Yup, MT, these are some of my favorite episodes. I like what you say about Barnabas's vampire self.
JF is absolutely in his element. Barnabas is horrified that he has reverted and without Dr. Hoffman's magic elixir. But his quick and clever mind is hard at work as he sets out to establish himself. By now he has the "cousin from England" gambit down cold and knows exactly how to prepare.
We get wonderful verbal duels between Magda and Quentin. No love lost on either side.
JB is just fabulous as the conniving Judith and gets to wear another knockout period gown in a color that suits her perfectly. No love lost between Judith and anybody else.
Welcome, three-seated S-curve love seat! That thing must have a name, but I don't know what it is. Quentin insists on seeing Jamison, regardless of the late hour. Jamison arrives in pjs and bathrobe, thrilled that Uncle Quentin is back. Quentin takes out the gift he’s brought: a beautiful model ship (the same one that sits on the breakfront in 1967). It’s to take you away with, he says. Jamison is thrilled to see that it’s named the _Jamison Collins_. [spoiler][A long time from now, it will become the notorious _Java Queen_, and we will meet its sinister crew.][/spoiler] At this point, Judith walks in and stares hard at them. Jamison bursts out, I won’t tell him! I don’t want Quentin to go away! I won’t tell him! I won’t! I won’t! He hugs Quentin hard. There is your answer, Judith, Quentin tells his sister smugly. She retorts, You didn’t come back because of Grandmama at all! You came back to finish ruining Jamison! They exchange glares.
Great scene also when Magda returns to the OH and finds Sandor--and Barnabas. His calling her "Madam" is no sign of respect. He is sad and angry at the state of the OH--and utterly affronted that Magda is sleeping in Josette's room. Their argument is interrupted when someone knocks at the door. Already enslaved to Barnabas, Sandor pleads with Magda to obey him.
The knocking has turned to pounding. The visitor is Quentin. As Barnabas peers through the grille for his first look at his living adversary, he listens intently to the ensuing conversation. Notice I knocked? Quentin says. I kept my manners, no matter what anyone else may say. Be quick, Magda tells him. Immediately suspicious, he asks, Am I interrupting something? No, Sandor replies, Magda is just tired. I was expecting more hospitality, Quentin comments. And what about those interesting things my grandmother said today? I forgot them, she mutters. Quentin grabs her arm angrily. Get out, she tells him. Something is wrong, Quentin says quietly, and I want to know what. Nothing! Sandor insists nervously. Just a nice quiet evening at home discussing my generous offer? Quentin asks sarcastically. I ain’t aware of your offer, Sandor says. Something is very strange here, Quentin insists. Magda tells Quentin, We can't discuss it tonight. Tomorrow, she promises, just to be rid of him. Sandor offers, I will talk to her tonight if you will leave us. I’m curious, Quentin admits. I never knew Magda to be upset before. Until tomorrow, he says, giving them a mocking bow before he leaves. Sandor asks Magda, Why didn't you tell me? Who is _that_? Magda asks as she points to Barnabas’s hiding place. He has the mark of death on him, she says. Tell me! she insists. Sandor turns away from her, but she grabs his arm--and sees the wound on his neck Those marks! she gasps, horrified. Sandor doesn’t answer but simply runs from the house in anguish and shame. Magda turns toward the basement door and points through the grille at Barnabas, screaming, Vampire!...
