Dark Shadows Episode 390/391 - 12/22/67

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Naomi, Josette and her father sit by Jeremiah's bedside. She refuses to leave his side. She then points out a coldness that came over her. She says she feels the presence of death all around them, and that Jeremiah is going to die tonight.

André tells Barnabas that Josette believes Jeremiah will die tonight. He says she feels responsible for his condition. Barnabas explains that Jeremiah's blood is not on her hands—just his own. André begs him to make Josette believe that he doesn't blame her for what happened. He agrees to, and says perhaps Jeremiah will be well and they can live happily ever after.

As he leaves, he runs into Angelique, who says Sarah is with her doll and feeling better. André goes upstairs, and Angelique asks him if he plans to tell Josette they are getting married. Barnabas tells her they never spoke of marriage, and Angelique reminds him that he promised he would marry her if Sarah got better. He says he said that when he didn't think Sarah would survive. Angelique releases him from his promise, and begins to cry. She says that soon Josette may be a widow, and he can finally marry her. She says that she understands how he couldn't love a lowly servant like her. He asks if she can accept him, knowing how he feels about Josette. She says that all she wants is to be his wife. He tells her that he won't break his promise. She promises to make him happy, and he asks her not to tell anyone else. He'll tell his family and Josette in his own way. She agrees to be an obedient wife.

Naomi enters and asks Angelique to stay with Josette. She leaves, and Naomi asks when Barnabas will speak to Josette. He tells her that he has decided to marry Angelique. She tells him she hopes he's not making a mistake that he'll regret for the rest of his life.

Angelique checks on Josette, who asks her about Barnabas. She says her father said he had something to tell her. Angelique says that she knows what he's planning to tell her. Josette asks Angelique to tell her what he was going to say to her. She says he was going to tell her that he forgives her for marrying Jeremiah. Josette asks if her father told him to say that. Angelique says they spoke, but doesn't corroborate her claim. Josette blames herself for what has transpired, and says she wishes she were dead. She sends Angelique away.

André sits with Jeremiah. Barnabas enters, and André says he may not live through the night. He asks if Barnabas spoke to Josette. He says he may speak to her tomorrow. Something else came up tonight, and he doesn't want to talk to her about it yet. André suggests that he make his peace, and forgive Jeremiah. He then notices he can't tell if Jeremiah is breathing.

Josette sits up in bed and asks who's there. She hears a clock strike 2am. Jeremiah appears at the end of her bed, and she asks who is and what he wants. She realizes it's Jeremiah, but he doesn't answer her. He leaves her room and she follows him.

André pulls a sheet up over Jeremiah's head. Barnabas stands over the body when Josette runs in. She says she just saw Jeremiah in her room.

André tells her that's impossible, as Jeremiah just died.

Our thoughts

John: Has Anthony George already been let go? I can't otherwise imagine why Jeremiah's head was wrapped up like Imhotep in today's episode.

Christine: Episode 384 was Anthony George's last appearance. Poor guy got killed off twice with very little fanfare on either occasion. For some reason, he was not given the opportunity to act out a death scene. Timothy Gordon is on hand to play the ghost of Jeremiah, and it was also his hand that reached up from the unchained coffin to strangle Willie Loomis in Episode 210.

John: Why would Naomi not want Barnabas to marry cousin Millicent? Joshua was adamant that Jeremiah court her to get her wealth into the Collins family coffers.

Christine: Naomi wants Barnabas to be happy and marry for love instead of money, probably so he will not end up like her in a loveless marriage, seeking solace in the bottle. Nobody expected Jeremiah to fall in love with anyone, and he probably wouldn't have, if not for witchcraft and the devil's influence.

John: With Jeremiah now dead, will it be too late for Barnabas to ease Josette's suffering by forgiving her? Or will he be inclined to take advantage of the fact that she's once again single?

Christine: He promised to marry Angelique and sealed the deal by telling his mom what he was going to do. Josette is on the back burner until he spurns Angelique again, once he's made Josette suffer a little by planning to marry her servant. It's difficult to imagine Angelique being the obedient wife she promises to be to Barnabas.

Dark shadows in Josette's bedroom.

