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 1236 3/22/71

You can stream today's episode free on TubiTV 

Julia and Morgan go into the 'curse' 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 that wants to go in. She tells him that she does. They go into the next room and Julia is terrified by what she sees. It's the bodies of James Forsythe and Amanda — perfectly preserved and covered in spiderwebs. Morgan tells her not to go in. He says when he touched him, that's when he became possessed. She says they must get a Christian burial. Morgan says that's not in Brutus' plans. The room goes dark, and the door behind them slams shut. He says the door is locked. They pound on it. Julia gasps, saying that one of the bodies is moving. 

Catherine wakes up, terrified. She tells Melanie she's responsible for her being in a coma. She says that in her dream, she couldn't help her. Melanie tells her that Daphne chose who to marry. Catherine says that if that were the worst of it, perhaps she could live with it. Melanie asks her what else she has done to Daphne.

Julia says that she could have sworn one of the bodies moved. She asks Morgan what plans Brutus has for them. She says they'll never be found, and then screams and pounds on the door. Brutus's spirit appears outside the room, laughing.

Melanie tells Catherine that it's best not to think too much. Melanie offers to leave her alone for a few minutes. Catherine falls asleep, and Melanie leaves. 

Gabriel is outside Catherine's room, and after Melanie leaves, he goes in. Catherine wakes to find Gabriel standing over here. She asks what he's doing. He says he's leaving. She gets out of bed and tells him she'll call someone. He says no one must know. She asks what he wants, and he says he wants money. She explains that she doesn't have enough for him to get away from Collinwood. He says if he stays, he'll die. He says that the two of them are the only sane ones. She says the family wants to take care of him, and he says they want to kill him. Or lock him away. He says his mother gave him a book of his father's meditation. He says they want him to be their victim. She says she wants to help him, but she doesn't have any money. He says they taught her to lie. He pulls out his knife and says he has to teach her something. She begs him not to hurt her. She says she's his friend and she wants to help him. She says she doesn't have money, but she can give him jewelry. She offers to trade it for the knife. He lunges at her but she dodges him. He hands her the knife and takes the jewels she offers.

Morgan gets a lamp lit, and Julia says that now they'll be able to see death when he comes to take them. She becomes hysterical, so Morgan slaps her. 

Melanie is walking by when she hears pounding on the door and calls for help. She asks where he is, and he tells her they're behind the iron door. Melanie asks if he's really Morgan. She opens the door and Julia rushes past Morgan and Melanie. They all leave the room without looking back.

Gabriel is about to leave Collinwood when he hears a voice telling him it's not his time to go, and beckoning him to come to the voice. Gabriel walks back upstairs.

Morgan says that have got to do something about Brutus' room. Melanie says that might only make him angrier. 

Gabriel goes to Brutus' room. He doesn't want to go in, but he hears the spirit voice demand it. He goes in and sees a knife on a table. Brutus' spirit appears and tells him to pick it up. He says he doesn't understand. Brutus says he is his servant, and will do as he is commanded. He asks why Gabriel didn't pick up the knife. He says that servants need not understand — only obey. He says Gabriel will do his bidding; killing everyone one-by-one. After giving his orders, he tells Gabriel he must prove himself worthy. Gabriel picks up the knife and says he will be worthy.

Catherine tells Morgan that she gave Morgan the necklace and he went away. She tells Morgan that she wants him to take her away from Collinwood. He agrees, suggesting a trip. She clarifies she wants to leave Collinwood and never come back. He says it's not possible. He tells her that he loves her, and he doesn't think she loves him. She tells him he's talking nonsense. He says that if anything happens to Daphne, Bramwell will be free again, and that's why she wants to leave. She says her fear has nothing to do with Bramwell and Daphne. She says she's afraid of losing him. He tells her that Collinwood is his home. She tells him the house is cursed. He clarifies that the family is cursed, and will be wherever they go, so it does them no good to run away. He asks if she loves him. She says she does. He begs her to stay with him. He says there's no reason for them to eve leave Collinwood.

