Dark Shadows Episode 1237 3/23/71

You can stream today's episode free on TubiTV 

Melanie reiterates that she will marry Kendrick. Julia encourages her to wait, but she refuses. Julia wishes her all the best, and leaves her alone. Melanie turns and sees Gabriel in the room with her. She's shocked. He asks if she knew all of the secret panels and secrets in the house. He raises his knife and stabs her. Melanie lies on the ground, moaning. Gabriel goes to stab her again when Kendrick runs in and tries to take the knife from him. Gabriel punches him and escapes through the secret panel. Julia and Morgan come in, and Kendrick confirms that Melanie's been stabbed in the arm by Gabriel. Julia asks where he went, and Kendrick says he went through the secret panel. Julia sends Morgan to search for him. He grabs a gun and enters the secret panel. Kendrick and Julia help Melanie upstairs. 

In the secret passages of Collinwood, Morgan searches for Gabriel, gun drawn. He hears Gabriel laughing, and asks him to come out. Gabriel tells him it's more fun this way. Morgan vows to find him. Gabriel sneaks up behind him and knocks the gun out of Morgan's hand. They grapple, and Morgan punches Gabriel, who gets up and runs away.

Melanie tells Julia she feels better. She says she won't be able to rest until Gabriel is found, and asks to speak to Kendrick alone. Julia tells Kendrick that he can stay, but not for long. She leaves and Melanie kisses him, thanking him for saving her life. She asks if he still wants to marry her, despite all the madness and tragedy in the family. He tells her that nothing would change his mind. He says he came to find out if Carrie was able to help her. Melanie says she was, until Julia made her leave. She says that her mother is still alive, and very close by. She describes the vision, and explains that Julia sent her away before telling her what her mother looked like. Kendrick says that he's going to see Carrie to find out the truth. 

Julia stops Kendrick as he is leaving. She explains that Melanie told her of their marriage plans. She offers him her congratulations. She asks why Melanie wanted to see him alone, and he tells her that she can ask Melanie. Julia asks if the subject was who her real parents are, and he interrupts her, telling her that the subject never came up. 

Gabriel is near a suit of armor in the secret passages when he hears footsteps. He hides when they draw nearer. Morgan appears, gun in hand. Gabriel jumps out and knocks the gun away. They struggle. and Gabriel gasps as he is impaled on the sword held by the suit of armor.

Morgan returns to the drawing room, and tells Julia that Gabriel found him. And then he adds that he's dead — accidentally. He says the body is upstairs, and goes to get Quentin to help him with it. 

Kendrick arrives at the cottage to see Carrie. She says she can't tell him any more than she told Melanie. She apologizes. He asks about the woman she saw in her vision. She says she couldn't see her face. He asks if she was threatened by Julia, and she denies it. He says her father said Julia came to see her, and Carrie slips and says her father wasn't there when Julia came. Catching her in the lie, Kendrick asks what she's afraid of. She says Julia will make her life miserable. He assures her that she'll be fine, and asks what Julia said. She says Julia asked her to lie. Kendrick asks if she knows who Melanie's real mother is. She admits that she does. He begs her to tell him.

Later, Kendrick asks Carrie if she's certain. She says it is, and explains that he now knows why Julia tried to keep it from Melanie. He tells her that she's done the right thing, and then leaves to find Melanie's mother.

Julia comforts Melanie, explaining that Gabriel died almost instantly. Melanie thanks her for taking care of her. Julia says she gets impatient with her because she thinks of her as a Collins, just as her father did.

Julia finds Morgan and asks if  they took care of the body. He says they did. He asks her who will tell his mother. Julia volunteers. Kendrick arrives at Collinwood. He asks to speak to Julia alone about Melanie and her mother. Julia asks Morgan to leave them. Once alone, Kendrick tells Julia that he knows the truth.

Kendrick visits Melanie. He explains that he saw Carrie, and he's already spoken to her real mother. She asks him to tell her who she is, and he says that she's on her way to see her. He says she'll be there shortly. There's a knock, and Kendrick goes to answer it. Melanie is shocked by who she sees.

Our thoughts:  

John: With all of the potential weapons at his disposal, why do you think Gabriel attacked with what appeared to be a butter knife? If he had been smart, he would have taken the sword from the suit of armor.

 

Christine: Wasn't that the weapon that Brutus gave him, along with instructions to go murder the whole family? Perhaps it's all part of Brutus' evil plot to kill the family off by setting them loose with an inefficient weapon, causing the other family members to kill them in self defense.

                                                                                                                           

John: Speaking of which, who keeps their suit of armor armed with a sword sticking straight out into a walkway? On the bright side, Gabriel went out with a bang! That was quite the blood-curdling death scream!

