Dark Shadows Episode 630 - 11/22/68

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Barnabas, released from Windcliff, goes to see Blair. Blair tells Barnabas that Angelique will not harm him as long as he works with him. Barnabas points out that Adam will just kill her again. He also says there's no assurance that they will be able to return Eve to life. He points out that Eve has been dead for some time, and they still need a life force. Blair explains that he will provide the life force. Barnabas asks if he plans to summon up another Danielle Roget from hell. Blair tells him that Barnabas is merely a technician. He asks Barnabas if he is jealous of his powers. Barnabas tells him that they will not proceed if he brings a woman who is drugged or under a spell, and Blair assures him that he has a way of getting women to do what he wants them to do.

Blair fixes a drink for Maggie. She sees a cup and asks him about it. He tells her it's Egyptian, old, from before her Christ was born. He explains that it supposedly belonged to Cleopatra's seer, and it's a very valuable object. He shows her an opal, and asks if she'd like him to tell her fortune. She agrees, and follows his instructions.

He says she will have a long and happy life. She says he sounds disappointed. He tells her he's leaving Collinsport, and he wants her to leave with him, and marry him. He tries to convince her that she doesn't love Joe anymore. He asks her to tell him that she wants to marry him.

Vicki is surprised that Maggie would consider marrying Blair. She points out that no one knows Blair, and she doesn't trust him. Maggie tells her that they're not going to live in Collinsport anyway, so it doesn't matter if Vicki doesn't like who she's going to marry. Maggie leaves, and Vicki picks up the phone to call Blair.

Blair pours himself a drink when there's a knock at the door. He's surprised to see Vicki. He offers her a brandy to celebrate her first visit to his house. She tells him he can't marry Maggie. She says that Maggie doesn't know what he is. Blair asks her to describe what he is. She tells him he's not human. She points out that Cassandra Collins was a witch. He adds that as her brother, that would make him a Warlock? Vicki points out that he appeared just as she disappeared. He asks if she's afraid of him. He asks her what if she's wrong, and grabs her arm. She tells him to let go of her, and he does.

He says that is proof he is not as she says. He says she can tell Maggie, as she won't believe her anyway. Blair tells him that he has given up a great deal for Maggie's love. Vicki says she can't say nothing. He tells her to be careful, and he threatens than she may lose Maggie's friendship. He says he can make Maggie forget what Vicki tells her, without using any of the special powers that she believes he has. She tells Blair that if he truly loves Maggie, he won't go through with it. She leaves, and Blair thinks he could have wiped Vicki's memory. He thinks that Maggie Evans makes him human. He realizes that he has to deal with Vicki in a way that can't be traced back to him. He remembers that there is another way.

Blair goes downstairs and begins to dig up the basement floor.

Vicki returns to Collinwood and turns off the lights in the foyer. The door flies open and Barnabas is standing outside. She says it's great to see him, and asks what he's doing out so late. He says he's working with Julia. She invites him to dinner tomorrow before retiring upstairs.

Blair pulls a coffin out of the ground and opens it up. Tom Jennings' staked body lies within. Blair removes the stake, and demands that he rise. Tom sits up, and goes to attack Blair. Blair explains that he is his master, and Tom will do as he says.

Vicki is in bed when Tom Jennings crawls through her bedroom window. He approaches with bared fangs and she screams when she sees him.

Our thoughts

John: After yesterday's meeting with the big boss, Blair doesn't really seem that concerned about his fate. And now we find he's an antique dealer/fortune teller on the side? 

Christine: He's not concerned because he knows Diabolos won't have another appearance on the show. I guess he had to resort to using his magic cup from his trunk of magical trinkets since Angelique made off with his magic mirror.

John: My immediate response is this new stranger in Collinwood isn't our Victoria. We'll see if she grows on me over time, but she starts off more bombastic than Alexandra Moltke ever was.

Christine: It's sad to say goodbye to Alexandra Moltke and the Victoria we first met arriving by train to Collinsport more than two years ago. I don't think she can be replaced.

John: Tom's back! Looking good considering he's been staked and buried for 60 episodes! I can't wait to see Tom and Chris reunited (not to mention how they pull off that special effect!).

