Dark Shadows Episode 1238 3/24/71

You can stream today's episode free on TubiTV 

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 her mother is, and he says that she's on her way to see her. He says she'll be there shortly. She's very excited. There's a knock, and Kendrick goes to answer it. Melanie gasps and smiles. It's Josette. They embrace. Melanie says there's no one else she'd rather have as a mother. Josette says each time she saw here she considered telling her the truth. While Julia eavesdrops, Melanie asks her why she didn't keep her, and she says they couldn't, and ask to leave it at that. Julia bursts in and says Josette has told her enough. Josette says she should never have given her up. Julia says that she didn't have a choice, and Josette counters that she did. She says she could have taken Bramwell and the baby to Boston. Melanie asks what happened. Julia says she was persuaded that she couldn't take care of her children alone. Josette says she knew they'd take care of her. Julia tells her that telling the truth now can benefit no one. Josette tells her that nothing will stop her from telling Melanie the truth. Julia says she's so overwhelmed that she'll do anything for her daughter, no matter who she hurts. Melanie tells Julia to leave, and she does so reluctantly. 

Melanie asks her mother to tell her everything. Josette explains that her father, Justin Collins, insisted that she do what she did. Melanie can't believe it. Josette tells her that she's just as much a Collins as any of the others. Melanie says that she and her father must have been in love. She says it was after Barnabas died, they would spend time in Boston together. She says she got pregnant, and Melanie was their child. She says Justin hoped she would be a girl, having had three sons. Melanie thanks her for telling the truth. Josette says he offered to leave Flora, but she knew that was wrong. So she ran away to Boston by herself. She says he didn't track her down until after she was born. She says he convinced her that Melanie was the only thing that mattered. Melanie says it must have been hard to watch her grow up as someone else's child.

Julia finds Kendrick in the drawing room and berates him for prying into the family business and picking apart their secrets. She asks if he intends to tell everyone what they found out. Julia insists that Flora not be told. He says he will do whatever Melanie and her mother want. He then asks Julia how she found out. Julia explains that she found a letter in one of Justin's coat that she was donating to charity. She protected Flora, not letting her know that her husband had betrayed her with another woman.

Bramwell watches over Daphne. She wakes and is surprised to see him. He asks her how she feels, and she says she's tired. He says he's grateful she found her way back to him. She says she dreamed that she had his son, and the look on his face told her how much he loved her. She sees him change, and asks him what's wrong. She says she was wrong to come back. He tells her to chill out, and says that he does love her. She asks him not to turn away from her. She asks if he wants to have a child. He tells her that right now he wants her to get better. He says he may have failed her as a husband up until now, but he won't fail her again — ever.

Melanie is excited to realize that Bramwell is her half brother. Josette says she wishes she could have told them the truth when they were children. Melanie says she can't wait to tell the truth when Julia enters and interrupts them, saying that no one must know. Melanie says it doesn't concern her. Julia says she has obligations to the family, and she forbids it. Josette says she's not a child, and Julia tells her that she IS a child. A wilful child using Melanie for revenge against those she felt treated her badly. Julia asks Melanie if she wants to hurt Flora. She says she doesn't, but she also doesn't want to prevent her mother from telling the truth. Julia says that she owes it to Justin to take care of Flora. Melanie says if it's agreeable to Josette, they will say nothing. Melanie says that she needs to talk to Kendrick. Once she's gone, Julia tells Josette that she must never come to Collinwood again. Josette is shocked, and says she cannot treat her as an outcast. Julia says she made herself an outcast when she and Justin broke the laws of God and man.

Bramwell brings Daphne tea. Josette arrives and is pleased to see Daphne doing well. Bramwell tells his mother not to look sad. He asks her what's wrong, and she turns and runs from the room. 

Melanie says she doesn't know what to do. She says she doesn't want to hurt Flora or her father's memory. He says they will find a way, once they are married. She asks when they can be married, and he tells her they can go to the village and find out.