 
Christine: That was pretty awesome! I thought it was particularly noteworthy that he was giving us all the finger when he died. His death scene may be one of the best images in the series. 

 

John: I thought for a brief moment that maybe they were going to surprise us and have Julia turn out to be Melanie's mother, but I think I'll stick with your Josette prediction.

 

Christine: When Kendrick said he was going to see Melanie's mother and then we saw him talking to Julia, it became obvious they were trying to throw us off track. I might have believed it until I saw how pleased Kendrick was to tell her that her mother was coming to see her. I don't think he would have looked so delighted about Julia being his future mother-in-law.

 

THE FINAL COUNTDOWN!

Just 8 more episodes to go...

Dark Shadows Episode 1234 3/18/71

You can stream today's episode free on TubiTV

Carrie holds Melanie's handkerchief. She says that something's happening. She pictures a woman leaning over Melanie's father's coffin. She says he's dead. She then says that her mother is still alive, and somewhere very close by. Melanie is surprised. She asks if Carrie knows where the woman is, and who she is. Julia interrupts them, and asks what Carrie is doing. Melanie says that she was helping her, and that she now knows that real her mother is alive. She's angry that Julia broke her conversation. Julia threatens to tell Carrie's father, and she agrees not to do it again and runs off to the cottage. Melanie accuses Julia of not wanting her to know the truth. Julia tells her that she doesn't know the truth, and she never has. She says Carrie was wrong to raise her hopes. Melanie tells Julia that she doesn't believe her anymore.

Locked in the tower room, Gabriel paces around when Morgan comes to see him. Gabriel asks if he brought it, and Morgan shows off a flask. He asks if he really wants it. Gabriel explains when he needs it, and Morgan gives it to him. Gabriel tells Morgan that he'd like to see their mother. Gabriel asks if he thinks he'd do anything to harm her. He says not in his present state, and agrees to tell her that Gabriel wishes to see her. Once alone, Gabriel takes off a scarf and holds it tightly, like he wants to strangle someone with it.

Flora returns to Collinwood. Julia asks where she was. She explains she went to see Daphne at the old house. Julia asks if there's any change, and she says the doctor reiterated that there's no hope at all. She adds that Bramwell is really grieved. Morgan comes in and tells Flora that Gabriel wants to speak to her. Julia warns her to be careful. Morgan offers Julia a brandy. She explains that she has things to attend to and leaves.

Julia comes to the cottage and asks about Ben. Carrie tells her that he's not there. She says that's good, because she needs get answers. She insists that Carrie give her honest answers about what happened when she tried to help Melanie. She describes the woman in her vision standing over Melanie's father's coffin. Julia presses her for more details. Julia accuses her of knowing who Melanie's real mother is. She says she can tell when she's lying, and threatens to tell Carrie's father. Julia gets her to admit she recognized the face of her mother, and she admits that she does. She explains that Melanie must never know. She explains that she and Justin agreed long ago that Melanie was never to know the identity of her mother. She gets Carrie to promise not to tell Melanie.

Flora visits Gabriel. He asks her if he looks insane. She says he does not. He asks if that's proof that he's all right. She tells him a little more time won't hurt. He takes his scarf and holds it like he's going to strangler. She tells him that she can't do anything without consulting the family. She apologizes to him and he raises the scarf over her head, as if to strangle her. They hear Julia outside and he lowers the scarf. She asks him to understand, and he says he'll do anything she wants. She leaves the room and he listens by the door.

Flora comes out and tells Julia that she feels sorry for Gabriel. 

Carrie apologizes to Melanie, and explains that she didn't see who her mother is. She says she's tired, and Melanie asks her why she's so upset. She asks if she's keeping something from her. Carrie denies it. Melanie then asks if Julia came to her. Carrie denies that, too. Melanie bids her goodnight. After she's gone, Carrie breaks down in tears.

Julia finds Flora talking to Morgan in the drawing room. She asks where Melanie and Quentin are, saying she wants to consult the family about Gabriel. Morgan asks what she wants to discuss. Melanie comes in, and Flora tells them Gabriel made a strong argument for being released from the tower room. She says he has shown an improvement, but the family had to agree. Julia asks if she thinks his insanity was temporary, and she says yes. Morgan reminds her of their father's behavior, and says Gabriel could show violent signs after a long period. Julia agrees, and says they have to think of the safety of the rest of the family. Melanie agrees that he should stay in the tower room. Julia says that she'll tell him when she takes him his food. Morgan tells Flora that perhaps they'll have a change of heart in the future.

Flora tells Morgan that she's getting worried, since they haven't heard from Julia in an hour. He goes upstairs to check on her. 

Morgan goes to the tower room and asks if Julia's there. There's no response, so he asks if Gabriel is there.

Unbeknownst to Morgan, Julia is unconscious on the floor in the tower room.

