576 - (Alexandra Moltke) - Night lies over the great estate of Collinwood, and in an old house on the wooded grounds, a young man is forced to work on a project he loathes. Forced, because his fiancee's life is at stake. And while he grapples with the problem of creating human life, he stands unknowingly on the brink of terror.

Jeff looks grossed out and tries to avoid Angelique in the repeat of the previous episode's ending.

The equipment is running, lights flashing as Jeff lies in his post-bite slumber. Angelique watches him, not one spot of red on her spotless white dress (like Mack the Knife, never a trace of red). She helps him up, and he gazes at her, his vision blurry. What happened, he asks. She touches his face, and he flinches away--what did she do to him? She orders him to start now and lifts the sheet covering the body. He tells her to stop, grabbing her wrist, and she says he can't give her orders--he understands that and won't forget it, will he? My life force will go into this body--I will rise, breathe, walk, and I will be free. She wants to start now. No, protests Jeff, only Julia can do this--she'll have to deal with her. Angelique insists he try, but he says he can't alone. She knows he worked with Dr. Lang--Adam told her. He only helped in the beginning, protests Jeff, he didn't bring Adam to life. The books of Lang's, says Ang, they tell what to do. Jeff reminds her she told him she was providing the life force for the creature, and she agrees. Barnabas and Julia never told him about it, and besides, the body isn't ready. It must be, insists Ang, but Jeff says no. When will it be ready? she asks. I don't know, he says. Find out, she orders, and moves to touch him. He tells her to stay away from him, but she says no, he doesn't understand how serious and desperate she is--he must use her as the life force, she insists, her hands on his shoulders. She says what happened to Barnabas will happen to her. You may die, he warns. She reminds him that Barnabas didn't--by the way does he mind her putting her arms around him? Yes, he says, and she hugs him and tells him she will teach him not to mind. She sinks her fangs into his throat again, and although he moans in pain, he looks downright turned on, too.

Roger, handing her a drink, tells Vicki he was surprised by the news of her engagement, but happy, too. He doesn't know Jeff well, but he's sure he will like him--he's "presentable". And they all want her to be happy. She feels that, for once, they'll all see her happy. Roger asks about the work Jeff is planning on doing, and she says Jeff is bright--there's a great deal he could do. Is he interested in business? asks Roger. He has no experience, Vicki says. Roger says he doesn't need experience--they provide it. Vicki is thrilled--is he offering Jeff a job? She's very appreciative. He says they're sending two junior sales execs to a training program in Boston--Jeff could join them. If his report is good, and Vicki is sure it will be, Roger is sure they could place him. They could get married sooner, exults Vicki, and Roger teases her that he isn't sure he likes that idea at all.Delighted, she says she doesn't know how to thank him.

Post-bital, Ang and Jeff stares into each other's eyes. She caresses his mouth and tells him he will remember her, and this night, but no one else will know. When the body is ready, he will call her and she will come to him. They will do the experiment together, alone. He understands, he smiles. He will do everything she tells him to do, she says softly, and he smiles and agrees. They will make her live--together, says Ang. Jeff agrees. When they do, says Ang, *I* will begin to live again!

Jeff returns to Collinwood, but stands outside, unsure about knocking. He finally does. Vicki answers the door. She tells him her wonderful news, but he's rubbing his throat, complaining he's tired. Roger wants to speak to you, she says. Roger orders Jeff into the drawing room and Vicki ushers him in and clos es the doors behind them. Roger congratulates Jeff on the engagement and gives him a drink. Roger tells him they're very fond of Vicki and concerned about her future. Since she chose Jeff, that's good enough for them. Jeff drinks, nervously, wondering when Vicki will come back. Roger tells him they want to send him to a sales training program, leaving tomorrow for six weeks. When Jeff returns, he'll have a place at the cannery, to be determined by the work he does at the seminar.  Realizing he's being offered a job, but also realizing it's impossible, Jeff turns away.Roger notes he doesn't seem overjoyed by the prospect, but Jeff says he is and wants a job. Roger tells him to come to his office in the morning, meet the other men, and discuss the details. He's sure he'll find the program informative and interesting. Jeff asks when he must leave; when Roger repeats that, Jeff says he can go in a week, not now. Roger says he can't change the date, it's a university thing, but Jeff turns it down, shocking Roger. Jeff says it isn't that he doesn't want to, but he can't go now--he's busy. Doing what? demands Roger. Jeff says he simply can't go now. Roger says it's a rare opportunity and advises Jeff to reconsider, if not for Vicki's sake, for his own. I can't accept, says Jeff, and I don't expect you to understand. Angrily, Roger says he hopes Vicki understands, and opens the doors and leaves.

