521 - In a scene eerily reminiscent of the end of 1796, Roger and Barnabas wait in the foyer, wondering what's taking Julia so long. Roger says Liz hasn't behaved like herself for four days. Barnabas says he should have done something about it then, and Roger says he's aware of it now, but doesn't know what to do. The camera pans on Barnabas' 1795 portrait. Barnabas can't understand Liz thinking herself Naomi, and Roger says she said it before, but Naomi never took poison, she died peacefully. Yes, she did, says Barnabas, staring ashamedly down at his hands. What if Liz dies, frets Roger, he can't think of life without her. Roger starts heading upstairs, but Barnabas discourages him. Roger wonders why Liz was in the tower room, and how Barnabas knew to go up there. Intuition, replies Barnabas evasively. There's a family legend about that place, says Roger--someone was locked away up there, poor devil, years ago, but he doesn't know who. Barnabas' face says HE knows who, only too well. Roger fears Liz is dead, but it can't be true. Barnabas says they'll hope not-and where is Julia?
Barnabas and Roger go into the drawing room. Rog wishes Cassandra were there; she would know why Liz tried to kill herself. "I daresay she would," says Barnabas. Roger knows Barn doesn't like her, but Barn agrees Cassandra has "a positive genius" for knowing people. Julia comes down and assures them Liz will be all right-she was very ill after taking an ancient poison, an herbal death from the 18th century compounded of deadly nightshade. Physically, Liz will be fine, but still thinks she's Naomi and living in the 18th century-she needs treatment, she's mentally ill. She attempted suicide for a reason, and they must find out why or she will try it again.
Julia advises a stay at Windcliff, but Roger refuses to commit his sister. Barnabas agrees with Julia, but Roger coldly says he wants to speak to Liz himself and decide. Julia warns him not to question her or let her know of his concern, but Roger angrily says he can deal with Liz himself. Don't stay too long; Liz needs her rest, advises Julia. Roger leaves. Julia says Cassandra must be responsible for what happened to Liz, given the clue of the 18th century potion. My mother probably took the same, agrees Barnabas. If Cass is still alive, says Julia, why is Trask's skeleton down in the Old House? Barnabas suggests checking with Stokes, he can help them. Barnabas calls the professtor, and Julia says to find out if they can see him tonight.
The phone is picked up at Stokes' house-by Adam, who has no idea what to do with it. Barnabas keeps asking if someone is there, but Adam holds the phone upside-down. He recognizes Barnabas' voice and an angry expression crosses his face.
Barnabas and Julia can hear someone breathing at the other end of the line and Barnabas continues calling for Stokes. Julia is worried something has happened to the professor, and Barnabas hangs up. Adam puts the buzzing receiver down on the table, next to the phone, and kneels in front of some papers he's been working on. Stokes enters and says "Good evening," Adam replies, "Good evening, Professor," very nicely. Stokes says at least Adam doesn't have to listen to lectures from stupid people--I must get a more advanced set of flash cards for you, he tells Adam, then holds them up. "Car. Dish. Clock" says Adam with childish delight. At the word telephone, Adam demands a new card, then easily recites eye, hand, etc. (Give the boy an A!)
Julia and Barnabas speculate on what's happened to Stokes, and Barnabas suggests calling the police. They decide to go to Stokes' home, and take Julia's car.
