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316
Robservations / Robservations #776-777 - 1/22/03 - Sad Demise
« on: January 22, 2003, 12:08:00 AM »
776 - (Louis Edmonds) - This night has been dark and filled with dread, for an unnatural creature has been let loose to force his will upon those he claims as victims.  Dirk Wilkins has made a deadly demand upon Barnabas Collins, a demand that must be met by dawn.  And now the dawn is nearing.

What are you doing with a gun? Rachel asks Judith, who replies, in a monotone, "It has to be done."
When Judith's attention is momentarily diverted, Rachel tries to escape, but is unsuccessful.  Put the gun down, Rachel says--you've got to realize  please! she begs.  Tim, standing outside the cellar, hears several gunshots.  He races into the cellar.  He asks Judith, what's going on?--what was all the shooting?  He notices Judith is holding the gun, then spots Rachel on the floor, her bodice stained with much blood.  He lifts her up.  "Oh, no!" he cries.  She whispers, I don't know why Judith pointed a gun at me.  Tim asks Judith, are you crazy?  She simply says, "I did what I had to do.  I had no choice."  I have sharp pains in my chest, says Rachel, her eyes filled with agony.  Don't talk, urges Tim--everything will be all right--it must be all right.  I'm frightened, says Rachel, and cold. . .so cold.  Judith places the gun on top of Dirk's coffin as Tim cradles Rachel in his arms.

Edward tells Trask that Dirk was all over the house at once, upstairs, downstairs; I pursued him as best I could--how can you pursue something you can't see?  Trask reassures him, it wasn't your fault, you could do nothing against this creature of darkness.  And the police can't do anything, either, laments Edward, it can't go on like this!--what does he want?--who is he, and what does he want from us?--from her?--the questions go round and round.  Trask pours a drink a gives it to Edward, hoping to calm him a little.  Edward accepts it gratefully.  The phone rings.  It's the sheriff--his men searched the woods completely, without finding Judith or her abductor.  The sheriff is widening the search and will keep him informed.  Everyone is so confused, except Cousin Barnabas, says Edward--he seems certain the creature is Dirk Wilkins.  Trask finds this interesting, and remarks I would tend to believe it is not--I don't know what reason Barnabas has for accusing Dirk, but when all is said and done, it will prove to be at odds with whatever is good for the rest of us.  Do you trust Barnabas? Asks Edward.  Trask replies, I neither trust nor like Barnabas, and never have.  (The feeling is mutual, Revvy.)  Hardly the time for personal prejudices, comments Edward.  Trask accuses Barnabas of knowing all about poor Judith's disappearance--I'm also convinced he knows where Rachel and Tim are, providing them with a place to hide.  Edward isn't sure about the latter accusation, but doesn't believe what Trask says about Judith--Barnabas is her cousin, and he has nothing to gain.  And the Collins are therefore above suspicion? asks Trask.  Let's drop the subject, suggests Edward.  "As you wish," says Trask.  The front door opens.  It's Judith.  Edward asks, are you all right?--where have you been, what happened to you?  She holds the gun pointed at him.  "Judith, what have you done?" Edward asks miserably.

Give me the gun, Judith, Edward asks.  She does, docilely.  He tells Trask it's her own gun, brought back from France by Grandmother. He examines it--three shots have been fired.  He asks Judith again what happened.  Trask feels she can't tell him anything at the moment.  Where has she been? asks Edward.  Judith repeats, "It has to be done."  Desperate for more information, Edward presses her, pointing out that they can't help her if she doesn't help them, but she is not forthcoming.  I did as he told me to do, says Judith.  The vampire, states Trask.  What did he tell you to do, who is he? demands Edward.  I'm very tired, Judith says--I want to go inside and sit down--there's nothing pressing that needs my immediate attention.
Edward asks Trask, is Judith completely mad?  Not mad--possessed! says Trask--by a will much stronger than her own.  Edward asks, what should we do?  Trask advises Edward to take her up to bed--sometimes sleep separates the real from the unreal, strengthen the mind.  Edward wonders about the three missing bullets.  That will come out in time, says Trask, but right now, I want to thank the powers that be for sending Judith back to us, then seek divine guidance against the evil spirit possessing her and plaguing this house--I've been successful with the higher powers in the past.  I hope your success continues, says Edward--Judith needs it desperately.  Edward takes Judith's arm and gently suggests she get some sleep.  Yes, I must sleep, agrees Judith.   Edward helps her upstairs.  Trask closes the double doors and kneels, hands in a praying posture.  He asks for the Lord's help; together, we must help this poor, afflicted woman possessed by an evil spirit of darkness.  With Your help, we shall drive the demon back to hell from whenst it came.

Tim, carrying Rachel, enters the Old House, frantically calling for Barnabas--for anyone!  He helps her lie down on the sofa.  I feel very weak, she says.  Of course, he says.  The pain is gone, she says.  That's good, says Tim.  No, it's bad, she says.  Tim calls over and over for Barnabas, speculating he doesn't hear me.  Rachel thinks Barnabas isn't here.  Tim says you're hurt bad, but that doesn't mean...you'll be all right, you need a doctor to fix you up.  No, doctor, she tells him.  Yes, he insists, I'm going into town to get a doctor--I hate to leave you here, but I have to.  Rachel doesn't want him to go.  I must he says--you'll be all right, really.  No, I won't be, she says, and if you go into town, they'll catch you.  I'm willing to take that chance, says Tim.  Please, she begs, they're looking for you.  I only have to go to the edge of town to Dr. Brooks' office, says Tim.  No, she objects.  Please stop saying no, begs Tim.  You don't understand, she says--if they catch you, they'll kill you.  Her body rises as she feels pain.  I'm going for the doctor, he says.  She begs him to stay with her.  It wouldn't do any good for me to stay, says Tim.  Rachel remembers how, when we were children, we used to pretend our fathers were whaling captains, and that's why we were at the school?--we used to sing sea chanties.  I remember, he says, clearly distressed.  We used to sing softly, so Trask wouldn't hear us, recalls Rachel, her strength ebbing.  There's no point in us keeping up this pretense, says Tim--you're dying, you know it.  Yes, I do, says Rachel.  If I don't get help, you're going to die, do you want that? he asks desperately.

Collinwood - Judith lies in bed, asleep.  Edward sits down in a chair and watches her.  Judith hears Dirk calling her.  She answers him, in her mind.  Follow me, he orders, find me where I lie waiting for you--"Find me!"  I've found you, says Judith, and in her mind's eye, she sees his coffin,  him inside it, fangs bared.  "I want you to come to me!" he commands.  I did what you said, Judith reminds him.  I know that, he says, and you were quiet when they tried to make you talk.  (Must be hard to speak with those fangs in his mouth.)  "Come to me so that I may reward you--let nothing stand in your way!"  Judith rises from bed.  Edward asks where she's going.  She leaves the room, walking the robotic walk.  Edward realizes she's going to HIM, the vampire, as Barnabas said, and Edward follows.

A dying Rachel asks Tim, "Can you keep a secret?"  What is it? he asks.  My father's coming back, she says, to take me to live with him, in a big white house--I used to tell you about the beautiful white house overlooking the ocean
--he's going to come soon, but you must not tell Rev. Trask--it must be our secret.  Rachel dies.  Tim, calling her name, hastily checks her pulse, his voice shaking.  He presses his head to hers, mourning.  His childhood friend and confidant is dead.

Edward follows Judith to Dirk's coffin.  "I have come, as you commanded me to," says Judith, her hands on the closed coffin.  Edward orders Judith, stand away from the coffin!  Calmly, she says, you have no right to be here.  "Is he here? asks Edward.  "Is this where he hides during the day?"  He only summoned me! says Judith  Get out my way, orders Edward.  Don't hurt him! says Judith.  I'll do more than hurt him! vows Edward angrily.  I won't let you, says Judith.   I'm trying to save you, and all of us! cries Edward.  Judith bangs on the top of the coffin, calling, "Dirk, Dirk!  He's going to destroy you--you mustn't let him!"--wake up and kill him before he destroys you!  Judith passes out and Edward puts her limp body off to the side.  He opens the coffin and sees the vampire slumbering inside.  It's Dirk! he realizes (wasn't that the name Judith was yelling?), and hastily closes the coffin.  It's almost night, mutters Edward, there isn't much time.  He finds a large rock on the floor, then searches for something to serve as a stake, heading upstairs.  It's dusk.  He returns with a stake (did he make it or find it?) and re-opens Dirk's coffin.  He takes the rock and stake and, looking sickened, hesitates just long enough for Dirk to awaken and reach out to grab him.
Edward quickly pounds the stake into Dirk's chest.  The vampire succumbs, eyes open, blood flowing from his mouth as he sags back into the coffin.  (Pretty graphic for DS.)

Notes:  We lose two in this episode, Dirk and Rachel.  KLS was going to Africa with her boyfriend, Ben Martin, so she's written out of the script for quite a while, but we will see her later on in a different, very interesting, role.  Same thing happens to Roger Davis.  Trask is very suspicious of Barnabas, and one can't help but wonder if that isn't inherited from the Trask line to the one and only Barnabas Collins, LOL.  Sad scene between Rachel and Tim.  Her memories of their happier childhood always make me feel so sad for both of them.  She didn't want him to get a doctor because she feared for his safety, but did she doom herself to death?  Perhaps her wounds were too serious, even if Tim had gotten a doctor.  They--and we--will never know.   I do like how Edward closed ranks against Trask when he insinuated that Barnabas knew more than he was saying, but Edward himself tried to trick Barnabas with his own sketchy vampire knowledge as he brought Barnabas and Judith together to see her reaction.  No trust, Eddie!


777 - (Kaye Frye) - Collinwood in the year 1897, and the dread cry of VAMPIRE is in the air.  To keep his own secret safe, Barnabas Collins has been forced to turn Dirk Wilkins into a vampire.  Now Dirk Wilkins has been destroyed, and with his death, his victims no longer remember their ordeal.  But certain things cannot be forgotten, as Judith Collins will learn this day.

Judith, still looking rather vacant, expresses frustration over the lost hours of her life as Trask hands her a cup of tea in the drawing room.   He urges her, don't dwell on it--you know what Edward and I told you--Dirk's hold on you is over.  He caresses her throat, commenting, even the marks on your neck are gone.  She smiles, seeming to enjoy his touch.  (Ewww!)  He suggests they think of the future.  Tim enters.  Trask holds him at gunpoint, ordering Judith to call the police and tell them Minerva's murderer has been captured.  He and Tim stare each other down.

Tim suggests Judith not make the call, for her own good.  Judith is puzzled.  If you tell the police about me, I'll have to tell them about you as well, warns Tim.  Huh? says Judith.  Trask tells her to just make the call.  Judith wants to know what Tim means.  Tim wonders how she can have forgotten shooting Rachel Drummond.  Again, Judith can't believe it.  Rachel is dead because you killed her, accuses Tim.  Trask calls him crazy.  I had no reason to kill Rachel, says Judith, and don't remember seeing her.  Tim says, you sure did see her, in the abandoned house, and I found you standing over Rachel with a gun--come to the Old House and see for herself, suggests Tim, that's where I took her, but it was too late.  Judith asks, could I possibly have done this?   More likely, says Trask, Tim himself turned on poor Rachel--the way he turned on Minerva.  Prove it, says Tim.  Something in the back of my mind, says Judith--I remember coming back to Collinwood, but not from where, but I recall you and Edward examining a gun--whose was it?--  Gregory, I asked whose gun it was?  Yours, admits Trask, but that doesn't mean. . .  Then Edward said, continues Judith...how many times was Rachel shot?  Three, says Tim succinctly, giving Trask a look.  Yes, says Judith, and three bullets were missing from my gun--I did kill her!  Judith sits down and covers her face with her hand.  Trask comforts her.  Isn't it enough, he asks Tim, that you destroyed one fine woman?  Rachel's dead, too, Tim reminds him--shall we all simply forget about her?  He leans on the mantle.  Forget Rachel?--never, says Trask, but we must put grief aside and concentrate on the living--if Judith shot. . .   IF! shouts Tim--no if about it, and she even admitted it.  She wasn't morally responsible, argues Trask, under the spell of an unnatural creature.  And so was I when I killed Mrs. Trask, says Tim.  That's a convenient excuse, says Trask.  I must admit it, says Tim, I had something to do with Minerva's death, but I don't know how or why or who cast me under this spell--but I think I'll have the leisure to discover who that was--NOW.  He looks at Trask significantly, and the Reverend looks stonily back.  Judith calls to "Gregory."--I still want to call the police--but you, Gregory, must make it for me.
Tim says, that isn't such a good idea, is it?, focusing on Trask.  The latter suggests Judith just rest.  I can't, she says--you must call the police and tell them there are two murderers at Collinwood.  "She doesn't know what she's saying," says Tim.  Trask escorts him out, saying I have to speak to Judith, but don't do anything you'd regret, he advises.  He closes the double doors on Tim, dismissing him.  You must understand, he tells Judith--you had no control over what happened.  But I did kill her, says Judith, how do you think I feel?  How do you think I feel? asks Trask, for so many years I was responsible for Rachel's soul, may it rest well in heaven tonight. (oh, give me a break!)  I can't bear it anymore, says Judith, I want you to call the police and get it over with.  Be strong, he urges her, putting his hand under her chin and making her look at him--I have fought against evil all my life and recognizes the enemy--I know what the evil force wants you to do next--permit yourself to be destroyed because of Rachel's murder.  But I did it, objects Judith.  Only if you confess to the crime, only then will you be evil, says Trask, only then will you be lying--you didn't kill Rachel, Dirk did.  But Dirk is dead, says Judith.  And so is Rachel, says Trask--will it restore her for even one moment if you, Judith, are destroyed too?--and you could easily go to the gallows.  This horrifies Judith.  And if you died, says Trask, my life would be bleak, dark, meaningless, that I would soon die, too.  Do you mean that? she asks.  Every word, swears Trask--you should be silent--I will speak to the police myself.  What about Tim? she asks.  Relax, says Trask, I will do what has to be done.  You can't keep Tim from telling the police about me, says Judith.  Trask assures her, I can.  He picks up the phone.  There is a way, he says, asking for the sheriff's office.

Out in the foyer, Tim starts to sneak off, then changes his mind.  He listens at the door, walks away.  Judith listens as Trask tells the sheriff Tim Shaw is at Collinwood with him now...

3 PM - Tim listens at the door again, pacing.  Judith looks miserable.  Trask tells the sheriff Tim spent the night in Bangor; in the excitement of the night, I had forgotten I'd sent him there for supplies.  No, I had no idea she was dead and am extremely shocked--you can speak to Tim, yes, but he's a most unlikely suspect--you'll have to look elsewhere for the fiend who murdered my wife.  I'm very honored, Judith tells Trask--you set free Minerva's murderer to save me.  I had no choice, says Trask, and I'm sure Minerva would have understood, she was that kind of gal.  He goes out to get Tim, who enters the drawing room.  Trask explains, I've finished speaking with Judith and the police--I told them I sent you to Bangor, and I am sure you will support that story.  Gladly, says Tim.  Then you will leave Worthington Hall, says Trask.  Even more gladly, replies Tim--do you think Mr. Hanley will still help me find a job?  Trask advises him against seeking that avenue for work.  Perhaps I should speak to Mrs. Collins, suggests Tim--after all, I obviously do need a new position.  Trask suggests, leave this part of the country--the world is wide for a young man.  Collinsport is world enough for me right now, says Tim.  Sternly, Judith says Mr. Edward handles the hiring.  But I'm not the usual applicant, says Tim, smiling, I'm industrious, well-educated, ambitious--besides, I have an exceptionally good memory.  Judith promises to speak to Mr. Edward.  Carl interrupts--I already spoke to Edward, he says angrily, and I learned Dirk is dead--you never asked him about his Pansy.  Judith insists, Edward was never in any position to ask Dirk anything.  He could have asked him SOMETHING, insists Carl, if he wasn't selfish, like everyone else in this family!--what does any of you care about my Pansy, dying of thirst or hunger, or even if she's dead?--no, she can't be dead!  Judith tells him, I don't want to hear another word about Pansy!  Carl shuts up.  Trask tells Carl about Rachel's death.  A search party was out combing the woods for a vampire, and someone heard her moving around and accidentally shot her.  Judith bows her head guiltily as Trask tells this lie.  Who did it? asks Carl.  We don't even know that, answers Trask--I found the poor child dying and took her to the Old House--the nearest place to go for help, but Rachel was beyond help.  Judith moans and covers her mouth.  Trask tells Carl Judith is most upset--we must put ourr shoulders together and bear the burden for her.  Carl agrees.  Trask will send the police to the Old House.  Judith says, I want Rachel brought back here, so she can be buried immediately.  Carl asks his sister, are you feeling all right.  She's most upset, says Trask, Rachel was very dear to her.  Why are you acting as if she died of the plague? Asks Carl--why do you want her buried immediately?  The poor child had no family, says Trask, why should we delay putting her to rest?  Carl is still puzzled by the rush.  Trask sends Carl and Tim to the Old House to await the police--sooner started, sooner ended, he says.  The two young men leave.  Trask tells Judith, you must be more cautious--even Carl is suspicious.  Judith knows--I'm sorry, I tried, but I couldn't.  Yes you can, he says, you can do anything, I have supreme faith in Judith Collins.  We will have the service this afternoon, says Judith.  Yes, as soon as I've spoken to the police, he says.  She thanks him.