Our thoughts:  

John: Well, we now know that Julia and Carrie both know who Melanie's mother is. As the clock winds down on the show, will Melanie and the others find out? How long can Carrie hold her tongue?

 

Christine: I was thinking that she might feel free to spill the beans if Julia should become incapacitated or die.

                                                                                                                           

John: I do love how people are excused from important family meetings when they have the day off! Come on, Flora. Gabriel says he's okay, so he must be okay?

 
Christine: I wonder what excuse they'll come up with for Quentin's absence. Business overseas, perhaps?

 

John: Of all the residents of Collinwood, Julia is the one that I don't think Gabriel was capable of fooling. Perhaps we'll find out tomorrow that Julia just slipped in spilled soup...

 

Christine: So, the family is concerned enough about Gabriel's violent, unpredictable behavior that they'll keep him locked in the Tower room, but not so worried that they believe it's safe to go visit him alone. You'd think Morgan might at least go with his mother to make sure she was safe after he pulled a knife on her. 

Dark Shadows Episode 1233 3/17/71

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Bramwell is sitting by the fire when Catherine arrives at the old house. She asks him about Daphne. He tells her that the doctor told him that Daphne is dying. She can't believe it. She asked what's wrong with her, and he tells her that the doctor wasn't able to diagnose her illness. Catherine doesn't understand, considering how young and healthy Daphne is. Bramwell says that it if she dies, it will be his fault. He tells her that he'd give up his newfound wealth if it would make her well again. Catherine says that she's to blame, considering how she's treated her sister since they got married. Bramwell tells her that Daphne should have listened to her. He admits he married her for the wrong reasons, but adds that he has now come to love her. Catherine implores him not to give up. She asks if Daphne even knows, and he tells her that she has no idea. Catherine breaks down, crying, and Bramwell refrains from consoling her. She asks if she can see Daphne, and he tells her to be careful not to reveal anything to her. She heads upstairs. 

Kendrick and Carrie arrive at Collinwood. He tells her that he understands she can see and hear things that others can't. She says that sometimes she can. He asks if she can help him, and she explains that her father has forbidden her from ever using it again. Kendrick tells her it's Melanie who needs help. He explains that it would give Melanie great peace or mind to find out who her real parents are. Carrie says she thought they were dead. He asks her to put herself in Melanie's position, and begs her to help her. She tells him that her father might find out. He asks her to think of Melanie.

Daphne wakes to find Catherine by her side. Daphne tells her that she feels foolish; taking ill so suddenly. She asks what's troubling her sister. Catherine admits she's been unkind since she married Bramwell. Daphne tries to let her sister off the hook. She asks Catherine if she heard that Bramwell's ship has finally come in. She says that Bramwell told her she'd have everything she wanted. Catherine starts whimpering, and Daphne asks her what's wrong.

Melanie is thrilled to find Kendrick in the drawing room. She runs up and kisses him. He points out that she's had enough time, and reminds her that he asked her to marry him. She begins making excuses. He tells her that he's willing to accept all the risks. He tells her that Carrie has agreed to help find out who Melanie's real parents are, and determine if they are still alive. He points out that Carrie needs something that belonged to her parents. She says that if there's anything in the house, it will be in her father's study.

Catherine comes downstairs. Bramwell notices that she's been crying. She says she told Daphne it was due to her shame in trying to come between them. She says there has to be something they can do for her. He says the doctor said there was no hope whatsoever.

Melanie and Kendrick seach Justin's study. They don't find anything. Melanie suggests that after Julia found her there before, she may have destroyed anything that remained. He pulls out a drawer in a desk and finds something hidden in a secret compartment. In a box labeled Melanie, they find a lace handkerchief, a brooch, a bracelet, and a note saying, "the items are for Melanie when she grows up." They assume it's from her mother. He wonders why Justin didn't tell her about them, and she says after his stroke he probably forgot all about them. She has him put the drawer back so no one will know they were there.

Bramwell checks on Daphne. She says he shouldn't spend his whole day with her now that his ship has come in. He tells her there's nowhere he'd rather be. She asks why he's sad. He says he's worried about her, and reminds her how she nursed him back to health. She points out that he can't nurse her back to health. He starts to tell her that he can, but stops. She asks if he knows that she's going to die. He asks why she would say that. She tells him that she knows it's true, and that she's not afraid. She tells him that she's known from the beginning. He tries to convince her that it's not true. She says it's easier for all of them if they don't have to lie to one anther. She asks him how much time she has. He says he has all the money he needs now, and can send for a specialist. She tells him they have to face this without fear. He tells her that he loves her. She says he told her that before, and she didn't believe he meant it, but she does now. He hugs her and tells her that he doesn't want to lose her.

