ThayerQ must be standing on a box for those two-shots.

According to my old notes, Selbtofi is reading while Edward and Judith play cards. Actually, I doubt if the real Quentin had time for such things, what with all those women! But Edward has a fine time needling Judith about her husband. Judith departs in a huff (after wining the game, of course). Edward tries to enlist the man he thinks is his brother in somehow getting rid of Trask, but Selbtofi hasn't met Trask yet and doesn't know Quentin's peril.

The scene where Trask returns and lays it on thick to Edward about how ill Judith is--priceless, especially the moment where Judith steps out onto the balcony and says, Good evening, Gregory. My notes say that after the commercial, Trask practically goggles at the sight of her. Their reunion conversation in the drawing room, with Edward listening eagerly at the door, is hilarious, especially when Judith announces that she's gotten her power of attorney back.

Evan has dug a very neat grave, not knowing that he is to be the tenant. Maybe Selbtofi sent him to the cemetery because it would be easier to find him there than in the apparently vast and trackless woods around Collinwood.

Tim Gordon, who has played many ghosts and disembodied hands on the show, finally gets his only lines in all of his 31 appearances.

Evan Hanley (welcome back, HAA!) apparently favors yellow stationery. See a letter from him on Judith's desk prompts QPetofi to ask for his help. Waving the "hand" in Evan's face is enough to get his attention, and QPetofi tells him to test his (QP's) veracity by going to Collinwood--the real Petofi (living there as Quentin) has never met Evan. QPetofi hides on Evan's balcony while Judith very cleverly "persuades" Evan to get back the power of attorney she signed, presumably so she can tear it up.

Petofi has never met Judith either, and PQuentin nearly blows his cover when he meets her in the drawing room. She warns the man she thinks is her brother that there are going to be some changes made, then orders him to answer a knock at the door. The visitor is Evan, with Judith's power of attorney. While Judith gloats over the now-invalid document, Evan says quietly, I’ll see you at my house at nine, right? Nine? PQuentin asks, with no idea what Evan is talking about. Have you forgotten about the meeting? Evan whispers. It just slipped my mind for a second, PQuentin replies with a smile. Evan asks again, Are you still showing up? You haven’t made other plans, have you? I’ll be there, PQuentin assures him. You seem preoccupied, Evan observes. I will need to get used to Judith’s being back, PQuentin replies. Well, Evan replies as he prepares to leave, the meeting tonight should make you forget all about your problems. Yes, PQuentin agrees as he closes the front doors after him. Having gotten his proof of QPetofi’s story, Evan leaves PQuentin rattled and angry at meeting two strangers in quick succession.

At 8:57, QPetofi is at Evan’s house and glances at the clock on the mantel to check the time. Evan emerges from the bedroom and announces, Everything is ready--he should be here any minute. Will the ceremony work? QPetofi asks worriedly. There is always a chance of failure, Evan reminds him, and we both know it. Do you know what you must do? Yes, QPetofi replies. Don’t make your move until he is seated in that chair, Evan reminds him, pointing to a chair at the head of the ceremonial table. I understand, QPetofi replies. When PQuentin knocks, QPetofi conceals himself. [How does Petofi know where Evan lives? Perhaps he consulted his magical TV cabinet.] Evan opens the front door to admit PQuentin. This is a pleasant surprise, Evan observes. You’re right on time when you’re usually the last one here. Oh, PQuentin replies, will wonders never cease? They share a brief laugh. Suddenly uneasy, PQuentin asks, Who else is here? Just my valet, Evan answers. How many others will be here? PQuentin asks. Half a dozen, Evan replies, adding, and I have quite a surprise for you--we want _you_ to lead the meeting! How interesting, PQuentin remarks, not best pleased. You should be quite honored, Evan tells him. Oh, I am, PQuentin replies. Evan leads him to the head of the table, remarking, You’ll look quite impressive. PQuentin seats himself, and Evan starts lighting the black candles on the table. I hope I won’t be a disappointment, PQuentin says wryly. I haven’t had as much practice in the Black Arts as you have. While they continue their chitchat, QPetofi slips out of the back room with a chloroform-soaked cloth. As he steps noiselessly toward QPetofi, Evan reminds “Quentin,“ You have see me perform this ceremony countless times. Yes, PQuentin replies, but this is the first time in a very long time. QPetofi steps behind PQuentin and slams the cloth onto his face. As PQuentin begins to struggle, QPetofi shouts to Evan, Keep his hands down! Evan holds PQuentin’s hands away from his face. Eventually PQuentin slumps forward unto the table, unconscious. Evan leans PQuentin back into a sitting position in the chair. I have no idea when the chloroform will wear off, he warns QPetofi, so we’d better start the ceremony right away. He finishes lighting the black candles....

