... to stand in front of a mirror and slap the first person that shows up!!"

_erect penis_     with     _peanut butter_

Welcome (I guess), Craig Slocum.

I loved the 'written' scene between Barn & Ben in the Old House basement. It was superb. I might even put it on a 'best' list. I can't crow over Frid's performance, it wasn't flawed, it was quite good, but just a bit 'theatrical' for my taste - so that's on me, not Frid. I was really taken by the conversation of Ben refusing to do Barn's bidding and how much he was willing to sacrifice - his life, right there and then. Barn, threatening him but admitting he could never hurt him, etc. There was a whole lotta good stuff in this scene. I came away from it thinking that Ben felt 'used' and perhaps a bit betrayed by Barnabas - he says Barn used to make his life easier, now he is jeopardizing it. And the point toward the close of the scene when Barn turns his back to Ben, you can see in his eyes that he is hoping Ben takes what he says to heart - that they are stuck with each other, at least as long as Ben lives - it looks as though Barn isn't sure what Ben will do - a hopeful look - of worry rather than relief. I loved it. I also loved the point in the conversation when Ben says that Barn thinks he can get away with anything - How Ben's seen enough killing to turn his stomach - That killing Trask would only be harmful to Vicki. Just about every subject matter in this scene was fascinating on several levels. But my favorite part - that got to me on an emotional level - was the realization of the changed personal dynamic between them. It was kind of sad.

I didn't particularly care for any other part of this episode, not really. Not in comparison to the first act, anyway. I will say though that this episode contains Joel Crothers' best performance as Nathan Forbes so far in the story-line. He was flawless - and I was shocked and awed.

The soap opera behind the soap opera.

VFH     Vicki Fears Hanging     FH_

Interesting episode. I feel like I should've liked it a whole lot more than I did. It was like sex without climax. I expected Trask's demise and it didn't happen and on some level I was disappointed.

The vengeance plot begins - with Ben explaining to Barnabas the guilty verdict and why it was so. Annoyed and disappointed, Barn decides he will go after Trask, and gets his chance the very next dusk while Trask is there to cleanse the Old House of 'the witches' presence. For some reason I wasn't impressed with Barn's mental torture of Trask. I think I would have enjoyed it more on paper. And I'd hate to admit it but I am wondering if Trask really deserves it. This goes back to me wondering if he really believes Vicki is a witch or not. I had the same feeling about Abigail - and I think perhaps that Abigail was a victim of the times and that's why they had her die of 'natural causes' as opposed to being murdered. Don't get me wrong, there is a big part of me that hates Trask but there is also a part of me that wonders if he too is not just a victim of the times as well - meaning if he really thought he was right, then to what degree does he deserve to be victimized. Perhaps this conversation is premature.

Naomi has her day with Trask and it was a fantastic moment. It's like she was speaking for all of us who know Vicki is innocent - including the slap - I've been wanting someone to punch him in the face - a slap from Naomi is perhaps even better - like she said - what can he do about it - she's not a helpless frightened young girl - she's the mistress of Collinwood - how do you like THAT you punk MF?! It's too bad Bennett had so much trouble with her lines.

Random thoughts - I am glad Thayer was in this episode, Frid did well also IIRC. And I had to giggle thinking that when Barn was psyching out Trask, his delivery reminded me of an adult telling kids ghost stories around a campfire. I didn't care for the visuals but I liked that Trask was getting his comeuppance - I know; I am contradicting myself. I am conflicted, lol.