I just LOVED Nathan, he was bad, sexy and wicked, the kind of boy Mama warned us against, but once he looks at you, watch out, you're a goner and all Mama's advice is forgotten!

I can understand why Millicent fell for him.  He was a charming rogue, but once he wanted to murder her brother, he switched over to a much more evil man--but he STILL looked amazing in that uniform!

Love, Robin

531 - Barnabas stands over Joe's unconscious form. There's a knock at the door-it's Julia, who asks him if he had anything to do with Joe's current condition (Julia's being kinda mean here, isn't she?). Barnabas tells her that they both are responsible--and fills her in on their son's doings. She checks out Joe--he isn't dead, says Julia, but right now, I'm not certain if he'll live. Barnabas doesn't understand how Joe met Adam but he now knows that Adam is completely out of control and that they must find him. Julia is convinced that Adam is getting help from someone because no one has seen him for a week. That person is probably dead, says Barnabas soberly, and she is forced to agree. She tells Barnabas that Joe needs to go to the hospital. Barnabas tells her that he will have Willie take Joe there-Julia's got another task--find a way to prevent Vicki from having the dream. Julia tells him that she doesn't know if there's anything she can do.Barnabas tells her that she must do something-if I have the dream, I will die and Angelique will have won.

Later, after Barnabas tells him what's been happening, he instructs Willie to take Joe to the hospital in Julia's car. Willie says that it looks to him like Adam is trying to frame Barnabas. Willie doesn't want to help Barnabas even after Barnabas tells him to just do as he is told. Willie says that Maggie likes him and with Joe out of the way he might have a better chance (LOL!). Barnabas doesn't believe a word of this. Willie tells Barnabas that he can prove Maggie wants to see him again. Totally annoyed by Willie's refusal to listen to reason, Barnabas says that he will leave the body where it is and have the police find it-of course, Barnabas will make sure that the police understand that Willie had a good motive to hurt Joe (that's just nasty, Barn, reverting to your old ways!). He gives Willie 10 seconds to make up his mind about what he's going to do.

In her room at the Evans house, Vicki fights sleep.Julia arrives. She tells Julia that she hasn't slept well the past few nights and doesn't think she can hold out much longer. Julia suggests that Vicki spend the night at Windcliff. Vicki tells her that she knows Angelique's powers are terrifying, she can't fight her.

At the Old House, Barnabas returns to find Julia waiting. He tells her that they took Joe to the hospital and that the police seemed to believe their story of finding Joe wandering in the woods. He asks about Vicki; Julia tells him that Vicki has no will power to resist Angelique. Barnabas sighs-I'm not surprised, I've been fighting Angelique for almost two hundred years-perhaps I should give up. Julia suggests that they leave and volunteers to go with him to protect him. (she's so sweet-but rest assured she has ulterior motives.) Barnabas immediately refuses her suggestion and reminds her of the torture that a person who has the dream but is unable to tell it goes through--I would rather stay than do that to Vicki, he insists.

Asleep, Vicki hears the knocks. She tries to ignore them but eventually answers the door. It is Barnabas. Vicki urges Barnabas to go away, but inevitably, he leads her to the room with the doors.She begs Barnabas to help her, not for her sake, but for his. She hears Josette's music and opens the three doors to see: glow-in-the-dark skull, guillotine, skeleton bride. Opening the fourth door, she begins to follow a blazing light to the Old House. Vicki enters the Old House and begins to shriek as she sees Barnabas on the floor with bloody wounds on his neck.NOTES: Barnabas and Vicki are so much alike, aren't they? Both self-sacrificing, each refuses to hurt the other. She is prepared to leave town to save him, he insists she stay so she won't have to suffer the torture of the recurring dream. They remind me of the couple in GIFT OF THE MAGI. Barnabas is all set to give in to Angelique- he's been fighting 200 years (actually, it's a lot less when you subtract his time in the coffin, but that was the end result of the curse she placed on him, too). Julia is all set to go away with him (and hopefully convince him who he really SHOULD love-but Barnabas won't hear of it. Barn and Vicki are so noble, it almost makes one sick-but I'd sure love to have them on my team, if I were battling a witch's curse!


532/533 - 6:00 AM, Evans Cottage - Vicki sits in bed, still trembling after having THE dream. A worried Maggie paces around the living room. Vicki joins her. Maggie explains that she's been up most of the night hunting for Joe--he went to Professor Stokes' house to try to find Adam and she hasn't seen him since. She notices that Vicki doesn't look too happy. Vicki explains that she had the dream, which ended with Barnabas lying on the floor of the Old House, looking like he'd been "attacked by a wild animal"--he was dead! Maggie tries to comfort her with the thought that it was only a dream, and doesn't mean Barnabas is really dead. Despairing, Vicki says he will be, and she'll be responsible because she told him the dream. Maggie's sympathetic, but skeptical that having the dream would actually kill Barnabas. Vicki reminds her how desperate she was to tell the dream to Jeff when she had it, but Maggie seems to have forgotten how terrible it was. Maggie answers the phone. It's Barnabas--Joe has had an accident and is in the hospital. While grabbing her coat and purse, crying, she explains to Vicki that Barnabas and Willie found Joe unconscious in the woods. Too frightened to stay alone, Vicki decides to accompany Maggie to the hospital.