Bramwell comes to Collinwood and asks Julia what happened tonight. He says his mother came home very upset. She says there's nothing she wishes to tell him. He says her mother has never been so upset. Josette bursts in and tells Bramwell that something terrible is happening to Daphne. He runs out, and Josette follows him, but not before casting a glance at Julia.

Daphne, back at Death's door, tells Bramwell there's something she must tell him before she goes. He says he won't let her go. She says that not even his love can make her stay. She explains that she only came back for a visit, and now she must return to the darkness forever. She tells him that it's comforting, and she's not afraid. She tells him to find comfort without her. She says that in time, he will want Catherine, and she will want him. She gives him her blessing. She says they are the two people in the world she loves the most, and they must comfort one another. He tells her not to give up, but she dies. He begs her not to leave him.

Our thoughts:  

John: So we finally get the grand reveal — Josette is Melanie's mother, Justin is her father... and Melanie accepts it immediately and without question. And then Julia interrupts thinking she's going to strong-arm people into not sharing the info. And after somehow getting them to agree to cooperate, she basically tells Josette to get lost? If she's being banished from Collinwood, why would she care about what would happen if all the other family members found out? It seems ridiculous to think that now that the information is out there, everyone is going to keep quiet about it. And Justin and Josette broke the laws of God and man? Really, Julia? Isn't that laying it on a bit thick?

 

Christine: I find it hard to believe that Josette would turn to a married man for attention while in the throes of grief over losing her devoted husband. Justin was truly a cad. I'm also not sure how this fits Carrie's image of Melanie's mother bent over her father's coffin. Did she nudge Flora aside for the privilege, or just wait for her to take a potty break from her vigil to pay her respects?

                                                                                                                           

John: What the hell? Daphne has been up and down the health yo-yo over the past several episodes, and now we get the full range in a single episode? Out of the blue, she was back to normal and perfectly healthy... and then... dead.

 
Christine: It felt something like this...

 

John: Nice of Daphne to use her final moments to set her married sister up with her husband...

 

Christine: We are certainly on a fast track now. Do you suppose Catherine will be having the baby by Friday? 

 

THE FINAL COUNTDOWN!

Just 7 more episodes to go...

Dark Shadows Episode 1235 3/19/71

You can stream today's episode free on TubiTV 

Morgan goes to the tower room and asks if Julia's in there. There's no response, so he asks if Gabriel if Julia is in there. Unbeknownst to Morgan, Julia is unconscious on the floor in the tower room. He pounds on the door and calls to Gabriel.

Morgan tends to Julia. He says Gabriel locked her in the tower room. He asks what happened to him. She says he fooled her. She says he seemed so normal, and asked her to stay and talk to him while he ate. She says she felt sorry for him. The last thing she remembers is turning her back on him. She says they need to lock him up forever. He says he's going to join Quentin and the servants in their search for Gabriel.

Tossing in her sleep, Daphne tells Bramwell that he has to take her away. She wakes, and he tells her they'll leave and start a new life as soon as she's better. He tells her the doctor will arrive from Boston tomorrow. She tells him that he belongs with Catherine because they are so much alike. She says he could never be completely happy with anyone else. He blames himself, and she tells him he must think about the future. He tells her there's no future without her. She reiterates that she wants he and Catherine to find happiness. 

Catherine comes downstairs and finds Morgan. He asks if he's heard about Gabriel. He says he's about to join the search. She says she's going to the old house. He stiffens, and says he's surprised that she would want to be with Bramwell after what he's done — destroying Daphne. She refuses to discuss it with him further. She reminds him that her sister is dying, and then rushes out.

Bramwell is pacing downstairs when Catherine arrives at the old house. She asks how Daphne is, and he tells her that she's getting weaker by the moment. He tells her that there has to be a chance. He says the specialist will arrive from Boston in the morning. Catherine says she'll try to help Daphne with her will to live. Catherine tells him that whatever happens, they will look back on this time of their lives with a sense of shame. 

