*sigh* I suppose you're right, Lydia, but that only makes Maggie's nightmares even more inexplicable.

You could be right, Lydia--I'm sure Barnabas already has idealized Maggie into a much more compliant version than the real one.

I wonder whether Barnabas is the one who's sending Maggie the nightmares. If it was Barn, surely he would make the whole business irresistibly alluring, wouldn't he? i have to wonder if [spoiler]this is our first hint of the existence of Sarah--she might be trying to warn Maggie in the only way she can.[/spoiler] But then again, I could be reaching.

OMG, MB, what a hoot! What did the memo say? I don't suppose it's available on line....

I think that by now Jason has a pretty good idea of how much he can extort from Elizabeth and how much would be, well, too much.

Yes, I know I'm quoting myself here, but there's a really good reason that Jason doesn't demand more money than Elizabeth can pay: A really good vampire doesn't kill its host.

Very true, Lydia! Sometimes nothing works better than hiding in plain sight!

I think this is the first time somebody jumps when Barnabas comes in and he asks hopefully, Did I startle you?

Jason barges into the Old House, asks if the "lady" of the house is in and makes snide comments about Willie's "light housekeeping" job. He thinks that now Willie is working for a "moneybags" and isn't sharing--although of course nothing could be further from the truth.

We get our first look at Maggie's bedroom, complete with French doors. The picture starts to get all wavy--it's our first dream sequence!

I remember the scene with Willie and Vicki, and didn't expect it to come so soon.   I guess there's no gradual transition between punk Willie and Willie with a conscience.   Too bad.

Well, no transition that we get to see, anyway. But I have a feeling that it was extremely violent and happened literally overnight.

Joeytrom, that's exactly what I thought too! It's the only way Barnabas has to see if he's aged at all.

And yes, if we are to believe Bram Stoker, a vampire has to be invited in. Also, any guest of a vampire has to enter the vampire's house of his or her own free will.

Willie is wearing what must be his servant's livery--a white shirt with dark pants and vest. The poor guy actually flinches when he hears a knock at the front door, then panics and hides until he knows it's Vicki.  This is the first she knows that he's working for Barnabas, and she praises the work he's done. He mutters his thanks, but keeps his eyes from her. When he realizes that it's almost sunset, he hustles the poor girl out the door. I don't think I'll ever understand you, she says. Don't try, he implores her, just leave NOW! Just as he's closing the door behind her, Barnabas appears, icily remarking, It was very considerate of you to get Miss Winters out of the house to keep her from harm. So _very_ considerate, Willie, he repeats, and I for one suspect Willie is not about to be rewarded for his consideration. He must suspect it too, because he’s shaking with terror.

Barnabas is from Europe, Vicki tells Maggie. That must be why he seems different, Maggie agrees.   

I thought the same thing about the Sonny and Cher song. And thanks (I think) to Aristia for reminding me about the Ballad of Bilbo Baggins!