Vicki is horrified that Jeff refused Roger's offer--why did he do it? They could afford to get married! Jeff walks away--this isn't the time, he says. Vicki reminds him he wanted to get married right away--go to Roger, apologize, accept his offer. Jeff asks Vicki if she trusts him. Until now, yes, she says. He says she must trust him, even if she doesn't understand why he's doing it. She asks why she can tell him things, but he can't be as honest. She loves the Collinses, and this is a family decision. They did it because they like and want to help him--is it pride?--you must tell me, she insists. "I can't, I can't!" he cries, and rushes out of the house.

Liz lays out some really hideous dresses on her bed. Carolyn comes in. Liz was going through her closet. Carolyn says it's good to see her doing things again, and advises her to throw the red one away. They reminisce about going to Boston for Liz' birthday, going shopping before the matinee, having lunch. Carolyn hugs Liz, saying how great it is to have her home--she realizes how much easier Liz made all their lives. Liz, looking unsure, pushes her away and says it's good for Carolyn to be without her. Carolyn protests and suggests a weekend in Boston, shopping for new clothes--it would do Liz a lot of good. Carolyn feels it's good Liz is tossing out old clothes and showing interest in them. She begs Liz to go to Boston, but her mother refuses--it would be a waste of time--Carolyn should go alone. Liz stares at a black dress and Carolyn demands a logical reason not to go to Boston. Liz asks Carolyn to promise her something seriously, with no qualifications--when they think she's dead, and it's going to happen. . . Carolyn begs her to stop saying that--it's not, stop thinking it!Liz knows it, that's why she's getting rid of everything--she won't be here long. Carolyn protests. Liz says when it does happen, she wants to be buried in the black dress. She asks Carolyn to promise, and holds it up in front of herself, looking in the mirror. Carolyn sits on Liz' bed, clutches the newel post, and says, "Mother. . .Mother."

Liz dreams. Angelique is laughing, the wind blowing her hair and dress. Angelique tells Liz she needs something to think about--death!--death, your own death--that will occupy you, and when you have thought about it as long as you can, you will think you ARE dead, as will others. You will be lying in a coffin and everyone will think that you are dead! Angelique's laughter goes on and on. We see candles, smoke, a beautiful coffin topped with flowers. Carolyn and Roger, dressed in funereal colors, stand by the coffin. Roger wants to know why the coffin was open, he ordered it closed. Carolyn remarks that Liz, lying in the coffin, looks beautiful. Liz speaks to herself--she isn't dead! She must open her eyes, try to open your eyes, try to move. You must show them you aren't dead-you must. Roger tells Carolyn he's closing the coffin. No, says Liz silently. Liz can neither speak nor move--they're going to bury her alive. Carolyn asks if Roger must close the coffin now, and he says yes. He closes it over Liz. Carolyn sobs, and Liz silently begs them--I'm not dead, I'm not, don't bury me! Roger leads the crying Carolyn away.Cruelly, Angelique laughs. Liz tells herself she must scream, she isn't dead.

Liz sits up in her bed, screaming for real. Carolyn races in. Liz tells her she knows how it's going to happen, she saw it, she saw it! And, her eyes wide with fear, she pictures her coffin, surrounded by candles.

NOTES: You KNEW she was going to go over his head and try to make herself the life force, didn't you? Nicholas is right about her, he never knows what she's going to do, and bringing her back was a majorly bad decision on his part--which he will learn to his everlasting regret!

Jeff sure is having fun being a vampire victim, isn't he? Too bad he had to turn down Roger's job offer, but he is involved elsewhere, and the bitch of it is, he can't tell Vicki the truth. This has already driven a wedge between Jeff and Roger, and, to a lesser degree, between Vicki and Jeff, too. If he can't explain why he is unable to leave on that business trip, which could mean a decent future for him, how is he ever going to make anything of himself?


577 - (Nancy Barrett) - In a bedroom at Collinwood, one woman, victim of a witch's plot, dreams the most hideous nightmare of all--that she is in a coffin, and that all her family think her dead. That she lies paralyzed, unable to speak, and that soon her own funeral services will begin.