Collinwood, 6:15 - There's a knock on the door. Nicholas, dapperly dressed even at this odd hour, opens it to Barnabas, who dashes in demanding to see Cassandra. Nicholas comments that it's rather early for visiting-- Barnabas replies that he's always kept irregular hours, and he expects Nicholas probably has, too. How did you guess? grins Nicholas. Barnabas pointedly states, I didn't, and insists that Nicholas go wake up Cassandra-I have something urgent to discuss with her.

Collinsport Hospital - Joe lies sleeping, a bandage wrapped around his head (another shot to the skull?). Maggie and Vicki arrive. Maggie is grateful to learn he's all right--the doctor says he has a concussion, but he's going to recover. Joe guesses he owes his life to Barnabas (if only he knew!) The sheriff shows up, explaining he has permission from the doctor to talk to Joe for five minutes to find out what happened.Joe describes finding Adam at Stokes', Adam running away, Joe cornering him in the woods, and Adam with his unbelievable strength taking the rifle away from Joe and hitting him over the head. Joe is exhausted. The sheriff departs after assuring Maggie that if Stokes doesn't give him some answers, he'll be in bad trouble.

Barnabas is still waiting in the foyer when Nicholas escorts Cassangelique downstairs. She wonders whether they couldn't talk at a more normal time of day, but admits he's aroused her curiosity (and what else?) She and Barnabas go into the drawing room, where Barnabas tells her he's almost reached the end, and he's willing to admit she's won again. She goes through her perpetual routine of "I don't understand, my name isn't Angelique, I'm not pretending," then accuses HIM of spouting nonsense and turns to go back up to bed. He says if she leaves, she'll regret it--he's going to say something she's wanted to hear for a long time. She probably knows Vicki has had the dream, but she doesn't realize that her strength of character and feelings for Barnabas won't allow her to tell him--she'll just continue suffering day and night, and he won't allow it. "I am willing to submit to you. It is I you have always wanted. You may have me. I give you my solemn word that I will always try to be what I was to you in the beginning in Martinique. If you stop Vicki's suffering, I will do everything in my power to love you and to be faithful to you for all time." She turns away, probably not daring to hope he means what he said. When you've reached a decision, he says, you can find me at the Old House.He leaves the room. Cassangelique slowly turns back around, her eyes bright with tears and a happy/sad grin on her face. "Could you ever really love me, Barnabas? I wish I could believe that. You don't know how much I wish I could believe that!"

Birds sing outside as Maggie enters the front door of Collinwood to check out the foyer and drawing room, checking around. She assures Vicki, who is lurking outside, that it's safe to come in. Vicki says she's just going to go up to her room, but Maggie's reluctant to leave her alone in such a terrified state. Vicki already feels guilty for taking Maggie away from Joe this long. Nicholas shows up with cheery greetings for Vicki, who just flees upstairs with her suitcase. He asks Maggie what's the matter with Vicki, and Maggie replies Vicki's not herself. Nicholas begins staring Maggie up and down, liking what he sees very much.  He introduces himself. She reciprocates, and he comments that Maggie is far more beautiful that he could ever have imagined. (LOL, Barn and Nick like the same chick!)He continues to stare at her as he says he hopes the will become friends. She assures him they will be if he indulges in that kind of flattery. She excuses herself to go back to the hospital to see her fianc?. Nicholas smoothly feigns horror that he has delayed her--the only remedy is that she let him drive her to the hospital in his car--and he absolutely won't take no for an answer! He barely manages to keep the lust out of his gaze as they exit.

Maggie arrives back at the hospital to see the sheriff once again leaving Joe's room. He tells her that Stokes corroborated Joe's story, but claimed that he didn't know Adam--he just felt sorry for him and gave him some food, that's all. Patterson doesn't believe it but can't prove otherwise. He wants to find Adam--and whoever has been protecting him.