Daphne tells Catherine that she knows that she and Bramwell still love one another. She starts to breathe heavily and asks her to bring Bramwell. Catherine calls for him. He comes in and Daphne asks Catherine to leave them alone for a moment. Daphne tells him that she wanted to be alone with him. She says she doesn't want him to feel guilty about her. She reminds him that she has loved him. She then drifts away. Bramwell calls for Catherine. He tells her to get the doctor immediately. 

Bramwell comes downstairs and Catherine asks if she's still alive. He says the doctor says she's in a coma, with very little signs of life. She asks if there's any chance at all, and he says the doctor doesn't think there is. She asks him what they've done, and he says they'll have the rest of their lives wondering about that.

Morgan tells Julia that they still haven't found Gabriel. He says if Quentin finds Gabriel, he'll kill him. Julia is shocked. He explains that Gabriel made Quentin promise that he would do that if he ever went mad. Catherine arrives and tells them that Daphne is in a coma, and may never come out of it. She turns and runs upstairs. Morgan tells Julia that Bramwell is responsible for it, and he will pay. He regrets not killing him earlier.  

Melanie comes downstairs and finds Julia in the drawing room. She says she wants to talk to her right now. Julia asks her what's happened. Melanie says that before she interrupted them, Carrie was about to tell her who her real mother is. She says that Julia then went to the Stokes cottage and threatened her. She says that she knows Carrie and Julia both know who her real mother is. Julia says she hopes she can prove her accusation. Melanie asks her why she thinks the truth would be so damaging. Julia tries to dismiss her. Melanie asks her if she sticks with her story that her parents were both dead when she was adopted. Julia says she does. Melanie then says she doesn't need Julia, and she can find out who the items belong to, and shows her the items they found in the study. She says she knows Julia knows who the items belong to. Julia reiterates that she's not allowed in Justin's room. Melanie tells Julia that she can't trust her, so she will find out the answers on her own.

Morgan comes downstairs and goes into the drawing room. Julia is sitting by the fire. She asks about Catherine, and he says she was up most of the night, and is sleeping now. He asks Julia what's troubling her. She wonders how many nights until they'll need to hold the lottery again. She thinks that she'll be the one chosen. She asks him what happened to him in the room. He tells her to join him and they can go into the room together now. 

Julia and Morgan go into the room. Neither seem concerned that there are candles burning. Before they go into the next room, he tells her that what's inside isn't very pleasant, and confirms she wants to go in. She agrees. They go in and she is terrified by what she sees.

Our thoughts:  

John: For someone at death's door, Daphne sure seems like she has been doing extremely well. And then, suddenly, she's in a coma.

 

Christine: Morgan is pretty callous. It's sad that Julia has to remind him to go comfort Catherine instead of getting worked up about Bramwell. 

                                                                                                                           

John: Julia keeps doubling down with regard to Melanie's parents... despite the evidence that Melanie continues to confront her with. I hope she's serious when she says she's not going to ask Julia about it again.

 
Christine: Maybe Julia is her mother. 

 

John: Why is Julia suddenly talking about the Lottery again? It's once in a generation, not once a week! I do hope that there's something more interesting to be seen in that room on Monday than two skeletons.... maybe Gabriel's body?

 

Christine: Since when were two skeletons not interesting enough for you? I'd love to see the the skeletal bride and the wide-eyed skull make a final appearance together on the show. 

 

THE FINAL COUNTDOWN!

Just 10 more episodes to go...