Old House - Tim tells Carl, "It's difficult for me, even now, to realize she's gone--it seems almost as though I myself had died--we were close once, very close."  I don't believe it, says Carl, I don't believe Rachel died by accident--there have been too many accidents happening around here, and no one explains them well enough for old Carl's satisfaction--my Pansy didn't disappear by accident, I know that, my missing fiancee
--I'm going to the police about it, I would have mentioned it to them before, but I prefer not doing it when my sister is around--my Pansy is a wonderful girl, he says, beautiful, refined, cultured--she's English, and just disappeared, he says unhappily.  He suggests they return to Collinwood.  Tim says he'll join him in a moment.  After Carl leaves, he picks up a scarf from the purple piece of furniture and suddenly hears Pansy' singing her song.  He listens.  The curtains blow in, and he's afraid.  Pansy's ghost appears before him.
Who are you? he asks, where did you come from?  You aren't the one I'm looking for, says Pansy--I have so little time, I must find him.  Barnabas? he asks.  She wanders past him.  I must keep looking, she says.  Terrified, Tim races for the door, screaming, "CARL!"  Carl returns.  Tim meets him outside--there's a very strange woman in there; she came from nowhere and came in asking for you, says Tim.  Hysterical, Carl enters the room and calls to Pansy, his darling Pansy, in a lost, high-pitched voice, but she is no where to be seen.

Carl searches for his beloved fiancee, but, dejected, asks Tim, did you really see her?  I saw SOMEONE, says Tim.  It must be my Pansy, says Carl.  We have to get to the funeral service, says Tim.  Go on without me, urges Carl.  We searched the entire house, says Tim, and she isn't here.  Go, go, insists Carl.  Tim leaves.  Carl speaks to the air, telling Pansy I know you were angry at the way Judith acted, but please, please, please, please, don't be angry with me, I can't stand it, sweetheart, please come out, begs Carl.

Trask speaks over Rachel's coffin, the hypocritical bastard:  "Hardly more than a child herself, she had a wonderful way with children, they loved her as we loved her; we will long remember her bright smile, her youthful radiance, but most of all, her devotion, her dedication, to duty.
Tonight, the littlest angels will have a lovely new teacher to care for her."  Judith, dressed in black, walks away from the coffin, crying into a handkerchief.  Tim and Carl stand by.  Trask tells the young men to take Rachel's body to the graveyard, he isn't coming because he doesn't want to leave Judith alone.  He doesn't think it would be a good idea for her to go to the cemetery, she's much too upset.

Tim and Carl finish burying Rachel.  A dejected Tim decides to go into Collinsport and get drunk.  Carl tells him if he sees Pansy, to tell him he's looking for her.  Carl says he's going back to the Old House, and Tim tells him that if he sees Barnabas, he should tell him what happened-- he was a very good friend.  Tim will come back later with flowers--after he gets drunk.  Carl, left alone, hears Pansy singing to him, "I Wanna Dance For You."  He talks to the air, begging her to come out.  He gets angry, telling her if she doesn't come out, he's leaving!  Oh, Pansy, he begs, she should be frightened in the graveyard, alone with the dead--unless. . ."You're dead, too!"  Carl's mouth drops opens as he considers this terrible possibility.

NOTES:  Poor Carl--have his worst fears been realized?  Although you sense he's brought more than his share of "tarts" home, he seems to genuinely care for Pansy.  It's not wise to bring loved ones to Collinwood, is it?

How dare Trask speak over Rachel's coffin, given that he's partially responsible for her ending up dead way before her time.  As for Tim, I wouldn't give him any prizes for his treatment of Rachel, either.  And the poor governess probably felt Barnabas betrayed her, too.  Farewell, Rachel, you weren't too bright, but didn't deserve this untimely death.

Love, Robin

317
Current Talk '03 I / Re: Full Wolf Moon
« on: January 20, 2003, 04:06:22 PM »
The bright, shiny, full Quentin-moon looked through my window last night as I lay in bed, watching CHARMED.  My dog cuddled close to me, enjoying some quality petting.  

I really do think it would be nice if you folks in hot climates sent some warmth for us here in the frigid winter climes!  The sun is out, but the mercury is hovering in the single digits this morning.  If you can't send us some natural heat, at least think warmly of us--perhaps that will help!

Love, Robin  

318
Calendar Events / Announcements '03 I / Re: Today is Dom's birthday!
« on: January 20, 2003, 04:02:15 PM »
I guess I'm a bit late, but I hope your birthday was spectacular, Dom, and one you will fondly remember always.

Thanks for all you do for us here.

Love, Robin

319
Current Talk '03 I / Re: Highlights From Friday
« on: January 20, 2003, 03:59:11 PM »
Naughty, naughty, Connie!

I have a co-worker named Connie.  Want to switch places with her?  I'd much rather have you!

Hilarious, delightful, de-lovely!

Love, Robin

320
Robservations / Robservations 1/21/03 - #774-775 - The End For Rachel?
« on: January 20, 2003, 03:52:12 PM »
774 - (Joan Bennett) - Collinwood before the turn of the century, a time when the great house was caught up in events more bizarre and evil than it has ever known.  On this night, a young man seeks safety in a deserted house.  While under a mysterious spell, he has committed murder.  Now a fugitive from justice, he will soon discover that he is not the only victim of the supernatural at Collinwood.

Tim's face shakes with horror as he opens the coffin and sees what is inside--nothing!  He closes it and sits down, probably exhausted from his run from the school.  He hears someone opening the cellar door and hides, but leaves the lit candle on the crate.  Tim blithely leaves his hiding place when he recognizes Dirk.  They each ask the other what he's doing here.  Dirk accuses Tim of being sent by the Collinses to find him; they've been trying for several days.  Tim asks Dirk if he's all right.  Yes, says Dirk, but you shouldn't have come here, because I'm hiding here and I don't want anyone to find me.  Tim says I'm certainly not going to tell anyone.  I know you aren't, agrees Dirk--because you aren't leaving.  Tim finds that statement odd.  Dirk points out the coffin--didn't you find it weird?  Yes, admits Tim, unusual, to say the least, to find an empty coffin.  It's not empty during the day, says Dirk, his expression very creepy.  What's in it? asks Tim innocently.  "I am," says Dirk (and didn't the way he said that put chills up and down your spine)?  Tim gulps, then asks, you?--if this is your idea of a joke. . .  Dirk grabs his arm.  There's nothing you can do to keep me here, insists Tim.  "You give me no choice," says Dirk, because I don't want anyone to know I'm here and you must keep my secret.  What secret? asks the stupid schoolteacher.  "Oh, you're going to find out, soon enough," warns Dirk.
Have you gone mad? Tim asks, then shrieks with horror as Dirk comes at him, very large fangs bared.

A dog howls.  Trask tells Rachel it, will be easier for you if you bare your soul (and what else?)  to me now, tell me everything, in detail.  Rachel insists she doesn't know anything.  Trask reminds her, I just suffered a great loss, and I'm trying to control myself, but you make it very difficult!  I can't tell you what I don't know! she cries.  My poor wife is dead, poisoned, the result of a foul and hideous plot concocted by you and Tim Shaw, accuses Trask.  I had nothing to do with it, insists Rachel.  Trask continues--with the actual murder itself, no, but you gave him aid and comfort as you always do.  A lie! she cries, and I don't know where he is now--I wouldn't tell if I did.  He offers to have her questioned by the police.  Bring them on! urges Rachel--I'm innocent, with nothing g to fear.  This perplexes Trask, whose his voice turns gentle-you have always occupied a special place in my thoughts, he says, caressing a bookshelf (X-rated book, one is sure) and there's no one who wants to believe in your innocence as much as I do, and I want to give you a chance to prove that innocence--you must remain in the school, and not leave the building under any circumstances.  What would that prove? asks Rachel.
Your sincerity and loyalty, says Trask--if you're at the school, there is no way you could aid Tim, but if you were to leave, I could only assume it's to contact him, and I'd have you arrested as an accomplice to murder.  There's a knock at the door and he sends her to her room.  He answers--it's Judith.  She expresses her condolences and offers help in his loss.  He apologizes for being startled at seeing her there--I should have known a woman of your high character would respond to anther's grief.  I didn't know Minerva well, begins Judith.  She wasn't easy to know, says Trask, bowing his lying head--but she was a devoted wife and good woman.  I felt that the first time I met her, agrees Judith.  Choking up, Trask says, that's very kind of you--I tried to be brave about this, because it's what Minerva would have wanted, but it's so difficult.  I understand perfectly, she assures him.  She was his strength, sighs Trask, my whole reason for being, and her passing has left a void which may be impossible to fill...  Judith, her hand on his arm, says, Minerva would be the first one to tell you your life must go on.  He covers her hand and tells Judith, you knew Minerva better than you thought you did--my life must go on, he agrees, but what of the school?--what will become of it without Minerva?  The school still has you, points out Judith.  No, dear lady, he says, at best I'm a competent administrator, but Minerva was the driving force, the life blood of this institution, and without her, the future seems very bleak.  With all due respect, says Judith, I don't believe that--I have faith in you, and the future of your school.  "Miss Collins," he says, taking her hands, "I am not deserving of such faith."  (Or much else!)  I think you are, she says softly.  Trask says, I thank God for giving me the privilege of knowing you.  She slips her hands out of his and urges him to get some rest--your ordeal isn't over yet.  I can't rest until Minerva's murderer has been brought to justice, Trask says.  I was shocked when I heard it was Tim, says Judith--have the police found him yet?  No, says Trask, and there's only one possible clue to his whereabouts--Rachel Drummond--she and Tim have always been close, and I believe she knows where he's hiding, but hasn't cooperated.  Judith offers to talk to Rachel.  Trask grins--you are an extraordinary woman, he says--Rachel may feel less inhibited with a woman--sit down while I go to get Rachel.  He's smiling like crazy, as is Judith, her expression that of a woman in love.

Rachel walks through the woods, finally resting on a rock.  She hears a wolf howling and nervously continues on.

Trask returns and reports to Judith, Rachel is gone--on her way to Tim, I'm sure--she isn't anywhere in the building--I figure they are heading out of Collinsport, and the state, but neither has money, and they'll have to find someone to help them.  They don't know anyone outside Collinwood with money, the two realize.  Is there anyone inside Collinwood who might help them? queries Trask.  Cousin Barnabas, says Judith, Rachel is fond of him, and he's the first person she'd go to.  Of course, says Trask, she may very well be on her way there now.  I have a carriage and can easily beat Rachel to the Old House, says Judith--I'll tell Barnabas what's happening, and when he learns the details, he won't help Tim or Rachel.  She leaves.  Trask, grinning again, looks very satisfied with himself.  He picks up the phone and calls Evan--everything is going quite smoothly, he says, we will soon catch Tim, because the powers that be are on our side--you rendered your services most efficiently, and I'm grateful--I will keep my end of our little bargain--your secret vice will remain a secret, promises Trask, and hangs up.

Old House - Judith knocks at the door.  A wolf howls.  She looks through the window, opens the unlocked door and enters the house.  She calls to Barnabas, but there's no response.  Is anyone here? she asks.  The front door opens--it's Dirk, looking quite the vampire around his eyes.  She asks him sternly where he's been--we've been searching everywhere for you for the past two days!--you have some explaining to do!  You dismissed me the other day, he reminds her.  I don't care what I did, she says, while you're on this property, you're accountable for your actions, which have been very peculiar lately.  Peculiar, huh? probes Dirk.  What did you tell Jamison that upset him so the other evening? asks Judith.  You don't know? asks Dirk.  Some outrageous lie about Barnabas, says Judith, but Edward wouldn't give us the details.  Oh, Mr. Edward, says Dirk sarcastically, he would spare you the gory details.  Just what did you say to Jamison? asks Judith.  Dirk says, I'm not sure I should tell you--it might damage the Collins' good name.  I know one thing, vows Judith--you aren't going to get an opportunity to damage that name--you have 24 hours to get off the property, and if you don't, the police will handle it.  You won't get a chance to do that, says Dirk--a lot of things have changed in the last few days, MISS JUDITH, and they're going to change even more, vows Dirk, in just a minute.  I don't have time to listen to anymore of his nonsense, says Judith, moving to leave.  Dirk grabs her and says, you'll listen!  "How dare you?" she demands--get out of my way.  "You don't boss me around anymore," says Dirk.  Don't tell me what I can and can't do! orders Judith--you will obey!  "You're wrong!" he says--sometimes people change their roles in life, and you have been a mistress so long, you don't know what it's like to be a servant.  He advances on her.  "Dirk," she says warningly, backing away--"Stay away from me."  We are going to change roles, says Dirk--oh, yes--I am going to become the master, and you the servant!  Let me leave, demands Judith, I don't mean what I said about the police, you can take whatever time you need to leave Collinwood.
Her eyes widen and her face takes on a stunned expression as Dirk's fangs appear and he goes in for a bite of her throat.

Old House, later - Rachel arrives at the front door and starts to knock, but instead looks through the window.  She spies Judith sitting in a chair and decides to leave.  Judith tilts her head to one side and we see the bloody marks on her throat left by her new master...

Trask enters the Old House--I came to offer my assistance, he tells Judith.  He notes how oddly she's behaving and asks, are you all right?--have you spoken to Barnabas?  No, he wasn't here when I arrived, says Judith vacantly--no one was here.  Trask is now certain something is wrong--something has happened to you.  No, she says.  I notice a complete change in you, he says--what's happened?  Nothing, she says.  I want to get you back to Collinwood to summon a doctor, says Trask.  He glances at her throat and sees the marks!  "Good Lord!" he cries.  Judith tries to cover up the holes.  Take down your hands, he orders.  He pulls her hand away--how did it happen?--who did it?  I want to return to Collinwood, Judith says.  Your marks are identical to the ones I found on Charity's neck, he says.  Judith looks at him--Charity?  How were they inflicted? he asks.  I can't tell you, says Judith--I'm afraid of him.  Who? asks Trask--who is responsible?--I've already suffered one loss, I can't lose you as well.  "Lose me?" she asks.  You've been a dear friend and benefactress, he says, you came to this house on my behalf, and if any harm has befallen you, I will feel responsible.  You mustn't, she objects.  Who did it? he asks again--there was someone here when you arrived, wasn't there?  Take me back to Collinwood, asks Judith.  I realized when I came through that door a moment ago, you didn't know it was me, he says--you were expecting someone else--Dirk is the name you mentioned!--Dirk Wilkins was here when you arrived!--he did this!--what kind of inhuman animal is he?
No, says Judith, who can only mutely gaze at Trask, not answering.

Dirk's hideaway - Rachel comes downstairs and finds the coffin.  Why is it down here? she wonders, and where is Tim?  She spots the burning candle--he must have lit it, she surmises, he must have been here--I'll have to wait for him to come back, but the coffin. . .she opens it and finds it empty.  She closes it and leans down on it.  Dirk comes downstairs, and stands facing her with a very ugly expression on his face.

NOTES:  Well, doesn't Dirk make a fun vampire?  Not too much tongue, but he does love opening his mouth wide so we can admire his BIG fangs!  He wants to play servant/master with Judith, and I bet she got a thrill out of that little encounter!  Trask is already making the moves on Judith, going for the gold (and his wife barely cold).  I don't think I would open a coffin as easily as Tim and Rachel did, at least not after watching this show all these years!  Trask is seeing dollar signs, Judith is in the thrall of a vampire, Rachel is in deadly danger from that same vampire, and what did Dirk do with Tim?  Great scenes between Rachel and Evan, Rachel and Trask (he caressed that bookcase as if he were touching Rachel's skin), and Dirk and darn near everyone!  And how about that Charity, hankering now after the finer things in life?  Is she seriously considering pursuing Carl?  Weird choice!


775 - (Louis Edmonds) - Collinwood before the turn of the century--a time of events more evil and bizarre than it has ever known.  On this night, terror invades the great house, for its mistress has become the victim of a former servant, who is now one of the living dead.  Now she must serve him, obey his every command, and before the arrival of another dawn, he will send her on an evil mission--a mission involving murder.

Judith sits in a chair in the drawing room, her vampire marks exposed above her lacy white collar.