Cassangelique is gazing at Barnabas' portrait when Nicholas comes in from a generic drive. He's surprised that Cassangelique hasn't been working on forcing Vicki to tell the dream to Barnabas. Eyes glowing with bliss, she tells him it's not necessary--she's won after all these years!--Barnabas has promised to love her and be faithful to her! Exceedingly pissed off, Nicholas reminds her that he helped her return for one reason--to get revenge. He's disgusted that she's "cooing at the first sound of a long-lost love". You've got a job to do, he says, and an alliance between you and Barnabas is out of the question-you're going to see this through to the end-- is that quite clear?Yes, quite, she replies, barely hiding her resentment and disappointment. Have a chat with Vicki, the warlock orders the witch. At this inopportune moment, Vicki comes downstairs. Cassangelique asks Vicki how she's feeling. I think you know the answer to that, replies Vicki bluntly. Ignoring the other woman's tone, Cassangelique tells her that Barnabas was there earlier looking for Vicki. "You're a liar!" cries Vicki-"and evil, and selfish and wicked!" (go, Vicki!) "How dare you talk to me like that? exclaims Cassangelique. Your plan isn't going to work, says Vicki viciously-I'll never tell Barnabas the dream-I'll die first! She stalks off. Nicholas comes out from eavesdropping in the drawing room proclaiming that he rather likes Vicki. Cassangelique tells him that Barnabas warned her Vicki would react this way--her willpower is too great--she won't go to Barnabas. Nicholas has a simple solution--they'll bring Barnabas to Vicki. He orders Cassangelique to sit down at the desk, then hands her a pen. You're going to write Barnabas a note, he says gleefully--written in Victoria Winters' handwriting. The witch lowers the pen to the paper and begins to write.

NOTES: You have to feel kind of sorry for Angelique. All she seems to want is Barnabas' love, whether given freely or under duress. She is ready to chuck her entire Dream Curse plan out the window because he offered himself to her like some two-bit whore. It makes you wonder who really wants this to happen-Angelique herself or darker powers that are forcing her to do it. Nicholas was sent to keep her forging ahead, to make her plan a success, and he's not going to let her deviate from it. You have to be amazed at the depth of Barnabas' feelings for Vicki-he's willing to tie himself to a woman he loathes at this point in the story to make her end the Dream Curse and free Vicki from its torment.

Everyone's lying to the sheriff, including Stokes, Barnabas and Willie, but I suppose revealing the truth about Adam would stir up more problems than it solves. I'm glad Joe is OK, but one senses Nicholas' lusty interest and I suspect he is going to want to get the luscious Miss Evans for himself-which can bode nothing but ill for Joe.

Love, Robin

Great question!

My favorite vampire movie is probably SALEM's LOT.  I read the book, which terrified me (I was afraid to look out my windows just in case a vampire was hovering there, calling to me to be let in), so when they made a movie, I was very excited about it.  While SALEM'S LOT wasn't a theatrical flick, I still enjoyed it and found it creepy.  And they brought the child floating outside his brother's window so effectively, I had nightmares!  

I also like the original version of DRACULA.  

Love, Robin

I love the dialogue between Nicholas and Cassangelique.  They both appear to be Satan's minions, but Nick is either ranked higher or has pleased the Master more than Ang has.  Watching the two of them bicker is a joy.  I get the impression that they are in competition with each other, and Angelique's mission is to reinstate Barnabas' vampire curse while Nicholas, while mission-less right now, will also be searching for a way to please the Master MORE than Angelique will.

In a way, they are like brother and sister, but I have a feeling that, when they were in the coven together, they were intimate and equally competitive.

Love, Robin

527 - What a coincidence that you were walking in the woods, Nicholas says to Jeff. I was looking for Vicki, says Jeff defiantly, and I don't believe she was sleepwalking. Nicholas is delighted the evening ended so well-Vicki and Cassandra both safely back. He proudly shows them that the painting is completely restored, which shocks everyone.  Jeff is perplexed, and before leaving, Nicholas tells him he'll find that the more interesting things in life are the most unexplainable.

Vicki wishes she had never bought that painting, it's brought nothing but bad happenings into the household. Nicholas knows you weren't sleepwalking, insists Jeff, and tells her about the button. I can't remember anything, she says, upset. Jeff is sure Cassandra and Blair possess similar powers, and perhaps Nicholas is stronger. They are both frustrated by their respective losses of memory, and Jeff expresses concern that if she learns he isn't Peter Bradford, she won't love him. She assures him she will, no matter who he is (but let's face it, the edge goes to Bradford).

Drawing room, Collinwood - Nicholas is very pleased with the denouement to this evening, and feels he's now free to leave, and to let Cassandra make more errors. Jeff bursts in and warns Blair to keep away from Vicki. I don't know what you're talking about, insists Nicholas. You're missing a button, says Jeff-and Vicki was carrying it.Really? asks Nick coolly-I must thank her for it-I was out walking earlier, and it IS possible to lose a button, you know. Jeff gives Nicholas a warning glance-Vicki will regain her memory, he tells the warlock, and when she does, he, Peter, will do what's necessary. (Ballsy, isn't he?)