"Dictionary" says Adam to another of Stokes' flashcards. Adam picks up an unabridged dictionary and recites the alphabet, leaving out "L". Stokes says that isn't a letter he cares much for. Adam finishes, perfectly, and Stokes praises him, calling him perfect. Adam enjoys heading this. Someone rings the doorbell and Stokes asks who is there. Hearing Barnabas, Adam snaps a pencil in half, and Stokes orders the big guy into the back room. Barnabas and Julia wonder why Stokes is taking so long, and Stokes has to order Adam into the other room a second time. Adam keeps the door ajar so he can listen. Stokes admits Julia and Barn, apologizing for taking so long. They explain about trying to telephone, that someone answered. At first, Stokes says it's impossible, then Barnabas shows him the phone off the hook. They heard breathing and worried about him, they explain. Stokes says it must have been his cleaning woman, no one else, and he appreciates their concern. He offers them sherry, and they say they want to talk to him. They think Cassandra has disappeared, and Trask's skeleton is back where it was before the seance. I felt Trask would serve us well, says Stokes, but Barnabas says Liz seems to be under some kind of s pell; she believes herself Naomi Collins from the18th century. If Cass was taken care of by Trask, wouldn't her spells end? Stokes serves sherry, and Barnabas says they need a sign, or they won't rest. Adam listens. Barrnabas walks toward that slightly open door, which Stokes firmly closes. He offers them cheese. They refuse. Julia suggests another seance to reach Trask. Barnabas says no. Stokes reminds them of Angelique's portrait-where is it? Cassandra got it from the Evans' after Sam drew lines on her face. If they find the picture, they'll know the truth.
Perhaps her bedroom, suggests Julia. What if she went away and took it with her? asks Barnabas, and Stokes says they have to find all this out for themselves-tonight.
Collinwood - Barnabas tells Julia to distract Roger while he goes up to Cassandra's bedroom. Roger has been reading a book, and he anxiously rises; he thought it was Cassandra--no news from the cops, and Liz is the same. Barnabas wants to go upstairs and see Liz, and Roger is about to accompany him, but Julia offers a chess challenge, promising no opportunity to think of anyone else. He says he was teaching Cass to play, so he doesn't want to, and Julia inquires about any family of Cassandra's. She never wanted to talk about it, says Roger, and assumed her life was tragic. Roger wants to go upstairs to bed, but Julia detains him-talk about Cassandra--you'll feel better. He seems cool with this.
Barnabas enters Roger and Cassandra's bedroom, looking for the portrait. Why not just hang it on the wall, wonders Barnabas, since Roger liked it and she wouldn't have had to hide it. Did she take it from the frame, roll it up? He checks her closet, but it isn't there. What if Roger comes in, how will he explain being there? He must keep looking, find it tonight.
Roger tells Julia Cassandra hasn't been that happy there--maybe they should have gotten a place of their own. He's been selfish, he's been so settled here, and his wife knew he didn't want to leave. It's hard for someone new to fit in. Julia adds Cassandra had nothing to do, with Liz in charge. Barnabas comes in while they're talking and shakes his head at Julia. Roger says Cassandra did something especially strange, and takes out the portrait Vicki bought. It's faded almost to white! Roger found it in an empty closet, the vibrant colors faded. It looks like someone left it in the sun, and why would Cassandra lock it away? Roger plans to take it to town and see if it can be restored.
A teal blue gloved hand knocks at Collinwood's front door. Barnabas volunteers to answer it. Roger and Julia speculate that it might be the police with news. Barnabas opens the door; standing thee is a handsome, mustachioed man in a bowler hat and teal blue suit, who mistakes Barnabas for Cassandra's husband. "No," says Barnabas, shaking his head (just husband #2). Roger has joined them and introduced himself as Roger, and asks who he is.
"What a pleasure," says the man, "I've been looking forward to meeting you ever since I heard of your marriage. I am Nicholas Blair-Cassandra's brother!" Barnabas and Julia are shocked!
NOTES: Nicholas is, IMHO, one of the very best characters introduced on DARK SHADOWS, and I always reveled in his performances. He is so evil, sexy and fun, and punches up this storyline wonderfully. However, it is also his presence that brings the curtain down on Adam, who turns into a completely different character after Nicholas arrives.
I love Adam's interaction with Stokes. They're having fun together, and Adam loves being praised for his successes. Wonder why he doesn't like the letter L? B I could understand, but L?
What has brought Nicholas Blair, Cassandra's "brother," to Collinwood? Is he a warlock? Since he claims to be her brother, what else could he be? You sense he is going to be trouble for the Collins family!
