Yes, JF is fabulous! The authority of his portrayal beginning with this, his very first appearance, has always amazed me. I love the line "The Collins _blood_ has always had a persistent strength."
For the first time, but far from the last, Barnabas's very face is his passport and his entreé into the family. And when Elizabeth invites him to dinner, it's the first but far from the last time he'll have to decline! I also love her warmth and graciousness.
When Barn prepares to leave, he courteously wishes Elizabeth a good night, but gives Victoria a deep, elegant bow--and a smile for her alone. (I would have dissolved into a little puddle on the floor!) He leaves the two ladies utterly captivated by his courtly charm.
Great scene with Barn and David at the Old House. You mean you’re not the man from the portrait in the foyer? David asks, disappointed. How could I be? Barnabas asks reasonably. As though accustomed to dealing with small children, Barnabas treats David quite as an equal and seems perfectly at ease conversing with him. Were the writers already thinking about [spoiler]Sarah?[/spoiler] David tests Barnabas's knowledge of the Old House, and of course Barn passes with flying colors.
And of course, Barnabas's speech at the end of this episode is one the highlights of the whole series. It's beautifully written and delivered with extraordinary intensity. He has ARRIVED!