Rachel, after opening the empty coffin and wondering where Tim is, meets Dirk face to face in the cellar of the old Peabody Farm as he's returning home to bed.  He stares at her hungrily.

I didn't expect to see you, Rachel tells Dirk--I was supposed to meet Tim here.  This is a strange place to meet someone, he comments.  There was trouble at the school, says Rachel.  I saw Tim, says Dirk, but he can't see you now, he's not "himself".  Tell me what's happened, Rachel begs Dirk.  He reaches toward her face and says, you shouldn't have come here... I won't hurt you, he says softly.
She backs away as he lunges at her, fangs bared, and cries out as he attacks her.

Edward closes the doors to the drawing room and stands in the foyer.  He responds to a knock at the door--it's Barnabas, apparently summoned by Edward earlier.  Is something wrong? asks Barnabas.  Edward asks his whereabouts this evening.  I was out looking for Dirk, says Barn.  You didn't find him, did you? asks Edward sarcastically--is it possible he's dead?  Why do you ask? wonders Barnabas.  I feel there is no doubt a supernatural creature, vampire or whatever, is at large on the estate, says Edward--I've seen evidence of it
--I know almost nothing, but can make certain assumptions--a vampire's attack would result in a radical personality change in the victim, right?  I suppose it does, answers Barn evasively.  The victim, says Edward, would be similar to a walking dead person, responding only to the voice of the vampire itself--"Am I right, Barnabas?  What are you getting at? Asks Barnabas.  In answer, Edward throws open the double doors to reveal Judith standing there, the bites clearly visible on her throat.  "Good evening, Barnabas," says Judith in a monotone.  "Well, Edward, did you find out what you want to know?" asks Barnabas. "Yes," says Edward, chastened.  He helps Judith into a chair and tells her to rest, then closes the double doors and faces Barnabas.  What did you expected would happen when Judith saw me? asks Barnabas.  I didn't know, admits Edward.  She had no reaction whatever says Barnabas, so I am no longer under suspicion.  No, says Edward, offering his apologies--it happened earlier this evening--Judith had gone to the Old House to see you.  What for? asks Barn.  I don't know, says Edward but Trask found her in this condition.  And because it was at the Old House, you assumed I had something to do with it? asks Barn, calmly.  We've all been under a severe strain, says Edward, excusing his action--Judith won't tell me how it happened, it's like speaking to a brick wall.  At least we're certain the creature does exist, says Barn, and must be found and destroyed.  I don't know how, says Edward--we aren't dealing with a human being.  Judith may be more helpful than you think, says Barn--I'll explain how after we take her up to her room.

Dirk tells the raptly staring Rachel that she doesn't need to be frightened anymore.  She agrees, sounding like a little girl, and asks, where's Tim?  Don't worry about Tim, says Dirk, you're going to help ME now.  He holds her shoulders--I'm glad you came here, says Dirk--you can help me--you'll understand how before this night is over.

Midnight.  Edward and Barnabas have settled Judith in bed.  (She's in a nightgown, who put her into it?)  You must stay with her the rest of the night, Barnabas tells Edward--I will keep searching for Dirk; either he's the vampire, or he knows who is.  He must be found tonight, says Edward, I don't want her to go through another night like this (he does love his sister).  Watch her carefully, advises Barn, especially if she awakens--the vampire might communicate with her or try to lure her from the house.  Edward promises not to let her leave.  You won't be able to prevent it, says Barn, Judith is completely under his power--let her leave.  And have that maniac attack her again? asks Edward.  It might be the only way to learn where the coffin is kept, says Barn, and the sooner he's destroyed, the better for Judith.  Edward wishes him good luck.  Barnabas leaves.  Edward looks down at Judith, and sets in for his vigil.

1:05 AM - Edward, sitting beside his sister, hears a door slam.  He calls downstairs.  The front door is open, and he keeps calling to someone to answer him.  He returns to Judith, hears more noises indicating someone is in the house, and demands to know who's there.  Something breaks.  Judith moans in her sleep.

Foyer - we see something on the floor (flowers)?  Edward comes to the landing, finds the broken vase and flowers on the floor.  He closes the open outside doors.  He opens the inside doors and turns on a light.  No one seems to be around.  He searches a few moments, then leaves the foyer, closing the doors behind him.  He checks the servants' quarters, then heads toward the study, walks past the broken vase, and back upstairs. He hears a door open.  Dirk grabs him from behind.  They struggle.  Dirk leaves Edward unconscious in the landing, near the top of the stairs.  The front doors swing closed by themselves.

Judith is moaning, twisting her head back and forth.
She awakens, sees Dirk.  I knew you'd come, she says.  I have something I want you to do, he says.  Anything, she swears.  It may frighten you, he warns.  I'm not frightened, she assures him.  Listen carefully, says Dirk--you must not tell anyone you've seen me--you will leave this house at dawn, and take this (he holds up a gun) with her.  "You want me to use that?" asks Judith.  You will use it if it becomes necessary, instructs Dirk, pressing it into her hand.

Edward, holding his throat, returns to consciousness.  He's groggy, but remembers--Judith!

Judith assures Dirk, I know what I am to do and am ready to do it.  Good, says Dirk, I'll return for you tomorrow night.  He disappears.  Edward calls to his sister, who quickly hides the gun under her pillow.  I'm all right, she assures him--no one was in the room.  There's an intruder in the house, says Edward, he was in this room, wasn't he?  No, lies Judith.  Edward begs, tell me who the madman is--our lives may depend on it--I was almost strangled before--"Please try to tell me!"  She quietly informs him, only the two of us have been in this room tonight.  She reaches under her pillow where the gun is.

At the Old House, Barnabas has a gun, too, which he's filling with silver bullets.  He places it on the mantel and suddenly feels the presence of another vampire--Dirk.  I knew you'd be surprised to see me, Dirk tells his sire.  I didn't expect you to come here, says Barn.  I need to speak to you, says Dirk--I want to make you a proposition.  Barnabas isn't interested.  Then Dirk informs him, I have Rachel as a prisoner, and will keep her prisoner until you do as I want.  What do you want? asks Barn.  I could make exorbitant demands, says Dirk, considering what you did to me, but I'll settle for one small favor--I want Laura--you can get her back.  No, I can't, says Barn.    You'd better, if you expect to see Rachel alive, warns Dirk.  I want to know that Rachel is alive, even now, insists Barnabas.  You have my word for it, says Dirk, but she's in my command and will stay where she is until you deliver Laura to me.
Impossible, says Barn.  I will settle for that and nothing less, says Dirk.  Laura is dead, says Barnabas, and I can't make her come back to life.  You have until dawn, warns Dirk, and if you don't get Laura back, Rachel will die.  Dawn is only a few hours away, says Barnabas.  Dirk grabs his arm and reminds him, it only took him a few hours to get rid of Laura, so with your powers, it should only take a few minutes to bring her back.  Barnabas is about to reach for the gun filled with silver bullets, but Dirk stops him, telling him, don't be a fool--if you kills me, by he time you find Rachel, she'll be dead.  He smiles evilly.  "You'll do what I say," says Dirk, and leaves by the front door.  Barnabas holds the gun in his hands, his forehead furrowed with misery.

Edward brings Judith a cup of tea.  We don't have much longer to wait, he says, it will soon be light out.  When he turns around, however, the bed is empty.  "Judith!" he cries, and races from the room.

Dirk re-enters the Peabody Farm cellar and closes the doors after himself.  Rachel asks him, who are you watching for?  For Laura to come back, he replies.  But she's dead, objects Rachel.  Some people have powers to restore the dead, says Dirk--you don't understand, but you don't have to--just be quiet and wait.  Then what? asks Rachel.  I don't know, he says, and adds passionately, hitting a wall or something, "She MUST come back to me, she must!"  Rachel, afraid, asks what are you going to do to me?  "I asked you to be quiet!" he shouts.  The cock crows.  Dirk knows what that means--Barnabas failed!--he can't restore Laura!--he said he couldn't, but Dirk didn't believe him.  "I wanted him to be here by dawn," says Dirk, a murderous look coming over his face, "and now he's failed.  And he'll be sorry, oh, he will be sorry!"  He walks past Rachel and opens his coffin.

Dirk closes the coffin lid.  Rachel presses it firmly shut and hears the sound of someone entering the cellar.  It's Judith.  "I'm sorry, Rachel," she says, "I'm sorry."  This perplexes Rachel--I thought you'd come to take me home.  She realizes Judith is pointing a pistol at her.  What's wrong? asks Rachel.  Judith doesn't respond.  Rachel looks terrified, as if knowing what Judith's mission is...

NOTES:  An ongoing excellent performance, IMHO, by Davis as Dirk.  This character seems to suit him so well, and his over-the-topness isn't grating at all.

Is this the end for Rachel?  Was Judith given the gun and ordered to kill Rachel at dawn?  Is Barnabas indirectly responsible for yet another death?  He couldn't resurrect Laura--or could he?  We wonder if he even bothered trying--or did he believe Dirk was bluffing?

Love, Robin

321
Thank you so much, MB, these were marvelous!  This was the very creepiest dream in DS' history, and caused me a few bad dreams of my own when it was first shown.

GREAT job!

Love, Robin

322
Current Talk '03 I / Re: A warm wish for Dean!
« on: January 18, 2003, 10:12:34 PM »
I realize I'm a tad late, Dean, but I did wish you a happy on one of the DS listserv's I belong to.

But happy birthday here, too!

Love, Robin

323
Calendar Events / Announcements '03 I / Re: Happy Birthday to WidowsHill
« on: January 18, 2003, 10:10:02 PM »
Happy birthday to one of the loveliest, bravest and sweetest women I know--and a gal I'm proud to call sister!

Love, Robin

324
Happy birthday a bit early, Michelle!  Hope you get everything you want!

Love, Robin

325
Robservations / I forgot to set my tape
« on: January 18, 2003, 04:09:53 PM »
DStoDA wrote:
Quote
I forgot to set my tape that day so it looks like i missed out some good episodes. Robin, Do you have any pictures of the dream? It would be great if you could post some.

I'm sorry, I don't have the capability of doing screen captures, but perhaps MB or Dom will oblige us?  I know that the previous day's montage had a few segments from the dream.

Love, Robin

326
772 - (Clarice Blackburn) - The year is 1897.  The place is Collinwood.  The time is an hour before dawn.  A precious hour for Barnabas Collins, for Barnabas, afraid that his secret will be discovered, has turned an enemy into a vampire--a vampire who, when he is caught, will leave Barnabas free to perform his mission in the past.  But the vampire has disappeared, and Barnabas knows he must be found.

An hour before dawn. . .Barnabas is superimposed over the Old House, a pretty nifty sight.

Barnabas, frantic, notes that beside the fang marks, there is a rope around Pansy's neck (which wasn't there at the end of the previous Episode; they want us to believe she was strangled, not bitten, to death), and locks the door.  When Carl knocks, begging to talk to Pansy, Barnabas stands there, the corpse in front of him, trying to figure out how to handle this.

Barnabas hides Pansy's body in the secret room.  Carl, still calling "Barnabas!" over and over, continues knocking.  Barnabas hangs up his cloak, lets Carl in and claims not to know where Pansy is.  You must know, says Carl.  I went out to look for Dirk, claims Barn.  Carl is unhappy Pansy was left alone.  She said she'd be all right, Barn assures him.  Carl figures Pansy guessed Judith didn't like her, and wonders, what'll I do?--Judith says I'm not in love, but she's always trying to tell me how I feel--Pansy and I love each other, she's a fighter--she wouldn't just leave!--  Pansy hasn't had an easy life, she wouldn't get mad and leave because Judith left.  Barn apologizes for not being more helpful.  I don't know what to do! wails Carl, who finds Pansy's purse on the purple horror and says, she'd never leave without that.  But she isn't here, points out Barnabas, a tad desperate--perhaps the strain. . .  Carl finds money in the purse.  That means she's still in the house, insists Carl, despite what you say.  Do you thinks I'm lying? asks Barn.  "I don't know," answers Carl, confused--maybe something happened to her; maybe Dirk. . .  You must be sensible, urges Barnabas--and besides, Pansy said Dirk was dead.  Pansy wouldn't leave the purse! insists Carl.  She could have decided to go to Collinwood herself, suggests Barn--take the purse, she's probably there.  Carl suspiciously suggests, you're trying to get rid of me.  I'm just busy, says Barn.   If she isn't at Collinwood, I'm coming back here, says Carl.  Barn calmly tells him, if she isn't there, you're free to search the whole house for her--I'll be looking for Dirk--perhaps Pansy got lost in the woods and went to the cottage or the house Trask is using as a school.  I didn't think of that, says Carl--you don't think anything terrible happened to Pansy, do you?  Barn replies, whatever has happened is as much of a mystery to me as to you.  The clock strikes five AM; Barnabas encourages Carl to leave.  Barnabas opens the secret room.

Carl bothers Charity at the school with his concerns about Pansy.  She understands, but, obviously annoyed, dismisses him and tells him to have faith--you'll find her.  Thanks, he says insincerely.  Charity brings in some coffee for Tim, who's been up all night, working on Hanley's project.  So much work, he says, licking his finger, turning a page, remarking that the Latin is so archaic, it's given me a lot of. . .  He seems to sag in his chair, a weird look on his face.  "The queen of spades," he says.  Charity gives him some coffee, commenting, my mother would be furious for my bringing it in here.  "Your mother," he says, taking out the vial of nightshade.  She demands to know what it is.
Leave me alone to do what I have to do, orders Tim.  Then it sounds like he passes out on the desk as Charity looks on in horror.

Barnabas buries Pansy Faye.  Rest in peace, he tells her.  He takes the shovel and buries her (he usually has someone else to do the physical work).  The cock crows, signaling dawn, and he hurries to finish his task.

Tim writhes in his narrow bed.  When Charity comes in, he awakens with a start, rising to his feet.  I was having a nightmare, he says.  Why are you behaving so strangely? she asks.  I'll be OK once the work for Evan is completed, he says.  He must want it badly, she says, handing him a message from Evan.  Tim wants to open it later, but the messenger is awaiting an answer, says Charity, if there is one.  Written on the paper is QUEEN OF SPADES.  Reading it, Tim gets a faraway look in his eyes.  Tonight, Tim tells himself--he told me when he sent me this, I'd know when the time had come--it must happen tonight.  Tim tells Charity there's no answer to the message and returns to his Latin.  Is this the way you'll be after we're married? Asks Charity-- never talking or explaining anything to me?  Before he can answer, Minerva enters, berating Charity for allowing the school to run itself--you have a class on the Old Testament, she reminds her daughter.  Charity explains to her mother about the message from Evan to Tim.  Indeed, scoffs Minerva, Mr. Hanley--Charity, go to your class; you don't want to add to your long list of sins (if only mama knew!)  She turns her anger on Tim after Charity leaves.  "What do you want?" he demands.  What we've been paying for, answers Minerva--all you've been working on is this job for Mr. Hanley, turning down your work at the school.  Your husband got me this job, Tim reminds her.  I don't care if he did or he didn't, snaps Minerva--Trask leaves the running of the school to me, as you well know--Trask is a thinker, not a doer, I am the one.. . .  Tim orders her, leave me alone.  Did I hear you correctly? she rails--let you what?  Alone, he says succinctly--I want to finish the Latin today!  You're impertinent, she accuses--we'd be better off without you.  You'll get your wish, he says, once I finish the job for Mr. Hanley.  You won't leave without paying the debt you owes us, she warns.  Oh, yeah, says Tim--the famous debt, how shall I pay it--I never will be able to do so, will I?--no, there's no way I can do it because of yours and Trask's bookkeeping--it will never be paid up!  Are you accusing me of dishonesty? Demands Minerva.  YES, he says.  You'll be sorry, says Minerva, we should go see Trask right now--you're afraid, she says, you know what he'll say to you.  Yes, I know, Tim says sarcastically, yes, indeed, I can quote it for you line by line, but I'm busy, so if you don't mind--GET OUT and leave me to finish!  We'll see what happens, she threatens--Mr. Shaw.  Before she leaves, we see Charity listening at the door, then hurrying off.

Carl returns to the Old House, miserably calling to Pansy.  He sees the cellar door and finds it locked (well, it looks like he's about to open it, but doesn't).  He calls to Pansy and hears her humming her theme song.  Thrilled, he looks around, asking, where are you hiding?--please come out, he pleads, racing around calling to her.  The music stops.  Carl calls out, I've decided not to let Judith run my life--my grandmother gave me my own place to live, she said so in her will!--you can stay there, too--where are you?  Hearing her singing "I Wanna Dance For You" again, he says, I like jokes, too, but come on, please, don't be mad at me.  Barnabas comes in and asks if he can help Carl.  Carl begins to wildly shake Barnabas, demanding to know where his Pansy is.  Tell me now! screams Carl.