Carrie sneaks to Collinwood, and asks Melanie if she found anything from her parents. She shows Carrie the box, and she take the handkerchief. Carrie says that something's happening. She pictures a woman leaning over Melanie's father's coffin. She says he's dead. She then says that her mother is still alive, and somewhere very close by.

Our thoughts:  

John: As we prepare for Daphne to die of a broken heart, is anyone else the least bit curious about the fact that Catherine is still, at least as far as we know, carrying around a mini-Bramwell in her belly? They'll be lucky if Daphne kicks the bucket before that bit of news lands in her lap.

 

Christine: Perhaps that will be what takes her out.

                                                                                                                           

John: Why would items Melanie's mother left for her need to be hidden? They could have just as easily kept those set aside for her while maintaining the charade that her mother had died before she was adopted. I have to say, I'm getting tired of all this drama for drama's sake!

 
Christine: Well, duh, John. They were hidden so no random psychic could show up and use them to tell her who her real mom is. It had me wondering why her mother would leave such a random assortment of items for her anyway. It reminds me of Vicki clinging to the note her mother left with her when she dropped her on the doorstep of the foundling home in a cardboard box. 

 

John: I think you were right about Josette being Melanie's mother. I can't wait to see how Bramwell reacts to the news.

 

Christine: Yes, but what we may have missed was that she was Barnabas' daughter! Carrie did say her father was in a coffin. I guess that rules out Justin, but doesn't explain why he'd want to take care of her. Unless he thought she was his daughter!

 

Dark Shadows Episode 1230 3/12/71

You can stream today's episode free on TubiTV 

Morgan comes back into Collinwood holding his rope. He sneaks up behind Julia and puts the rope around her neck, choking her. He calls her Constance and tells her it's too late, and that she'll never stop him from seeing Amanda again. Quentin comes in and rescues Julia. He grabs one of the dueling pistols and tells Morgan that he'll use it if he has to. He checks on Julia and confirms that she's still alive. He asks why he tried to kill her. Catherine comes in and Quentin tells her to take care of Julia while he locks Morgan in a room. Morgan tells Catherine that she can tell Constance he'll try again... Quentin leads him upstairs, and Catherine helps Julia up. She says he tried to kill her. 

Ben Stokes returns home and Carrie, crying, runs to him and tells him that Morgan has come several times, and each time he's getting worse. She says he's possessed by a man who hated the Collins family. She says she thought he might kill her. Ben sits her down and asks her to tell him the whole story.

Quentin puts Morgan into a room. He says he's arming the servants, and they have orders to shoot to kill if he tries to escape. Morgan pounds on the door and says that when he gets out, he'll kill any Collins he can get his hands on. 

Catherine asks Julia if she's feeling better. Julia thanks her, and she says she should thank Quentin, without whom she might be dead. Catherine asks what they can do about Morgan. Julia says that he's as dangerous as Gabriel. Quentin comes in and says there's still hope for Morgan. He asks Julia who Constance is. She explains that she was Brutus' sister. He says that before the possession, Morgan was alright. He thinks the spirit of James Forsythe is back in his own time, reliving those events. He says they have to exorcise Forsythe, after which Morgan will be normal if they succeed. He says they have to hold a seance. Catherine and Julia agree.

Quentin says he'll get Carrie Stokes to be a medium, and as he leaves to get her, Ben Stokes arrives at Collinwood. He asks where Morgan is, telling Quentin that he wants to kill him. He says he doesn't want anyone frightening his daughter, and demands to see Morgan. Quentin says he's under lock and key, and asks Ben to speak with him in the drawing room. Quentin tells Ben that Morgan would never harm anyone. He says that he isn't the one to frighten Carrie. Ben says that's what Carrie said. Quentin says that Morgan is possessed, and they need to hold a seance to exorcise the spirit. He adds that they need Carrie's gift to help Morgan. Ben says she'll be scared. Quentin promises that nothing will harm her.  Ben says he'll ask her, but she'll have to make up her own mind. They leave together to go speak with her. 

Catherine comes downstairs and finds Julia in the drawing room. She asks about Morgan. Catherine says she didn't go in, but she heard him moving around in the room. Quentin returns and says that Carrie is coming, and that there will be one more person in the room — Morgan. Julia says that's impossible. Quentin says they'll have to bring him against his will. He takes them into the study.

Catherine comes into Morgan's room. She tells him that she's there to help him, because they share a common goal. She says they both want Constance dead. She says if he agrees, she'll set him free. He asks if she'll let him out if he agrees to kill Contsance. She says yes, and he agrees. She offers him a drink to celebrate, and adds something to it before handing it to him. They toast and drink. Morgan asks when he can get out, and she says some time tomorrow morning. He collapses to the ground, and opens the door so they can get Morgan downstairs.