Dark Shadows Episode 440 - 3/1/68

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Barnabas returns home to find Ben drunk. He sends him to collect his cane, which he left on the dock. Ben asks what happened, and Barnabas explains that he was with Maude Brown, and he dropped his cane when she screamed. Ben tells him he knows her. Barnabas sends Ben away and turns his attention to Reverend Trask. He promises nothing but darkness for Trask as he blows out a candle.

Trask sits at his desk when the candle beside him is blown out. He relights it, and it is blown out again. He hears laughter, and believes it is the devil himself. There's a knock at his door, and when he asks who's there, Nathan Forbes identifies himself.

Trask lets him in and once again lights his candle. He says he sent for Forbes as he was concerned about him. Trask tells him the witch has started her revenge, at first against him, but perhaps soon against Forbes. Nathan explains he does not believe in witches. Trask describes a floating hand with a ring. Nathan explains that ring doesn't belong to the devil, but Barnabas Collins. Trask sees the hand once more, and when he points to it, Nathan turns and sees nothing.

Nathan suggests the trial has been too much of a strain on him, and then Barnabas' voice tells him the strain begins now. Nathan doesn't hear the voice, which continues to taunt Trask. He speaks of his faith, while the disembodied voice laughs at him. Meanwhile, Nathan watches Trask appear to go mad. Nathan suggests that he stay somewhere else tonight. Trask tells him that he's not afraid, and sends Nathan away.

Ben failed to find Barnabas' cane on the dock, and searches Maude's place. He's inside when Nathan knocks on the door. He waits until he hears the person leave and sneaks out, not realizing Nathan was hiding in the shadows. After Ben leaves, he follows him.

Ben returns to the old house and explains he couldn't find the cane. Barnabas asks about what people were saying, and if anyone saw the cane. Ben says no, and Barnabas interrupts him, saying he heard something outside.

Nathan hides from view of the window as Barnabas looks out.

Barnabas prepares to go into town, and Ben tries to discourage him. Ben suggests they could leave Collinsport together, and Barnabas tells him he cannot leave the house he was to share with Josette.

Maude returns home with Nathan. He locks the windows and she doesn't understand what he's doing. He explains that she's not out of danger as long as her assailant thinks she has his cane. Nathan tells her to keep her door locked until morning. She tries to get him to stay with her, but he bids her goodnight.

Squeaky bat appears outside her window. She opens a suitcase to pack, and is shocked to see Barnabas in her room. He asks if she's leaving, and if she's taking his cane. He tells her he'll leave her if she gives him his cane. She says she cannot. He asks where it is, and she says 'he' has it. He grabs her by the throat and strangles her. Her screams are cut off.

Trask stands outside his room, and decides to return to prove he's not afraid of the witch. He lights a candle and walks through the room, shocked to find the dead body of Maude lying on his bed.

Our thoughts

John: Trask tells Nathan that the devil's favorite poison is cynicism? Really? That's his favorite poison?

Christine: Reverend Trask ought to know...

John: I'm trying to figure out what Nathan is planning. He's got pretty solid evidence that Barnabas is the strangler, but he's not shared that with anyone yet. Is he somehow thinking he can use that information to help Vicki? Or has he all but forgotten about her by now?

Christine: Nathan is all about acting in his own self interest and it's doubtful he has any intention of helping Vicki. He'll probably try to squeeze Barnabas for cash or jewels or both.

John: Once again, it's nice to see Trask get a taste of his own medicine as Barnabas torments him. I wonder if he'll succeed in blaming the witch for the dead prostitute in his bed...

Christine: Trask is in quite a pickle. In case you were wondering, it's Timothy Gordon's hand that returns to torment Trask. You may recognize it as the hand that first grasped Willie by the throat in Episode 210.

"The horror of the hand!" -Reverend Trask

Dark Shadows Episode 445 - 3/8/68

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Millicent prepares to go into town when Naomi comes downstairs. She tells her cousin that Nathan has proposed to her, and they are going to be married. Joshua overhears the news and is not pleased. He asks if she seriously intends to marry Forbes, and she says that she does. Joshua says Forbes' sudden appearance to 'rescue' her was suspect. Joshua asks if she has forgotten his deceit, and suggests that Forbes is only interested in her money. He asks if she thinks Forbes would look twice at her if not for her money. She assures Joshua that Nathan does not care about her money. He says he forbids it, and she tells him that he cannot control her. He threatens to have her declared insane. She tells him he can't do that, and he assures her that he can and he will. There's a knock at the door, and Forbes arrives. He asks to speak to Joshua, and says they won't marry without his permission. Joshua agrees to hear him out. They retire to Joshua's office, leaving Millicent and Naomi in the foyer.

