In the hospital, Maggie gets Sam to promise to take care of himself, and apologizes to Joe for fighting with him, she didn't mean any of it. It sounds like she's saying goodbye to them, quite heartbreaking! 

A very emotional and touching scene between Sam and Joe. Sam was waiting in this same hospital when Maggie was born, now he's waiting here once again, this time for her to die.  Joe tries to lift his spirits, but is not very convinced of his own reassurances. Wonderful acting by all!

Unsettled by the storm, Carolyn and Vicki are startled to see a figure,but when they discover it's barnabas, they're relieved. Barnabas talks of how the residents of Collinwood and the Old House used to huddle together on stormy nights like this, and it made me imagine Joshua, Naomi, Sarah, barnabas, Jeremiah and even Abigail sitting around a roaring fire, brought together for just a moment through the commonality of unease by the ferocity of the storm.

Barnabas recounting the tragic narrative of Josette's death is definitely the highlight of this episode. The anguish is so apparent in his voice, so deep it gives me chills just to listen to it. For just a brief time we get to see the human part of barnabas.

Too bad the episode has to conclude with him calling up the stairs for Willie, for we know what is in store for him. 

An excellent episode!!

Robert Gerringer's debut!  He's such a caring doctor, wish they were all as nice. LOL!

Joe and Sam are anxiously awaiting the doctor's arrival, and in frustration Sam says, "Oh where is that  horse-and-buggy doctor?"  I just love some of the great lines!

After examining Maggie, Dr. Woodard declares she requires a blood transfusion, and gallantly Joe offers to help. IMHO, this is one of the most romantic episodes, simply because Joe doesn't have to give Maggie any of his blood, but because he loves her, he doesn't hesitate. He's completely devoted to seeing her illness through and is willing to do anything necessary to help in her recovery. 

After Maggie discovers Joe has given her some of his blood, she tells him to stay out of it. His bewilderment and hurt is all too evident, and who can blame him?

All these great men rallying around Maggie to help her, Sam, Dr. Woodard and Joe, she's very fortunate.

Hope your birthday is a great one, Perankh! 

Maggie really goes through a roller coaster of emotions, from angry and rude to sad and listless. Poor thing!

Sam's concern for her is very well portrayed, and when she says in such a despairing voice that a doctor can't help her, it's so very sad. 

Jason comes to the Old House to talk to Willie, asking him what he does for barnabas. Willie replies he does a little carpentry, a little plumbing. I didn't think Barnabas would include any kind of plumbing in the restoration, seeing as how he wants to restore the house to its original state, and that wouldn't include running water. Maybe he's adding a few modern conveniences so when his family drops by, they won't be forced to use an outhouse. 

I'm trying to catch up with the eps after having to deal with a broken DVD player. 

When Barnabas wanted to have his portrait painted, I too thought he was a bit vain and self centered, but after thinking about it for a while, I came to the conclusion most of you have, that having one's portrait commissioned was quite a natural thing to have done in the eighteenth century, and throughout the show, we se Barnabas clinging to his old-fashioned ways, and this would certainly be in keeping with his character.

Maggie feels that she is being followed, then seconds later Barnabas shows up and she lets him in? Give me a break! Maggie and Barnabas begin chatting about the attack that happened a few nights ago, Barnabas acting all concerned, then Maggie says, "I'm sure you didn't come here to discuss the local crime rate." 

I like seeing Sam's worry for Maggie, and rightly so. He comes home and tells her he was worried when he didn't find her at the coffee shop, and that "he came home as fast as that old station wagon would go."
I enjoy these cool lines of dialogue!