Carolyn rushes into Liz' room and we see she is dressed, rather than in night clothes as she was at the end of yesterday's ep. Big discrepancy here! Liz tells Carolyn she's going to be buried alive, and no one will know or be able to tell--they will think her dead. Not possible, says Carolyn, but Liz feels nothing can stop it, there's nothing to do! Carolyn tells her mother she can be helped, but Liz denies it.She has had the feeling for months! Carolyn reminds her it's just a fixation as a result of a depression, but Liz refuses to accept that. Carolyn wants her to consult with another doctor, fearing she will make it happen if she keeps this up. Carolyn says if SHE felt that way, she would do whatever it took to get rid of the feeling, go anywhere. Liz climbs out of bed and calls her lawyer. It can wait, says Carolyn, ordering Liz to put down the phone and be logical. Liz refuses, she asks for Garner and is pissed off when she hears he can't be disturbed. She threatens that he'd better call her back quickly, or never call again. Carolyn advises her mother not to talk with anyone when she is in this state. Liz asks if that includes her daughter. Liz is angry at Garner, who seems to be avoiding her--she thinks Roger told him she's been at Windcliff and is mad. Carolyn, upset, says her mother distrusts all of them, as if suddenly, they've all become enemies--it isn't right or true. Liz assures her she doesn't distrust her, and Carolyn begs her to see a doctor, rather than Garner. Liz says they will see tomorrow. Carolyn hugs her and asks her to get some sleep. She offers to stay with her, but Liz promises not to call Garner again. Carolyn wants to make plans tomorrow to get Liz the help she needs. Liz merely kisses her on the cheek and Carolyn leaves. Liz locks her door behind her daughter, picks up the phone, and calls information to ask for Tony Peterson's phone number. She dials Tony, who is awake and dressed, and asks him to come over immediately. He first asks if Carolyn is OK, and she assures him it's business and very important. She will tell Mrs. Johnson to bring him directly to her room--and she asks him to hurry.

Adam plays chess--with himself, fantasizing that the other player is Carolyn. He instructs her on how to play, smiling. The real Carolyn brings him a sandwich and a glass of milk, and he says it's been so long since she's been here. . .he remembers a woman with long blonde hair, he teases. He notes something is wrong, but she denies it. He takes the tray, sets it down and tells her she's in a state of depression--he was just reading about it. Did someone do something she didn't like? She tells him she's concerned about her mother, and he says he's concerned about Liz, too--she's very beautiful. He was reading a book about a woman whose mother wouldn't allow her daughter to marry the man she wanted to, thus ruining the daughter's life.Liz isn't well, explains Carolyn. Adam suggests she take her to a doctor. Carolyn lashes out that everything is so simple with him, hurting his feelings. She sees his hurt and apologizes. He says she makes him feel like he knows nothing. She points out that people are complex and he doesn't know many people--Liz won't go to a doctor, and her problem is in her mind. Adam says he has complex thoughts, too, and believes things he shouldn't, too. She doesn't want to discuss her mother's problems. Adam tells her Freud says talking helps--Stokes says every 20th century man should read Freud, and "I am such a man". He asks if she's read Freud, and she says no. He would like to discuss Freud with her and gives her the book he was reading. He wants to discuss it with her tomorrow, but she isn't sure she can read it tonight. He feels she should have already read it. She says she'll start it. Carolyn notes the chess board and says she doesn't play chess. He asks her how she could have been on earth so long and know so little (!), and she counters with she doesn't know how he could know so much, considering how short a time he's been here. She inquires into who has been playing chess with him--Stokes? Nicholas? Harry? He denies all three, and she asks who he HAS been playing chess with. He covers her hand with his and tells her he's been playing chess with her. This puzzles her. He explains that he plays with her, but she doesn't play as well as he. Checkmate, he says, I win. Adam asks if she's angry at him, and she says she will be if they go on talking about it. She marches over to get his tray and encourages him to eat. He takes her hand and asks her to stay--it will do her good to talk about her mother. Carolyn sits down opposite him.

Liz admits Tony to her room. He says he's always on call, like a doctor, and she tells him Richard Garner will no longer handle her legal matters. He'll do whatever he can, he promises, and she says she has some strange requests to make of him. She wants to add to her will, she begins. Her coffin is to be in the center of the room, resting on a marble base--no marble around the coffin, however. The coffin will be specially made, including air vents where her head will lie.Tony, writing her wishes down, comments on her unusual requests. She says he agreed to handle her affairs, so. . .inside the coffin will be a buzzer, which, when she presses it, will release the lid of the coffin and also start a bell ringing in the tower, a bell loud enough to be heard in every room of this house. She's finished. He says he's got it all. She wants him to have the changes made as early in the morning as possible--she must have it then. He doesn't want to become emotionally involved, but these additions. . .she asks if the court will allow her family to take her money and not fulfill her wishes. Tony says he's sure her family would rather do what she asks than go to court--but he finds these changes strange. Liz tells him she knows she will be buried alive, so the changes aren't that bizarre.