Melanie tells Julia that after all that has happened, she shouldn't be surprised to see he leave. Julia explains that it's not as simple as that. Melanie says it will be better after she marries Kendrick. Julia says that they all want to help her. Melanie adds that she also wants to keep her confined to the house. She reiterates that she will marry Kendrick. Julia says she'll have a husband, and Kendrick will have a patient, not a wife. 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 secrets in the house. He raises his knife and stabs her.

Our thoughts:  

John: I know I'm not retaining a lot of parallel time details, but hadn't we seen Amanda in skeletal form in the hidden room?

 

Christine: You may be thinking of James Forsythe's sister Sarah's skeleton he dug up in the cottage while possessing Morgan.

                                                                                                                           

John: Is today the day? Have we seen the last slap of Dark Shadows original run? Julia certainly deserved it, so good job, Morgan! That's a hat-trick, having delivered the last three slaps on the show! And each one to a different recipient!

 
Christine: Moreover, is this the last time we'll hear Julia scream hysterically? If not, perhaps there are more slaps to be delivered.

 

John: How exactly did Gabriel recognize Brutus' spirit? It's not like we've seen his portrait anywhere in the house. And do you think we're supposed to believe Melanie is dead after being stabbed in what clearly seems to be her arm?

 

Christine: I assumed Gabriel recognized him because he spent part of the night in the room with him. Perhaps Gabriel needed a little more direction from Brutus as to how to go about killing the family since he's unaware what part of the body he needs to target to achieve a fatal blow. What do you think the chances are that the corpses of James Forsythe and Amanda Collins will rise and start shambling through the halls of Collinwood in search of brains to consume? Justin Collins seems to lack that sort of ingenuity.

Collinsport Slap-Tracker

20 Roger slaps Burke Devlin's drink out of his hand!

93 Roger slaps David!

128 Joe slaps Maggie's butt!

383 Barnabas slaps Jeremiah!

438 Naomi slaps Reverend Trask!

467 Elizabeth slaps Roger!

535 Julia slaps Cassandra!

619 Blair slaps Angelique!

768 Quentin slaps Beth!

790 Trask slaps Judith!

805 Trask slaps Charity!

865 Quentin slaps Aristede!

963 A zombie slaps Julia!

964 Zombies slap Roger and Quentin!

1119 Samantha slaps Gabriel! 

1129 Quentin Slaps Samantha! 

 

1183 Gerard Slaps Samantha!

 

1206 Morgan Slaps Bramwell!

 

1215 Morgan slaps Melanie! 

 

1236 Morgan slaps Julia!

 

THE FINAL COUNTDOWN!

Just 9 more episodes to go...

Dark Shadows Episode 1234 3/18/71

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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 1227 3/9/71

You can stream today's episode free on TubiTV 

Flora waits for Gabriel in the gazebo. He arrives, and it appears he's hiding a knife behind his back. Flora is startled. She tells him that he looks tired. She assures him that the worst is over, and approaches him. He turns away from her and says he's got to keep moving. Flora tells him that she can't deny he failed the  family, but now's not the time to dwell on that. She asks him to come home with her, and he says that he'll be found. He says he's leaving the country. He tells her that her jewels will help him. She says she'd give him anything he needs if it would help. He tells her she talks too much. He raises the knife and demands that she give him her jewels. He tells her that he hates her. He then asks what she's doing there. She says he asked her to meet him. She reminds him that she's his mother. He tells her that he's going to kill her and everyone else. He approaches her with the knife raised. 

Kendrick knocks him out and tells Flora to run away. Gabriel gets up and attacks him. Kendrick wrestles the knife from him and stabs him. Flora says that he killed him.

Quentin goes to Melanie's room and pounds on the door. He asks her to come out, and she tells him to go away. He says she can't lock herself up because Kendrick knows about her condition. She says she killed his sister. Quentin tells her that she can't blame herself. She says she's a mad Collins', and she won't leave the room. She tells him to leave her alone, and go find their mother and Gabriel. 