Nathan tells Joshua that he and Millicent love each other. Joshua calls him a liar and hypocrite. Nathan adds that he knows Joshua's secret. Joshua says he has no secret, and Nathan tells him he knows the truth about Barnabas; that he never went to England. He says he's seen him in Collinsport, as have others, including Suki. He says she died murmuring Barnabas' name. Joshua says she couldn't have known what she was saying. Nathan says Maude also saw Barnabas before she was killed. He says she described her attacker, and it looked just like Barnabas. Joshua sits down and asks where he saw Barnabas. Nathan says he saw him at the old house. He was following Ben, heard voices from within the house, and saw Barnabas talking to Ben. Joshua says that's impossible. Nathan says the man who attacked Millicent was dressed like Barnabas, and dropped his cane. He pulls out the cane, and tells Joshua he knows that he's hiding Barnabas in the old house. Nearly breaking down, Joshua says it's impossible. Nathan realizes that Joshua doesn't know what he's talking about. Nathan says he should go to the authorities, but he'll give Joshua time to consider approving his marriage to Millicent. He leaves Joshua, who says to himself that it can't be Barnabas, as he's dead.

Nathan waits in the drawing room when Naomi comes in asking about Joshua. He explains Joshua is in his office considering giving his consent to the marriage. She tells him that Joshua won't change his mind, and Nathan says she may be surprised by his power of persuasion. She says she once liked him, but then he deceived Millicent and helped convict Vicki. She tells him that Millicent is fragile, and he tells her he intends to marry her right away, provided Joshua gives his permission. She leaves to speak to Joshua, and Nathan smiles. He pours himself a drink.

In his office, Joshua tucks a gun into his belt.

Naomi bursts in and says they must speak to him. She asks if he's going to consent to the marriage, and he walks past her out of the room. She pours herself a drink.

Millicent talks to Nathan in the foyer when Joshua comes out. She asks if he made his decision, and he says he can't talk now, and leaves. Nathan tells her he's going to the old house to think, after which he'll return to approve their marriage.

Joshua arrives at the old house. Inside, he finds Ben and demands to know what he's doing. Ben tries to make an excuse, and Joshua demands to know where Barnabas is hiding. Ben says he's dead. Joshua asks why he was going to the basement, and suggests Barnabas is hiding down there. Ben explains the sun is about to set, and he can't go down there. Joshua threatens to send him back to jail, and tells him to leave. Ben reluctantly leaves the old house.

Joshua descends to the basement as the sun sets outside. He comes across a coffin. He holds his pistol ready, and watches as the coffin opens, revealing a hand wearing Barnabas' ring.

Our thoughts

John: Damn, Joshua! Why don't you just call Millicent an ugly troll! Sure, she's no Josette, but cut her some slack.

Christine: I don't think he meant to suggest that Millicent was ugly, but that Nathan has a taste for more worldly, painted women with looser morals.

John: Funny that Joshua threatens to have Millicent institutionalized. Of course it doesn't seem like an idle threat, as anyone could make a pretty good case for her being nuts.

Christine: I wonder if he'll agree to the marriage after confirming that Barnabas is not in the mausoleum where he expected he would be.

John: Exciting times! I can't wait to see how he responds to learning of his late son's affliction. I'm sure you'll confirm that's our regular hand actor in the box considering Jonathan Frid had the day off.

Christine: Sure enough, that smooth, young hand belongs to handy Timothy Gordon, who has also been known to moonlight as the Ghost of Jeremiah on a few occasions. I wonder if Reverend Trask will make Monday's episode even more exciting by rasping for help behind the brick wall.