Carolyn, clutching Adam's book, goes out to the terrace and sits on the stone bench. If she reads it now, would it help her understand her mother, or Adam, she asks herself. Why is everything so difficult suddenly, not simple as it used to be. Tony comes out and says he was looking for her. He checks out the book and says he understands why she's reading him--her mother asked him there and wanted to make changes to her will. Carolyn, beginning to cry, tells him to do whatever Liz asks, then, sobbing hard, says to just do it. The water in the fountain gurgles as Tony watches Carolyn cry. She apologizes, she will be all right in a few minutes. She hasn't seen him in so long. He knows she's upset about her mother, and wonders if he should make the changes to her will, if she's even mentally competent. Humor her right now, says Carolyn, and he promises he'll do as Liz requested.He says every time he comes to Collinwood there's a new problem--he doesn't envy her her family. You never have, she says somewhat bitterly. I'm more sympathetic, he says, since I made some mistakes myself. He never sees her, he's been too embarrassed to call--they both know why--because of Cassandra. Carolyn tells him she's gone, disappeared, but of course he knows that. She feels like Cassandra was never in the house at all. Tony says he never really explained it, he couldn't, since he didn't understand it himself and still doesn't. He hated her but when he was with her, he forgot that. Carolyn asks him not to discuss Cassandra, and he agrees. Above them, Adam watches. Tony tells Carolyn he missed her, and caresses her arms. He smiles--they used to just argue about how rich she was, and basic things like what she thought. Carolyn adds, and how much I counted on my position. Tony wants to return to those days. He asks if they can, and she says she doesn't know. He tips up her face and kisses her; she responds passionately. Adam, now at the gate, watches. Carolyn breaks the kiss and says she can't tell Tony now. She bids him good night and heads into the house. Tony lingers outside for a moment, looking sad, and picks up his briefcase. Adam grabs him around the throat and warns him to stay away from Carolyn and away from here. He punches Tony hard on the head, knocking him unconscious. Tony lies in a heap on the grass.

NOTES: Once again, the jealous Adam resorts to violence. He just can't stand to see anyone else with Carolyn, so what makes him think his new mate will be someone he can love--or someone who will love him? Poor, lonely guy, reading Freud, touting that he knows more than Carolyn, heading for a fall.

Since Tony's gotten involved with the Collins family, he seems to end up unconscious, doesn't he? The poison, this beating--perhaps it would be better for his health to keep away from the Collinses!

Liz wants to add weird accouterments to her coffin, but if she really believes she will be buried alive, we can surely understand. On the other hand, we know about Cassandra's little curse, and no one else does. I guess it never occurred to anyone seriously that Roger's missing wife could be responsible for Liz' problem.

Love, Robin

574 - (Lara Parker) - The night is silent and seemingly peaceful. Those who live in the great house at Collinwood are unaware of the drama that is unfolding not far away. In a majestic old house by the sea, an evil woman, curse to live only by night, waits for a man she has summoned-- and in a cottage on the other side of Collinsport, a young woman will soon make a heartbreaking discovery.

Blair House - Angelique gazes out the window, waiting impatiently for Joe to arrive.

Evans cottage - Nicholas turns on the light, and Maggie sees that Joe is gone! "No, no," she mutters.

Nicholas comforts a crying Maggie. She doesn't know what else to do--everything seems to be falling apart. He suggests Joe went for a walk. He seemed so anxious to stay here last night, sobs Maggie, seemed almost afraid to leave--why did he leave? Where did he go?

Angelique spots Joe heading towards the house and opens the door to meet him. He looks sick. She hugs his shoulder--she's been waiting for him. He knows, he says, but he didn't want to come here. But you couldn't resist, could you? she asks. He tried. She says he's where he belongs now, with her. She takes his hand and leads him into the drawing room.

Nicholas continues to comfort Maggie. He asks what makes her think something is wrong with Joe. There has to be, she says, he never behaved this way. It takes time to change, suggests Nicholas. Maggie said it began soon after he left the hospital. She thought the concussion could have caused it, but he insisted her questions upset him, as though she implied he had permanent brain damage.I'm not a doctor and can never know the truth, says Nicholas, perhaps Joe is fearful of going to the hospital and finding out--I feel sorry for him. Maggie says Joe is allowing it to affect his health, his job, and he isn't being very kind to her--she wants to help him. Nicholas says it might be terrible stress because of something or someone. Someone? Maggie wonders--perhaps he's interested in another woman and can't tell her. Joe doesn't sound like that kind of person, says Nicholas. He hasn't been himself for two weeks, says Maggie, and there must be a reason--and if he doesn't tell her the reason soon, she adds, it will be too late.

Ang observes how unfriendly Joe is, and he says he doesn't want to be here. You can't resist, she says, so accept it. He asks her to let him go back to Maggie. She refuses. She needs him. What for? he asks. I like you, she says. You're just using me, says Joe.That isn't true, she says, and even if she weren't what she is, she'd still like him--she wants him to try to like her just a little. He refuses. She reminds him that she could force him to like her. He knows that, but she says she'd rather let him decide that for himself. He gets up--it's time for him to leave. SHE will decide when it's time for him to leave, says Ang. He points out the sun will be rising soon. She agrees--you will be waiting for me tomorrow night when I wake up--won't you? He doesn't know. Perhaps this will help him not to forget, she suggests and, her face filled with lust, she approaches him, mouth wide open, her fangs exposed.