Flora sees that Gabriel is still alive. Kendrick says he'll pay for Stella's murder. Flora says he didn't kill Stella. She says she knows. Kendrick asks who killed his sister, if not Gabriel. Flora says she doesn't know, but she knows it wasn't Gabriel. Quentin arrives and tells Kendrick that he should go. He tells Flora that he'll be back. Quentin checks on Gabriel, and helps him up. 

Kendrick arrives to see Melanie. She lets him in and he tells her that he loves her. He says they're going to face her attacks together. She assures him there's no happy endings for a Collins. She says he might find out other things about her. He tells her that she can tell him anything, and it won't make a difference. She says she can't harm anyone as long as she doesn't leave her room. He tells her that she's going out with him tonight. She asks what will happen when her attacks come. He says they will face them together. He begs her to come out with him tonight. She says she has to think about it. He assures her that unlike his sister, she still has a chance if she'll take it.

Quentin and Gabriel are in the tower room. Quentin says that Gabriel needs to tell him what he found in the room, so they can better understand the curse. Gabriel says Morgan stayed in the room. Quentin says that he doesn't think Morgan staying there met the demands of the room. Quentin says that Gabriel owes the family. Gabriel tells him that he felt desperately alone in the room, and then not alone, but then he can't remember. Quentin tells him to try. Gabriel says he felt terror... and then says he knows what he saw in the room. Quentin asks what he saw. Gabriel snaps, and tells Quentin that he hates them all. Quentin sits him down and tells him to shut up. Quentin locks him in the tower room for the night. Alone in the tower room, Gabriel says the door will open again, and they will all be dead.

Flora asks about Gabriel. Quentin tells her that he was about to tell him what he needed to know, and then he had an attack and tried to kill him. Flora tells Quentin that she has to talk to Kendrick. Quentin offers to go talk to him. He says he's going to tell him a few things, including that Melanie, nor any family members, had anything to do with his sister's death.

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.

Our thoughts:  

John: It wasn't quite clear if Gabriel was having an attack when he attempted to kill his mother. If he just needed jewelry to fund his getaway, you'd think he'd just take it, as opposed to threatening her life. Considering that Kendrick basically saved her life, Flora might have been a little more gracious towards him.

 

Christine: I loved how Quentin told him to sit down and shut up when he started having another attack.

                                                                                                                           

John: How exactly did Kendrick get into the house to see Melanie?

 
Christine: Well, if it's like Collinwood in all other time periods, then he probably came in through the unlocked front door. 

John: I love how Gabriel had an attack right before telling Quentin what he wanted to hear. Do you think we'll ever find out what's in the room that causes family members to die or go insane?

 

Christine: I don't know that we will ever find out since it probably won't be quite as terrifying and horrible as its been made out to be. Unless it turns out to be Pansy Faye singing "I Wanna Dance With You" on an endless loop. That could be traumatic enough to cause insanity or death.

 

Dark Shadows Episode 1226 3/8/71

You can stream today's episode free on TubiTV 

Kendrick asks Julia 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. Julia tells Melanie to look at her. Melanie does, and Julia tells her where she must go. Melanie says she can walk there herself, and starts up the stairs.                                                                                                                                                               

Julia comes downstairs and finds Kendrick in the drawing room. Julia says that now he knows why they shelter Melanie. He asks what they've done to help her. Julia says nothing can be done to help her. She says it's not a physical ailment — it's a condition of her mind that causes her to become someone else. He says he wants to know more. He asks Julia how it started. Julia describes how fond Melanie was of Justin. She says Justin experienced a stroke 10 years ago that sent Melanie into a state of shock, and her current behavior is the result. He doesn't accept it. He asks her how often the transformations occur. He asks if Melanie is under a spell or curse. Julia says she thinks such things only occur in fiction. He brings up the villagers legend of a curse at Collinwood. Melanie comes in, acting as if nothing had happened earlier . He says goodnight and walks out on her. 