Stokes' home - Stokes shows Adam the dictionary, which is filled with so many words. It must have been quite daunting to the poor fellow, trying to learn words one at a time, to see how incredibly many there are, and Adam is glum. Stokes, however, thinks his pupil is doing very well.Stokes plays psychiatrist, asking Adam about his earliest memories. Adam is reluctant to discuss them, but Stokes urges him to do so-it will help if he talks about it. "Barnabas," says Adam. "Bed like table. Straps." Fascinated, Stokes asks when this happened. Adam replies, "I open eyes, I see Barnabas." Stokes asks what else he remembers. "Dr. Hoffman-hurt Adam!" the big guy says. In the Old House? Queries the professor. Gesticulating wildly, Adam says, "Ride. . .car. . .house. . .Willie live there. . .room. . .chains. . .chained to wall. . .Willie, bad! Adam tear chain. . .run. . .grab Willie!" Stokes requests more details--what did Barnabas do? Nearly crying, Adam answers, "Barnabas hurt Adam!" The doorbell rings, and Stokes encourages Adam to remember why he was chained, then sends him to the bedroom. It's Vicki and Jeff, arrived for his little herb "trip." Stokes suggests that Vicki go so she won't distract Jeff, and she does so. Stokes asks Jeff to sit down and begins hypnotizing him. Who were you before you were Jeff Clark? He asks. I was lost, replies Jeff, it was raining. Dr. Lang gave him food, but he despised him-he made me do horrible things. Intrigued, Stokes asks more questions. Lang thought himself God, says Jeff, he planned to make a human being and use my face!-I didn't want to help Lang, but he told me I was a murderer-I now know I'm not.Stokes asks about Barnabas and Julia's participation, but Jeff has no knowledge of that. If you saw Lang's creation, would you recognize it? Stokes asks. I would, says Jeff. Stokes retrieves Adam from the bedroom and asks Jeff is this is the man Lang was trying to bring to life. Jeff goes to Adam, who recoils, afraid. Stokes reassures him it's all right. Jeff looks over Adam's arm and screams, "Yes! He's alive!" Stokes sends Adam back into the bedroom and tries to calm down Jeff, who is very agitated, fearful that Lang created HIM as well. Stokes brings him out of the hypnosis, telling him he will remember nothing of this. Jeff awakens, eager to hear the results, but when he questions Stokes, the professor is silent.

Drawing room, Collinwood - Vicki answers the door to find Stokes, but not Jeff, and she's immediately bent out of shape. I need to see Julia, says Stokes urgently. She went to town with Cassandra, says Julia (why, I wonder)? Stokes is shocked to hear of the witch's reappearance. Nicholas joins them and Vicki makes introductions. We've met before, says Stokes, at the antique shop in the village-you were selling a painting, Mrs. Blair, says Stokes-the same portrait you bought, Miss Winters- quite a coincidence. Nicholas laughs, assuring them he's never been in Collinsport before, and excuses himself and leaves. Where is the painting? demands Stokes. In my room, says Vicki. Is the painting restored? asks the professor. She nods-yes. You must leave Collinwood immediately, he says, unless you do, you will have the dream. Cassandra will find some way of forcing you to have it, despite Sam Evans' death, and if you do, Barnabas Collins will be your beckoner, you will tell him the dream, and he will die. You MUST leave this very night."NOTES: Stokes barely knows all the people involved in this little drama, yet he's right here, ordering Vicki away, protecting Barnabas, fathering Adam, being an all around good guy. Of course, you know he's fascinated and intrigued by all this, by the trappings of the supernatural he sees here, but he seems to really give a damn about all of them, too. He's a nice guy, and putting himself in danger for strangers. He hears what Barnabas and his friends did to Adam and wants to hear more-but surely he must think Barnabas a cruel person for making Adam so afraid. Loved the way Stokes used Jeff to learn more about Adam, and how cleverly, but he didn't even help Jeff figure out his own identity, which is why Jeff was there. Questionable moral ground.

Julia was out with Cassandra? Hopefully spying on her. What other reason does she have, now that she knows the truth about her?


528 - In the drawing room, Jeff and Vicki argue over whether she should leave Collinwood. He wants her to stay because the dream is no big deal. She says it's a curse, and Stokes believes she will be the one to bring the dream to Barnabas. Jeff says Stokes isn't infallible-- after all, he sure didn't help him!He whines that he still doesn't know who he is, and even though he's taking his frustrations out on her, he needs Vicki to be with him. (oh, get a grip!) He also doesn't like the idea because Vicki's doing it for Barnabas. Then Jeff has an brainstorm-- Vicki can just tell Cassandra that she's going to Boston, but in reality, she can stay at the cottage with Maggie. That way, he can still see her. They start to kiss but are interrupted by Cassandra, who has come looking for David. Vicki uses the opportunity to tell Cassandra that she has to go away for a week and must leave immediately. Cassandra says that's impossible, because David's schooling has been far too casual as it is. Apologizing for the short notice, Vicki insists she must leave tonight, but Cassandra says the timing couldn't be worse, and if she leaves, she might not have a job to come back to.

Gazebo - Nicholas waits, complaining to himself that Cassandra has been wasting too much time--it's time they had a chat. Touching his temples, he issues a command for Cassandra to come to the gazebo, NOW.Hesitating a moment in bitching at Vicki, Cassandra quickly excuses herself, abruptly leaving a confused Vicki and Jeff.