Christine: Hello, Chroma-Key twin! Are you sure you're looking forward to that? Don Briscoe delivers pretty stilted dialogue, but he really shines as a vampire. He's a lot more animalistic than any of the other vampires on the show, as demonstrated by the way he enters Vicki's room, and the strange thing he does with his tongue at the end of the episode. I am happy to see that he's been resurrected, though I do wonder why Blair went to the trouble of burying him under the basement floor instead of just installing him in a coffin above ground for easier access.

Dark Shadows Episode 629 - 11/21/68

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Maggie unexpectedly arrives at Blair's house. She wanders in and looks around. He asks if there's a reason for her visit, and she says no. She tells him she doesn't know why she's there. He says he hopes she wanted to see him. She says she feels strange, and then grabs her neck, saying she can't breathe. He can't understand what's happening when the room turns red. He hears a voice call his name. He realizes his master is speaking to him through Maggie. The voice warns Blair to prepare for his judgment.

Blair asks why he has come for him. The Master says that he has failed him, since Eve is dead. Blair begs for Maggie's life. The Master asks if Blair has become the protector of the innocent. He asks Blair if he's fallen in love with her. Blair admits it, and the Master says he has become more human than he perceived.

The master explains that Blair will be summoned to give an account of himself and his actions. The room returns to normal and Maggie wakes up, not remembering anything. She says she still doesn't know why she's here. He offers to take her home.

Liz catches Julia as she's about to leave Collinwood, and asks to speak to her. Liz explains that she had a long talk with Barnabas, who called from Windcliff. Julia explained that Barnabas had a nervous breakdown, and she thinks he should stay for a month at least. Liz tells her that he is miserable, and she says she doesn't think it's the place for Barnabas. She says that Barnabas can stay in Collinwood. Julia explains that he needs constant attention. She says he should stay there for his own good. Liz asks if she can go with Julia to Windcliff tomorrow.

There's a knock at the door, and it's Blair to see Julia. He says it's vitally urgent, involving her and Barnabas. The two retire to the drawing room and Liz goes upstairs. Julia asks if Blair has done something to Barnabas. He says he needs her help. She is surprised. He explains that now that Eve is dead, his plans have stalled. He tells her that she is going to repeat the experiment, and she refuses. He says he just needs her to do the last part. He explains that he'll bring Eve's body tomorrow. They will infuse it with a new life force. Julia says she will not do it, and Eve will stay dead. Blair gives her three minutes to change her mind.

She asks him what has changed about him. She points out that he appears upset and desperate. She asks why he didn't bring Eve to life on his own. He tells her it was imperative that she was created the same way Adam was. The originals were tempted by The Master. Julia asks if he means Satan, and he tells her he knows him by another name. He says that this new Adam and Eve, and all those they breed will be the children of his master.

Julia says she won't be a part of it. She tells him to use her powers to force her to help him. He says that if she cares about Barnabas, she'll help him. He threatens Barnabas with something far worse than Angelique. He reminds her that if anything happens to Adam, Barnabas will die. He tells Julia that he will kill Adam if he needs to. She agrees to go through Lang's journals, and says she will let Blair know tomorrow if she can perform the experiment.

In the foyer, Julia calls Windcliff to speak to Barnabas. Liz watches her from atop the stairs.

Blair returns home, and at midnight. His Master tells him that he appears appropriately frightened. The master explains that Blair will leave his world, and enter The Master's, permanently. Blair glows, and when he returns to normal, he's in Diabolos' office.

The master asks if he knows why he as summoned. Blair realizes that he is there because of Angelique. The master says that Blair's feelings for Maggie have resulted in his current predicament. The master calls out Blair for giving Angelique so many chances, and says while she has succeeded, Blair as failed him. Blair tries to get a little more time, but The Master says he doesn't give second chances.

Blair says that Eve will soon be infused with a new life force and reborn. The master offers Blair 48 hours. The master says that once the experiment has concluded, Blair will return to him. He will be judged based on whether Eve lives again. Blair tries to arrange to be returned as a human, so he could be with Maggie. The master explains that Blair can be with Maggie, but only here. Blair realizes that would require her dying. The master tells Blair that she would have to be sacrificed on the black alter if they are to be together.