Dark Shadows Episode 1233 3/17/71

You can stream today's episode free on TubiTV

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 1232 3/16/71

You can stream today's episode free on TubiTV 

Julia tries to wake Morgan. As he comes to, he recognizes her, and she realizes that he's himself again. He asks how he got there. She says it's a long story, and she had better start with the last thing that happened. He says he survived the room and has broken the curse. She tells him that the spirit of Brutus Collins appeared in the room and claimed that the curse had not ended, and would lead to further tragedy than ever before. He says he doesn't understand. He explains that he followed the letter which stated if someone went into the room and survived... She interrupts him and says that Brutus put the curse on the family. He went mad when his sister turned against him. She adds that Brutus killed his wife Amanda and his business partner James Forsythe, the two of which were lovers. He asks how she found all this out, and she says that he told her. She asks what he remembers. He tells her that he discovered a secret door in the room. She tells him he found a flight of stairs that led to a room with ledgers and two corpses. Amanda and Forsythe, and the spirit of Forsythe possessed him. He asks how long he was possessed, and she says it was over a week. She tells him they tried to exorcise the spirit in a seance, but it was Brutus' spirit that got rid of Forsythe. Morgan tells her that he needs to find Catherine. 

Daphne steps out of the old house and hears someone approaching. It's Josette. She asks about Bramwell, and Daphne explains that she doesn't know where he is. Josette points out that Daphne isn't happy. Daphne tells her that there's nothing wrong that won't work itself out in time, and she leaves to get some air. Josette has a letter for Bramwell. 

Morgan comes into the drawing room and asks Julia where Catherine might be. She says she doesn't know. He asks if she's not telling hims something, and then asks how often Bramwell came to the house while he was possessed. She says he was there a few times. He wants to know why Catherine isn't there where she belongs.

Bramwell returns to the old house, and his mother asks where he's been. She tells him she brought a letter from the village. He says it may be the news of his ship that he's been waiting for. She asks if the news is good, will it make life any more bearable for Daphne. He says he doesn't know what she's talking about. She says if he doesn't realize the mistake he made, it's up to her to point it out. She asks if he really loves Daphne. He says he thinks so. She says if he did,  he'd know. He says he knows he loves her. She tells him that no man can divide his love between two women, and he still loves Catherine. She tells him that Daphne is the one being truly hurt. He asks where she is, and Josette says she went out for air. He says he wants their marriage to have meaning, but for some reason he hasn't been able to try. She asks if the reason is other than Catherine, and he says he doesn't know. She points out that Daphne is devoted to him, and it would take very little to make her happy. He points out that the letter may make everything different. 

Daphne arrives at Collinwood, but doesn't go in. She remembers how Bramwell told Catherine that she was the only one he loved. She knocks on the door and Morgan lets her in. She asks if he's recovered, and he tells her completely. She asks to talk to Catherine. He says he'd like to talk to her, too. She asks where Catherine is, and he says he thinks she knows. She asks him what he means, and he asks her if she knows where Bramwell is. She says no. He asks if it's possible that they might be together. He says that Bramwell took advantage of him while he was possessed, coming to see Catherine every day. She says she doesn't believe that they've been unfaithful. He agrees he mustn't think that, but adds that he'll kill Bramwell if he sees Catherine again. 

Julia comes in and tells him that's not the answer. She says if Catherine and Bramwell have been seeing each other, it's only friendship. She adds that Catherine was by his side the entire time he was possessed. He asks where she is now, and Julia explains that she's at the cottage looking after Carrie Stokes. He says he's going to get her. Daphne starts to ask him to tell Catherine something, and they she gets woozy. Julia offers to help her.

Josette is playing solitaire when she hears the front door. Julia brings in Daphne and explains that she got dizzy. Daphne basically faints in on the couch.

Josette brings smelling salts, and Julia says her fever has gotten worse. They use the smelling salts to wake her, and she asks where Bramwell is. Julia tries to take her upstairs, but she wants to wait for Bramwell. Daphne asks if he's not coming back. Josette helps her upstairs, and tells Julia to send for the doctor. 