Cassandra arrives at the gazebo and informs Nicholas he's interrupted something important--she was trying to keep Vicki from leaving so she can have the dream. He moans that she's wasted too much time on Barnabas, calling her "some commonplace suburban housewife with little human worries."-why hasn't she yet made him the way he was before? Don't start with me again! she warns, and he grabs her wrist and orders her not to speak to him that way. You're hurting me! she protests. I'm not Roger Collins, he retorts, and you must remember the reason behind your return. She admits she's only here now because of what he did to bring her back. He chastises her for the length of time she's spent on the dream curse-I think you like it here, he accuses, and you want to tease and scare Barnabas. She says it's not her fault that Sam died, and he scoffs that she has let a little thing like death stop her. Cassandra assures him Vicki will have the dream tonight if she stays at Collinwood, but she needs his help. Impatient with this "tawdry affair," wondering why he should assist her in something as trivial as stopping Vicki from leaving, he accuses her of being in love with Barnabas, which she denies. He finally agrees to help her, if only to put an end to the delays. She gives him a potion that will make Vicki fall asleep and have the dream. He says he's too talented to be drugging drinks and calls her unimaginative. He'll do it to get this over with, but he'll never forget how incompetent she has become... and "never", for them, is a very looonnng time!

Later, Nicholas is playing with the vial of potion in the drawing room. He spots Vicki coming down the stairs with her luggage and asks if she's going on a holiday.  In a way, she replies. He tells her she deserves it and insists they have a bon voyage drink. As he mixes the potion in with her sherry, he recommends vacationing in the winter, adding that he's allergic to the cold. (Satan's minion would be!) She answers that she likes winters because they are peaceful (and her birth month, right?) Whatever. He offers a toast, "Cheers!", but before either of them take a sip, there's a knock at the door. It's Jeff, and Vicki says she's all ready to leave. Nicholas protests that she hasn't touched her drink, and invites Jeff to join them. Jeff thanks him but says they don't have the time. Some other time, promises Vicki. Nicholas tells her to have a pleasant trip, and they rush out, leaving him standing alone with the two glasses of sherry. Noticing Cassandra coming down the stairs, he teasingly offers her the drink, adding that it would be only justice if SHE had the dream. Cassandra accuses him of not even trying, and he reminds her that drugging drinks is not his style-"I felt like an apprentice." She should have handled this herself, and asks, slyly, if it's occurred to her that she could be losing her powers. You're playing games with me, she accuses.He tells her she'd better find out where Vicki has gone, or else--can you do that much-because, if you can't, I wouldn't be you for anything in this world? He leaves. Cassandra sits determinedly before the fire and asks it to show her Vicki's location. The Evans cottage appears in the flames, and she is happy.

Evans cottage, spare bedroom, 11:00 PM - Vicki lies in bed, gabbing with Maggie, who hates living alone here now, and regrets every harsh word and she Pop ever exchanged. Vicki sympathizes and thanks Maggie for letting her stay at the cottage. Maggie asks if Vicki and Jeff are having problems, and Vicki explains she just had to get away from Collinwood for a few days. Vicki asks her why she and Joe haven't gotten married yet, given how good things seem between them. I don't know, says Maggie, disturbed.Maggie changes the subject by deciding it's time for bed and tells Vicki to have pleasant dreams. Vicki wonders why Maggie said that, then realizes Maggie meant nothing by it and explains that she's just tired. Joe and I will probably get married soon, says Maggie-it's what my father wanted. I'll give you a shower, offers Vicki, and Maggie, pleased at the idea, turns out the light, says goodnight and leaves.

Vicki closes her eyes and sleeps. It's 11:05, 11:30, midnight. Out of the dark shadows of the room, Angelique suddenly materializes. Indicating a large blue bottle she has brought with her, she gives Vicki instructions-when you awaken, you will use this rosewater as a perfume-you will fall asleep again and have the dream. Remember...remember... Just then, Maggie comes in, calling for Vicki. Spotting Angelique, she screams. Vicki awakens just as Angelique disappears.

NOTES: Using the old rosewater trick, eh, Ang? Worked so well with Josette, why not use it again? You really do need a new repertoire, my dear!

Some of the best dialogue between Cassangelique and Nicholas. I love it when he complains about her asking him to put potions in drinks-it makes him feel like an apprentice? These two together are a riot, and their crackling, nasty dialogue, especially his threats, are absolutely delicious.

Jeff is a whiner. He really does seem different from Peter, and his jealousy of Barnabas is annoying. Vicki clearly cares about him, but he doesn't believe it. I don't believe it, either!

Love, Robin

This is a wonderful idea, Midnite!  And may I wish a happy Father's Day (and birthday) to my husband and all other Daddies on the list and relate to thos on the list!

1960s & 70s:
Roger - Was a terrible father at first, worthy of a bleeder valve removal, but he improved with time, fortunately.

Sam - Although an alcoholic, Sam raised Maggie from childhood after her mother's death, and she is not only a good, strong woman but a loving daughter, too.  Sam did a great job despite his own problems.