I think Ed took part in the séance because Kitty was there, and he didn't want to antagonize the supposedly wealthy widow of his BFF. The back story was nicely done, I thought, just enough to intrigue us without piling on extraneous details.

When Pansity first came on the scene, I found her really irritating, but I ended up being totally won over by NB's ever deepening portrayal of what probably was meant to be a throwaway character. She really makes us care, and I even have some ideas about her eventual fate that I will reveal when we're at the end of this story line.

MT, thanks for mentioning that Thayer adjusts his bow tie as QPetofi prepares to put the frighteners on Kitty. Nice!

I believe that in one of the 1840 episodes, someone else refers to Julia as "tall." So it must have been a thing with Grayson.

Denise N really holds her own with KLS. I'll bet they had fun doing that scene!

MT, is the Crossroads of America anywhere near the Mall of the Americas? I went to the mall on a business trip, years ago.

The hand turns out to be Edward's. Kitty saves herself the first way she can think of--by pretending to faint. Edward believes her when she insists she doesn't know what she was doing in Quentin's room. After Edward takes her away, PQuentin steps out from behind the drapes of a conveniently located window in the hallway. When he enters Quentin’s room, he finds that the visitors left the empty frame uncovered. Frantically he goes through Quentin’s belongings, starting by searching the armoire.

Dowstairs, Edward leaves Kitty in the drawing room. Entirely forgetting the bell pull, he goes to the kitchen to tell Cook to make tea. Once more Kitty is drawn to Barnabas's portrait. Angelique arrives, again carrying a small bundle. She is shocked when Kitty refers to the woman who _lived_ at the rectory. Angelique rushes out without another word.

In the drawing room, PQuentin grills Edward. I know you and Kitty were in my room, he says accusingly--why? Edward tries to get out of answering, but PQuentin insists. She had a seizure, Edward says finally. I saw it, too. And you believed it? PQuentin asks in pretended outrage. Yes, Edward replies, genuinely outraged. And I find your distrust of Kitty unforgivable. And I find your trust of her equally upsetting, PQuentin shoots back. Oh, you do? Edward asks, bristling. You know how close Gerald, Kitty and I were! [no, not THAT close!] Do you know _everything_ about them? PQuentin asks. Of course, Edward huffs. PQuentin plays his ace: With all of your information, do you know that shortly before Gerald Soames died, he was released from prison? You’re mad! Edward exclaims, deeply shocked. No, PQuentin replies, Blackmoor Prison. He was jailed for a common jewel robbery. I don’t believe it! Edward exclaims indignantly. PQuentin replies, Well, believe me, you will. He goes on, very softly and quite uncharacteristically for the real Quentin, I know all about Gerald Soames. I have made it my business to find out. Very uncomfortable indeed, Edward shouts, You’re a liar! PQuentin tells him, Check and see. I wouldn’t soil Gerald’s memory, Edward declares. Shall I tell you more? PQuenin asks. No, you shall not! Edward shouts. There was never a finer, more respected couple in England than Gerald and Kitty Soames. If I ever hear that you have told one person this insane and vicious story, I shall be forced to do everything I can to get you out of this house! He storms off, making for the servants’ door, but PQuentin only laughs. [And well he might. Petofi, of course, knows the facts, all too well, but what PQuentin reveals is supposedly the result of research, an activity completely out of character for the real Quentin. Indignantly refusing to believe "Quentin," Edward does not even stop to ask how his “brother” obtained his information.]