Our thoughts

John: Those were weird shots of Maggie's open mouth as the Master supposedly was speaking through her.

Christine: Hmm, yes. It may not have been as weird if she kept her mouth closed and eyes wide open, or even if she flapped her gums up and down to attempt some lip sync. No, actually, all those scenarios seem pretty weird, especially coupled with the fact that Diabolos does not really have an appropriately menacing voice. He has more of a cartoon character devil voice. I was expecting to hear him say Mwa-ha-ha at some point.

John: So Blair is willing to give everything up just to have a girlfriend? Surely he knows better than that. Poor guy. It seems like not that long ago, we were discussing Blair's enormous presence. He's definitely come down a few notches since then.

Christine: I was hoping Blair might enter Hell with the same flamboyant posturing we saw from Angelique, but that vision will only exist in my mind. In Episode 616, Nicholas practically admitted he had given his power to Maggie. How the mighty have fallen. I love how Diabolos says he doesn't give second chances and then immediately gave Nicholas a second chance. Now we know where he learned it.

John: I'm going to miss my pal Diabolos (yes, I couldn't help but look online to see how long he'd stick around). For a demon/devil, he's got a great looking crib!

Christine: According to Blair's conversation with Julia, Diabolos is Satan. Does Satan wear glasses? There seems to be some reflection of candlelight captured under that hood. Shame on you for accessing the spoilers. Now we know he won't be around for Maggie's sacrifice on the Black Altar, and Maggie won't be going to Satan's office to live happily ever after with Blair.

Dark Shadows Episode 628 - 11/20/68

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Angelique approaches her coffin, and thinks that if she succeeds tonight, Blair will be returned to darkness, and the master may lift her curse. She summons a great evil, and is surrounded by fire. She begs not to be destroyed, but screams in agony. A voice asks why she summoned him. It says she will descend to him, and she finds herself in hell.

A robed figure sitting at a desk tells her to approach him. She tells him that Nicholas has failed him. He says she deserved the punishment she received, and he doesn't want to hear any more. He explains how proud he is of Blair, and how excited he is about the super race Blair is preparing for him. She tells him that Blair is failing him, with one of the super beings already having killed the other, because Blair is preoccupied with love for a girl in town. He can't understand how one of his followers could love. She asks him to give her the power to handle Blair. He asks what she'll want in return for taking care of him, and she replies that she would have him lift the curse.

Blair returns home and finds Adam not interested in talking. Blair asks about Eve, and Adam tells him that she's out. Adam asks if Blair was with Maggie. He says he was, and asks why Adam asked. Adam explains that he's lonely when there's a knock at the door. Blair sends him away and opens the door for Julia.

She says she's there to see Adam. Blair says he's not there, and she doesn't believe him. She checks the drawing room, and finds it empty. She then tells Blair that Eve is dead. Murdered. Blair is shocked. He asks how it happened, and she tells him Jeff Clark found her in his room, strangled. She says the police are sure Jeff killed her, but she says they both know it was Adam. He then appears and asks her how she knows. Blair invites her in, and she asks Adam why he killed her. He says he didn't, and she points out he knew Eve was dead when she arrived, or he would have been surprised by the news.

He says he doesn't care because she didn't love him. Blair thinks her theory is interesting, and asks what she intends to do. She says there's nothing she can do, but it would be good to get Adam out of town. She asks to speak to Adam alone, and Blair refuses. Adam demands that he let them speak alone, and Blair leaves.

She tells Adam that she's not unhappy that Eve is dead. She explains she was an evil, vicious woman, and she's glad that she's dead. She tells Adam that she needs his help. She explains that Jeff is innocent. She adds that Stokes taught him decency. He asks if she expects him to go to the police and confess, and she says she doesn't. She says she wants to help the three of them, Adam, Barnabas and Jeff, but she doesn't know how she can. Adam doesn't believe she cares about him. She reminds Adam that she created him. He says he has no friends. She asks about Carolyn and Stokes. He tells her to leave, and she does. After she's gone, Adam realizes he can't like anyone ever again.