In the drawing room, Quentin explains that Morgan is unconscious. Carrie asks him what he wants her to do. Quentin says he wants her to contact James Forsythe so they can exorcise him from Morgan. Carrie agrees. Catherine, Julia, Quentin, Ben, Carrie and an unconscious Morgan sit around the table. Carrie calls for the spirit of James Forsythe. She asks for a sign. Lightning flashes outside. Morgan sits up and asks what she wants of him. He says he is James Forsythe. Carries asks why he possessed Morgan. He explains that he did so to be free again, and to right the wrongs that had been done to him. He then says 'he has come to get me again.' Carrie asks who. He says Brutus is in the room. He stands up and says he will not get him. He runs out of the room, and Quentin chases after him. Julia checks upstairs for him. Catherine tells Ben that Carrie will be alright, and he escorts her out of the house. 

Julia hears Morgan calling. She finds him and he says he's Forsythe, and Brutus is here, trying to send him back to the tomb He tells her that she must hear the truth of the curse, and what happened in 1680. She begs him to tell her. He says that Brutus is here. He shouts that he will tell the truth about the curse. 

Our thoughts:  

John: Quentin's tough guy act lost a little weight when he backed into the open door... Of course that gaffe was immediately topped when Morgan calls out how he's going to kill every 'Morgan' he can get his hands on!

 

Christine: This show continues to deliver top notch entertainment, because I enjoyed that immensely!

                                                                                                                          

John: I love when the crew started closing all of the doors before they kicked off the the seance! I guess those were supposed to be the 'servants' that are oft-mentioned and yet rarely seen... Oh well, at least they gave us one more (could it be our last) chance to break out the Seance tracker!

 

Christine: I love that we got Ben Stokes back today with a trendy hairstyle. 

 

John: Why waste time telling us about the curse, when you can use a possessed body to tell another spirit that you're about to tell the truth about the curse! How much do you want to bet that we won't find out about the curse on Monday, either?

 

Christine: I had the same thought, but then it occurred to me that this may be one of those times they will surprise us. At this point in the show, they were probably desperate to have folks come back on Monday to find out, and didn't want to risk losing them by not delivering.

Dark Shadows Before I Die Séance Tracker

Episode 170/171: Dr. Peter Guthrie conducts; Carolyn, Vicki, Roger, Laura Collins participate; Josette speaks through Vicki in French; held in the drawing room at Collinwood

Episode 186: Vicki conducts; Sam and David participate; David Radcliffe speaks through David; held in the drawing room at the Old House

Episode 280/281: Roger conducts; Liz, Vicki, Burke, Barnabas, Carolyn participate; Josette speaks through Vicki; held in the drawing room at the Old House

Episode 365: Roger conducts; Liz, Julia, Vicki, Carolyn, Barnabas participate; Sarah Collins speaks through Vicki after Carolyn pretends Sarah is speaking through her; Vicki is transferred to 1795; held in the drawing room at Collinwood

Episode 449: Countess duPrés conducts; Joshua Collins participates; Bathia Mapes shows up, claiming she was called; held in the drawing room at Collinwood in 1795

Episode 510/511: Professor Stokes conducts; Julia and Tony Peterson participate; Reverend Trask speaks through Tony Peterson; the basement wall breaks open to reveal his skeleton; held in the basement at the Old House

Episode 600: Professor Stokes conducts; Barnabas and Julia participate; Phillipe Cordier speaks through Barnabas; held in the drawing room at the Old House

Episode 640: David conducts; Amy participates; unsuccessful attempt to contact Quentin Collins; held in Amy's bedroom

Episode 642: Professor Stokes conducts; Liz, Vicki, Carolyn, Chris participate; Magda speaks through Carolyn; held in the drawing room at Collinwood

Episode 682: Professor Stokes conducts; Barnabas, Maggie, Mrs. Johnson participate; Janet Findley speaks through Mrs. Johnson; held in the drawing room at Collinwood

Episode 698: Professor Stokes conducts (assumed); Roger participates; unsuccessful attempt to contact Quentin Collins, whose laughter is heard; held at Collinwood offscreen

Episode 797: Barnabas conducts; Quentin and Magda participate; Julianka's ghost appears and curses Magda; held in the drawing room at the Old House in 1897

Episode 860/861: Charity, possessed by Pansy Faye, conducts; Edward Collins and Kitty Soames participate; a hooded figure appears (revealed as Judith in the following episode); held in the drawing room at Collinwood in 1897

Episode 898: Julia conducts; David and Chris Jennings participate; Jamison speaks through David and tells them that Quentin's spirit is gone and won't come to them; held in the drawing room at Collinwood in 1969