Barnabas orders Carl, to let go of me!  Not until you tell me where she is, insists Carl.  I don't know! says Barn.  I'm sure she's in the house, says Carl, I heard her singing her favorite song.  It's your imagination, says Barn.  Don't speak to me the way Judith would, says Carl--it wasn't my imagination, I heard her.  Barnabas quietly says, I understand you're upset, but you know Pansy isn't here.  You sound so sincere, as if you know where Pansy is, remarks Carl, and aren't telling me.  Carl, says Barnabas soothingly--why would I lie to you?--why would I keep her a prisoner?  I don't know, says Carl, but she couldn't just have disappeared--did I imagine her singing the song?  It would be understandable if he did, says Barnabas quietly (who seems to be dealing with Carl much the same way he dealt with Jenny).  Am I going crazy? asks Carl--I searched the cottage, went to Collinsport and the school--Pansy is just missing.  As is Dirk, says Barnabas.
I think Dirk came to the Old House and forced Pansy to go with him! suggests Carl--if he's done anything to hurt her. . .we must find Dirk, Barnabas.  Barnabas, his own urgency to find the other vampire clear in his voice, says, "I know."

Charity goes in to Minerva and tries to get out of talking to her mother by saying, I have to listen to the children's prayers.  There's time, says Minerva--what do you think of Carl Collins?  Charity, puzzled, says, I don't think of him at all.  It's time you began to, says her mother--Tim Shaw doesn't have the proper qualities of leadership and will never be the man Trask is.  Tim is very different from my father, says Charity.  Too different, says Minerva--I think you should end your engagement--I don't want to hear sentiment, or that you're in love with Tim.  Charity agrees, I do like Tim, but there is someone else--Barnabas!
Minerva hides a chuckle and tells Charity, your instincts are correct, but Barnabas is only a cousin, not one of the brothers--be practical and fall in love with Carl Collins, advises Minerva.  (are you kidding me?)  There's a knock at the door.  That's Tim, says Minerva--I will go hear the children's prayers while you break off your engagement.  Minerva sharply tells Tim, my daughter wants to speak to you, then hurries off.  Charity confesses to Tim--I'm not in love with you, I'm in love with someone else--I don't think you're in love with me, really.  Did Minerva tell you this? demands Tim, angry.  No, says Charity, she didn't.  I'll apologize to Minerva for this morning, says Tim.  This has nothing to do with that, says Charity--I can't marry you, although I like you a lot.  I still want to apologize, insists Tim.  Before Charity can answer, her mother barges in and says, your duties aren't over until you says goodnight to the children.  Charity hurries off dutifully.  "You, too," orders Minerva.  After they both leave, she sneaks out a deck of cards hidden from some books.  Tim enters while she's playing with them.  I know you play, he assures hers.  Everyone does, she says--no one is absolutely perfect, and if you've come to plead about Charity, it's useless--I never interfere with my daughter's decisions (!)  I came to apologize, says Tim.  Apologies are the devil's invention, sniffs Minerva, covering evil behavior.  She sips her tea.  I wouldn't want you to think badly of me, says Tim.  It would be a sin on my part to disregard your behavior, she says.  Trask and I have discussed the possibility of my leaving, says Tim.  Just as well, opines Minerva.  Evan Hanley has agreed to help me, says Tim, but you write the references. . .  Annoyed, she tells him, I just wanted to sit, relax and have my tea--now you've gotten me upset!  She throws down the Queen of Spades.  Tim offers to fill her cup.  That isn't necessary, says Minerva.  Tim, in a trance, insists, I want to do something for you.  As he puts drops poison in her tea, she nastily assures him small favors won't alter my opinion of you--I tried to be as fair as God will let me, but there are things I just can't forget, like that scene this morning, no matter how polite you are now. . .  After he hands her the cup of tea, she dismisses him--there is nothing further to talk about, she says.
I don't want to leave until I make sure the tea is all right, he says.  Minerva takes it and lifts the cup to her lips. . .

NOTES:  As before, this Tim killing Minerva portion of the storyline really isn't that interesting to me, although I rooted for Tim to do away with the nasty bitch, the way she was treating him, and the way she's trying to force her daughter into marriage with a man she doesn't know--but who She thinks has money.  Minerva didn't even question her daughter about her feelings for Barnabas; doesn't she wonder how they got started?  Poor Carl, losing his gold-digging Pansy this way.  Weird how they added the rope, but I guess it was so we wouldn't think she would become a vampire, too--she was bitten and strangled to death, apparently.  Barnabas is very gentle with Carl, obviously feeling guilty for being indirectly responsible for yet another innocent's death.  Will the stain of blood ever leave this poor guy?


773 - (Nancy Barrett) - It is 1897, and Collinwood lies under a strange spell.  On the grounds of a great estate in a house by the sea, a young man, controlled by the spell, watches a woman play solitaire, knowing that when he sees the Queen of Spades, he must kill her.

Minerva sips her tea as Tim stands approvingly by, watching, an enigmatic smile on his face.  Minerva finds the tea very bitter--I shouldn't have let it steep so long, she complains.  He tries to grab the cup and offers more sugar, but she chooses instead to just add hot water.  She drinks more of the tea, proclaiming it better.  Tim watches as she sips, sips, sips.  She notices him staring at her and orders, go to your room and finish your work--what are you waiting for?--what's wrong?  She stands, apparently feeling the effects of the poison.  "What's wrong with YOU?" asks Tim, gazing raptly at her.  Clutching her chest, she tells him, I have high blood pressure--Trask tells me not to get too excited.  I didn't know that, says Tim.  It's no concern of yours, says Minerva.  She feels the pain intensifying in her chest--why don't you leave? she asks, rising.   Sit down, Tim advises--I'll call a doctor.  She's afraid, uncertain of what this is.  Tim picks up the phone and calls the operator.  The light is fading for Minerva.  Our line seems to be out of order, says Tim.  It can't be, she says, I phoned Collinwood earlier and it worked--why are you just standing there, not helping me?--help me! she screams, fighting her way to the door, calling for Charity.  She grabs her chest and sinks to the floor, unconscious.
Tim grins down at her, then gazes down at the Queen of Spades on the table, and the cup. . .

Charity drinks tea in another room, demanding of Rachel, how can you fail Allison Ainsley (?) in sewing?  Rachel, a ledger book in hand, says, she hasn't finished one thing I gave her to do.  Well, says Charity, Allison, a banker's daughter, came highly recommended.  And I told her I'd fail her if she didn't finish the bonnet--and the girl chose not to, says Rachel primly.  We can't send a failing mark home, insists Charity--let's give her a D--don't sulk about it, I know that look on your face.  I want to finish the report, says Rachel.  You're in a hurry, Charity notes--do you have permission tog out this evening?--you certainly didn't waste much time, notes Charity--I knew he'd come to you first thing, but I want you to know that I broke the engagement.  I have no idea what you're talking about, says Rachel--Tim told me nothing.  He will, says Charity, and probably propose to you--I think the two of you might be able to be happy, and work out the problems you each obviously have.  (whatta bitch!)  I want to get back to the grades, says Rachel.  Charity, however, goes on, undeterred--Tim isn't ambitious enough for me--if you want to spend the rest of your life teaching at this school. . .  You have other plans? asks Rachel.  Yes, or at least Mama has, says Charity, and I wouldn't be at all surprised if my life were to change completely--imagine, having closets full of beautiful dresses, jewels. . .father wouldn't approve, but if he were living at Collinwood, he might, realizing I had to keep up a certain position--Mama would make him realize that.

Charity's mother lies in her chair, still alive, moaning.  She opens her eyes and sees Tim.  You did this to me, she accuses--why?  You played the Queen of Spades, he tells her.  "Murderer!" she calls him, finally sinking back in her chair, dead.  "I had to," he says, as if it were the most obvious thing in the world, "you played the Queen of Spades--he told me when you played the queen, it would happen."  The door opens; Evan Hanley walks in.  "Who told you, Tim?" he asks, assuring him, it's all right--I will help you--this is like an experiment; it's as if we are in a laboratory, and we must remain very clinical.  Evan checks out Minerva, taking her pulse.  He glances at Tim and says, "You did well."  Evan takes the Queen of Spades and tells Tim, look at me, straight into my eyes--I can see you're troubled by what you've done, but I am going to help you again.  Tim looks away.  Evan orders, don't take your eyes from mine. . .do you want my help, Tim?  Tim nods.  This is the Queen of Spades, he says, showing him the card, and when you carry it out, you will remember none of what has happened, you will forget all the visits you paid to my house, the talks we had, the plans we made, you will forget all about Mrs. Trask--you want that, don't you, Tim?
Tim nods.  Evan hands Tim the card, ordering him to tear it up.  Tim does so.  When Tim comes out of the trance, Evan points to Minerva and cries, "You did that, Shaw!"  Tim immediately goes to Minerva's aid and realizes she's dead.  Evan says, I heard her last words: "Murderer!"  Tim protests, I didn't do anything!  Evan orders, don't try anything.  Upset, Tim stands and says, I swear I didn't do it--I don't know why I'm in the room, or even here.  Evan picks up the phone and starts to ask for the police, but Tim wrenches the phone away from him.  The grapple.  Evan grabs what at first appears to be a stick, but turns out to be a stick hiding a sword.  Tim grabs the stick, leaving Evan waving the sword at him.  Evan thrusts, but Tim ends up slamming Evan over the head.  Tim runs out.

Tim listens at the door of the room where Rachel and Charity are talking.  The latter is telling Rachel, the grades are either too low or too high; Father won't be pleased.  Rachel says, I'll be happy to explain them to your father.  He'll insists upon it, says Charity, Father despises favoritism in any form.  She leaves the room.  Tim is hiding, and when Charity is gone, he knocks on Rachel's door, ordering he to lock it.  She does. He begs for her help.

A stunned Charity kneels before her mother's dead body (I saw Mama blink).  Evan asks her, did Tim had any motive for killing your mother?--I'm sorry, I know it's been a terrible shock--the police will be here soon, and I want to spare you as much unpleasantness as I can.  "She's not dead," murmurs Charity.  Evan assures her the police will find Tim without difficulty--he can't have gotten far.  She can't be dead, says Charity, what will Father say?--he won't let her be dead!  Your father will be grief-stricken, Evan assures her--where is he?--he should be here.
He went into Collinsport, says Charity, but I have no idea where he went.  She looks at her mother and burst into tears.  Evan tries to comfort her.  She snaps at him, "Why aren't you looking for Tim?  What can you hope to do here?"  I didn't go because I didn't have the foresight to bring a gun, says Evan--Mr. Shaw is violent, the police will deal with him.  Charity reveals to Evan that Tim is with Rachel--she'll help him, she hated Mama, and she's with him. . .Charity opens a drawer and takes out a gun.  Father keeps this, she tells Evan, handing it to him.  He asks where Rachel's room is.

Tim, pacing the room, tells Rachel, I need money.  Why would Evan come here? she wonders.  Tim kneels on the floor and asks, do you believes me?  I do, she assures him, though not convincingly.  I did hate her, Tim admits--but I felt sorry for her, having to live with that man day after day, but I didn't kill her--all I remember is standing outside, then walking in the door--I wanted only to apologize, that's all--why don't I remember anything?--people don't just lose minutes from their lives like that.  Maybe Evan killed her, suggests Rachel, and is trying to put the blame on you!  How can I prove it? asks Tim--I must get out.  Rachel objects--you aren't guilty--you've got to stay and fight.  I don't think I have a chance, Trask will be the leader of the rat pack to string me up and hang me, says Tim.  Go to that abandoned house, advises Rachel, where we went to hide the first night we ran away--right near the Collins estate. Peabody's farm, remembers Tim.  Yes, she says, go there and wait, I'll bring you as much money as I can tomorrow morning.  They'll be watching you, warns Tim--they'll think I went straight to you--be careful.  They hear someone trying to get into the room.  Evan knocks.  I know you're in there, he tells Rachel, and I hope, for your sake, alone.  Open the door immediately, he demands.  Rachel and Tim gaze at each other in fear.

Evan calls Rachel "Miss Shaw," then covers the error by saying if Shaw is in there, you can be charged as an accomplice to murder.  Tim opens the window and Rachel helps him out.  She calls to Evan, I was getting ready for bed! closes the window, and lets him in.  Evan bursts in, gun in hand.  I don't know what you' are doing here, says Rachel, startled.  Yes you do, he says, searching her closet.  She asks what happened.  Tell me, he orders, where is Tim Shaw?--did he go through the window, running through the woods?  Why would Tim be going anywhere? Asks Rachel.  Evan grabs her arm--"Don't you lie to me!"  You're hurting me, objects Rachel.  He doesn't release her, demanding, where is Tim?  I don't know, she says--you're hurting me!  You have the perfect face for it, praises Evan--those great, innocent eyes. . .tell me where he is, I knows you're lying, you're glad Mrs. Trask is dead.  This shocks Rachel.
You do THAT very well, too, says Evan--where is he?--did you and Shaw plan it together?  Tim didn't plan anything, insists Rachel, and if Mrs. Trask is dead, Tim had nothing to do with it--what are you doing here, she asks--you aren't a friend of anyone here.  What are you implying? Asks Evan.  I don't know, she replies, it's just strange you're here.  I came for the translation I commissioned Tim to do, he says--where is he?  He grabs her arms and forces her to look into his eyes.  I don't want to, let me go! she wails--I don't know where Tim is!  You do! he insists.  He tosses her around a bit, then grabs her around the throat.  She continues to bleat that she doesn't know where Tim is, or what's happened--let me alone, she cries.  Evan leans in close and says, you're lying to me--shall I get rough with you--I can, you know--or would you prefer to wait until after you've lied to the police? presses Evan--would you prefer Rev. Trask and I to question you THEN?  (He's good, isn't he, very menacing?)  He releases her, but takes the key to her room.  Don't worry, he assures her--you won't be alone.  He locks her in.  All Rachel can do is mumble, helplessly, "Tim!"

Tim opens a cellar door built into the ground and climbs down, terrified.  There is evidence of recent occupancy--a red candle, which Tim lights.  He takes it and begins to look around the dank, dark, creepy cellar.  Finding a coffin, he sets the candle down on it.  He pulls over a box, then, while the rest of us may have thought better of it, opens up the coffin to behold. . .?

NOTES:  There was something very seductive in the scene between Evan and Rachel.  His voice was really sexy, coaxing, as if he were offering her seduction, instead of threatening her.  You wondered if he was going to either beat her or rape her, the way he was behaving, but he simply threatened her and left her alone.

What is going to happen to Tim?  Will he be caught and tried for murder?  Did you think Evan was going to wipe his memory clean, then accuse him of murdering Minerva?  I was surprised!  What vampire is resting here--has Tim inadvertently found Dirk's hiding place?

I'm not sorry Minerva is dead, she was a nasty, manipulative bitch!

Love, Robin

327
770 - (Louis Edmonds) - The great house of Collinwood as it looked just before the turn of the century.  To this troubled time in the past, Barnabas Collins has come hoping to find answers that will save the lives of two people in the present.  But while Barnabas works to learn the myriad secrets of an era gone by, he lives with one great danger--that someone, somehow, will learn his own darkest secret.  And on this night, in the Old House on the Collins estate, someone will.

Jamison starts to open the coffin, but stops when he hears a door slam.  Upstairs, Barnabas  leads the half-conscious Dirk in, blood dripping from the holes in his throat.  Jamison looks around for a hiding place. . .

Barnabas orders Dirk to sit on the sofa--and don't move until I tell you to.  Why did you bring me here? Dirk asks.  You had a busy evening, replies Barn, and need a rest--a good long rest.  What are you going to do with me? asks Dirk.  I'll wait until you recover some of your strength, says Barnabas, then we'll discuss it.
No, says Dirk, I want to know now.  Why? asks Barn, you aren't going anywhere, are you?  Are you going to kill me? Dirk asks.  I could have already done so, points out Barn.  Why not? asks Dirk.  For the time being, says Barn, you are more use to me alive than dead.  Why? asks Dirk.  I have a plan for you, says Barn, but you're in no condition to take part in it.  What plan? asks Dirk.  I hope you'll be able to undo the damage you've done--you're going to find Jamison and find a way to convince him everything you told him is a lie.

Down in the basement, Jamison looks nervously around.

What happens if I refuse? Asks Dirk.  You can't, says Barn--you have no will of your own--I am your will, and you will do what I ask you to do.  It may be too late, warns Dirk.  No, says Barn--you think Jamison may have told someone?  Yes, says Dirk gleefully.  If he has, warns Barn, the first thing I'll do is kill you.

Jamison falls as he's walking back up the steps, but rises and continues.  Barnabas hears and orders the moaning Dirk, stay where you are!  Barnabas opens the cellar door but doesn't spot Jamison hiding behind it.  The boy sneaks from the cellar and exits the house.