522 - Just noted Roger's comment to Julia about how active Cassandra can be, and Julia said she sure could. LOL! Again, we see Roger showing Barnabas and Julia Angelique's faded portrait. The two co-conspirators exchange glances as Roger blathers about taking it to be restored and how upset Vicki will be. Also ironic how Nicholas assumes Barnabas is Cassandra's husband, considering Barnabas WAS married to the blonde version of Roger's wife. Enjoyed the stunned-to-the-max expressions on Barn's and Jul's faces at the arrival of Cassandra's brother.
Roger, stunned, invites Nicholas in. He stares at Julia as Roger expresses his "extraordinary" surprise. Roger introduces Nicholas to Barnabas, who reluctantly shakes hands, and Julia. Julia and Barn again exchange expressions of disbelief. Nicholas asks if Cassandra is asleep, he wanted to surprise her. Stalling for time, Roger offers Nicholas a drink. Mr. Blair refuses, claiming that he doesn't have "little" vices. Julia accepts a brandy. Barnabas asks where Mr. Blair is from. Martinique, reveals Blair. Barnabas says he hasn't been there "recently." And remembers it "very well." Yes, says Nicholas pointedly, it's a HARD island to forget. (love the double entendres!) He wishes he lived there now, but is now a "citizen of the world." Nicholas asks Roger not to let Cassandra know he's there, he wants to see her expression when she sees him. Roger says Cass isn't there, and awkwardly admits she has disappeared, gone 24 hours. Nicholas doesn't seem concerned, but Roger says the police are searching. Nicholas seems to find this disturbing, and says someone in the house didn't like his sister. He asks if Julia did, and assumes she didn't. Cassandra isn't well-liked by many women, he reveals. I barely knew her, says Julia. Nicholas then asks Barnabas, seemingly a man who knows his feelings, how HE felt. They stare avidly into each other's faces as he asks if Barn "barely knew" his sister, too. Cassandra follows a pattern, and this has happened before-feeling hostility, Cassandra has walked away from it, a typically feminine act--she will walk back when she feels she can cope with whatever caused her to leave. Roger, expressing doubts that Cassandra will return, offers to allow Nicholas to stay with them. Nicholas assures him nothing has happened to his sister that she hasn't caused herself-nor that cannot be undone (directed to Julia and Barnabas, who stare right back at him).
10 o'clock - Roger says there will be no news of Cassandra tonight, and offers to show Nicholas to his room. He bids good night to Julia and Barnabas, telling the latter he will see him again soon, he's certain. Barn agrees.
After Roger leads Nicholas away, Barn and Julia discuss him. Barnabas tells her Angelique has no blood brother, but a brother devil. He's come to get her, says Julia, and both are sure Nicholas knows what Cassandra is. What will we do? asks Julia. The portrait is faded, as though Ang were dead, says Julia, smiling. Barn asks her to call Stokes and tell him all; perhaps he can help.
Roger leaves the portrait in his room, and tells him he hopes he hasn't gotten the impression anyone in the family had been rude to his sister. The Collins family is settled, moving in on them is difficult. Nicholas says his sister is very young (one of the charming things about her, says Roger), and Nicholas is glad he found a man who appreciates that. They talk about how much the portrait resembles Cassandra, and how weird that a member of the household picked it up in an antique shop. Roger wants her back desperately, which Nicholas doesn't doubt, and hopes she's all right. She'll turn up, they're more than brother and sister, they are great friends, says Nicholas. Cassandra has never mentioned a brother, nor any other family, says Roger, then apologizes.
They're close, says Nicholas, and remarks that the portrait fascinates him. It's a crime it's faded, says Nicholas, and suggests that HE try to restore the portrait--it's a hobby.
