Well, it's happened! The episodes leading up to this one have hinted at it, have led us along, making us wonder, then the previous episode gave us no doubt, Dave Woodard would die. What a tragedy!
A good man trying to do the right thing met his end because he knew too much.
The opening voice-over said something to the effect that there was no hope of returning to the light since they had gone too far in to darkness. In some ways this was a true prediction. After Dr. Woodard's death Barnabas and Julia, and others in and out of the Collins' family would do things that they didn't want discovered.
You get the idea that Dr. Woodard might have a chance to still remain alive as Julia desperately tries to persuade him to go along with them. But noble Dave refused! Even facing death he didn't back down, which is quite admirable!
Dr. Woodard is taunting Barnabas, saying how evil he is, which angers Barnabas. But after all, Dave knows death is almost certain, so what does he have to lose?
Even though Julia couldn't inject Dave with the medicine that would kill him, she is still partially to blame for his death. Her eagerness and ambition should never have brought her to this point.
Barnabas is never so despicable than at this moment! He had no mercy, no compassion, just an overwhelming desire to stay alive and keep his secret concealed, and if Woodard had to be eliminated in the process, so be it.
I don't really enjoy this episode because it shows both Julia and Barnabas at their worst.
Poor Dave, this should never have happened!