac: Millennium Edition details quite a few episodes the box appears in during different time periods, for those who are interested in that sort of thing, but be aware that there are spoilers.

The Petofi Box in Episode 18.