Episode 948: Barnabas conducts; Maggie and Julia participate; Josette speaks through Maggie, informing Barnabas that the Leviathans aren't holding her and that she died by her own hand with poison; held in the drawing room at Collinwood in 1969

Episode 990: Cyrus conducts; Roger, Elizabeth, Bruno, Sabrina and Alexis participate; an unknown entity speaks through Sabrina, claiming that Alexis is dying, who then passes out; held in the parallel drawing room in 1970

Episode 1008/1009: Quentin conducts; Hoffman and Angelique as Alexis participate; after hearing spacey sounds, Hoffman freaks out and runs off, breaking the circle, and an entity appears in the room that turns out to be Joshua Collins, warning of an evil that is coming to the house; held in the parallel drawing room in 1970

Episode 1021: Unknown conductor; Quentin, Angelique, possibly Cyrus and other unseen people participate; Quentin rises up and strangles Angelique as colorful psychedelic lights flash; held in Maggie Collins' dream in 1970 parallel time

Episode 1070: Barnabas conducts; Julia and Professor Stokes participate; Carolyn speaks through Julia, providing the same six clues she wrote down before she died that portend the destruction of Collinwood, but is interrupted by the presence of Gerard before she can explain what they mean; held in the drawing room at the Old House in 1995

Episode 1079: David conducts; Hallie participates; a ghostly voice that sounds like David's repeatedly says, "Let us live!"; held in the Playroom at Collinwood in 1970

Episode 1126: Gerard conducts; Flora and Lamar Trask participate; the ghost of Reverend Trask informs them they are surrounded by evil and tells them to beware the cross; held in Rose Cottage in 1840

Episode 1150: Quentin conducts; Daphne participates; Joanna Mills is summoned and a hooded figure appears; held in the drawing room at Collinwood in 1840

Episode 1157: Gerard conducts; Charles Dawson and Daniel Collins participate; Dawson pretends that Randall Drew is speaking through him, and claims he was murdered by Quentin Collins; held in the drawing room at Collinwood in 1840

Episode 1163: Leticia conducts; Flora Collins and Barnabas participate; Leticia calls on the spirit of Roxanne to give the identity of the vampire who created her; held at Rose Cottage in 1840

Episode 1209: Quentin Collins conducts; Flora Collins and Melanie Collins participate; Melanie is possessed by an unknown entity saying, "Lottery now or all will die. Plague. Die. Plague. Die! PLAGUE! DIE! PLAGUE!"; held in the drawing room at Collinwood in parallel time 1841

Episode 1230: Carrie Stokes conducts; Quentin Collins, Ben Stokes Julia Collins, Catherine Collins, and Morgan Collins (unconscious) participate; James Forsythe speaks through Morgan, saying he has possessed Morgan to be free to right all the wrongs done to him; held in the drawing room at Collinwood in parallel time 1841

 

Dark Shadows Episode 1229 3/11/71

You can stream today's episode free on TubiTV 

Catherine says that Morgan went into the room to save her. He tells her that she is the only one he will ever love. He leans in to kiss her, unaware that Daphne was watching from the shadows. Catherine pulls away and says she can't do it; that it will only lead to tragedy. He asks her to say it, and she tells him that she will always love him, but it changes nothing. He is married to Daphne, and she is married to Morgan. He leaves her.

Morgan reviews the vase from which the lots were drawn for the lottery. Julia comes downstairs to find him in the drawing room. She asks what he's doing with the vase, and he replies that she asks too many questions. She mentions that it was used for the lottery. He puts his hand to his forehead, and mentions that he gave the vase to Brutus for Christmas. He refers to Julia as Brutus' sister Constance, and says she introduced them. Julia asks him why he's so bitter. He tells her the two of them are just alike. She asks why he hates them. He tells her that she knows why he hates them so much. He tells her to stay away from him, and leaves the room. 

Daphne returns to Collinwood, upset. She replays Catherine's comments to Bramwell in her mind. She opens a box on a desk containing two dueling pistols, and takes one out. She raises it to her forehead when she hears the front door. She puts it back before Bramwell walks in. He's surprised to see her. She's surprised to see him as well. He tells her he came back to speak to Flora. She tells him that she took an enlightened walk this morning, and came to speak to Catherine. She asks if he knows where she is, and he says he does not. She tells him she'll wait for her. He asks if she's alright, and she asks him if there's anything wrong.

Julia and Catherine come downstairs. Julia tells her that Morgan warned her not to follow him. They find Bramwell and Daphne in the drawing room. Bramwell asks what she was saying about Morgan. Julia says that he thought she was Constance Collins, Brutus' sister. She said he became more hostile. Catherine says someone must find him. Julia says if they found him, they could find out more about the curse. Bramwell offers to go looking for him. Julia leaves Catherine and Daphne alone in the drawing room. Catherine tells her sister that she doesn't know what she's going to do. Daphne asks if she means about Morgan. Catherine is confused. Daphne brings up how she warned him about marrying Bramwell. She then tells Catherine that she'd like to be alone. Catherine leaves her. Daphne goes back to the box with the revolvers. She takes one out, but decides that she can't do it.  