Barnabas checks the cellar and demands to know who's down there.  No answer.  He looks around but finds no one, then heads back upstairs. Dirk can't seem to get comfortable on the sofa, and is too weak to rise.  He finally stumbles to his feet and falls to his knees.  Barnabas grabs him--you wouldn't get more than a few feet from the front door without collapsing, he says.  Please let me go, Dirk begs.  "When I'm ready to let you go," says Barn--I'll take you where you can get a good rest.  He opens the secret bookcase and leads Dirk inside.

Jamison returns to Collinwood, out of breath from running.  Beth stops him on the stairs and asks where he's been.  Outside, he says.  Where? she demands.  Where's my father? Asks the boy--I must see and speak to him.  Your father is in Collinsport for the evening, says Beth.  Where? asks Jamison--I want to telephone him.  Out of the question says Beth, even as the boy goes to the foyer phone.  It's important, he insists.  It's more important that you get to bed before your father comes home, says Beth.  They argue over this.  Edward should be home by 11, says Beth.  Jamison notes that's an hour away.  She tries to make him go upstairs, but he pulls away--I'm not going!--I must speak to my father tonight, and I'm staying downstairs until he comes home.  Jamison closes himself in the drawing room, leaving Beth as nervous as hell.

10:10 PM - Beth gazes at the grandfather clock.  She opens the double doors and joins Jamison.  Edward will be angry with both of us, she says especially me for letting you stay up late--tell me what you want to tell your father.  I can't, insists Jamison--my father is the only one I'll tell--stop asking me so many questions. Did something happen to frighten you while you were outside? She asks.  Yes, he admits.  I want to know what it was, asks Beth.  I can't, Jamison reiterates it's--never mind!   She closes the double doors--I'm going to my room to get something, says Beth, who instead wraps herself in a shawl and leaves the house.

Dirk lies on a makeshift bed in the secret room, moaning, telling Barnabas, "Something is wrong--help me, he begs.  Barnabas is puzzled--you should have regained your strength by now.  Why haven't I? asks Dirk.  I don't know, Barnabas admits.  He leaves Dirk resting and moaning, closing the secret door.  Beth comes in and tells Barnabas, I finally spoke to Jamison, who didn't arrive home until 10 PM--I don't know what he was doing during that time, but I'm convinced he believed what Dirk told him.  Why? asks Barn.  He wouldn't tell me, says Beth--he was just very anxious to see his father--he's waiting up for him now, in the living room.  I see, says Barn.  He checks the clock.  Edward is due back at 11, says Beth--it's only 20 minutes to that hour now.  It's too late to do anything now, asserts Barnabas.  What about your plan? asks Beth.  Dirk is involved in that plan, Barnabas reminds her.  I thought you had him under your control, says Beth.  Yes, says Barn, "but I went too far--Dirk hasn't recovered, and he isn't going to."  He could die? asks Beth, her face falling.  Yes, says Barn.  Oh, no, she says.  Don't grieve for him, advises Barnabas, if he'd had his way, he'd have destroyed everyone at Collinwood.  What will you do now? she asks--I think you should go to Collinsport before Edward comes home, speak to Jamison yourself.  Too dangerous, says Barn.   I think it might be more dangerous to allow Jamison to speak to his father and tell him everything, opines Beth.  If I confront Jamison now, after all he's been through, says Barn, it might harm him--and I cannot afford to alienate Jamison, he's too important to me.  Why? demands Beth.  You wouldn't know, says Barn, and even if you did, you wouldn't understand--I came back to Collinwood on a mission, and if Jamison is harmed now, it could mean failure for me.  Then you're just going to let him tell Edward everything, says Beth, voice shaking.
Yes, says Barnabas, but I will be prepared for Edward when the time comes.  Everything seems so terribly hopeless, says Beth, defeated, sinking down onto the purple round thing.

11:10 PM - Edward returns home and divests himself of his coat.  Jamison races out--I must speak to you, Father, he says--something frightening has happened, and I know it's true, I saw it for myself--and he almost caught me.  Edward, realizing how scared his son is, says, calmly tell me what's going on.  Cousin Barnabas has a secret, reveals Jamison, and I learned what it is--you won't believe it, but please try, Father, he begs--"Barnabas, he, well, he's a vampire."

Edward rubs his chin, pondering what Jamison said--I never heard of anything so absurd, he finally says.  I didn't believe Dirk, either, says Jamison, until I went into the cellar of the Old House and saw the coffin he sleeps in--he stays in it during the day, because he can only rise at night.  This is too incredible, says Edward.
It's true, Jamison assures him--I'm frightened.  Dirk got you so worked up, your imagination went wild, says Edward.  I didn't imagine it, says Jamison--please believe me, Father--go to the Old House and see for yourself--I'm not lying, he sobs, and presses his face against his father's chest.  Edward pats his back and assures him I don't think you're lying.  I'll go to the Old House, says Edward, after I've taken you upstairs.

Old House - 11:50 - Barnabas tells Edward, I don't know what to say to Jamison, except that I'm somewhat shocked that he lent such credence to this story--we both know Dirk has been behaving strangely lately, and wouldn't put it past him to say incredible things to Jamison.  I've never seen Jamison this scared, says Edward, and I don't think only words would do that.  Do you actually believe the story he told? asks Barnabas, incredulous.  No, scoffs Edward, you're a member of our family, and I won't believe anything without proof--but I must give Jamison the benefit of the doubt--I'd like to look at your cellar--Jamison says he was there earlier and saw a coffin.  I believe you are actually believing this story, says Barnabas softly.  No, says Edward, I didn't say that.  Take my word for it, says Barnabas--there is no coffin in my basement.  Edward still insists on looking.  "My word is not enough?" asks Barnabas, stung.  Under the circumstances, says Edward, not enough for Jamison, and he's the one I must deal with.  Barnabas faces Edward and tells him, follow me.  We see the bookcase.  Barnabas leads Edward down into his cellar, where, of course, the coffin has been removed.  I don't see a coffin, points out Barnabas--do you?  Irritated, Edward says no--but I don't understand what's happened tonight.  I understand, says Barnabas--I think Dirk was bitter about being dismissed by Judith, and wanted to get back at the family, so he told this wild story about me.  I don't think the story was wild as you might think, says Edward.  Surely you don't believe there is a vampire menacing all of us? asks Barn.
There was a time I would have though it impossible, says Edward, but since learning the truth about Laura. . .I can no longer dismiss the supernatural as a figment of imagination--then there are those strange, unexplainable attacks both here and in town, with Charity Trask being one of the victims, if you recall.  Barnabas does.  She had those strange marks on her throat, says Edward, and the doctors couldn't explain how they were inflicted.  By a vampire? asks Barnabas.  I don't know, says Edward, but I intend to find out, and very soon.  How? asks Barnabas.  I plan to track down Dirk Wilkins, says Edward--find out exactly what he told Jamison and demand to see whatever evidence he has.  Edward heads back upstairs, leaving Barnabas in thinking mode down in the basement.

Edward leaves the house.  Beth comes downstairs as soon as he leaves.  I'm safe, Barnabas tells her, but only for the moment--he refused to believe there's no vampire and is going to pursue it until he's satisfied--and we must make him satisfied, says Barn--he's looking for a vampire and we will give him one--Dirk will not live out the night, but die and rise as a vampire--I will see to it that Edward discovers and destroys Dirk, closing the whole matter and keeping my secret.  Barnabas, proud of this idea, orders her to stay with Dirk until the end.  He opens the secret panel, but finds Dirk already gone!

NOTES:  Whew, that was a good episode--and now we have a vampire-Dirk roaming around the estate!  I wonder why Barnabas "went too far" with Dirk, draining him so much he couldn't recover?  That's sloppy vampire work, Barnabas, you've had more experience than that--shame on you!  Beth is perpetually wringing her hands, upset over everything, but she sure does have reason.  Barnabas' plan is a good one, but doesn't he realize everyone will wonder who "sired" Dirk in the first place?  Vampires are made, not born.


771 - (Joan Bennett) - The great house of Collinwood in the year 1897.  And a child has told his father of the strange discovery he made in the Old house on the estate.  And so Barnabas Collins finds himself a suspect again, forced to answer Edward's questions, and realizes that if his secret is discovered now, he will be powerless to help Chris Jennings and David Collins in the future.

Beth is puzzled--how did Dirk leave the room?--I'm frightened.  Barnabas says--there's no time for that.  You know what happened to Dirk? asks Beth.  Barnabas responds, I didn't expect him to die so soon. He's dead, states Beth.  Yes, says Barn, that's what I've sentenced him to--there much to be done tonight; Dirk's dying is part of my plan, but I needed to know his movements and where he slept, so that when the day came and the vampire had to be found, you could lead them to Dirk.  How can we find him? she asks.  Barn explains, when Dirk's first need is satisfied, he'll know the fear of the day, the terrible sense that darkness is disappearing and light showing--he'll look for a secret, dark womb that will keep him safe--and we must find that place.
HOW? asks Beth, there's so many possible hiding places!  We must find and get control of him, says Barn--come, he orders.  He closes the secret door, and assures Beth, Dirk will not harm either you or me when you are with me.  Beth starts to ask questions, but Carl enters the house, all excited.  He's frazzled, flustered, unsure if it's a good evening or not.  What a time I've had, he blathers--do this for me, Barnabas, it's the only way out, you can't imagine what a time I've had, sitting on that train, not sure of what I'd do or say, and then I thought of my cousin, and it made all the difference.  Barnabas asks, what are you talking about?  Carl searches through his valise for "a gift I got for you, fresh from Atlantic City, NJ--salt water taffy!"  Carl goes on about how a taste of it is like feeling fresh air blowing from the sea.  Barnabas thanks him.  Beth reminds Barn, there's something we must do.  Carl has other concerns, however--first, open the box, and then I will tell you what happened to me.  That's got to wait, says Barn--Dirk has disappeared mysteriously.  Then Judith will just have to find someone else, babbles Carl (ah the mind of a child)!--open the box.  Barnabas does--it's empty!  Oh, she must have ate it, says Carl, you know how women eat when they're nervous, I gave you the wrong one.  He takes back the empty box and searches for another in his valise.  Barnabas, anxious to search for Dirk, suggests Carl return to Collinwood.  I'm too nervous, insists Carol--I must have your assurance that SHE can stay here.  (Carl looks like Sherlock Homes in his cloak.)  Carl decides there's no reason Beth can't know, she will anyway, everyone will--I thought this would never happen to me, I thought I'd go through life being one of the unmarried Collins brothers.  "You've gotten married?" guesses Barnabas.  Oh, no, says Carl, I wouldn't do anything like that behind my family's back, as if I'm ashamed--you don't know Carl Collins, or for that matter, Pansy Faye.  Barnabas repeats this name, nonplused.  Pansy wanted a church wedding, says Carl--you can be my best man!  Let's discuss it tomorrow, suggests Barn.  She's here, waiting, says Carl--Pansy! do this one thing for me, he begs.  Barnabas, resigned, says, "Anything, Carl."  I wanted to prepare Judith so my Pansy is shown to her best advantage, says Carl--can Pansy stay here?  Of course, says Barn.  Carl, ecstatic, dashes off, muttering how well she sings and how great she is (and he's so cute)!  Beth offers to go on to Collinwood.  I don't want you in the woods alone, says Barnabas.  He may keep you for hours, warns Beth.  I won't let him, Barnabas assures her.  Carl bounces back into the room, announcing, "Presenting, direct from her triumph before her Imperial Majesty, Queen Victoria of England, that world famous mentalist and most beguiling songstress, Miss Pansy Faye!"
In walks the lady herself, dressed in garish purple, feathery headgear, plaid red and yellow, with a white boa that she brandishes as she sings, a capella, "I'm gonna dance for you. . ."  (We will hear this song a lot, trust me!)  She wiggles and tara ra boomdeays her butt in Barnabas and Beth's stunned, disbelieving faces.  (THIS IS PRICELESS!)  Pansy finishes her song, Carl claps alone, Barnabas cannot believe his eyes.

Barnabas tells Pansy I'm delighted to meet you--but one of our servants is missing, and Beth and i must tend to that.  Carl tells Pansy, I've found the perfect person to introduce you to Judith.     Pansy, her Cockney accent quite thick, tells Carl, you go on about your sister, and I'm sure she's just as nice as she can be, and I suspect you are afraid of her.  No, says Carl, but I want Judith to love you just as much as I do, and I've found the perfect way of doing it--you can do your act for Judith.  Pansy reminds him, I'm retired.  Carl suggests a farewell appearance.  No, she says.  Pansy can find Dirk for you, babbles Carl--isn't that a great idea, Barnabas?  Barnabas sees no reason to make Miss Faye do their work for them--we can find him.  Carl tells them how great Pansy is--the first time I saw her act, she even read my mind (I'll bet!)  Pansy playfully smacks his arm.  I was sort of embarrassed, admits Carl--anyone could tell what was on my mind.  He grins and clings to Pansy's arm.  She laughs, too.  Barnabas says, I can well imagine.  I'll make myself at home, says Pansy.  Get Pansy some coffee, Barnabas orders Beth; I'll be back soon.  Carl offers to drive Barnabas to the house and they can tell Judith how things stand.

Pansy looks around carefully, sizing up the place.  Do you want coffee? asks Beth.  "Don't touch it," says Pansy--but sherry would be nice.  I imagine so, says Beth, but I don't live here, I work at the big house.  How big is it? asks Pansy.  Very big, says Beth shortly.  I sure whether to believe Carl or not, says Pansy, when he claimed it was like a castle; being in my line, men tell me lots of things.  Beth hands her a glass of sherry.  I'm going to be very happy here, says Pansy--"Cheers," she toasts, downing her drink in one unladylike gulp.

Collinwood - Carl stands and listens as Judith tells Barnabas, we must find Dirk and learn exactly what he told Jamison--it's hard for me to believe monsters are running around the estate, but given all the strange things that have happened lately. . .  Barnabas says, I'm anxious to find Dirk myself.  Listen to me, Carl tells Judith--I have a way to find Dirk.  Tell Judith all about it, advises Barnabas--I'm going to investigate the cottage.  Don't take chances, warns Judith.  Barnabas exits.  Judith is annoyed Carl didn't volunteer to go with Barnabas.  I'm not leaving the house until I explain my plan, says Carl--most people don't take me seriously (with good reason, says Judith)--I haven't played a practical joke in over 48 hours, says Carl earnestly.  Glad to hear it, says his big sister.  The reason is a person, he says.  Did you bring someone terrible back from Atlantic City, like that tart you met in Albany? Asks Judith sourly. (LOL!)  Carl looks ashamed.  No one like that, he says, this person is a world famous mentalist, and highly regarded--Scotland Yard used her once.  Judith sternly says, you aren't sending for any mentalist to find Dirk!  Carl assures her, she's already here.  Judith becomes angry.  Carl says, I was on the train and saw her there, she looked so wan and pale, and I invited her to rest at Collinwood.  Judith rises from he chair and coldly asks, "Where is this person now?"  At Cousin Barnabas', says Carl.  He begs his sister to give her a chance--she'll find Dirk for you.

Old House - Barnabas returns and tells Beth, I didn't find Dirk at the cottage or anywhere.  Beth tells him Pansy is upstairs, resting from her performance.  We must go through that charade, says Barn.  Beth wonders--what if she does have powers?  Not likely, says Barnabas.  You can't be sure, Beth points out.  Carl and Judith knock at the door.  Barnabas orders Beth to get Pansy, then go to Collinwood; I'll be there after--I don't want Judith to question your presence in my house.  Barnabas answers the door.  It's absurd, pronounces Judith--why did I agree to it?  Keep an open mind, begs Carl.  I'm sorry that Carl has foisted this "mentalist" on you, Barnabas, says Judith.  It's all right, he assures her.  Pansy comes down.  Carl is delighted.  He introduces Judith to Pansy, who curtseys and says, "Pleased to make your acquaintance, I'm sure."  Judith surveys her as if she were a cockroach and suggests they begin.  Judith is really worried about this, says Carl, so we should begin.  Harshly, Pansy asks if they brought something that belonged to the missing man.  Carl brings over a chair and says I sure did--a cufflink, I think.  He hands it over to her.  That will do, she says.  She grandly asks them all to please sit--Carl, put on my music--I've got to have my music to get in the mood, she says, simpering.  "I'm sure you do," says Judith, very sarcastically.  Pansy asks Barn to turn down the lights--it would make me feel a lot better, and I'd look a lot better, she says, cackling.  Barnabas rises and does so.  Pansy says, "Worth about a quid, I'd say."  The music plays.  Carl tells Pansy go begin after Judith gives him an angry look.  Everyone sits.  Pansy concentrates.  She says, there's someone out there and I've got something of his--a pair of lovely cufflinks he needs!--a gentleman by the name of Dirk!--Dirk Wilkins!  Barnabas eyes her, nervously.  Where are you, Dirk? calls Pansy--let me know where I can find you, let me know. . .Dirk!  She suddenly passes out.  Carl says, that's never happened before, something is wrong.  In an eerie voice, Pansy says, "He is dead!  Dirk Wilkins is dead, and his murderer is in this room!"  Barnabas in particular looks quite horrified.