Blair accuses Adam of lying. Adam asks what Blair will do if he admits to killing Eve. Blair says he doesn't know. There's a knock at the door, and Blair says it could be the police.

Adam hides, but it's Maggie at the door. She wanders in and looks around. He asks if there's a reason for her visit, and she says no. She tells him she doesn't know why she's there. He says he hopes she wanted to see him. She says she feels strange, and then grabs her neck, saying she can't breathe.

He can't understand what's happening when the room turns red. He hears a voice call his name. He realizes his master is speaking to him through Maggie. The voice warns Blair that tomorrow he will appear before him, and to be prepared.

Our thoughts

John: Angelique's interpretive dance and a disappointing chroma key effect delivered us to what may be the coolest, most ridiculous thing we've experienced in more than 600 episodes of Dark Shadows. Diabolos! Or more appropriately, Diabolos' office. He's got a nice desk, though his all-covering cloak is a little too business casual for such a force of darkness. And once you get him talking, he seems like an accessible evil guy, and not the overbearing evil master you might expect. I hope we haven't seen the last of Diabolos—he deserves his own show like David Brent or Michael Scott on The Office.

Christine: You're funny! Too bad you're not in charge of programming! We have truly entered a new realm on Dark Shadows. I love how Angelique was tattling on Blair for being in love when she's guilty of the same cardinal sin in Diabolos' book. I was surprised he didn't already know about that, but I guess he's not an omniscient being. You may be interested to know that Diabolos is played by Duane Morris, who also appeared as the headless creation in the dream curse in Episode 484, the headless ghost Nicholas summoned in Episode 544, and Lang's creation before he was given life. So Diabolos is really Adam, which is an interesting concept to ponder.

John: So once again, Adam's naiveté gets him in trouble. It was all planned what he was supposed to do, and when Julia arrives tossing around accusations, he gets defensive rather that playing surprised, shocked, or forlorn about the loss of his mate.

Christine: Will the ethical side of Adam cultivated by Professor Stokes win out and lead him to confess to exonerate Jeff Clark? Who knows what to expect from this impulsive creature. Have I become accustomed to seeing smoke everywhere, or did it seem particularly smoky at the House by the Sea today? Perhaps the smoke from Hell was wafting up to Blair's place.

John: Interesting that Maggie was brought in to deliver Diabolos' message. You'd think that one scene wouldn't warrant a day's work for Kathryn Leigh Scott, but go figure. Fortunately, it seems to set up a showdown between Blair and Diabolos tomorrow. But I don't know if I'd prefer to see Blair brought to D's office, or have the Big D show up at Blair's front door! I guess we'll find out tomorrow!

Christine: I certainly hope he doesn't intend to continue voicing through Maggie's open mouth. I'd like to see Blair brought before Big D's desk for his reckoning, though it will be fun to watch either way.

Dark Shadows Episode 627 - 11/19/68

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Jeff tells Vicki to go back to Collinwood. He opens a closet door and closes it, disturbed by what he saw. Vicki opens the door and sees Eve's body lying on the floor, dead. Jeff checks her vitals and then closes her eyes. Vicki asks if she's dead, and he says she is.

He has Vicki sit down. She asks who the woman is, and he tells her it's Eve. Vicki asks if it's the woman he told her about earlier and he confirms that she is. She then asks if he did it, and he says he didn't. She says they have to call the police, and he says he needs time to think. He says they'll think he's guilty or insane. She tells him that waiting will only make him appear more suspicious. He tells her to go back to Collinwood and she refuses. He picks up the phone and asks the operator to connect him to the police.

Adam wanders through the woods, forlorn. He regrets killing Eve. He realizes he can't go back to Blair's house. He doesn't know what to do.