Joe sits in his room with a bottle of booze. Maggie knocks, but he doesn't want to answer the door. He reluctantly does, and she sees how terrible he looks. He isn't in shape for talking, he says, and asks her to go home. She demands he tell her what's happening, but he can't. Why? she asks--you aren't making sense. Joe says little has made sense for the past few weeks. She opens the shade, and he begs her to close it, covering his face. He doesn't want the shade up, the sun hurts his eyes. She closes the shade and asks if there's something wrong with his eyes. She wants him to go back to the hospital, but he's in such bad shape, he rubs his unshaven face and can't even pay attention to her. Is there someone else? she asks, another girl? He never thought the time would come she'd ask him something like that, he says, but she persists--is there or not? He swears there isn't. If he's afraid to tell her. . .what's wrong? she begs. He asks her to leave him alone and starts to pour another drink, which she takes away from him. Why did she have to come to him? he asks.I can't go home and just forget you, she protests--your boss called me this morning--he wanted to know if I knew where you were--he couldn't reach you on the phone. She was very upset to hear how many days Joe had missed in the past two weeks--you must go see him. I can't, protests Joe. Maggie says his boss threatened to fire him if he doesn't report to work or at least call him--you would be saving your job, she says. Joe says he can't speak to his boss anymore than he can speak to her--he doesn't know what to say. You won't even call and tell your boss you're sick? asks Maggie. No, says Joe. This really upsets her. "Not as sorry as I am," she says, "not nearly as sorry as I am. Goodbye, Joe." She takes her purse and leaves Joe sitting on his bed, his forehead pressed against one of the four-posters. (This was very, very sad. Ang and Nick suck!)

Maggie has wrapped up Nicholas' painting and has it ready when Willie knocks at her door. He just stopped by to talk to her. She is expecting someone, she says, so she has little time. He asks to come back tomorrow, and his sad demeanor makes her pull him by the hand into the house. They could both use the company, they agree. Willie needs to get him mind off things. He can't explain, things just aren't going the way he'd hoped--he came back, he thought all would be OK, but it's all going wrong--so many weird things at the Old House, sometimes he thinks everyone is going crazy, including Barnabas and Julia. She asks what he means, but before he answers, Nicholas stops by. She introduces Willie to Nicholas, and Willie nervously says he'd better be going--he'll come by tomorrow. She agrees. At the door, Willie says, "A pleasure to meet you, Mr. Blair," as though he doesn't mean it at all. Maggie tells Nicholas she has his painting ready. He asks if that wasn't Barnabas' servant, and she says yes. Nicholas met him once at Collinwood. Maggie wonders why Willie didn't remember him, and he suggests Willie is (touching his head) "an odd one." Maggie chuckles at this description, and says Willie has a tendency to be obscure--he just told her things were going wrong at the Old House. Oh, asks Nicholas, pretending indifference. He asks about the painting. He wants to get it back to his house before dark, and disappoints her by saying he can't stay for coffee. He has company coming at 8, and wants to have the painting on display by then. He grins, big, suggesting she might have a new market for Sam's paintings. She tells him she hopes to find a way to thank him, and he says he should be thanking her--for this, and for the pleasure of her friendship. Now that their business transaction is over with, he asks her to call him Nicholas. She agrees, and grins at him as he kisses her hand and promises to see her again soon. He leaves, hat, gloves and painting clutched in the same hand, and Maggie smiles as she closes the door behind him.

Nicholas and Angelique at home - Ang notes that he's looking at the clock a lot. He has an appointment shortly, he says, and she asks if he needs her help. Not tonight, he says. How are your plans going? she asks--they aren't going badly, are they? (don't you get the feeling that she's delighted at the prospect that things aren't going Nicholas' way?) They aren't progressing as quickly as he'd hoped? He wonders about all this curiosity, but she says she was thinking about the experiment, remembering Lang's tape--they never found out the meaning of the message on the tape--is that the reason why Barnabas' plans aren't progressing? He grins and suggests she tend to her own business and let him worry about it. The clock chimes and he tells her to go to her room. She complains she gets so bored, but he opens the door and ushers her out. Nicholas looks in his magic mirror, "Cast your reflection away from this room, away from this house." He finds Willie sleeping in his room and awakens him. "Tell me what I wish to know." Willie hears a voice and asks who it is. Nicholas orders him to stay where he is, answer his questions and relax. Nicholas questions him about the experiment, and Willie sleepily reveals they've been having problems down at the lab--Barnabas, Julia and Jeff Clark. Nicholas asks what role Barnabas and Julia played in the first experiment, and Willie says Barnabas provided the life force for Adam. What does life force mean, asks Nicholas, but Willie doesn't know--they strapped Barnabas to one table and Adam to the other, then drained all the life force from Barnabas and put it into Adam. That's how Adam came to life, explains Willie from Dreamland.So, Nicholas realizes, they need a life force for the second experiment, but they haven't found anyone yet. No, says Willie. Nicholas sends Willie off to sleep-- when he awakens, he'll remember it as nothing more than a curious dream. [spoiler](Willie is sleeping in the same narrow brass bed in which Catherine and Bramwell will later conceive their child.)[/spoiler]