Morgan picks up one of the dueling pistols. He hears someone at the front door and puts it back. Julia tells him the doctor is with Daphne. She asks if he told Catherine about Daphne. He says he didn't think it was anything serious. She says they can wait to see what the doctor says. He suggests that she's ill because she knows why Bramwell married her. He says that Bramwell should be shot.

Josette asks Daphne what she's doing. She comes downstairs to meet Bramwell.  Josette helps her back upstairs and says the doctor told her she needs her rest.

Morgan pours himself a drink.

Josette helps Daphne back into bed. She asks why Bramwell went into the village. Josette says he had to meet a man to hear about his ship. Daphne asks her to bring Bramwell to him as soon as he arrives. They hear Bramwell return. He shouts that he has wonderful news. He rushes in and tells Daphne that they're rich, and everything will be different now. He says they'll travel, and she'll have everything she wants in life. He asks her what's wrong. He feels her fever. He asks her what's wrong. She tells him the doctor says she'll be fine, and asks him to hold her. He says nothing must ever happen to her. 

Bramwell asks Josette what happened to Daphne. She says it came on so suddenly. He asks what the doctor said, and she tells him that Daphne is dying.

Our thoughts:  

John: I really shouldn't be surprised by the lack of internal logic, but as Morgan points out, he survived the night in the room without going crazy, so the curse should be over. But no. Spirit Brutus has apparently moved the goalposts. To which we should all be saying, what's the point? If the curse can be changed at any point in time, what hope would they have of getting out from under it.

 

Christine: I suppose they could get someone to exorcise Brutus, but there aren't currently any Trasks on hand. The Collins family is so thoroughly cursed that there is no time period that exists where they are not cursed, so I don't think there was ever any hope for any of them.

                                                                                                                           

John: So are they actually setting up Morgan's eventual murder of Bramwell? If so, they had better hurry up, because he doesn't have too much time left!

 
Christine: If Carrie's vision was accurate, then he'll live to put Daphne in her grave, which means Morgan will kill him after that, or Bramwell will defend himself the next time Morgan points a gun at him. 

 

John: Really, Bramwell? After all the drama over Catherine, you've now decided that true happiness is all about being rich? Of course, in this parallel soap-opera time, Daphne's sudden onset of 'about-to-die-ness' should have been expected...

 

Christine: Bramwell's goal was always to get rich so he could give Catherine the finer things in life. Since it took him five years, she decided she couldn't wait any longer, which was why she took up with Morgan. 

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 1228 3/10/71

You can stream today's episode free on TubiTV 

Kendrick arrives at Collinwood to see Flora. She says she has nothing to tell him. He says he's come to take Melanie out. She says that's impossible. He says he intends to help her. She says that only the family can take care of her. Kendrick offers to help. He says they must work together. He asks who killed his sister. She says no one had any reason to kill her. He asks who did it. She says she doesn't know. Melanie comes in and begs her mother to tell him. Kendrick asks Flora what Melanie is talking about. She says Melanie is prone to hysteria. Melanie says that he must hear that she killed Stella. She tells him that she's sorry. He asks how it happened, and if it was an accident. Flora sends her to the study. She asks Kendrick what he expects to learn from a girl who imagined everything she just told him. He says that his sister was killed, and asks what would make Melanie say that. Flora asks how many disturbed people have confessed to crimes they didn't commit. She suggests that Kendrick's recent attentions have frightened Melanie. He refuses to take the blame or Flora's explanation. He asks where Melanie was when Stella was killed. She says she doesn't know when his sister was killed or by who. She says goodbye and sends him on his way. 

Melanie is hysterical. She thinks Kendrick is gone forever. Flora says she couldn't have killed Stella, and Melanie replies that the demon inside her could have. Flora says that if the police come, she's to deny anything. 

At the old house, Bramwell is sitting by the fire when Daphne returns. She asks to speak to him. She reminds him that he gave her the choice of staying with him and be his wife or leave without him. She tells him that she has decided to stay, and hugs him. She says they can make their marriage work. He breaks away from her and excuses himself. He rushes upstairs. 