Morgan arrives at the cottage and calls for Amanda. He sits down in a chair in the dark.

Daphne is sitting by the fireplace when Julia returns. She asks if she's been there all day, and Daphne says she left and came back. Julia asks if she's upset about Catherine and Bramwell meeting in secret. Daphne asks how she knew. Julia explains that she tries to keep in touch with everything that's happening. Daphne tells Julia that she loves Bramwell, and must find a way to win his love, because she can't live without him. Julia assures her that he will learn to love her.

Carrie returns home, and is shocked to find Morgan there. He tells her to turn on the light, and when he sees her, he calls her Sarah. He asks what she's doing there. She's confused. He tells her that he wouldn't harm her. He asks her why she came there. He asks if she has a message from Amanda. He asks if Constance if trying to stop her. Carrie says she doesn't know who he's talking about. He's convinced that Constance is responsible, and swears to put an end to her treachery. He leaves her.

Julia brings tea to Daphne. Daphne thanks her for being so understanding, and Julia explains that she's known for speaking her mind, even though that doesn't always make her popular. She tells Daphne that this will be a difficult period for her. Bramwell returns, and says he did not find Morgan. He asks Daphne if she's been there all day, and she tells him that she didn't want to be alone She goes upstairs to tell Catherine goodnight. He tells Julia that something is upsetting her. Julie replies that it's nothing that being a proper husband couldn't cure. He asks what she means, and she spares him a lecture. She says he could be kind to her. She points out that she'd like some of the love he promised her when he married her. Catherine and Daphne come downstairs, and Dapne asks if he'll accompany her to the old house. He does. 

Outside, Bramwell asks what she told Julia. She says she said a great many things, and they go to know each other. They leave, and Morgan steps out of the shadows with a rope, ready to strangle someone. 

Julia takes Catherine into the drawing room. She tells her that Daphne is unhappy. Catherine says she's aware, but there's nothing she can do. Julia tells her that she can stop seeing Bramwell, and stop encouraging him to see her. Catherine is shocked at the accusation. Julia says she knows they have been meeting secretly. She tells Catherine to come to her senses before it's too late. Catherine tells her that she's had enough of her lectures and moralizing. She tells Julia that as long as her conscience is clear, and that she is faithful to her husband, she shall do as she pleases. She storms out of the room. 

Morgan comes back into Collinwood with his rope. He sneaks up behind Julia and puts the rope around her neck, choking her.

Our thoughts:  

John: As if parallel time weren't enough, we now have to deal with historical parallel time characters to add to the mix.

 

Christine: If James Forsythe hates the Collins family so much, then why is he staying at their home? What caused him to suddenly forget that he found Sarah's corpse in the cellar of the cottage?

                                                                                                                           

John: How interesting for Julia to be the one offering up relationship advice to Bramwell. Thankfully, there's no trace of affection between them in this parallel time band.

 
Christine: Julia Hoffman and Barnabas' affection for one another carried the show through thick and thin. Now you've made me miss those two characters. This parallel time would be more palatable if they were around trying to fix whatever they thought was broken and screwing things up royally. 

 

John: Julia was right when she pointed out that she's one to speak her mind, damn the consequences. It looks like Daphne has a new ally, and Catherine a new enemy, as a result. Unless, of course, Morgan/Forsythe does away with her...

 

Christine: Who's going to save Julia? I wonder now if Carrie's vision of Daphne's grave will come to pass, or if Daphne will use one of the dueling pistols on her husband and sister. 

 

Dark Shadows Episode 1225 3/5/71

You can stream today's episode free on TubiTV 

Forsythe is in the basement of the cottage where he has exhumed a body. A wind blows through the room, and Forsythe say he knows Brutus is there. He demands that he show himself so he can fight him again. He calls for Brutus to show himself, and finds himself face to face with him again. The ghost of Brutus asks if James thinks he can change the things Brutus did. He says he will succeed, and Sarah will get a proper burial. Brutus says she betrayed him and deserved what she got. Forsythe says Brutus is the treacherous one. He says Brutus killed Sarah, just as he killed him and Brutus' wife Amanda. He says he intends to right the wrongs he has done. Brutus warns him to go back to his tomb.