He sees Angelique, and she offers to help him. She says she knows that he killed Eve. He tells her he doesn't want her help. She explains that she's the only one that can help him. She says he was right to kill Eve, who was evil. She adds that Blair knew she was secretly seeing Jeff. Angelique quickly fills in Adam on how Blair brought back Danielle Roget to provide the life force for Eve. She says he's only a slave to Blair, and neither of them can escape him unless they work together. She tells him she needs his help to dispose of Blair. He will think that Jeff killed Eve. She tells him to go home, and pretend to be shocked when he hears that Eve is dead.

Someone watches Joe from outside his hospital room window. Joe sees his cousin Tom Jennings and yells that he's dead. The man explains that he's not Tom, he's Chris Jennings.

He asks Joe how Tom died. Joe says he doesn't know. Chris asks about the animal-like wound on his neck. Chris says he got a list of names from the sheriff to investigate, including Jeff Clark and Nicholas Blair. Joe asks Chris if he's seen his sister, Molly. Chris says he hasn't. Joe explains that she fell to pieces when Tom died, and now she's in Windcliff, thanks to Dr. Hoffman.

Julia walks in and screams when she sees Tom. Joe explains that the man is Chris, not Tom. He says he'd like to talk to Julia and offers to drive her back to Collinwood. She agrees, and asks to speak to Joe alone. She asks Joe why he didn't tell her Tom had a brother. Joe explains that Chris was hard to get a hold of. Years ago he changed, and disappeared from Collinsport altogether. Julia asks what he's doing in town, and he tells her Chris is here to investigate Tom's death. He tells her to try and convince him to leave town. Chris watches them from outside the window.

Back at Collinwood, Chris asks if he can ask Julia a few more questions. She invites him in, and asks how well she knew Tom. She says she hardly knew him, and Chris asks why she would react so strongly if she didn't know him that well. She explains she had heard about his unusual wound, and was able to examine him. She says it appeared to be an animal bite. He asks what kind of animal, and she says she doesn't know. Julia asks Chris why it took him two months to come out to investigate Tom's death. She asks if he came for a different reason. He mentions his sister. She says that she's at her hospital, Windcliff, and it would be good to have her brother close. He says that the life he leads is all wrong for her. Julia asks him what kind of life he leads. He says he moves around a lot. She asks if that means he doesn't have or want any responsibilities. He says he'll see his sister later and storms out.

Vicki bursts in, asking for Roger. She tells Julia that she needs Roger to post bail for Jeff. She explains that there was a woman found dead in his apartment named Eve. She goes up to find Roger, and Julia leaves the house.

Angelique approaches her coffin, and thinks that if she succeeds tonight, Blair will be returned to darkness, and the master may lift her curse. She summons a great evil, and is surrounded by fire. She begs not to be destroyed, but screams in agony.

Our thoughts

John: Sure, Jeff. It's going to serve you better to spend some time thinking about what to do before calling the police to report a dead woman's body in your closet. I do think it would be quite humorous for Jeff to be tried and convicted for a murder he didn't commit, just as Peter had been a few hundred years ago.

Christine: It looks like that's the way it's going to go. Of course Vicki is going to stand by her man, even though he's screaming at her to leave one minute and embracing her the next, which seems to be the kind of future she'll have with Jeff Clark, if he's not sent to the electric chair first.

John: Wow, we were treated to a classic soap-trope today... the mysterious arrival of a previously unmentioned twin of a now-dead character! Who is this Chris Jennings, and what new excitement will he bring to Collinsport? I did enjoy Tom, so I have high hopes for Chris!

Christine: How nice that they let us believe he was Tom Jennings back from the dead through the commercial break. He has the same penchant for melodrama that his brother did. This mysterious twin likes to spend time in the mountains and is always on the go. He also has no qualms about staring in at people through windows. I guess that makes him a peeping Chris. 

John: Why would the master lift Angelique's curse if she gets rid of Blair? And what exactly was she trying to summon? Whatever it was, I have to give them credit for today's visual effect. Her burning in the fire was one of the nicer chroma-key effects we've seen.

Christine: I thought she was summoning Satan, though it appears her conjuring backfired. I guess she forgot she's no longer a witch. I was wondering how she knew that Adam killed Eve. Was she spying on him through the magic mirror, or was Eve the one she had her eye on? It's kind of a weird thing for her to be doing either way.