Nicholas turns away from the mirror, triumphant. So that's how it's done! Draining the life force from someone into the body of the creature. Well, now, that changes the picture entirely, says Nicholas, smiling. Angelique, who has been listening to the entire episode, covers her mouth as though this has huge meaning for her, too!

NOTES: Both Ang and Nick now know a life force is needed, and we can bet they have entirely different ideas of who should serve as that life force--opposing ideas! This battle should prove fascinating.

Maggie has more or less severed her ties with Joe--she tried her best to help him, but he wasn't accepting her help, and now it looks like Angelique has him, at least through their blood bond if no other. He's miserable and still wants Maggie, but it's as if his Ang's lust for him is stronger than his own feelings for Maggie. Pity, too!

Poor Willie, interrupted in his sleep by Nicholas, fishing for information. He got everything he n needed, but then again, Willie never was good at keeping secrets--except for the biggest of all--Barnabas'!

You'd think Nicholas' charm would be enough to entice Maggie away from Joe, but he has to make sure the odds are totally in his favor and knock his competition right out of the ring. I detested watching the breakup of this sweet, genuine pair.


575 - (Alexandra Moltke) - Those who live in the great house of Collinwood are unaware that their collective fate depends upon the success of a strange experiment soon to be conducted in the Old House. Not far from Collinwood, in a house by the sea, a man has just learned of a way to insure the experiment's success. He does not know that a woman has also learned the secret and will try to use it to her own evil advantage.

Angelique joins Nicholas and asks if she can stay with him, for a while. Sure, he says, he wants to speak to her anyway, about his plans and why they weren't moving as rapidly as he wished--he knows more than he did before, as in why her curse on Barnabas failed, and how he survived it.

Angelique is anxious to know, of course, and he explains about Lang's taped message--if the experiment succeeded, Adam would drain Barnabas of his affliction, which is exactly what happened. That's what Barnabas did--he provided the life force. Angelique doesn't understand. In the strictest sense, says Nick, Lang put together a human body, which in itself was incredible, except he needed to imbue that body with the spark of life, which is one thing he couldn't do alone. He found the way to take the life force from a living human being and place it into the inanimate human body he created. The experiment succeeded, Barn was drained of his affliction, rendering him immune to her curse--that's why Barnabas and Adam can't survive without each other. That's incredible, comments Ang. Nick realizes the second experiment has been delayed because they must find someone to be the life force. Nicholas doesn't want them to find just anyone; he's going to provide them with the life force himself. Why? she asks. He still has difficulty controlling Adam at all times, he has a strong mind and willpower, but if he, Nicholas, had been in control of the life force he received, he would be his complete slave now. So that's why you want to provide the mate's life force, asks Ang. Yes, says Nick, if he controls her, he will let her handle Adam--the question is, who shall I choose? Angelique asks what kind of woman he wants. The most evil woman that ever lived, he says, and Ang seems to take that as a compliment to her. Someone like Lucrezia Borgia, says Nick, smiling, deliberately insulting her, but she asks if he doesn't want someone living. The spirit of evil can be made to live again, he says. He could bring Lucrezia back to life, sure, just long enough for the experiment to be completed. She says he seems to have it all worked out. Ms. Borgia isn't exactly what he wants, says Nicholas. She anxiously asks who he DOES want. He suggests the Countess Elizabeth Bathory. Ang, again disappointed, says she was a vile woman, and Nicholas says ambitious, conniving, devious, cunning, decadent-- and beautiful! Angelique says she'll leave him to his little games; she's going to her room--what's happening here has nothing to do with her. It could have everything to do with you, says Nicholas, and you know it--Remember, you, like Barnabas, could benefit from this new experiment-- get rid of YOUR affliction. He grins, knowing she's already thought of that. Why shouldn't I, she asks, I want to be free. Find some other way, he orders. She says if he uses her as the life force, he won't have anything to worry about, to which he retorts, "Angelique, with you, I ALWAYS have something to worry about!" (LOL!)He says she is to have nothing to do with the experiment--is that clear? Yes, she says, floating off, but she pauses in the hall, in the light, looking very pissed indeed.

