If I remember correctly, pretty soon we'll hear more about Bramwell and the lottery. And yes, I think the last time was ten years ago.

Nice point about Bramwell just walking into Collinwood without knocking. He seems to enjoy any opportunity to needle Morgan.

Ditto about Quentin doing hard time, whereas Bramwell is merely poor. I think Quentin's prison stint comes up again once or twice, but I don't remember whether he and Bramwell ever talk about it. For all that they're both so quick tempered, they seem to get along pretty well.

Another fantastic JF voice over. What a treat! One great scene after another.

Lovely portrayal of the strong bond between Melanie and Justin. She looks after him as tenderly as if he's the child but she so needy of his (or anyone's) love and approval. Justin's attempt at self-sacrifice is heart rending, as is Melanie's response.

Pennock blooper or writer goof? "When the hand of death touches me, I won’t feel her icy hand." Gabriel is already starting to freak out, in contrast to Morgan's stoicism. But they're both mean to Melanie.

We discover that Bramwell has a soft spot for Justin and is actually more or less friendly with Quentin. The scene with Bramwell and Melanie is just wonderful. He is so gentle with her--so unlike his behavior to Catherine.

We hear Brutus Collins's letter, which started it all--and see the first lottery slip being inked....

I probably wondered back then if [Bramwell] was supposed to be the villain.

Aha, I think you're right on target! What makes him so interesting and attractive is that he is a diamond in the very, very rough.

Great point about Barn, Lydia. Like you, I am falling in love with PT1840 all over again. A fabulous scene with Bramwell and Catherine, then it only gets better when Morgan barges in as if he's the lord of the manor. Bramwell has changed his good suit for a wonderful working costume--how can you not love those boots! And in today's ep., he even sports a five-o'clock shadow!

I also agree with Lydia that both Morgan and Bramwell are spoiled--and imperious--in different ways. Morgan can act as he pleases because he is after all the oldest (although the shortest) son and the heir of Collinwood. Bramwell seems to feel that because he is so poor he has nothing to lose, so he might as well act as he pleases.

But happily for us, the writers haven't made Morgan into a blustering cardboard foil for Bramwell. Undoubtedly he's been aware all his life that he might have to risk his sanity if not his life by entering The Room. Maybe that also makes him imperious, because if he might possibly have only a short time of sanity, let alone life, he might as well act as he pleases. Anyway, what I'm trying to say is that he is a well-drawn character, even if it seems the writers have forgotten his artistic bent. But he's certainly not as weak as Bramwell scornfully describes him. As for Bramwell's faults, I won't say anything for now.   The battle lines are certainly drawn right from the start.

Barnabas being an epic disaster is a result of Angelique's curse--remember she said that anyone who loved him would die. Although PT Flora and Julia (wonderful scene!) don't know him, he's still managed to bring them a world of sorrow.

And don't forget that Angelique herself was the first--and last--victim of her own curse.

I don't see Miss Julia Collins (whom none of the younger generation addresses as "Aunt," for some reason) as being warm toward anyone. Maybe it's all relative.

A flour-covered Lamar Trask would certainly be hilarious, but baking is an interesting occupation for the PT Trasks, simply because they have to be just as concerned with the earthly fires they bake with as their RT counterparts are with the fires of the next life. Clever thinking by the writers or just a coincidence, I wonder?

PT Flora and Julia are as impeccably dressed and coiffed after their grim chore as they were before. They must have attentive (and very discreet) ladies' maids! 

No fear, Lydia--dinner turned out fine!

Perhaps Judah's spell was what caused Judge Vail to do all that head-bobbing. 

I've often wondered about Gerard too. Fairly early in the 1840 proceedings, Julia remarked to Barnabas that she thought Gerard was (I paraphrase) basically a common garden-variety opportunist. And no, I'm also sure he didn't try to kill Q1 or Tad while they were on the ship. But I also think that there was just enough venality in his soul to give Judah a way in, just like an opportunistic virus. I had forgotten what Julia had said about him in 1995. *shiver*

I'm sooooo happy to find another Bramwell fan!!! JF did a wonderful job, and we have lots of great Bramwell moments to look forward to.

I agree, Magnus. The Head was absolutely indispensable to proving Quentin's innocence. Valerie was smart enough to bring it with her, and Desmond figured out what he had to do to save Quentin and himself.

It's funny to contrast the ways that Gerard and Barn are watching Valerie as she explains things to Judge Vail. Barn looks as if he's never seen her before, but Gerard is far from being so admiring.

Nice little moment for Barn and Valerie, alone in the deserted prison yard. Their parting is almost shy.

Bramwell!!!! WITHOUT the pointy hair!!!! JF and LP have fun steaming up the screen.

Everything's beautiful! Quentin exclaims, and every time I see it I expect him to burst into song. 

More later or tomorrow--dinner is reaching critical mass.