Kitty comes downstairs and announces to Edward that she wants to go for a drive--alone. PQuentin prevails on Edward to let her be.

Kitty has made a beeline for the Blue Whale. She asks Pansity about her warning that Kitty would find a music box that would cause her death. Kitty makes a bad mistake by putting a large diamond brooch on the table. Mesmerized, C/P asks, What do you want me to do? Take it now, Kitty says, and say you’ll help me. But C/P actually gets up and walks away from it. Whatever people say about me, I don't cheat, she says indignantly. If I can do something, and then you want to make me a little present, then that is up to you. But I don't get paid in advance for nothing. You’re very kind, Kitty says. C/P bursts out laughing. I’m a lot of things, she says, but that isn’t one of those I can boast about. Calming down, she adds, I can’t tell you why you’re acting the way you are, or even why I saw the music box. Kitty asks, Do you always tell the truth? Yes, C/P says. I don’t like to be lied to, so I don’t lie. Kitty makes another big error when she asks, Are you working for Count Petofi? If you do, it will mean he’s responsible for all of this. Did he make you do this to me? C/P bursts out laughing again. You think he told me to think of the music box? she asks. Having come to some kind of tacit agreement, the two sit down together at a table. You’ve got it all wrong, C/P tells Kitty. Who’s doing it if not Petofi? Kitty wonders. Sometimes things happen that no person can cause, C/P tells her gravely. Spirits can reach us--touch us--torment us. But why? Kitty asks. Why would a spirit do that to me. There is a way, C/P suggests, a way of telling if it’s the supernatural or Count Petofi. Whatever it is, I’ll do it, Kitty says eagerly. Tonight, at midnight, I’ll come to Collinwood, C/P tells her. I will wait for you, Kitty promises. You forgot something, C/P says pointedly--the brooch is on the table. Kitty picks it up and thanks her.

After their quarrel, Edward and his "brother" sit down for a brandy to celebrate the end of "Quentin"'s bachelor state. Angelique returns and asks to speak to "Quentin" alone--then announces that she isn't going to marry him, now or ever.

Promptly at midnight, C/P and Kitty are conferring in the foyer. C/P explains, We will have a séance--it’s the only way. Having just stepped onto the upstairs landing, Edward hears this. What’s the only way? he asks. A séance, C/P explains. Do you mind if we invite a few spirits into the house, guv’nor? she asks jokingly. I certainly do mind, Edward says crossly. I’m the one who wants to do this, Kitty explains. I must learn what’s happening, she pleads--please don’t stop this. I want to join the séance, Edward says at last. I’ve been through this much with you, and it’s affected me nearly as much as it has you. I will take part, Miss Trask. C/P bridles, but after a moment she decides not to make an issue of it and leads the way into the drawing room. There must be only one light in the room, C/P says as she closes the doors. Edward brings a candle and sets it on the little round table where the Collinses conduct their séances. As they all sit down, C/P instructs the others, Our hands must touch, unbroken, to form a circle of concentration. Once everyone is ready, C/P calls out, Are there any spirits in this room? We await a spirit who has a message for one of us. Kitty looks terrified as C/P continues, A spirit that is tormenting one of us. We wish that spirit to appear. Come to us now! Speak to us if you can! Come to us and tells us what it is you want--let us help you! The lights flicker, and Kitty calls out to Edward. C/P asks, Is someone here? Someone else? If so, give us a sign. They hear three slow knocks at the door. Someone is here! C/P says. Suddenly they hear a rushing wind, and the single candle on the table is blown out rather audibly (by Nancy Barrett, actually). Who blew the candle out? Edward asks. I feel the presence of someone, C/P intones, of one who is trying to communicate with us. Who is it? Kitty asks. The doors fly open, and Kitty gives a little scream. Edward starts up reflexively, but C/P reminds them, Don’t break contact! Stay seated! We must leave the way open for the spirit to appear to us! Kitty, who is facing the doorway, fearfully tells the others, Look in the doorway! They turn, and as lightning flashes, they see a caped and hooded figure. Who are you? Edward demands.....

