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« on: August 03, 2013, 05:17:08 AM »
Joan Bennett screws up the opening voice-over and they couldn't even re-tape it. Really? Not even edit it to make it sound correct? While I'm ragging - the OV-O's are becoming too descriptive for my taste.
Tony is summoned by Cassandra but is met at the door by Stokes. Stokes, in his usual charming manner delays Tony's trip. Thayer's lines are good (and fun) and competently delivered, not so much for Lacy. Stokes parting line is, "By the way Mr. Peterson, don't be afraid, at worst she can only use you, she can't hurt you." Is that so? It seems to me to be an utterly irresponsible quip.
Evans Cottage: Stokes makes an unannounced visit to speak to Sam but Sam is at The Blue Whale. Stokes relays his concern about Sam having the dream to Maggie. Cassandra interupts with a knock on the door. Stokes makes an attempt to go unnoticed but Maggie invites her in. Cass has a gift for Sam which she is reluctantly forced to leave with Maggie at the cottage. Cass & Stokes play a game of cat-n-mouse before she leaves somewhat defeated and deflated. Stokes palms the gift and also heads out. This particular scene was a whole lot of fun to watch for me as Stokes toyed with Cassandra. The exchange is quote worthy. His knife twisting: delicious.
Summoned a second time, Tony can not resist and is not prepared for Cassandra. At the Great House terrace he is made aware that she knows Stokes is alive and that he'll be punished for deceiving her, etc. After deciding not to turn him into a cocker spaniel, she decides to turn him into a lap dog with a love spell. Tony is momentarily spared when he spots Liz looking at them through a window, knocking Cass off-center allowing him to retreat. Ultrafabulous shot of Bennett at the window. And just as fabulous a departure from said window. Great content in this scene - Tony taunts Cass regarding her having weaknesses and not being as powerful as Stokes, etc.
Tony has run home and is startled to find Stokes there waiting. Stokes 'knows' where Peterson's been and tells him where he's been, having the pipe tobacco Cass left for Sam analyzed and having found a powder in it that would induce Sam to have the dream. Tony pleads for Stokes' help in ridding him of Cass. Stokes promises to fight on and after asking if he smokes a pipe, leaves the tainted tobacco with Tony. I found Stokes leaving the tobacco with Tony very intriguing. I don't know how I want to interpret the gesture. I doubt Tony would be foolish enough to smoke it. But it would probably screw up the dream if he did, so it is not a stretch to take Stokes seriously. Tony remains a threat so that would be another reason for Stokes to want him to smoke the tobacco and maybe have it get Cass' panties in such a wad that she would get rid of Tony because of him yet again bungling her plans. Of course the most probable meaning of the gesture just may be as simple as "Here, get rid of this for me." Again, Thayer had some great lines.
Liz confronts Cass about her relationship with Tony. Liz will tell Roger, so Cass puts a death hex on Liz. And boy am I upset! lol. I hate seeing Liz weak and or defeated. I hated this arc when I first saw it so I am wondering how I am going to feel about it this time around.
Video glitches (jumping) throughout much of the episode. Joel is looking exceptionally hunky these days - thighs of steel. Parker is holding her own - good lord is Cassandra pissing me off, lol. I guess Sam hasn't stopped drinking. Thank goddess they didn't give him a tin cup and pencils. I still say Thayer is imitating Bette Davis. It appears as though we got a new music cue as heard during Cass' departure from the Evans cottage. It reminded me of The Planet Of The Apes. The wig is still on straight but it's lazily styled. KLS is still looking good. David walked away with this episode, perhaps at an unfair advantage.