Richard Garner - Seemed like a wonderful father, and Frank was certainly a chip off the old block.  Vicki could have done worse--and did!

Dr. Lang (LOL) - Adam would have written DADDY DEAREST ABOUT HIM--and Barnabas--when he knew enough words!

Paul Stoddard - A terrible father, basically selling his own child to the Leviathans and letting Liz think she killed him all these years.  He tried hard when he came back, but he's still an SOB in my book--yet Carolyn mourned his death.

Philip Todd - Not bad, considering he was foster father to a group of terror tots--and let's face it, Jeb was just plain BAD!  But I liked Philip, and I think he'd have done a great job if he and Megan started from scratch with their own offspring.

1795:

Joshua - Too little, too late.  He loved his kids but didn't show it until it was too late.  Very sad man with kids who felt unloved.

Reverend Trask - He'd have planted the seed and gone on his merry way--horrible man, awful father!  Yet Lamar wanted to avenge his disappearance!

Andre duPres - Loving if mostly absent father.  Very practical man who seemed to feel love was rather silly.


1897:

Quentin - Loving but neglectful.  Too obsessive about Jamison.

Edward Collins - Meant well, but too formal and fussy--not enough fun.

1970 P.T.:

Quentin Collins - Eh.  Didn't much like this version of Quentin, too loud and unreasonable--and those clothes!!

Timothy Stokes - Sicko.  God knows what he did with Angelique, his step-daughter!

1840:

Daniel Collins - He murdered his wife--how good a father could he have been?

Quentin Collins - He hit his wife when she said he wasn't Tad's father, and he seemed to love his son desperately.  

Gabriel Collins - Another sicko, probably glad his kids were away at boarding school so he didn't have to see them--and I always wondered how he was able to father them, given his original, real injury.

Ben Stokes - a sweetheart adored by his granddaughter and probably his kids, too.

Mordecai Grimes - Meant well, but loud and obnoxious.  

1841 P.T.:

Justin Collins - Hard to tell, since we only see him after he's been in the lottery room, but Melanie adored him and so did his wife, so he was undoubtedly a good man.

Bramwell Collins -  He'd have been a wonderful father, I suspect, and would have given Catherine a nice big brood of babies.

Love, Robin

523 - Nicholas raises his hands, commanding Trask to come back from the grave and appear before him as he really is-now! Trask demands to know who summons him. Nicholas won't tell him, but insists he appear. The hole in the alcove is filled with the seemingly alive body of Rev. Trask, looking none too happy.

Trask, free of the wall, demands to know who disturbs his rest. Nicholas tells him he's disturbed his plan and one bad turn deserves another. You will obey me, insists Nick, as there is no rest for the wicked. Nicholas laughs at him when he calls himself a man of God, and says, in his time, he was the greatest of fools, a bigot, fraud, intolerant, cruel and unjust-a man after Nick's own heart. Trask calls Nick the devil himself, come to tempt him, or at least in league with him, but he WONT be tempted! Nick says he has no choice.Trask says he can return to his grave, but Nick tells him only when he says so. "I've spent my life resisting Satan!" cries the Rev. You only thought you did, Blair counters. Trask insists he served only the Almighty, and tries to cast Nick back into hell. "Begone!" shouts Trask, eliciting applause from Nick-totally ineffective-I give the orders, insists Nicholas--where is the witch? Trask refuses to respond, saying she has lost her battle with the Almighty and is beyond redemption--the forces of evil have been drawn out of her and destroyed forever. Nicholas realizes Trask performed an exorcism, which the latter says cannot be undone. Nicholas says I will be the judge of that. Trask refuses to tell him where it happened. Nicholas hears fear in the Reverend's voice-you're afraid I can successfully bring her back! Trask refuses to lift a finger to help a minion of the devil, but Nicholas says he'll allow him back to his grave to rest in peace only if he cooperates with him--Trask is his prisoner, and he can see to it he never finds peace, to walk the earth in the agony of loneliness for the rest of time. Trask says he has a weapon and thrusts a cross in Nick's face. Nicholas cowers, hiding his face, and Trask exults in the warlock's helplessness. Trask laughs and disappears. Nicholas, raising his gloved fist, promises, "You haven't seen the last of me, Trask, and you have helped me, because now I know that an exorcism has been performed, and that is the beginning. I will find my Cassandra, and bring her back!" The skeleton has disappeared from the alcove.