Old House basement - equipment is blinking reds and greens, the closest we'll ever get to Christmas. Jeff leads Stokes down into the basement and Stokes admits Barnabas didn't know he was coming. Jeff realizes he shouldn't have brought him here. Stokes tells him to relax--he knows about the experiment's "whys" and that Jeff is involved--Julia told him, one of the few things she has in recent months. Looking at his eye in a magnifier, Stokes asks how the electrical stuff functions. Jeff explains they installed a generator. Stokes comments on Julia's wonderful job, and notes that Jeff doesn't sound enthusiastic. It's a matter of life and death, says Stokes, as Jeff comments how disgusting it all is. Stokes looks under the sheet at the body. Truly incredible, he remarks, that on that table an inanimate body will be brought to life. Adam comes downstairs and demands to know what Stokes is doing there. I came to see Barnabas, says Stokes. Adam tells him Barnabas isn't there. Jeff looks at the big guy with horror. Why isn't Barnabas here? asks Adam. Adam recognizes Jeff as Vicki's friend, and Jeff explains Barn and Julia went to Collinsport. And left you alone? asks Adam. Yes. Why isn't Julia here working? demands Adam. Jeff, gazing in amazement at Adam, says HE is conducting this portion of the experiment. He tells Adam he still finds it hard to believe that what Lang put together they actually brought to life--and that he helped him. This news surprises Adam. Jeff says he was his graverobber, and Adam asks him to explain. Jeff, amused, asks if he doesn't know where his parts came from. An angry Adam demands an explanation as Stokes snaps at Jeff that he's said enough--I already told Adam how he came to be. Jeff thinks Adam should know how revolting and disgusting he really is. Adam insists on hearing.Jeff tells Adam he robbed graves, dug up dead bodies, arms, legs, and brought them to Lang, night after night, and Adam is that rotten collection of death. Adam asks Stokes if that's the truth, and Jeff screams that he sure is--he didn't take a nice clean slab of flesh and carve him out of it. Adam looks miserable to hear this. Jeff takes a sharp knife into his hand and says there are lots of ways it can be undone. He attacks Adam with it and they struggle. Adam takes it out of Jeff's hand and holds it on him. "You wanted to kill me? Now YOU will die!" cries Adam. Stokes tells him to stop, but Adam orders him to stay out of it. Julia and Barnabas need Jeff's help, warns Stokes, and if anything happens to Jeff, the experiment may be delayed. This gets through to Adam, who pushes Jeff away from him and down to the floor. Jeff knocks down some stuff with a lot of noise and nearly knocks down a lit candle. Jeff, rubbing his head, says he should thank Stokes. And the latter suggests he remember what's at stake. Yes, I should, agrees Jeff, who grabs his jacket and says he's going to Collinwood, but will be back. Infuriated, Adam asks Stokes what else has to be done here. Stokes doesn't know, but they still have a long way to go. Adam wants Stokes to go to Collinwood and demand that Jeff come back. Stokes tells Adam to be reasonable, and, growing bitter and sad, Adam asks who's been reasonable with him? "Who cares for me? If I died tonight, who would say a kind word for me, cry for me? No one, Professor, no one." Adam looks at the draped body and says that someday soon, a body will come to life who will. "I want her. I need her and I will have her," he says determinedly, and asks if Stokes will go get Jeff or does he have to drag him back? Stokes doesn't answer, but he heads upstairs. (You have to feel sad for Adam, who does have a valid point. And Jeff is simply a doo-doo head.)

At Collinwood, Jeff paces the foyer. Stokes comes in and asks Jeff is he's seen Vicki? We're getting ready to go out, says Jeff, but Stokes tells him what Adam has demanded. Too bad, says Jeff, but he hasn't seen Vicki for days--go back and tell Adam he's done giving Vicki excuses. Stokes tells him he's in no position to make Adam angrier. Jeff promised to come back, but not until after he takes Vicki out. Stokes tells him Adam might be hovering near the house and if he doesn't come back, he and Vicki might be in grave danger. Jeff calls it insanity, but Stokes says the pressure will be off once the experiment is finished. If Adam gets the mate he wants, he'll go away. Jeff says there's no guarantee he'll keep his word, but Stokes feels he will. Jeff asks Stokes what happens if the experiment fails, and Stokes advises they all think in terms of success. That's great, says Jeff sarcastically, except there's one final thing he's forgetting--Lang is the only one who understood the experiment. Dr. Hoffman finished the first one, points out Stokes. Yes, but after Lang set up all the groundwork, replies Jeff--Julia just pulled the right switches. Vicki comes downstairs and warmly greets Stokes, who claims to have come to see Barnabas. Stokes wishes Barn would get a phone, bur Vicki doubts he'll succumb to modern conveniences. Jeff, who has been standing and thinking over what Stokes said, turns when Vicki calls him. He tells Stokes to go along and asks to speak to Vicki. Adam glares in through the window, watching what is to transpire, and Jeff spots him.