Dark Shadows Episode 392 - 12/26/67

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Joshua asks Naomi if she wants the entire village to know that his brother was killed by his son. He says they'll tell everyone Jeremiah befell an accident. She asks what good his story will do, and he tells her that they're leaving the old house. Tomorrow they'll move to the new house. Naomi is shocked. She says the house is not ready, and Joshua says it's close enough. Naomi tells Joshua that Barnabas has decided to marry. He's shocked that Barnabas and Josette would do something so soon after Jermeiah's death, and Naomi clarifies he's not marrying Josette, he's marrying Angelique. Joshua sends Naomi to get Barnabas.

Joshua questions Barnabas, and tells him that he will tell the servant girl he has made a mistake. Barnabas says he has made a promise, and he was raised as a man of honor. Joshua says he will not let Barnabas make this mistake.

Barnabas says Angelique loves him, and Joshua says he's sure she does. Barnabas tells his father to leave them alone, confirming there's nothing he can do to stop them. Joshua is not convinced.

Barnabas makes his way to the cemetery, where he sees Josette placing flowers on Jeremiah's grave.

He wonders how he can tell her about he and Angelique before she hears the news from someone else. He wonders if telling her he's getting married will help her, allowing her to feel less remorse. He approaches her and they exchange pleasantries. Barnabas says that he killed him, and Josette points out that she could have come to him before they ran away. Barnabas tells her not to hate herself. She asks him what they're going to do. He says they must each move on and not wait for time to heal their wounds. He starts to talk, and she stops him, asking him not to say anything he might regret. Before he can say more, Angelique appears telling her the carriage is at the gate. She offers a ride to Barnabas as well, who declines. Josette leaves and Angelique asks if she interrupted something. Barnabas says she interrupted nothing, and she says she hopes not.

Naomi tells Joshua that he needs to treat Angelique kindly. She does not want him to turn Barnabas against them. Angelique enters and Joshua allows her to sit down. Naomi says Barnabas has told them the news, and Joshua tries to dismiss his wife. Joshua takes over the conversation, and asks Angelique why she wants to marry his son. She says they love one another, and Joshua says she made him promise under a time of duress. Angelique points out that it is not a crime to rise above one's station in life. Joshua says he has another way to do that, and attempts to offer her money. She says she only wants his approval, which Joshua declares she will never have. Joshua offers her $10,000 in gold as a ransom for his son's future. She doesn't say anything, and he asks if she wants more. She says she hopes someday he will like her. He asks when they plan to marry. She says very soon.

He says they should observe a decent period of mourning for Jeremiah. She says he's just asking for more time to fight her, and therefore they will be married at once. Naomi suggests that if she will wait an appropriate mourning period, she will offer her friendship for life. Angelique accepts Naomi's offer, and thinks the one threat to their happiness is now Josette.

Josette wakes to hear a voice telling her to come to Jeremiah. The voice says he's not dead, and beckons her to his grave.

Angelique speaks to a small coffin, telling Jeremiah that Josette has already decided to marry his killer. She tells him not to allow it.

Naomi has a late night cocktail. She sees Josette leaving the house, saying Jeremiah is not dead. Naomi puts on a coat and follows her.

Angelique opens her miniature coffin, and speaks to Josette saying Jeremiah is in his coffin, waiting for her voice to bring him back.

Josette arrives at Jeremiah's grave with Naomi. She calls to Jeremiah to waken him, and as Naomi tries to explain that he's dead, a hand bursts from the grave. She screams and runs off with Naomi.

Our thoughts

John: Sure, Barnabas, tell the love of your life you're marrying her servant. I'm sure that's just the remedy she's looking for.

Christine: I'm thinking Barnabas has not had much experience with women.

John: How could Josette NOT recognize Angelique's voice in the night, calling her to Jeremiah's grave?

Christine: Where did Angelique get her little coffin zombie maker? Did she nail that together herself, or is there a witch shop she goes for specialty items like this?

John: It's Night of the Living Dead in Collinwood! I'm sure you'll fill us in on who portrayed the hand of Jeremiah. I do hope his shambling corpse will make its way back to the house, and this won't turn out to be one of Josette's hallucinations. That would make for a great confrontation with Barnabas...

Christine: You can count on me to show some appreciation for the unsung, uncredited actors on Dark Shadows. I'm surprised you didn't recognize the graveyard hand as the same one that clutched Willie's throat. You can look forward to more of Timothy Gordon's handiwork in later episodes.

Louis Edmonds shows off his own expressive hands as he attempts to control Angelique.