Nicholas returns to Collinwood, gazing hatefully at Barnabas' portrait, peeling off his gloves. Carolyn sits in the drawing room; he greets her cordially. She greets him icily. She refuses to call him Nicholas because she doesn't know him well enough, despite the being related by marriage. Carolyn tells him they're an old New England family, and dislike instant informality. (is that why Carolyn calls Liz "Mother" and David calls Roger "Father"?) He sits beside her and she points out they might not be related that much longer, given Cassandra's disappearance--if she doesn't return home soon, with a good explanation, Uncle Roger will annul the marriage. Being delightfully frank, Carolyn says she doesn't like Cassandra and doesn't want her to come back. She won't discuss it further with him, but he persists-Cassandra is his sister and he is concerned. Carolyn says if he's so anxious to hold a seminar on why Cassandra has alienated the entire family, he should consult lawyer Tony Peterson, who was giving his sister a lot more than legal advice- and they all knew it--a married woman who conducts business with her lawyer in the garden under a full moon is being a bit indiscreet. Nicholas asks if she's implying Tony and Cassandra were "lovers?" (I love the way he says that!) She thinks they still are and that's why Cass disappeared.She needs no proof, she had Tony wrapped around her little finger and couldn't resist doing anything she asked. Nick says Carolyn makes it sound like Cassandra wielded a mystical power over a grown man. Carolyn concurs-Tony was never the same after he met her. Nicholas says there is no proof, and he will look into this matter--Carolyn has made a serious charge, and he will either prove or disprove it, by going to see Mr. Peterson. Vicki comes in, calling to Carolyn, "When are we going to Windcliff?" Carolyn introduces Nicholas to Vicki, who smiles until she hears he's Cass' brother. Vicki can't hide her astonishment, which Nicholas notes. She didn't know Cassandra had family, and while most people do. . . Nicholas excuses himself and leaves. Vicki is distracted, she wondered if they could see Liz later in the afternoon. Vicki seems almost on the verge of fainting, and tells Carolyn she can't understand Cass having a brother here and now. Carolyn comments that if Lucretzia Borgia could have a brother, so could Cassandra. Vicki ironically remarks on what an interesting comparison that is, and Carolyn looks at her oddly.

Tony Peterson is working on legal briefs when he gets a visit from Nicholas Blair, who obviously notes the Trask resemblance. Nicholas introduces himself as an attorney, with something important to discuss. Tony lets him in, noting Mr. Blair doesn't work locally. He's from Boston, says Nick, and they're suing the Collinses. Tony said he finished prosecuting a similar suit, but lost, because of the power in the Collins family. Nicholas comments that his corporation (Satan, Inc.?) has plenty of power of its own, and takes out a gold cigarette case and offers him one.He shines the jewel inside it on Tony's face, hypnotizing him with its intoxicating effect. Tony feels weak on his feet, so Nicholas has him sit down, then, when he's fully hypnotized, comments on his resemblance to Trask, which must have amused Cassandra. He asks Tony to tell him about Cassandra. "I love her." says Tony, making Nicholas chuckle over Cass' tactic. He hasn't seen her in several days, he tells Nicholas, apparently unaware of where she is. Nick orders Tony to concentrate very hard and tell him the first image that comes to him. Tony sees something forming, a large tree, but he doesn't know where it is. He sees ropes around it, but it unable to tell Nicholas the exact location of the tree before the image fades away. Nicholas is frustrated; there are so many trees, how can he know which one? He thanks Tony, tells him to close his eyes and sleep. He will awake after he leaves and resume his work as if it never happened. "Good night, Mr. Peterson," says Nicholas, snapping shut the cigarette case and leaving. Tony picks up a cigarette and pops it into his mouth, returning to his briefs.

Vicki wanders the drawing room, thinking of Nicholas Blair. Who is he? She hears a knock at the door and finds Jeff waiting there. He hugs her and she's thrilled to see him. He's not in a good mood. He went to Portsmouth and found a big dead end there. Three weeks of day and night investigation, he still doesn't know who he is. She holds him, trying to comfort him. He visited hospitals, spoke with doctors, cops, nurses, and got nothing.  He was found there, Vicki reminds him, wandering the docks, without ID.He doesn't even know how he got the name Jeff Clark, unless Lang gave it to him in the sanitarium. Jeff is angry that he knows nothing about himself, or if he had a life before Portsmouth, or an existence. She touches his shoulder and he apologizes. He wishes there were some hopeful evidence, but he came back empty-handed. He doesn't know where to go from here, or what to do. He exists here and now, and for her, she reminds him, they should forget the past. He caresses her face and she urges him to concentrate on them, present and future. He's grateful for this, and kisses her hard, then holds her close. He has a gift for her, and goes out to the car to get it. Vicki seems really happy, like a girl in love. Trask appears, making Vicki scream. He warns her to beware of the devil, he is being harbored in this very house, walks among them. Jeff returns and, seemingly without thinking, calls out, Trask, leave her alone! She's innocent." He lunges for him, but Trask disappears, and Jeff grabs his head. Vicki says that proves it, he saw Trask, too-he's Peter Bradford!

NOTES: Except for Wicked Nick, these episodes were blah, although I loved Carolyn's denouncement of Cassandra to Blair, as well as the confrontation between Nicholas and Trask, which was fun to watch.