Carl races over to Pansy's side.  She's breathing heavily.  What do you mean? he asks--who killed Dirk?  She moans, comes to, snaps her head up and asks, what did I tell you?  You showed us you have an overactive imagination, says Judith--thank you, Miss Faye--Carl, take me home.  I don't want you to leave now, says Dirk.  Judith, annoyed, insists, I don't want to stick around listening to all this nonsense!  Carl begs, but Judith demands an apology from Pansy for all of them.  You have no right, objects Carl, to talk that way to Pansy--especially since Pansy and I are getting married.  I'm going home alone, says Judith, seething--of all the impossible things you've ever done!  Carl chases his sister from the house, begging her to listen--this is no way for us to start...

Pansy asks Barnabas, what did I do wrong?  You accused one of us of murder, he says.  Oh, that's scary, says Pansy, only not to remember--that's never happened to me before.  Barnabas asks, do you have no memory of what you said?  She shakes her head.  Think, he orders.  I can't think, insists Pansy.  Growing pouty, she asks--why did Carl leave like that?  Who told you that Dirk was dead, Barnabas asks.  A voice, she says, I don't understand it, I wish Carl hadn't asked me to perform--I'd rather sing than do the mental act, any time--I have a lovely trained voice, as Carl knows--Judith didn't like me, did she? asks Pansy.  I'll go see what I can do with him, says Barnabas.  I want to go up there and show Judith I'm not afraid of her, insists Pansy.  Stay here, advises Barnabas, I'll handle it.  She sits down and chides herself, aloud, for "mucking up that one, Pansy girl--you should just go up to that big house and tell Carl Collins. . ."  And she leaps from the chair and heads out the door.

When Barnabas arrives at Collinwood, he finds Carl and Judith arguing in the drawing room; she doesn't understand Carl being in love with a woman like that at all.  Carl vows to go on loving Pansy.  Barnabas stands listening to them.  Beth joins Barnabas and tells him Dirk isn't in the house.  Barnabas tells her, I know of a place Dirk has to be, if we get there in time, we can wait for him.  Judith and Carl continue to argue about Pansy's unsuitability as a wife for him.

Pansy is in the woods when she hears a sound.  She asks, "Who's there?" and looks grossed out.  A bat attacks her as she wails in dismay.  Barnabas and Beth are in the cemetery, standing at a gravesite.  Barnabas tells her, Dirk has found his secret sleeping place--but where is he now?

Judith berates Carl--I feel a responsibility to this family whether you do or not--that woman is not suitable--I'm more mature and wise than you are--Pansy will leave this estate tonight!--you can go with her, but you aren't getting anymore money--nor will you be allowed to come back ever again.  Carl sobs, impotently sputtering at his sister, who has already left the room.

Barnabas returns to the Old House.  He finds Pansy sitting in a chair.  Her head falls back, revealing blood dripping from two wounds in her neck.
"Oh my God!" says Barnabas.  "No!"

NOTES:  Pansy is such a hoot, I always loved her little "bum in the face" routine with Beth and Barnabas.  She was right, Dirk was dead, but she couldn't avoid being his victim nevertheless.  You get the idea Carl has brought home more than one Pansy Faye in his time, a terrible, unsuitable fortune hunter after his money (which he doesn't even have).  Kaye Frye was a delight, and all other performances, especially Karlen's, Bennett's and Frid's, absolutely riveting.

Will Pansy become a vampire, too?  Imagine, a vampire with mentalist powers!

Love, Robin

328
768 - (Joan Bennett) - On this night in 1897, a young boy has had a dream in which the ghost of Quentin Collins described key events that signal his death.  A silver bullet was discovered outside Collinwood. The one person who could have saved him was murdered.  And the one person he loved turned against him.  Jamison told the dream to Barnabas who later watched Edward Collins display a silver bullet found on the path outside Collinwood--and now he wonders how much time is left for Quentin Collins.

In Collinwood's drawing room, Quentin comes in, offering the brooding Barnabas a penny for his thoughts.  Jamison's dream, says Barn.  Aren't you disturbed by that silver bullet? Asks Quentin.  I have no explanation for that, says Barnabas.  I believe someone knows what has happened and has joined the hunt, says Q--someone is planning to kill me, and I think you know who it is.
Quentin finds his cousin's silence disturbing.  Don't' jump to conclusions, advises Barn.  Quentin holds up the silver bullet--for a werewolf--and wonders, who knows enough to have one made?--a few names come to mind, and yours is one of them--it's interesting that this bullet was found so soon after you concerned yourself with my situation.  I'm only trying to help you says Barn, probably fed up with his cousin's suspicions by now. Quentin grins--if that's true, he asks, where did the bullet come from--who had it made?  I don't know, says Barn--the bullet wasn't used, so we should put it out of our minds.  Quentin says, you can convince others to trust you--but not me!--there are answers I must know, I can't forget the bullet and must find out who is planning to kill me--and kill that person first.

We hear Quentin's music playing.  Beth comes in.  Quentin asks where have you been?  Evasively, she says, I took some things to someone who was ill.  To who? he asks.  Alice Austin, who used to work here, lies Beth--she's in Portland and her mother's all alone.  Quentin sarcastically calls Beth a doer of good deeds.  She asks him to stop making fun of her, and he assures her he's never been more serious.  He demands she meet him at the cottage in an hour, but she says that might be difficult.  He grabs her arms and demands to know why.  She pulls away and says, Judith wants me to stay in at night.  "But going to Alice Austin's old mother is just fine, huh?" asks Q venomously.  Why can't we talk here? she asks.  It's too important to talk about here, says Quentin.  We see Judith on the landing, listening.  He asks Beth, are you afraid to be alone with me?.  Don't be ridiculous, she says--I'll meet you in an hour.  She disappears into the servant's quarters.  Judith joins her brother in the foyer.  Stop staring at me as if I were some kind of exhibit! He orders, and storms out.

Judith joins Barnabas in the drawing room and asks if he knows what's wrong with Quentin.  I don't, he replies.  His behavior is terrible, says Judith--he yelled at me and Charity, is drinking too much, and was so upset about that silver bullet--why would that bother him?  Barnabas insists, I'm sure I don't know.  Dirk watches through the window, grinning.  I believe Quentin is in some kind of trouble, says Judith, and I want to learn what it is before it involves the entire family.  Barnabas offers to talk to him, but Judith says talking doesn't help--I'll handle him.  She asks Barnabas to check on Jamison, who awakened a short time ago.  He admires you so, praises Judith, as I do--I'm so happy you decided to stay here with us.  (This must have made Barnabas finally feel good about his efforts.)  Barnabas thanks her, and says it makes him  happy.  He leaves.  Judith closes the double doors.  Dirk steps into the room.  Judith turns and sees him, demanding, where have you been for the past few days?  He doesn't answer, but looks at her oddly, like she's food.  She reminds him he's employed by their family and has a responsibility. . .does he understand that?  I know what I have to do, he says, and I'm doing it right now, just what SHE said.  Who is she? asks Judith.  Laura, he replies, she told me to give you this letter, and you have to read it very carefully (he looks and sounds insane) because it's about Barnabas Collins!
His eyes glow, his grin untamed and crazy.

He hands Judith the envelope with her name on it.  Laura gave it to you to give to me? she asks Dirk, puzzled.  Just open it, he says--you don't have to understand, just open it--Laura said it was very important that you read it; Barnabas tried to kill Laura, but she was clever and escaped--you don't have to worry, Laura is coming back!  That isn't true, says Judith, Laura won't be back.  No, protests Dirk, you already read the letter, you want Laura to return, don't you?  Laura is dead, says Judith.  No, says Dirk, who said that, Barnabas?--Quentin?  No one had to tell me, says Judith.  Dirk insists he can prove it's not true.  He asks for Jamison--he knows that Laura isn't dead, as does Nora--they both know.  You aren't going to speak to the children, insists Judith, this is my house and you'll do as you're told!  I only do what LAURA says, he insists.  Get out of here, orders Judith--get off the property--you're dismissed!  He wags a finger at her and accuses her of always hating Laura--I watched the way you watched her, and you always had a tight, pulsing thing in your neck (he demonstrates on his own neck, still wearing a hideous, creepy smile).  "You know what I wanted to do--CHOKE you!" he yells, and begins to strangle her.  Barnabas enters.  Dirk has gone mad! Reports Judith.  Leave this house, Barnabas orders Dirk, but the newly-minted vampire darts toward Barnabas and says, there's something I have to do here.  No, there isn't, says Barnabas, not anymore.  Dirk turns and leaves.  Judith nurses her throat.  Beth comes downstairs.  Barnabas tells her there was some trouble with Dirk, but it's all right now.  He's gone mad, says Judith, completely mad--he gave me a letter from Laura!  This surprises Barnabas.  Dirk said it was about Barnabas, says Judith, but the paper is blank.  He is mad, says Barnabas.  Judith supposes it was wrong to order him off the property (after strangling her?) but I didn't know what else to do.  It was for the best, says Barnabas.  I'm not sure what is best or right anymore, says Judith.  You look tired, says Beth, and offers her something.  Judith decides to go up to her room.  "I will need you later," Barnabas tells Beth, in a deep, resonant voice--in about an hour, at the Old House.  (A late dinner, I would assume?)  Oh, no, our girl made two dates for the same time!  What is she going to do?

Cottage - Dirk sits before the fireplace and calls to Laura.  He tells her, I gave Judith the letter, and now she knows all about Barnabas, exactly the way you said.  "Why are you still hiding from me!" he demands in a nutso voice.  Quentin tells him, she isn't hiding from you, she's gone, and no matter how many fires you stare into, she's gone.  Dirk accuses him of trying to fool him as he did Laura.  Quentin says, I'm not fooling you, you're fooling yourself.  Dirk accuses, "Laura said right from the first, you hated her--you were one of the reasons she had to go!--I made a vow and you know what that vow was?--I hated you and I vowed that I was going to avenge it sometime--and I think the time is now."  He punches Quentin in the stomach.  They begin to fight in earnest.  Beth comes in and orders Dirk to get out right now--or I'll tell Judith.  "High and mighty, all of you--even the maid," pronounces Dirk breathlessly, swiping Beth with his scarf before exiting the house.  I'll be back, he promises, then leaves.  Beth tells Quentin, Dirk makes my blood cold--I'm glad I came when I did.  You're early, remarks Quentin.  I was anxious to see you, she says.  Were you? he asks, you didn't seem to be before.  You seemed troubled, says Beth--I wondered what was wrong.  What do you think? He asks.  I don't have time to trade questions with you, says Beth.  Why are you in such a hurry? He asks--oh, that's another question.  She relates what happened with Dirk and Judith--I want to go back and make sure she's all right.  You're suddenly very devoted to everyone in the family, says Q--but me!  How can you say that? she asks.  You begrudged any time you've spent with me, he accuses.  Not so, she says, but I do have duties.  Like what? he asks.  Looking after Judith, she replies.  And what else? he presses--do you have a nice lie made up for me?  Why don't you tell me, instead of accusing me? cries Beth.  I haven't begun his accusations, he says--is Dirk mad or just pretending--are you in love with me or are you just pretending?--it would be nice to have some sort of mirror in which we could watch each other and see the truth--what would you look like in it, or Dirk and Judith--or our dear cousin Barnabas?--(that might be a problem.) I'd pay a lot to see that.  And then of course, in that great mirror of truth, here comes Quentin Collins, and what does he look like--at least, in the light of the moon?--you know exactly, and exactly how to kill me!  She gazes at him, wounded.  He notes how pale she has become, and grabs her--why?--because I've hit on the truth?  He shakes her a little--"You are trying to kill me, aren't you?"
She looks at him, miserable, hurt, disbelieving...

Uncomprehending, Beth asks, how can you accuse me of that?  He shows her the silver bullet--for a werewolf--how many know my secret--you, Evan, Barnabas and the gypsies--I don't think it was Barn or the gypsies, so that leaves Evan and you, who once loved me.  "I still love you," says Beth, brokenly.  So easy to say, says Quentin cruelly.  His music begins to play.  But is it so easy to do, considering what I am?--confess, Beth, do you think the monster doesn't deserve to live, or perhaps you feel it's your duty to society to kill him, or ending my suffering?--I can think of a great number of reasons to want to kill me, all high-minded, and all accomplished with one silver bullet--he holds it up.  Beth, crying, assures him neither Evan nor I would ever hurt you.   I don't believe you for a minute, baby, snaps Quentin.  I'd never lie to you, she says.  He slaps her hard across the face.  "LIAR!" he blares at her.  He chuckles, then, as she holds her throbbing face, adds, that slap gives you another reason to want to kill me--one more reason!--don't you want to know why I call you a liar? He asks.  I don't care, Beth mumbles.  I'll tell you! he says--red headed Alice Austin's mother died five years ago of pneumonia!--I helped comfort poor Alice on that sad occasion (wonder how he comforted her?)  and remember it well.  Beth claims it's Alice's aunt--I'm confused.  About a lot of things, snaps Quentin.  How can I help when you makes accusations, she asks.  He grabs her again, screaming, "Wouldn't you want to kill me?"  No, she says pleadingly--and that's when he spies the vampire bites and asks what they are--I think they look like animal bites.  It was Mrs. Austin's cat, claims Beth, it was kind of wild.  She begs him, believe me--"I love you, I'll never hurt you--and Quentin, if you love me, promise you won't hurt me."  He stares at her, unsmiling, unforgiving.

Old House - Beth tells Barnabas, Quentin insisted I meet him at the cottage--he accused me of wanting to kill him, which surprised me--he kept asking questions about why I went into town, and I got so confused, I almost told him about the children.  That would have been a grave mistake, says Barn.  She explains the lie she told Q about the old lady, the cat, and getting bitten.  He saw the marks, realizes Barnabas.  She sobs, everything that could go wrong, went wrong.  Calm down, says Barn.  I can't, she says hysterically, I've been telling one lie on top of another and soon they will all come crashing down on me, I don't know how much more I can take, and there's no one in the world I can turn to. . ."Except me," he assures her, "except me."  (That was hot!)  They are face to face.  "And you have me, to do whatever has to be done," she says, calmed now.  "And now I'll tell you what has to be done," he says.  With Magda and Sandor in Boston, you must guard me.  "I will," she promises.  It will be difficult, but you must do it, he says, handing her a gun--there are winds blowing in all directions, you must be watchful.  She promises that, too.  He goes into the cellar.  Beth sits upright in a chair, gun in hand.

5:20 AM.  Beth drifts off to sleep.   Dirk enters; what are you doing here? she asks.  I'm here to  visit Barnabas, he says.  He's away, she says.  Oh, yeah? he asks--what are you doing here, then?  I came to get something for Judith, replies Beth.  No, says Dirk, you're here like a watchdog.  He makes a doggy sound and points to the cellar door.  "He's right there in that cellar, where he is every other day."  She warns him not to go down there, pointing the gun at him--I'll kill you if you make one more move toward that door!  He gazes at the gun and asks humorously, "Are you serious?"  I sure am, she says.  He easily wrestles the gun away from her and points it at her.  Didn't your mother tell you that you should only play with dolls? he asks teasingly.  (He's such a FUN vampire, best RD role ever!)  You're the one who'll be hurt if you go down there! warns Beth--he'll kill you if he isn't. . .  Isn't what? asks Dirk.  Beth begs him not to go down there.  And what if he's not what? demands Dirk--I've been down there, I just don't remember now--I think I should go down there and find out!  He opens the door and heads downstairs.  Beth watches him, then walks to the window and hears the cock crow--it's morning.

Dirk comes downstairs and recalls being in the basement before, but the coffin was empty last time I was here--but not this time!  Laura told me, of course--oh, Barnabas, you're just in the wrong place at the wrong time!  "And I'm gonna kill you!  Because you. . .Laura, I'm going to kill him because I love you.  I love you."  He opens the coffin.
Barnabas realizes the danger he's in and struggles with Dirk, who backs away and pump one shot after another into Barnabas' chest.  Barnabas slumps over as Dirk continues to fire the bullets into his unmoving body.

NOTES:  Yes, when this final scene aired the first time, I wondered if Barnabas was a goner and I was going to lose my favorite vampire.  What an amazing cliffhanger!  I have to give Roger Davis a lot of credit for these two episodes, he plays the insane vampire to the hilt, but in a GOOD, fun, over the top way that I actually enjoyed watching.  Loved the scenes between Barnabas and Beth, although I figured he wanted her at the Old House to nibble her neck, not discuss her worries.  Of course, he was easily able to soothe her, but she didn't turn out to be the best bodyguard, as easily subdued as she was.  Perhaps he bit her first, before we saw them together.  What would Quentin say if he knew where those marks had really come from?