Melanie is alone in the gazebo when Kendrick arrives to see her. She tells him that she's guilty. She says she knows she killed Stella. He tells her that she didn't kill Stella, no matter what state she was in. She tells him that Julia stopped her from stabbing Catherine the first night she stayed in the house. He tells her that he loves her, and that they are destined for one another. He says the truth will come out about her attacks, and about Stella's death. He tells Melanie that he came to marry her — as quickly as possible. He asks if she loves him, and she says that she does. They kiss passionately. He promises her a good life together, and asks her not to be afraid. She tells him that she is terribly afraid.

Catherine comes downstairs and finds Flora in the drawing room. Flora asks how Morgan is. Catherine points out the James Forsythe has taken over Morgan's body. Flora says they must continue to think of him as Morgan. Catherine asks if she truly thinks that stranger is her husband, or Flora's son. Catherine says that this is a fate worse than death. Flora tells her to be patient, and accept what is. Catherine reminds her that he hates them all. Flora reminds her that Morgan sacrificed himself for her. Catherine says that she doesn't have to remind her what she owes Morgan. Catherine tells her that she'll never understand the Collins'. Flora points out that she too is a Collins now. 

Daphne is sitting by the fire when Bramwell comes downstairs. He tells her that she should go to bed. He explains he's going to the village on business. She says everything is closed. He tells her that the taverns on the waterfront will be open. He wants to check on his ship. She asks him to wait until morning. When he says no, she asks if she can go with him. He brushes her off and leaves. 

Bramwell comes to Collinwood. Flora lets him in, pointing out how late that it is. He expresses his concern for Morgan. Flora suggests that his concern for Morgan doesn't rind true. He offers that he has compassion for Morgan, and she counters that he has no compassion for Morgan — but for his wife Catherine. And she tells him that she will not have that. He admits that he is concerned about Catherine, too. Flora points out that he is married to Daphne, and Catherine is married to her son. She asks him to stay away in the future. Bramwell says that Catherine has become a Collins possession now. Flora explains that she is married to Morgan. She tells him to go home to his wife. He tells her that he can't let her destroy Catherine the way they will destroy themselves. He bids her goodnight and leaves.

Catherine sits in the gazebo when Bramwell appears. She says she didn't expect anyone to be out so late. He tells her that he's been looking for her. She says she remembered his habit of walking late at night, and hoped that she'd see him. He says their lives have become nothing but lies. She explains that she wanted to see him because he was her truest friend. He says he's much more than that. She says she needs a friend, saying that she's concerned about Morgan. He tells her that Morgan means nothing to her. He tells her that she can't spend the rest of her life with a man who's possessed. He tells her the rest of her life belongs to him. She 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.

Our thoughts:  

John: Oh, Daphne. You sure drew the short end of the stick when choosing Bramwell. I hope that Jonathan Frid enjoyed the opportunity to play a role so different than Barnabas. I must admit, I'm surprised that Bramwell has yet to chart on the delivery-end of our slap tracker...

 

Christine: Bramwell is no slapper. He's more of a fisticuffs kind of guy.

                                                                                                                           

John: It seems to me that Kendrick would be willing to accept the fact that Melanie might have killed Stella during one of her episodes... wouldn't it be easier to say that she was responsible (even if not true)? Otherwise, killing him may be the only way of getting rid of him.

 
Christine: It was hard to believe he'd just blow it off without any real evidence that she wasn't responsible for Stella's death, other than believing she's made of sweetness and light, even while possessed by an evil, death spewing, knife wielding entity. 

John: Honestly, was anyone surprised to see Daphne spying on Bramwell and Catherine's encounter at the gazebo? Talk about telegraphing the punch. I'm beginning to think that this version of parallel time is set firmly in the the land of traditional daytime soap operas...

 

Christine: I think you're right on the mark, which means we've come full circle.