Then & Now
John: The film footage of exteriors really stands out against the video look of the majority of the show. Not that they didn't the first time through, but I'm reminded how infrequently there's location footage shot outside of the studio.
I'm also wondering if Vicky's flashbacks to the Foundling house are unique. While we will get more than our share of time shifts throughout the series, I can't recall other instances of flashbacks than in this episode.
I still don't like this original incarnation of Maggie. She calls out Vicki saying her hair will be gray in a month of working at Collinwood. Let's count how long it takes Maggie's hair to change...
Since we acknowledge that this viewing pass is for returning DS veterans (we welcome newcomers to start first with our original 50th anniversary post for the premiere episode via the link above!), I'll assume it's safe to discuss spoilers and say that it's disappointing that the Vicki/Elizabeth story never plays out to its logical conclusion.
Christine: What stood out to me on this viewing was the "All Aboard" sign behind Burke Devlin on the train. It feels like an invitation to leave the familiar behind and begin the journey to Collinsport and the extraordinary world of Dark Shadows.
Shadows on the Wall
John: There's probably room for a gallery of Roger's decanters and drinking glasses... of course he breaks the first glass we see him holding.
Does The Blue Whale sign change throughout the series? Or the jukebox?
Christine: Yes, there may be a place for Roger's decanters and drinking glasses in the Collection — perhaps even noting the particular circumstances that drive him to drink. Of course, there are plenty of occasions when other characters help empty the decanter as well.
One of the visual elements that caught my attention in this first episode was the repeated use of mirrors. I remembered noticing mirror imagery throughout the series before, but I hadn't realized the motif was established in the very first episode.
Seeing Victoria repeatedly framed through reflections makes me wonder whether the mirrors subtly reinforce her search for identity and the mystery surrounding why she has been drawn to Collinwood. I'll be interested to see whether that visual pattern continues as we revisit the series.
What visual detail caught your eye in this episode? Was there an object, image, recurring motif, or piece of set decoration that you had never noticed before? Did you discover something that deserves a place in the Collinwood Collection?
No comments:
Post a Comment