Melanie asks Julia why he left so abruptly. She asks what she said to him. Julia explains that it was Melanie herself. She tells her that she had an attack and Kendrick saw her change. Melanie asks what she said and did. Julia says he saw her personality change. She says this is why she encouraged her not to see him. Melanie asks if he said he wouldn't see her again. She says he did not, but it's not right for her to love anyone. Melanie says she's going to tell him how she feels. Against Julia's protests, Melanie runs out of the house. Flora comes downstairs and asks her what happened. Julia explains what Kendrick saw. Flora says they can send Quentin to intercept her before she makes it to Kendrick. 

Melanie wanders through the woods, calling for Kendrick. She runs into Gabriel. He promises not to hurt her. He says he heard her call for Kendrick. Gabriel tells her that he needs her help. She asks where he's been, and he says he's been running. He gives her a letter to give to their mother. She takes it, and runs back towards Collinwood.

Flora tells Julia there was no need to tell Kendrick anything at all. She says they should have come up with a way of dealing with him. Julia says he turned down money. Flora asks if she thinks he'll ever return. She says that if he's truly in love with Melanie, they'll never get rid of him. Julia asks about Morgan, and Flora says there's no change.  

Melanie returns to Collinwood. She says she ran into Gabriel. Flora is shocked. Julia asks where she saw him. Melanie explains that she saw him in the woods, and he asked her to bring Flora a letter. She gives it to Flora, who reads it aloud. It says she's the only one he trusts talking to. He asks her to meet him in the gazebo at midnight. Julia tells her she can't go, and Flora says that she has no choice. Julia says he could kill her. Flora asks if he seemed coherent when they met, and she said he seemed fine. Flora says she's going, and tells them not to tell Quentin anything about their meeting. They agree. Flora leaves them.

Flora waits for Gabriel in the gazebo. He arrives, and it appears he's hiding a knife behind his back. Flora is startled. She tells him that he looks tired. She assures him that the worst is over, and approaches him.

Our thoughts:  

John: So Kendrick now knows that Melanie goes a little mad sometimes. I think it's safe to say that her condition won't be enough to keep him away from Collinwood.

 

Christine: He is devoted to her, so I imagine he'll try and find some way to cure her madness. Maybe he believes love is the answer. 

                                                                                                                           

John: In this timeline if not all of them, I think the Collins family motto should be, "If he's truly in love, they'll never get rid of him."

 
Christine: That was an enjoyable piece of dialogue. 

John: Any ideas why Gabriel's out to stab his mother? General craziness? Or some as-yet undisclosed plot device? Of course if killing her was truly his plan, you'd think they would have set that up better in the cliffhanger.

 

Christine: He may have the same "death is the only answer" problem that Melanie has. Now that we know Brutus was killing everyone within reach, perhaps he is the one possessing those who've gone into the room, turning them into killing machines. Of course, that doesn't explain why he'd spare Melanie and lure his mother out to the gazebo to carve her up. Why not Julia?

Dark Shadows Episode 1217 2/23/71

You can stream today's episode free on TubiTV 

Kendrick waits for Melanie in the drawing room. Gabriel sneaks into the room with a knife. He approaches Kendrick and tells him that the same thing that happened to his sister is going to happen to him, too. Gabriel tells him there has to be death in the house. Kendrick tells him he's insane. Morgan hears from outside the door but can't get in because the door is locked. They grapple, with Gabriel ultimately stabbing Kendrick. Morgan gets in with a spare key, but Gabriel is nowhere to be seen. Morgan tells him it's only a flesh wound, and they'll take care of it. Kendrick says just like his sister. Catherine arrives and Morgan goes searching for Gabriel. Catherine calls to Daphne.

Gabriel sneaks through the secret passages in Collinwood. He goes into a room and sees a portrait of Brutus Collins. Gabriel believes Brutus is responsible for the locked room and the lottery. He tells Brutus he's going to die again, and he cuts the portrait with his knife. He then lights the remains of the painting on fire.

Morgan hears Gabriel laughing, and talking to Brutus. Morgan comes in and attempts to put out the fire. Gabriel leaves the room and locks the door with Morgan inside. 