When Vicki joins Jeff in the drawing room, Adam hides. Jeff tells Vicki he must cancel tonight, puzzling her. Why did he change his mind? She asks. He says he's tired, shot, but she says he was feeling fine when he came in--you were too busy last night and the night before, she reminds him, wounded. Over Vicki's shoulder, Jeff spots Adam beginning to crawl through the window. I was working, says Jeff quickly, and I'm tired tonight.She asks if something else is wrong; they aren't seeing much of each other. He assures her all is fine, he really loves her, and he kisses her lengthily to prove it. He promises to get lots of sleep tonight--he'll call her in the morning, he loves her, and he gazes at Adam defensively over Vicki's shoulder before he leaves. Vicki looks dejectedly after her departed fiance.

Angelique enters the living room at Blair house, looks for Nicholas. then leaves the house. Jeff checks the body and looks at a clipboard he has in his hand. We see Angelique reflected in a small round mirror above the table (blooper alert). "Good evening," she says to Jeff. Startled, he asks how she got in and who she is. She says her name isn't important, she's here to help with the experiment. She knows he's Jeff Clark from Adam's description; she promised Adam she'd help him when his mate is ready. Jeff says she looks familiar, but she assures himthey've never met. He doesn't understand why no one told him she was supposed to help with the experiment, and he says they'll find out right now.She stares intensely at him and he asks why she's looking at him like that. He seems embarrassed as she reaches out her hand to his neck, then darts forward and puts her special love bite on him!

NOTES: Roger Davis wasn't half bad today, one of his better performances for sure. He seemed more subdued somehow, but Jeff really was a fool insisting on riling up Adam, who doesn't need to be further infuriated. Jeff knows Vicki's life hangs in the balance, so why does he feel compelled to piss the big fella off?

Apparently Nicholas is right--he can't trust Ang and must worry about her constantly. Here she is, ready to "help" with the experiment, which we're sure means she's going to insist on being the life force so she can be human again. We can only imagine the trouble that would ensue if she is successful. She's already bucking Nick's orders as a vampire--and what will become of her plans for Barnabas if her essence is inside a different body?

As always, delightful, wicked banter between Ang and Nick. These two make quite the evil, satanic pair!

Love, Robin

A thousand congrats to MB and Midnite for this DS Forums Board milestone!  May there be thousands more!

I have to confess my powers of observation aren't the best these days, with peri-menopause rearing its ugly head and ruining my already-shaky concentration, so I can't venture a guess as to what you did, but since I'm already a five-star Robservationist with my own title, I don't want to take this opportunity away from someone else, anyway.

Love, Robin  

Spoilage ahead!!!!












Actually, Sky Rumson's death was kinda cool--Barnabas forced him to kill himself.  Sky was holding a gun in his hand, and because he'd been responsible for killing Carolyn's husband, Jeb Hawkes, Barnabas grabbed his hand and forced him to turn the gun on himself and blow his sorry ass away.  Geoffrey Scott was one of DS' worst actors (the double doors leading into Collinwood's drawing room had more talent and less wood), and seeing him go was very satisfying, especially at Barnabas' hands!

Love, Robin  

When did Sabrina die?  Not in RT, so must have been PT.  I can't recall how, though.

Craig Slocum said:

I had some great Kahlua cheesecake at the Anaheim Marriott when I was there for the Fest.  

Yum!  I bet it was delicious, too!  Give me another sombreo, barkeep Bob, to go with that slice of cheesecake!

Love, Robin, in Kahlia heaven. . .

Thank you, Thom!  For years, I've posted Robservations to several DARK SHADOWS lists and on the Sci Fi board, which I can't seem to give up on, even though posts there are few and far between.

When Midnite and the Mysterious Benefactor set up this board, they invited me to post Robservations here, with the added incentive of screen captures to illustrate them.  I was delighted, and have been posting here since the beginning.

On this wonderful board, I'm a five star general, LOL, and the MB says that means I'm "godlike."  Since I sure as hell haven't reached such a lofty place in real life, I'm thrilled to have attained it SOMEWHERE, and consider this board a magnificent showcase for Robservations.

Thanks again, Thom, and tell your friends, LOL!

Love, Robin

!

Adam needs to grow his hair MUCH longer, Bob, and messier, to look like Howie (plus, Adam has better skin)--and would you please make me a nice sombrero, sir, heavy on that Kahlua?  

Love, Robin