Old House - Willie paces back and forth, cradling the rifle. Barn tells him he's going to see Stokes, and orders him to stop walking around with the gun. Willie is afraid with Adam on the loose. Barn doubts he's return here, but Willie doesn't believe that, and plans to be ready for him. Barnabas, on his way out to Julia's car, orders Willie not to harm Adam--they are not to get involved-put the gun away! Willie makes faces and takes the gun into the back, leaving it there. He mocks Barnabas ordering him, "Remember that, remember that!" Willie is putting out the candles when Joe looks through the window at him. Willie isn't happy to hear Haskell is his visitor and retrieves the gun he put away, hiding it under a chair. He demands, through the door, to know what Joe wants to discuss with him, and asks if anything has happened to Maggie. Only this induces him to let Joe into the house. He says Maggie is fine for a woman whose father has just been murdered. Willie claims to know nothing about that., but Joe reminds him Sam was killed by a man named Adam-and Willie knows that man, called him by name when he came into the cottage. Willie denies, that, rubbing the back of his neck. Adam doesn't like Willie, which means he knows him--Joe wants to find Adam, and Willie will help him. Willie refuses, saying Maggie is wrong, but Joe pulls Willie's arm behind him, hurting him, demanding the truth. In agony, Willie says Adam is just a bum he fed a meal to-I don't know why he hates me. "He hates Barnabas, not me!" screams Willie--"Barnabas said he'll never come back here." Joe releases him. Willie grabs the rifle, points it at Joe and orders him to ask Barnabas those questions. Joe tells Willie to tell Barnabas he'll be back, and Willie locks the door after the man, clutching the rifle and looking morose..
Nicholas, in his room, gazes at Angelique's portrait, telling her she's gotten herself into a real mess this time. Where are you, whisper to me where you are if you can, he says--let the wind carry your words, whisper where you are. "Was it Barnabas?" Give me a sign you still exist. He hears eerie music, then asks where he can find her, where shall he start, here in the house? Where Barnabas lives? The eerie music plays again, I guess responding yes.
Willie is down in the basement, complaining about being there giving him the willies as he mixed mortar to fix the brick wall (a stagehand appears on camera). Willie ruminates upon his miserable life; at Windcliff he didn't have to do jobs like this--Barnabas drives off with Julia, leaving him to do the scut work. He hears someone upstairs. Adam? Someone else? Joe Haskell? Willie goes upstairs. Nicholas spots him through the bars in the cellar door and orders him to come out. Twirling an umbrella in his gloved hands, he commands that Willie tell Barnabas he's here, but Willie says Barnabas isn't home. Nicholas orders Willie to show him through the house, hypnotizing him. He knows Willie is good at following orders. He asks Willie if he trusts him completely, he can tell him his name and take his eyes away.
Willie nods and grins, like they're old friends, and says, "Willie Loomis." He will tell him everything he wants to know, will forget what has happened, and won't tell Barnabas he was here. Willie takes out a cigarette, smiling, more than ready to reveal all-sure, Willie knows Cassandra, she and Barnabas fight. That doesn't surprise Nick. Willie has heard Cassandra is a witch. Nicholas' face gets ugly. "How stupid she is," he says. He tells Nicholas they sent a ghost after Cassandra, a ghost from the skeleton in the basement. Nicholas orders Willie to sit in the chair and fall asleep, and not awaken until he leaves. Willie does as commanded. Nicholas goes into the basement as Willie, smiling, drifts off. Nicholas checks out the skeleton. "The Reverend Trask, I presume--where is Angelique? Don't you know I will find out? You can't defeat me. You soon will know, Reverend, if you do not now."
NOTES: Will Nicholas force Trask to release Cassandra to him? Can he defeat the ghostly Trask's power? Probably. He really is one cool dude, isn't he? The way he used Willie, the cat and mouse game he played with Barnabas and Julia. This guy is by far one of the best villains on the show, at least at this juncture. Just like they dumbed down Vicki, they rendered this warlock almost powerless, robbed him of his cojones, which was a shame. He coulda been a contender for the master's position in hell!
Love, Robin
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