Daphne finds Catherine and tells her that Kendrick will be alright. She says she's going back to the old house, and Catherine forbids it while Gabriel is loose. They are unaware that Gabriel is listening to them from behind the secret passage. Catherine says the best thing for them to do is stay together and wait. Daphne asks about Julia, and Catherine says nothing frightens her — except perhaps love. Daphne says she's going to go to the old house. Catherine asks her if she knew Bramwell came to visit. She tells her that she was glad to see he him alive. Daphne asks if she told him she disapproved with her going to the old house, and Catherine  confirms that she did. Catherine says she can't spend her life with him in the old house, bitter and fuming over the Collins family. Daphne asks if she hates him. Catherine says she has no choice anymore, and begs her sister to stay away from him as she runs out crying.

Gabriel sneaks into the drawing room with his knife. Daphne sees him and tells him to keep back. She tells him that Kendrick is going to be alright. He goes to stab her and she screams. She tells him he doesn't want to kill her. Bramwell comes in and calls Gabriel, stopping him. Daphne runs to Bramwell, and Gabriel runs out through the window. Catherine appears and asks what happened. Bramwell leaves to pursue Gabriel. Catherine asks about Morgan, and heads into the secret panel.

Kendrick comes downstairs and tells Daphne the sooner he leaves, the better. He tells her that when he finds Gabriel, there will be one less Collins to worry about. 

Gabriel is in the woods, clutching his knife. He suddenly wonders what he's doing. 

Morgan tells Catherine that he told a servant to take Daphne back to the old house. He says that tomorrow they will hold the lottery again. He says if Bramwell finds Gabriel, he'll turn him over to the police. Catherine reminds him that Gabriel was ready to burn down the house. She says the Collins' family always blames everything on the locked room. Morgan asks her what Bramwell was doing at the house, and she points out that he saved Daphne. 

Bramwell returns to the old house alone and finds Daphne waiting for him. She thanks him for saving her. He starts to say he had to go to Collinwood, and she suggests that he was coming to see Catherine. He denies it, and asks if she believes him. She tells him she'll believe anything he says. He asks if she's in love with him.

Morgan tells Catherine that Bramwell will try and use this incident for his own good. He wonders how he'll tell his mother about Gabriel. 

Catherine answers a knock at the front door. It's Daphne. She says she came to tell her that she's going to marry Bramwell. Catherine runs off into the night.

Bramwell is drinking in the old house when Catherine comes to see him. He says he knew she would come. He tells her that she isn't going to stop his marriage any more than he stopped hers.

Our thoughts:  

John: It seems silly that they can't find Gabriel after watching him go through the secret door. Was anyone else disappointed that Kendrick's stabbing was just a flesh wound?

 

Christine: I like Kendrick, so I'm glad it was only a flesh wound. Who else can we count on to rescue sweet Melanie from the abuse and madness at Collinwood? It is an interesting parallel to Desmond and Leticia, with him receiving a wound in the same place Desmond did.

                                                                                                      

John: So, are we to understand that Brutus' room is only accessible through the secret passages in the house? I'd like to know who lit those candles. And I hope you got a good shot of that portrait, before it got cut up. Is Brutus a dead-wringer for any other clan members in our time or parallel time?

Christine: Why, I most certainly did capture the portrait of Brutus, as well as the sacrifice of yet another portrait on the show. I suppose it's too late for a portrait destruction tracker. I think that the secret passage is just a more expedient way to get to the rooms in the house that are closed off and unoccupied. The lit candles seem to suggest someone has created a shrine to Brutus, though it's possible Gabriel is the one responsible. It was interesting to hear him talk about the "thing" in the room. 

John: I guess Morgan wasn't engulfed in flames, and managed to find a way out of the locked room. I thought his father the ghost might appear to a) help him out, and b) remind him it's lottery-time!

 

Christine: Melanie was always Justin's favorite, so I guess he'll only rouse his spirit to communicate with her. As predicted, Bramwell knew the best way to get back at Catherine was to marry her innocent, young sister.