The scene in the cottage between Quentin and Beth was riveting, amazing.  Their performances, especially Selby's, were so amazing, I was totally enraptured.  Their rage, passion, and sorrow came through brilliantly, and I felt very sorry for Beth and truly angry at Quentin.  He finds a woman who is willing to stick with him, love him, despite his curse, and he treats her like s**t.  Not right.  He's understandably upset, but to turn on Beth is unforgivable.

Great episode, and very lengthy for Robservations.


769 - (Terry Crawford) - To save a dying boy in the present, Barnabas Collins has gone back to the year 1897.  But at that moment in time, Barnabas is a vampire, and vulnerable from dawn to dusk.  Now, in the last few minutes before dawn, an enemy, crazed with grief, comes seeking him at the Old House.

Dirk returns upstairs.  Beth, panicked, races to him.  She wants to go to Barnabas, but he assures her all dead things look the same, a big smile on his face.
He can't be dead, she insists.  He is, Dirk insists--I did it because of Laura, to get revenge.  Dirk addresses the ceiling and tells Laura, I'm not through yet--this is just the beginning--before I'm through, I'll get them all.  Beth tells him Laura wouldn't want him to kill anymore.  He turns on her and asks, how would YOU know, you hated Laura from the start and always told Judith lies about her.  That isn't true, protests Beth.  Dirk rants on a different tangent--weren't you happy when I was dismissed from this place?  (Davis plays the loon so well!)  No, says Beth.  He touches her chin and asks if she's happy now.  When she moves to leave, he points the gun at her and promises she won't get very far.  What are you going to do to me? asks Beth.  He seems to revel in her fear--you're afraid you're going to be the next on my list, aren't you? he asks, then grabs her from behind--since you're so friendly with Barnabas, he suggests, as they struggle, maybe you can join him!  Are you going to kill me without giving me a chance? Asks Beth.  He hands her the gun, which is learns is empty after firing it at him.  Do you think I'd give you a loaded gun?--of course it's empty! cries Dirk--I want to have some fun watching you go and tell Judith about Barnabas being in the coffin in the cellar, and how you will be down there next to him, with an empty gun!  (Dirk tosses her downstairs.)  That will be some tale to tell, how, won't it? asks Dirk, sucking his thumb, and you can pretend you're guarding Barnabas--poor, sweet Barnabas. . .he laughs.  Beth goes downstairs and finds Barnabas hanging down over his coffin.  Gently, she re-arranges his body and closes the lid.  Miserably unhappy, Beth leans over the coffin and begins to cry.

Jamison is at the cottage when Dirk enters.  I've been busy, he tells the boy, but "they" wouldn't let me see you.  Who was that? asks Jamison.  Your mother's enemies, blathers Dirk, which is why she had to leave--to get away from them.  Jamison seems to think Dirk is nuts, too, as the  former foreman assures the boy, tonight, your mother will be happier than ever before.  Jamison is perplexed.  How long have you been here? asks Dirk.  Fifteen minutes, says Jamison.
Dirk says, that's long enough to see the flames get bigger, come alive, your mother's way of telling you she's happy--and why?--because, says Dirk, Barnabas Collins is dead.  This shocks Jamison--I just saw him last night.  I can't reveal how Barnabas died, says Dirk, because your mother's enemies would come after me and I wouldn't be able to finish what I have to do.  Jamison refuses to believe him.  Dirk grabs the boy's arm and assures him it's true, Barnabas is dead in the cellar in the coffin at the Old House.  This is all incredible news to Jamison, who asks why Barnabas has a coffin.  Because of what he is, says Dirk insanely, eyes bulging, because of his SECRET!--the secret he hurt Laura with.  Jamison asks Dirk, let me go, you're hurting me.  Dirk shakes Jamison fiercely, demanding he promise not to tell anyone.  Jamison says, I must get back to the house.  Dirk demands the promise, explaining, the reason Barnabas killed your mother is because of this secret.  Jamison doesn't get it--it's the secret Barnabas was going to hurt your mother with--you have to tell them the vampire is gone.  This really scares the kid, who insists Dirk is just trying to frighten him--there's no such thing as vampires!--is there?  Dirk advises him to go to the Old house and see for himself, laughing wildly in his face.  Don't worry, says Dirk, I killed him--the vampire is dead!  He releases Jamison, who races from the house.  Dirk laughs.

Dusk - Beth is sitting beside the coffin when it starts to open.  She's terrified--it can't be!  Barnabas calls her name.  I thought you were dead--I saw him--Dirk came. . .shot you.
Barnabas knows all about it--I saw him, while in my coffin--dawn came and my life force left me unable to deal with Dirk then; if he'd come a few minutes earlier, I would have killed him.  Beth doesn't understand--he shot you!  Barnabas reminds her, I don't live as other men do, so what makes you think I can die as others do?  He's too cool for all that.  I wonder where the bullet holes are? says Beth--I saw them!  There are only two ways to destroy me, Barnabas tells her--a stake through the heart or silver bullets, and Dirk had neither--when night came, I was able to rise again--eye of the sword--Dirk's gun was no danger to me--but Dirk is still a danger, because he knows about me.  Dirk thinks he killed you, points out Beth.  That won't keep him quiet, says Barn.  Suppose he talked already? She asks.  No, says Barn, you were here guarding me and no one came to the house, so it's unlikely anyone has found out, or they would have done something about me by now--I'm going to deal with Dirk, silence him.  Beth asks, is that necessary?  Yes, says Barnabas.  Beth gets teary and tells Barnabas, take care of yourself--if anything happened to you. . .   Quentin would stand alone, finishes Barnabas.  Yes, she says--I'm sorry to be thinking about him, when you are in danger, but. . .  Barn assures her I'll be fine, but I must deal with Dirk in time, and I'm sure I can.  What do you want me to do? she asks.  Be calm, he says, don't tell Quentin anything--the less he knows, the safer we will be--Quentin can be dangerous, destroy all of us, warns Barnabas.  Beth says he's not usually like that, he's just frightened now (an acceptable reason to hit her)?  Barnabas, his face inches from hers, says, you are a soft-hearted girl, and in this world of heartless people, you will be hurt.  I used to be, she says, until I stood in this very house and pleaded with Quentin not to kill Jenny--but I'm not anymore--I'm hoping you find Dirk quickly, and do whatever he must to silence him.  I will, says Barn, I won't allow Dirk to get in the way of what I must do.

Cottage - Dirk speaks into the fireplace, going on and on about how I took care of Barnabas, what he tried to do to you, tried to hurt you--no more!--does that make you happy, Laura?  The way I told Jamison--I know it did, is that what you wants from me?--give me a sign, one little sign, the crazy man begs.  The door flies open, Dirk thinks it's Laura--is it you, or the wind? he asks.  The lights go out.  Are you here, Laura?  He looks into the fireplace, sure she's happy because of what he did.  Barnabas' laughter fills the room, terrorizing Dirk.  Who's there? he demands.  He orders the laughter to stop.  Barnabas' voice asks him if he's frightened--you do recognize me, right?  Impossible, says Dirk.  No, says Barnabas.  I thought I killed you! says Dirk.  Barnabas asks, how can you kill someone already dead?  "This isn't happening!" yells Dirk, covering his ears.  Face it, taunts Barnabas, you failed--and you know what happens to people who fail.  The door slams closed--"You will never leave this house, Dirk," warns Barnabas.  Dirk struggles with the doorknob, but the vampire appears behind him, grabs him, turns him around.  "You thought you could kill me, didn't you?" asks Barn, as Dirk cowers.  Barnabas advances on the insane man, who keeps insisting, I killed you!  "Was I really dead?" asks Barnabas, turning on a lamp.  YES! screams Dirk, moving away from him--what are you going to do to me? What do you think? asks Barnabas.  Kill me? asks Dirk.  Yes, says Barn, I have no choice--you went where you shouldn't have gone, saw what you shouldn't have seen, and what you know will never be spoken now--what you saw will be reflected in your dead eyes forever, and no one else will ever know that you've been in this house.  Wild-eyed, Dirk reveals, I've already told somebody!  Barnabas grabs him by the collar, furious.  I've already told somebody, repeats Dirk, so even if you kill me, you're going to be destroyed.  You're lying! Barnabas accuses.  I'm not, Dirk says, and Laura will get her revenge--you will learn in time who knows your secret.
"I WILL FIND OUT NOW," says Barnabas softly, his fangs already bared.  No, says Dirk.  Barnabas comes at him, even as Dirk begs, "No, no, no!"

Jamison enters the Old House and looks in.  (I can see a figure standing back there in a light shirt.)

Barely able to stand on his feet from blood loss, Dirk reveals who he told:  "Jamison."  You told Jamison? demands Barnabas.  Dirk grabs for Barnabas' cape and falls to the floor.  Beth knocks at the door and comes upon the scene.  Is he. . .?  Not dead yet, says Barnabas--I did what was necessary.  Did he tell anyone? asks Beth.  Yes--Jamison, says Barnabas--it may be all right--go to Collinwood and keep Jamison from talking to anyone.  Judith and Edward are in town, says Beth, so that helps.  If Jamison tells you, says Barnabas, be subtle--keep asserting that Dirk was mad, spinning fantasies that aren't true--and you must make Jamison believe you.  She promises to try.  Above all, don't mention any of it to Quentin, cautions Barnabas.  I promises not to, says Beth.  Remember, warns Barnabas, in case you're tempted, that I am Quentin's only hope--if I'm found out, there's no telling where it will end, and with what victim.  I promise to do whatever I can, Beth assures him.  Don't harm Jamison, no matter what, orders Barnabas.  What will you do with Dirk? asks Beth.  I have a plan, he says--you go to Jamison now.

Jamison troops downstairs into the Old House cellar and spots the coffin.  It's true! he realizes.  What Dirk said--it's true!

NOTES:  Excellent performances by Davis and Frid today, and Crawford was no slouch, either.  This is very exciting, wondering if Barnabas will now be found out.  Jamison has seen evidence that what Dirk said was true.  Loved the babbling Dirk vs. Barnabas in the cottage scene, it was scary and weird and wired.  It's true that nothing must happen to Jamison, he's Roger and Liz' father, and if he dies. . .well, the present day family will presumably disappear, too, leaving Barnabas no one to return home to.

Love, Robin

329
766 - (Gail Strickland) - Collinwood in the year 1897.  Quentin Collins, transformed by a gypsy's curse into a werewolf, has stalked and killed many victims.  But tonight, by the light of a full moon, it is he who is stalked, he who is hunted, he who may die.

Barnabas comes running over and demands of Magda, "What have you done, you fool?"  I killed him so my sister's children could escape the curse, explains Magda.  There is no escape for them now, or for you, either, he says harshly--"You deserve to die," says Barnabas, advancing on her to make good on his threat.  She reminds him, the silver bullets can finish you off, too.  They realize Quentin is still alive.  There's a chance, says Barnabas, if we can keep him alive until dawn--then Quentin will awaken, whole and well, but if this creature dies, then Quentin dies with him!  The creature moans in pain.

The werewolf lies on the sofa at the Old House.  Magda brings water and Barnabas holds a bloody rag he's already used to minister to the creature.  I think he'll be all right, says Magda--it's almost dawn.  It only takes a moment to die, and for the whole future to be destroyed in the hands of a gypsy, Barnabas reminds her, glaring at her.  I was crazy with worry about my sister's children, says Magda, in her defense, and I must be the one to help them, or there's no hope for them--Quentin is a werewolf for the rest of his life, and my sister's children carry the curse too--but I don't know any way out of all this, no answers!  The cock crows; it's beddy bye time for Barn.  He orders her, find a way--we must find it--we must find someone who can, and we can discuss it this evening.  I can't think of anything else, protests Magda. Use everything you have to keep this creature alive until dawn, orders Barn, and when he transforms, explain everything, tell him we want to help him.  It will take some explaining, says Magda--I can't believe it myself.  Quentin wants to believe there is some hope for him, says Barn.  And I want my sister to be alive and well, retorts Magda--we both have a good chance, don't we? she asks bitterly.  One more things, adds Barnabas--give me the gun.  He holds out his hand, demanding it now, and she takes it from her pocket and hands it over.  Where is the other bullet? He asks.
I lost it, Magda confesses.  How? Barn asks.  I had six, she says, but when I was loading the gun, there were only five.  Were you keeping it for an emergency? He asks--you aimed the gun at me once tonight, perhaps you were planning to do it again.  She looks away, saying no, I was scared and upset, I'm sorry--is it right to pray for a cursed thing like this?  "You cursed him," says Barn, "if his life is lost, so is yours."  He retires to bed on this threat.  Magda tells the werewolf, "Quentin Collins, the day you met my sister, all hope died for everybody."   She crosses herself and prays.  The creature comes to, vicious, and attempt to attack Magda, who holds out her pentagram.  The werewolf rises, knocking over a table, and runs from the house.

Dawn - The brown-eyed werewolf transforms into the blue-eyed Quentin Collins, whose shirt is once again bloody and torn.  Quentin stands, wondering, what have I done?  "No," he says miserably, "it's what HE'S done, it's not me, I can't help what happens."  He hears a woman sobbing and looks around.  Who is crying?--I promise not to hurt you.  (He looks so rugged and hunky in this disheveled state!)

Collinwood - Quentin returns home, still hearing the sobbing.  He sees the wrecked ghost of Dorcas Trilling standing before him.  "Murderer!" she accuses, even as he offers to get help for her.  He wipes his mouth as she keeps calling him that.  Stop! he says--everyone in the house will hear you and know!  He jumps forward to grab her, but she disappears, still calling him a murderer!

In his room, Quentin listens to his music, and, shaking, attempts to tie his tie.  The music stops suddenly.  He hears Dorcas, sees her, instead of himself, reflected in the mirror, calling him a murderer over and over.  NO! he cries.  Listen! he begs--I didn't do it, HE did. . .all right, I DID do it, but I had to, it was because of the curse! She keeps calling him the M-word.  He begs her to understand, I didn't want to hurt you, I didn't know I hurt you--can't you take pity?
Her face fills his mirror; she says, "The dead cannot have pity!  Murderer!"  Near tears, he begs her again to leave him alone, and turns his back on the mirror.  Judith knocks and comes in, asking him what's the matter.  "She's torturing me," he tells his sister--that girl in the mirror.  Judith looks, but says there's no girl in the mirror.  She's hiding, says Quentin, terrified, and will come out after you leave--I told her it wasn't my fault, but she wouldn't listen.  Like a little boy, Quentin begs his big sister, make her listen!  She seats him in his chair and tells him, there's no girl in this room.  She WAS here! says Q, I never saw her before, don't even know what she looks like!  What did she look like? asks Judith.  Q can't describe her, but she was awful.  He suddenly realizes who he's confessing to and becomes furious, ordering her to leave him alone and get out.  Why have you changed? Asks Judith--now you're sometimes as wild as an animal.  Just what do you mean by that? demands Quentin.  An animal snarls, fights, kills when it's cornered, she says, and that's what you've been acting like, as if you're cornered.  He pours a drink.  You won't find refuge in that, she says.  You make me sick, he says, you and your old main platitudes--LEAVE ME ALONE!--I'll drink when I want to drink.  He again hears Dorcas sobbing, but Judith doesn't.  Get out and stay out! He commands.  She does, quickly.  He slams the door and sits down, shaking, terrified.

Old House - dusk - The clock chimes 7 PM.  Magda is gazing at the cellar door as Barnabas comes out.  Where is Quentin? He asks.  She explains, he came to and tried to attack me, then ran out.  He grabs her arm--Why didn't you go after him?  "You took the gun," she reminds him--later I went to Collinwood--Quentin is all right, in his room getting drunk.  He knows nothing, then? asks Barn.  Yes, she says--I've been thinking and searching for an answer--I thought of someone who might help--an old woman who lived in the forests near Ahsjdin--she turned Count Petofi into a werewolf--she knew about everything--gypsies came from everywhere to consult with her.  She was an old woman when I was a child, says Barnabas, incredulous.  Yes, says Magda, but she had a daughter, Julianka, and if that daughter is alive, perhaps she has the knowledge--the problem is, the world is wide for the gypsies, so where might she be?  She is a member of the Romana family, and not long ago, there were some in Boston--King Johnny Romano was there, perhaps she is, too.  We must hope she isn't too far away, says Barn, we have no idea how much longer it will be before his destiny catches up with him--it could be tonight, tomorrow, anytime, we must act quickly.  Magda wants to go to Boston right away, but Barn wants to speak to Quentin first.  Magda says, I'm sorry for what's happened and wants him to know I wants the children to be healthy, well and free from the curse.  Probably remembering the baby's coffin he and Chris dug up, Barnabas looks away guiltily.  What's the matter? Asks magda--I got a cold feeling just now, as if you know something about the children I don't--something that's going to happen.  Avoiding her question, he advises, start packing for your long trip.  She stands, brooding.