524 - Jeff clutches his head, in obvious pain. Vicki, glowing with joy and apparently oblivious to his agony, goes on about how Jeff MUST be Peter Bradford, since he recognized Trask's ghost! Jeff recovers a bit, then says he doesn't remember anything about what just happened. Vicki, glow undiminished, says it doesn't matter--she saw it happen, and the fact that he recognized Trask PROVES that Jeff is Peter Bradford! She goes on and on about it, and finally Jeff loses his patience and snaps at her. He doesn't want to talk about it and she should just leave it alone! Stung, Vicki retreats to the fireplace seat as Jeff pours himself a drink. Shakily, he takes a large gulp.He calms himself down and apologizes to Vicki. She tentatively suggests that perhaps Jeff could have Professor Stokes hypnotize and ask him questions about his past--perhaps that's the key! Jeff grows short-tempered again and refuses to be hypnotized. Vicki asks him if perhaps he's afraid to learn about his past, and Jeff finally confesses that he is afraid Professor Stokes might prove he is Peter Bradford, because that would make him a ghost, an idea that totally terrifies him and which he calls monstrous. Before they can talk further, there's a knock at the door. Jeff answers; it's Joe Haskell, here to pick up Maggie and take her back to the cottage. Jeff stares at Joe with obvious dislike. Realizing that everyone has noticed his rudeness, Jeff makes some weak apology, saying he has a headache.He offers to pick up his things from Maggie's, saying that it's not right for him to stay there now that Sam is gone. Maggie assures him that he can wait till morning. Jeff finds himself staring at Joe again (looks like Lt. Forbes, doesn't he?), then finally excuses himself-he's tired and needs to sit down in the drawing room. Maggie, Joe, and Vicki exchange puzzled glances. Maggie and Joe leave.

When Vicki comes into the drawing room, Jeff is standing at an open window, gazing out into the darkness. Vicki asks him why he looked at Joe that way, as if he suddenly disliked him. Jeff gets pissy again--Didn't you hear me say I had a headache? Vicki, not knowing when to shut up, begins in again about the hypnosis, asking Jeff to at least think about it overnight. Jeff loses his temper again--he won't change his mind-he'll feel tomorrow exactly the way he feels tonight about it!

Maggie and Joe arrive at the cottage. It's her first time back since Sam died. Maggie comments absently that she doesn't remember leaving that lamp on. As she looks around, she tells Joe that she's decided to keep it exactly the way it is now, with all of her father's work around.Joe doesn't think that's the greatest idea, but Maggie says it will be a comfort. As they talk, they notice that some stools are knocked over--they weren't like that when Sam was taken to the hospital. (hadn't there been a struggle?) Who has been in the house? they wonder. Joe says he can think of one person clumsy enough to knock over furniture without picking it up--Adam! Maggie, looking down, says that if it was Adam, he wasn't here alone. She bends down and picks up a man's stick pin lying on the rug--it has an S monogram engraved on it. Maggie says she recognizes the pin -- it belongs to Professor Stokes! They both wonder what in the world he could have been doing at the empty cottage. Jeff comes back. He apologizes to Joe for his rude behavior at Collinwood, then abruptly goes off to bed--he's tired. Joe and Maggie look at each other-what's gotten into Jeff?

Joe, worried about what might have happened in the cottage while Maggie was gone, offers to spend the night on the couch-he'll feel better if stays. Maggie finally agrees to let him stay.

1:50 - Jeff lies in nightmare-troubled sleep, dreaming about 1795--he is in a jail cell as Vicki is brought in. What happened? he asks her -- I thought you had gotten away safely. It was Lt. Forbes, Vicki explains--there was a reward for me, and I guess he needed the money. I'll kill him, Jeff vows. No, says Vicki-there's been too much killing already. Determined, Jeff repeats his vow to kill Nathan Forbes. Jeff, in his bed, mutters "Forbes, where are you?-I'll kill you." Tossing and turning, he drifts off into another dream in which, he confronts Nathan Forbes with a gun. After a heated discussion, he finally fires at point blank range. Nathan does not fall, but merely laughs and laughs. Jeff/Peter looks on in amazement, wondering why the shot failed to kill Nathan. Forbes just laughs some more. You can't kill me, he finally explains- I'm already dead! Jeff, in his bed, again cries out. Joe, asleep on the sofa, hears him and rushes into Jeff's room to see what's wrong. He shakes Jeff awake.Jeff opens his eyes, takes one look at Joe, then scream out. "Forbes, I'll kill you!" Leaping out of bed, he begins strangling Joe!

NOTES: More evidence piles up that Jeff is Peter and vice versa. Too many dreams, too many facts. How did he get back, though, if he isn't a ghost, and he doesn't appear to be?

Adam didn't leave that stickpin on the floor, but Stokes did. Will Maggie and Joe put it all together and figure out who their visitor(s) were?

Frankly, I don't think Jeff much resembles Peter, except in face. Don't they seem like two different people, with Jeff a real crab compared to the gentler Peter?

Love, Robin