Julia tells Melanie that Morgan has disappeared just like Gabriel did. She says she's concerned about Carrie, who had so many questions about how Morgan was behaving. Julia tells Melanie to be careful when she talks to Carrie, to ensure she doesn't let something slip about the curse. Carrie arrives at the house, crying, saying Morgan returned to the cottage and locked her in her room. She explains she got out through the window. Julia says she'll take her back to the cottage. They open the door and Kendrick is there to see Melanie. Julia tells him she'd like to have a word with him when she returns. He tells her that he'll wait for her. They leave, and Kendrick tells Melanie he wants to tell her something outside, so they aren't overheard. Melanie leaves a note for Quentin on the table.

At the cottage, Julia says she doesn't see anyone. Carrie tells her that he heard him go downstairs. They go into the cellar and find Morgan unconscious on the floor. Carrie asks if he's dead. Julia says he's still breathing. They look around the room, and Carrie says that she can feel angry spirit. Julia invites her to stay with them at Collinwood. A wind passes through as Julia goes to check on Morgan, and Carrie says it's the spirit. They then see the skeleton, and Carrie says they have to get out. Julia tells Carrie to go to Collinwood and send Quentin back. She stays with Morgan.

In the garden, Melanie tells Kendrick she was surprised to see him. He asks her how the Collins family came to adopt her. She says that she found out that her mother was still alive when she was adopted. She says she found a letter, but Julia took it from her. Kendrick asks how Justin Collins found her. She tells him she was six months old, and her father was on the board of directors at the orphanage. He says that it's true he was on the board of directors, but that she was never at the orphanage. He says he searched the records. She asks why he would do that. He says he felt she had doubts about her real parents, and he wanted her to be happy. She's grateful for his concern. Kendrick asks who first told her she was at the orphanage. She thinks it was her father. He wonders if anyone else in the family knew it was a lie. She asks why her father would like about it. She then says that she thinks Julia knows. 

Julia is watching over Forsythe in the Collinwood drawing room when he comes to. He asks if she ever smiles. She says there's nothing in the house to smile about. She says she hoped when he came to that he'd be himself again. He reiterates that he is himself. She asks what he was doing in the cellar of the cottage. He tells her that he's not there to help her. She asks why he hates them so. He says she's a Collins. She suggests that he shouldn't hate them for something that happened 160 years ago. She asks who he dug up in the cellar of the cottage. He says that his concern. She asks why he was unconscious. He refuses to answer. She says he must not go back there. He says he will under one condition: if someone goes to gather up his sister Sarah's skeleton and sees to it that she gets a proper burial. Julia asks how she came to be buried there. He refuses to answer. He tells her that she can ask the spirit of Brutus for the answer, and bids her goodnight.

Kendrick and Melanie return to Collinwood. They kiss goodnight. Melanie goes upstairs, and Kendrick starts to leave. He then turns and sees Julia watching him. She reminds him they were going to talk, and he goes into the drawing room. She tells him that he's been interfering again, putting ridiculous thoughts into Melanie's mind. He suggests that Julia wouldn't like Melanie finding out the truth about her past. He asks why everyone is lying to her about her background and the identity of her real parents. Julia says that no one is lying to her. He calls her a liar, explaining that he's been to the orphanage, and there's no record of Melanie there. He asks her what is it that they don't want Melanie to know. She tells him to leave and never return. She threatens him, and starts to escort him to the door. She sees Melanie coming downstairs, seemingly possessed. She closes the door and says they can talk a little longer. He opens the door and finds Melanie in the foyer. He asks her what's wrong. She barks at him, saying that he's not a Collins, and he doesn't belong there. She says everyone in the house is destined to die. He turns to Julia and demands that she tell him what's wrong with Melanie.

Our thoughts:  

John: I never thought I'd be so disappointed by a ghost's appearance, but Brutus' back and forth with Morgan-possessed-by-Forsythe just came across as belabored exposition setting up more plot-points that aren't going to amount to anything. Perhaps I'm wrong, and this will all get developed in the final few weeks of the show, but past history suggests the writers are far too willing to drag out such storylines, and with the clock ticking, whether they knew it or not, it's hard to believe that all of this 1841 parallel time nonsense will ultimately amount to anything...

 

Christine:  I had to believe that all that wind blowing through the cellar was caused by Brutus' bluster. Apparently, Brutus was a homicidal maniac. What does that have to do with the curse?

                                                                                                                           

John: So Carrie escapes from the cottage where Morgan/Forsythe has locked her up, and Julia's first thought is to drag her back to the cottage?

 
Christine: That's what I thought. At least she suggested that she stay the night at Collinwood after finding the skeletal remains. 

John: Boy, Julia was on a roll today! Did she really think it was going to work when her tone abruptly changed from a veiled death threat to an invitation for Kendrick to stick around for some more idle chit-chat?

 

Christine: That was hilarious! Do you think Melanie is possessed by Amanda, Sarah, or someone else? Any guesses on who her real parents are?