Barnabas goes to see Quentin and tells him not to worry--there's no full moon tonight.  Quentin gazes at him suspiciously--how much do you know, and what are you doing here?  I thought you might need company--and assurance, answers Barn.  Of what? Asks Q suspiciously.  That the pain won't start, says Barn, you won't have a nightmare tonight.  Quentin denies knowing what he's talking about.  There's little time, says Barnabas, we shouldn't waste it pretending.  Quentin pours a big drink.  I know what's happened to you, says Barnabas, and I'm here to help.   Quentin calls his cousin "fanciful."  You're foolish to deny the truth to me, says Barnabas--you don't realize that I'm your only chance to end the curse.
Quentin's head swings around, and in a dangerous voice, asks, "How did you find out about me?"  I can't tell you that, says Barnabas, but I can say I'm here to help end it.  I thought when a gypsy places a curse, there's no way of ending it, says Quentin.  I think there might be a way I can help you, says Barn.  Is this hand of friendship you're extending contain a knife, waiting to dig even deeper? Asks Quentin.  No knife, says Barnabas.  How do I know that? demands Q--are you here to commit treachery against me?  No, says Barn.  I don't believe you and I'm tired of listening to you, says Quentin--get out and leave me alone.  To do what--wait for the next full moon? challenges Barnabas.  That's none of your business, says Q.  It is, says Barn, although I can't tell him why.  Quentin asks again how Barn found out, and again, Barn insists he can't reveal his source.  Then you'd better go, says Q--right now.  Then what happens to you? asks Barn.  I'll take care of myself. Says Q.  How? asks Barn--how will you take care of yourself next time, and all the times after that?  Quentin drinks.  Barnabas continues, relentlessly--how will you take care of yourself as the world begins to move in on you, as more and more people learn what you are and start hunting you down?--answer these questions and I'll leave.  I'm not entirely ignorant of supernatural matters. Says Quentin.  I'm sure you've tried everything you can, says Barnabas, but obviously, none of it has worked.  I intend to keep on trying, Quentin assures him.  And I will keep trying with you! says Barnabas.  This offer is very unlike you, says Q, I wish I could understand it.  There are many people dear to me, whose lives are at stake, explains Barnabas, and their lives depend on you.  Quentin grins--a very suitably veiled answer, he says, more in keeping with my mysterious cousin's character than concern--at least, concern for me.  It's all I can give, says Barn.  All right, says Quentin--what are your his plans?--do you know of a way to end the curse?  Not at the moment, admits Barnabas, but there are ways to end these curses--there was a Frenchman in the 15th who lived as a werewolf, and he died but was buried in sacred ground and wasn't cursed when he died--there are other cases in which curses have been ended, says Barn.  How? demands Q.  We will find that out, promises Barnabas, and I've taken steps in that direction--a gypsy Magda is searching for--she's gone to Boston, and when I learn something, I'll tell you. (He puts a hand on Quentin's shoulder to comfort him.)   The latter is understandably unhappy to learn he must depend on Magda right now.  Barnabas starts to leave, but Quentin stops him:  "Barnabas!  If you find out I'm going to be like this always, promise me something.  Promise me that you'll shoot me through the heart some lovely, moonlight night." Quentin tosses the glass to the floor, shattering it.

Judith exits the drawing room and asks to speak to a departing Barnabas.  He says he has business at the Old House, but she asks him to stay--something urgent has happened that  disturbed Jamison very much.  You know so much about the family, says Judith--who everybody is and was, and perhaps you must recognize the name:  David Collins--who is he?  Barnabas, shocked, asks for more details.  Jamison awoke from a dream a few minutes ago, screaming, she says.  Screaming what? asks Barn.  "David Collins is dead!" replies Judith. "David Collins is dead!"
Barnabas stands stock still, eyes wide.  Oh, no!

NOTES:  Loved the scenes in which Dorcas haunted Quentin.  Selby turned in superb performances, and the heart to heart between him and Barnabas was really good.  I think Quentin would have been distressed to learn not just from whom Barnabas got his information, but how--Barnabas kind of moved in on his woman!  Terry Crawford was wonderful, too, and even as Barnabas' victim, her heart belongs only to Quentin!

Magda's desire to find a way to protect her niece and nephew is so sad, and you can see how torn she is.  She wants Quentin to stay cursed for killing Jenny, and thought by killing him, she could somehow save them, but that isn't the way it works--why did Barnabas know that and not Magda, who placed the curse?  Didn't she do her homework?

David Collins is dead?  That's bad news, sounds like Barnabas is failing in his efforts to save the Collins heir.


767 - (Nancy Barrett) - Collinwood in the year 1897.  A boy wakens in terror from a dream, and suddenly, for Barnabas Collins, there is a frightening reminder of the present, and his desperate reason for going back into the past.

Barnabas asks Judith if he's sure she heard right.  She notes Barnabas' upset expression and says, I think you know who David Collins is, even though there's no mention of him in the family history.  Barnabas walks away from her.  Is David is another of the family's secrets? She asks,  something he did kept hidden?  No, says Barnabas, none of the above, but I must speak to Jamison to find out more.  He asks Judith to awaken the boy; this could be very important.  She agrees and goes upstairs.  Quentin joins Barnabas in the drawing room, wondering why he's still here--you said you were returning to the Old House to send Magda to Boston.  Something has happened to Jamison, says Barn, and I want to talk to him.  Quentin remarks, you make everyone in the family part of your business.  I'm not sure how we managed without you--what's upsetting Jamison?  A nightmare, says Barnabas--not surprising, considering what he's been through.  I find your attitude toward the family very disturbing, says Quentin. (gee, I think it's kind and concerned.)  Why? asks Barn.  It's as if you were watching all of us under a microscope, all of us subjects for you, answers Q--I have the feeling there are two Barnabas', one walking, talking, moving among us, the other living an entirely different life.  Barn assures him there's only one BC.  And you're following some plan that has nothing to do with any of us, retorts Quentin, angry now.  Barnabas tells him, you're building things up in your mind that don't exist; I simply want to help Jamison.  Why you and not me? asks Quentin, suggesting Barnabas go about his business of helping him.  You won't believe this, says Barn, but my helping Jamison IS deeply involved with you.  I getting confused, complains Quentin--remember your promise to help me because my destiny is tied in with people you care about--who are these people?  (They both looked very good reflected over that lamp.)  Jamison, replies Barn, and as for the others, their names would have no meaning to you.  Quentin wants to know more about these mysterious people--and more about you, Cousin, too--I consider it right that I know more about you, since I'm supposed to trust my life to you.  This kind of questioning is senseless right now, insists Barn.  Not for me, says Q.  Judith and Jamison enter.  Barnabas asks to speak with Jamison alone, but Quentin wants to hear about it, too.  Judith orders her brother to leave as Barn requested.  Oh, says Quentin, have you fallen into the habit of utter compliance with the cousin's wishes, too?--my, now, Barnabas, what is this strange power you seem to hold over all of us?  "Leave the room!" orders Judith, furious.  Yes, your Majesty, says Q, bowing sarcastically, and leaves.  Barn promises to speak to Judith after he's spoken to Jamison.  They sit down.  Barn asks about Jamison's dream.  Even the awful parts? asks Jamison.
Yes, says Barn, since it could be a matter of life and death.  Jamison's eyes widen with fear.

Life and death for who? asks Jamison.  I must hear of the dream, says Barn.  It began in the cellar of the Old House, says Jamison--I to play there before you moved in--this was different. . .  We see Jamison walking downstairs into the cellar, where he spots Barnabas, sitting in his I-Ching trance.  He tries to wake him up.  There are puppets talking to each other.  One tells the other it's ridiculous.  The other voice, a man, says to stop playing with that and listen to me.  We see Carolyn with a puppet on her hand, and she repeats that it's ridiculous, having a party for him.  Roger reminds her it's his birthday; Carolyn says birthdays are for people who get older.  Roger admires the table, set for the party, pointy hats and all, and says he'll be pleased with the presents they've given him.  It isn't for him, says Carolyn, but for me, to keep me company when David's gone.  Roger orders her to be quiet, but she says you can't keep it from him, he'll find out sooner or later.  Roger forbids her to talk like that.  Carolyn mimics him with the puppet (which strongly resembles Minerva Trask).  She laughs, calling Uncle Roger a fool.  They must not ever let him know, says Roger.  Carolyn says he must know sooner or later, and makes her puppet say Yes over and over, teasing him with it, running it up his arm.  He orders her to be quiet, they're coming.  Elizabeth helps a very weak David downstairs, into the drawing room, onto a chair at the party table.  They sing "Happy Birthday" to him (what?  DC paid for the rights?)  David thanks them, and they all sit down at the table.  Carolyn tells him to think of it as four happy birthday's all in one.  Roger orders her to be quiet; she doesn't want him to know, does she?  Know what? demands David.  Liz tells him it's nothing, and suggests he looks at the lovely cake.  She suggests he start cutting it, but he says Barnabas and Quentin aren't here.  Carolyn tells him Barnabas can't be here--he sent his regrets.  Will he come to my next birthday? Asks David.  Roger and Carolyn exchange sad glances.  Liz says they should get to the cake.  What about Quentin? asks David.  Roger doesn't know him, so Liz tells him to look him up.  Roger takes the family history tome and looks for Quentin, but can't find anyone of that name.  But you know Quentin, says David.  I can't find him listed, says Roger.  Liz again suggests the cake.  Carolyn makes her puppet say I'm hungry, hungry hungry--"starving to death!"  Roger orders her to stop talking that way.  Why? asks David.  It's a surprise party, Liz reveals.  Playfully, Carolyn says she knows what the surprise is.  What? asks David.  The puppet says it's forbidden.  David is frightened.  Liz says she had the cake made especially for him.
Quentin is suddenly standing there.  David says, Quentin, you've come!  Quentin, bathed in green light, grins.  None of the others besides David can see him, however.  He's here, insists David.  Liz says we're the only ones here.  And one of us isn't going to be around much longer, hints Carolyn's puppet.  Quentin IS here, insists David.  He isn't listed, says Roger.  Carolyn advises them to light the candles, there isn't much time left.  "Carolyn!" objects Roger.  David asks Quentin to sit at the table--I knew you'd come to my birthday--I knew Quentin wouldn't miss it--why can't you see him?  Carolyn lights the candles on the cake.  David says the number of candles is wrong.  There are 12, says Roger.  What about the extra one to grow on? asks David.  Oh, well, says Roger.  (LOL!)  Liz says they decided to dispense with that silly custom this year.  Let next year take care of itself, says Carolyn.  David asks if Barnabas will come to his next birthday.  Liz says it's hard to make plans in advance, so many things to do.  Carolyn finishes lighting the candles, but David doesn't want to blow them out--it will be so cold once the candles are blown out.  Liz calls this silly.  David says, I'm frightened.  Carolyn asks of what.   Roger forbids her to ask that.  Liz encourages him to be a little man and blow out the candles.  Carolyn tells him to close his eyes and make a wish.  David asks if he can wish anything he wants.  Almost anything, giggles Carolyn.  David closes his eyes, makes his wish and blows out all the candles, taking several breaths.  He looks up, but everyone is gone.  He's upset--I told them I didn't want to blow out the candles!--I told them I was afraid to be left alone in the dark.  Quentin assures him, I'm still here.  Oh, Quentin, says David.  Quentin says, I'll never leave you, even after it's all over.  After what's all over? asks David.  Your life, replies Quentin.  He won't even leave him after he dies.  David says, I won't die for a very long time, I'm a young boy.  A dying boy, counters Quentin--no one else would tell you that, but you have a right to know.  Why did they all go away? asks David.  The look of death makes the living very uncomfortable, David--I learned that, you will, too, says Quentin.  I don't understand, says David.  Why couldn't they see me? asks Quentin--it's because I'm dead, and soon you will be, too.  David, supporting himself on the chairs, walks away.  "I don't want to die!" he cries.  Quentin assures him it will be quick and painless, over before you know it--like your short, little life.  Will they miss me? asks David forlornly.  For a little while, answers Quentin--but after a time, they'll get over it.  And I'll be all alone, says David sadly.  No, says Quentin, you won't be, you'll be with me--you'll like that, won't you David?  Yes, says the child, but "I don't want to die!" No one does, says Q, but you can't pick and choose; I didn't want to die, either, but I had to.  Why? asks David.  Three things happened, says Quentin, of many, and if I could have changed any one of them, or known what they meant while they were happening, perhaps I wouldn't have died when I did die.  What three things? asks David.  The first was the discovery of a silver bullet at Collinwood, says Quentin; then the one person who could have helped me, kept me alive, was murdered (he won't tell David who); the third thing was the worst--the one person in this world I truly loved turned against me--after that happened, there was practically no time left for Quentin Collins.  I'm so frightened, says David.  Don't be, says Quentin--it won't be so bad--why don't we sit down and eat the cake?  Quentin starts to cut into it, putting a slice on David's plate.  David realizes it's made of Styrofoam--it isn't real, it's a make believe cake for a make believe birthday!  Make the most of it, advises Quentin, because it's the last one you're ever going to have!  Carolyn's puppet sings Happy Birthday to David again.  Then, says Jamison, when the singing was finished, David Collins was dead--I woke up screaming because it was so frightening.  That was the whole dream? asks Barn. Yes, says Jamison, except for one other thing--everyone was so strangely dressed, except for Quentin, he was dead in my dream--why?  No one can answer all the questions in a dream, says Barnabas.  I think you can, says Jamison.  The vampire says, I can understand some of it.  Jamison accusingly says, I think you can answer ALL the questions--"You know!" says Jamison.

Charity has come to visit Judith.  As Quentin nervously pours himself a brandy, Charity tells Judith how grateful Rev. Trask is that she was spared that night. Others weren't as fortunate, says Judith.  It's chilling to think about the creature killing others, night after night, remarks Charity.  Quentin, brandy glass shaking in his hand, looks guilty.  It must stop, says Judith, I feel the sheriff should search day and night until it's caught--and I plan to offer a large reward to the person who shoots the creature dead.  That's a wonderful idea, praises Charity.  I also want to set up a scholarship fund in Dorcas Trilling's name, adds Judith.  My father will be so pleased, says Charity--he was fond of Dorcas, and when I think of her poor, bloody, mangled body. . .  Quentin tosses his brandy glass into the fireplace in a fury, making Charity gasp and Judith yell at him.  "You make me sick!" he screams, "talking about blood, killing and murder--he's an animal who doesn't know what he's doing--and you," he says to Judith, "offering a reward, are just as bloodthirsty as he is."  Judith catches the "he," reference to the creature.  Quentin pours another drink--it's an animal, that's all, he says, that's what we are discussing.  Judith forbids him to have another drink.  Quentin bursts into wild laughter and to Charity says, "Have your father give my sister another gold star for her record--she'll buy that seat in heaven yet!"  Barnabas enters and tells Judith Jamison is in bed--I want a word with you.  I want to discuss it here, insists Q, I want to hear what Barnabas has to say.  David Collins doesn't exist, explains Barnabas, but is someone Jamison has created to act out what's troubling him--his fear of death (a recreation of what happened to his mother)
--in his dream, Jamison saw people dressed in funny clothes, as if in a masquerade--a disguise for what he's thinking and feeling through the medium of this dream-- nothing to do with reality, but a clue as to what's happening in his mind.  Judith thanks Barnabas for talking to Jamison, who was very upset--I want to look in on him.  Edward comes in; Judith notices he looks troubled.  I found what I thought at first was a coin on the path, says Edward--but it's a bullet.  He hands it to his sister and adds, "A silver bullet.  Judith wonders what someone would want with it.
Barnabas recalls the events Quentin outlined in Jamison's dream, the first being the discovery of a silver bullet at Collinwood!

NOTES:  One down, two to go!  What a bizarre dream David had!  Scary in so many ways, campy, too.  Why the puppet?  No surprise it was written by Violet Welles, the Dream Queen of DS.

So much going on here--the dream, Barnabas' intrusion in nearly everything having to do with the family, his smooth cover-up of explaining away Jamison's nightmare and the mysterious David Collins.

Quentin defends the creature, surely puzzling Judith and Charity, but he knows the whole truth, so of course he's going to do his best to defend his own murderous actions.  For once in his life, he has a good excuse for doing wicked things, and he's not the type to play noble--he uses his excuse!

Love, Robin

330
Current Talk '03 I / Re: Thank God for DS in N.E.
« on: January 12, 2003, 04:17:08 PM »
SNOW SUCKS!

COLD SUCKS!

GIMMEE SPRING!

As for you, Midnite, you'd better duck for cover.  A snowball is heading right for your boastful little head!

Love, Robin