So I've been working my way through boxset 8, and as a first time viewer of these episodes I have to say they are absolutely riveting. The scenes between Stokes and Cassandra/Angelique, as well as any scene with John Karlen and Robert Rodan are absolutely fabulous.
John Karlen really shines here. Is this the first time we get to see him really act out some emotion other than being terrified of Barnabas and his intentions towards others? Whatever the change in Willie here it's fantastic. I really felt sorry for him too as he really thought Maggie was coming around to see him at the Old House, and the scene between Willie and Joe outside the Evans Cottage was well done.
As for Stokes and Cassandra, I have to say this is the icing on the cake for me. I *love* Thayer David, he was such a wonderful presence on the show, and to be able to see more scenes featuring the esteemed professor is a real treat. Stokes confronting Angelique during the dream was too much fun. When Casandra walked into the Evans house and saw Stokes still alive... I loved the smirk on Stokes' face and the comment about to her about having "found the original."