Somewhere in the woods, PQuentin watches impatiently as QPetofi, somewhat short of breath, tamps down the dirt covering Wanda Paisley’s unmarked, shallow grave. That is enough, he says. Stop, my boy. I would have buried her even if you hadn’t forced me to, QPetofi says defiantly. I felt sorry for the poor girl. She died for you and your mad scheme. PQuentin laughs. Of course, he comments with massive unconcern. You’re altered in form, but still embarrassingly sentimental. What would people think of “Petofi”? he wonders. QPetofi protests, You can’t go on killing people until you find the right hexagram! [One down, sixty-three more to go?] PQuentin says angrily, You try and stop me! Do you think I care how many people die along the way? Do you think I care how many leaves are on this tree? All I care about is reaching the future--and believe me, I will reach it!

After the opening credits, QPetofi and PQuentin are still arguing. You can go, PQuentin tells QPetofi. I’m not going anywhere, QPetofi insists. I’m going to stay with you, watch you. You aren’t going anywhere, either. PQuentin laughs. I am--to 1969, he says. Not in my body! QPetofi protests. It’s _my_ body now, PQuentin retorts with a particularly evil laugh. You should have had second thoughts before accepting my offer of help. Now it is too late--you can’t stop me. I won’t give up, QPetofi vows. PQuentin tells him, You should watch for my enemies--a full-time activity. Watch for the gypsies--a word I can say easily now, without fear even, he adds smugly. Watch for the gypsies, because they are still looking for Petofi. They will find him--and you will know what fear really is. You are Petofi--and they will know that, QPetofi retorts. PQuentin laughs again. I don’t think so, he replies. Cheer up--they might not be here for a little while. He adds cruelly, I will let you know when I need more graves dug--you could use the exercise. He laughs and walks away, leaving QPetofi standing alone. He picks up the shovel. We get one last look at Wanda’s lonely grave.

Just for this episode, Julia wears a beautiful gray satin brocade gown with leg-o’-mutton sleeves. QPetofi visits her at the rectory and proves that he's really Quentin, trapped in Petofi's body. Although Barn and Julia chose to have their headquarters at the old rectory because no one had lived there for a long time, somehow, there is a working telephone line.

QPetofi visits Beth and tries to convince her that he's actually Quentin. He pleads with her to ask PQuentin about things that only Quentin would know. [I suppose QPetofi could have told her to ask “Quentin” about something he did with her in bed that she liked--but then again, this was a daytime show.]

PQuentin stumbles very badly in talking with Beth. But she doesn't have the faintest suspicion of what has happened to the man she has loved so faithfully.

I suppose GH needed some time off. Too bad for us!

MT, here are my notes regarding Petofi's journey to the future:

When the real Quentin hears the wind and voices from the present, Julia believes his story. She heard the sounds, and she lives in the present, therefore if Quentin hears the sound he too must live in the present, and he truly is Quentin despite his incredible story. Earlier in the episode, Angelique cannot hear the sounds, presumably because she does not live in the present. Or does she?

[spoiler]Before 1897, Angelique was last seen in the present (1969), pleading with Diabolos to return her to the real world. After 1897 she is first seen happily married to Sky Rumson, having given up her powers. Therefore Diabolos must have released her so that she can live in the present, meet Sky and marry him. If Angelique is alive in the present, she would have heard the wind and voices that Julia heard. But this fact must be ignored or forgotten so that Julia can believe Quentin's story.[/spoiler]

Yet another gorgeous frame grab! Thanks as always, MB!

Thanks, MB. Looking forward to it!