976 - CHRIS! screams Carolyn.  Bruno laughs gleefully.  Carolyn tries the door and finds it locked. Chris, writhing in pain, gasps, you must get out, don't worry about me, there's nothing you can do, go on. Carolyn stands at the door--open it, Bruno! She orders. He stands outside, arms crossed, and listens as she screams at him. You won't be heard much longer, he tells himself, not much longer. Roger enters the cottage and faces down Bruno--I saw Carolyn come in here--where is she? You must be mistaken, insists Bruno. Roger hears Chris' moans of pain, followed by Carolyn's voice, asking what's the matter. Get out, get out! demands Chris. Roger rails at Bruno--tell me what's going on!  I must order you to leave, says Bruno. Roger ignores him--I have no intention of leaving without Carolyn!  He rattles the doorknob and finds it locked.  It's going to stay locked, says Bruno, and pushes Roger away. Roger grabs a candle holder and slams Bruno over the head with it, knocking him unconscious. He frees the key from Bruno's hand and unlocks the door. Carolyn leans over Chris, trying to comfort him--Uncle Roger, he's in terrible pain! she cries.Leave! bleats Chris, squeezing the words out through his agony. Roger, taking Chris' words seriously, helps Carolyn to her feet and leads her away, then locks the door. We must get a doctor! wails Carolyn.  We must get out before Bruno comes to, insists Roger-- keep an eye on Bruno while I try to locate Julia. We hear him dialing the phone. Chris reaches the end of his pain, his hand now hairy. Why, wonders Roger, is no one answering the phone at Collinwood?  He and Carolyn hear the sound of breaking glass coming from the room in which Chris is imprisoned. Roger unlocks the door and finds a huge hole broken in the window.  I'm getting you out of here immediately, Carolyn, he says. They leave the house, Roger hustling Carolyn quickly along. Bruno comes to, checks the room, and is absolutely furious at the mess that has been made of his carefully-laid plans.

Roger and Carolyn return to Collinwood. She buries her face in her hands.  Her uncle asks her for explanations. Please, she begs, not now. I know that man must have been a maniac, says Roger, but he's also supposed to be a friend of Jeb's, right? I don't know, I'm confused, says Carolyn. I want to speak to Jeb, insists Roger.  I don't want Jeb or Mother to know what happened tonight, says Carolyn. In heaven's name, why not? demands Roger. I can't tell you that, she says. This man is dangerous--the police should be notified, says Roger. Promise me you won't call them, pleads Carolyn. I don't understand your attitude at all, complains Roger--he could have killed you tonight--and what did he do to Chris Jennings? Promise me you won't tell anyone about this, at least not tonight, she says--if anyone talks to Jeb, I will. Do it ASAP, suggests Roger.  I will, Carolyn assures him.

Bruno checks the broken window, wondering what to do. Your reprieve is only temporary, he swears.

Woods - We hear growling, and see the creature stalking prey.

Liz stands by the drawing room window. She slowly paces, finally sitting by the fire. Roger enters, sees her sad pasture and goes over to her. Are you as concerned as you look? he asks.  About what? she says.  About Carolyn and her marriage to that strange man, he reminds her.  Oh, Roger, we've been through all this, she says. When we first discussed it, you pretended to accept it, he says, but I know you're as deeply troubled by it as I am. YOU? she asks. Yes, me, he says, we've made so many mistakes in our own lives, and we prayed it would be different for our children. But we didn't succeed in making it different, did we? ask Liz ruefully.  It can't be too late, says Roger.  I don't know what to do anymore, sighs Liz.We could look more into Jeb's background, suggests Roger. And then what? asks Liz--whatever we find out won't do anyone any good; Carolyn won't change her mind about him, and it will drive her further away from me than she is already. Do you honestly think he's in love with her? asks Roger. The point is, says Liz, Carolyn thinks she's in love with him, despite his strange behavior lately--something or someone is scaring Jeb, and Carolyn is being very protective about him. I gather you're talking about me, says Carolyn, interrupting their conversation. Yes, says Roger, we are. Stop being so concerned about Jeb and me, we will work out our own problems together. Then you ARE having problems, notes Roger. Coolly, Carolyn says, I don't wish to discuss it--Mother have you seen Jeb tonight?  He went to the carriage house, says Liz. Carolyn starts to head out, but Roger stops her--it's late, you've been through enough tonight, you should rest. Carolyn gives her uncle a warning look; he stops, remembering his promise. Enough what, Roger? asks Liz. She's been through enough emotional strain, fabricates Roger--she should get her rest. I'll be back in a little while, says Carolyn, and leaves. I wonder why she won't confide in one of us--why?  I wish I knew, says Liz, her face dejected.

Woods - Carolyn runs into Bruno and shrieks with fear. Where are you going? he asks To see Jeb, she says, and I will tell him about the incident at his house--I'm sure Jeb will demand an explanation from you.  He isn't going to see you, warns Bruno--nor will you see Jeb. What do you mean?--what will you do? she asks. All right, I'll tell you, says Bruno--Nicholas and I warned Jeb we'd get even with him. "You two are working together," says Carolyn.  Yes, agrees Bruno, and it's been decided the best way to get to Jeb is through you. Carolyn is horrified. Yes, without you, Jeb will have no reason to live, says Bruno. I don't understand, says Carolyn, shocked. And you never will, promises Bruno, "Because I'm going to kill you!"

You're insane! accuses Carolyn. I don't like doing it, says Bruno, but it must be done--he reaches for her throat--Jeb must be punished. He tightens his grip on her throat, strangling her, and she struggles--but not for long.The werewolf appears and violently attacks Bruno. Carolyn runs off. The animal throws Bruno to the ground and, as Bruno screams raucously, savages him, we assume, to death.

10:50 - Collinwood - Carolyn races into the house, screaming for Liz and Roger--I saw Bruno attacked by the animal out in the woods! she cries.  Roger runs out.  Be careful, urges Liz, and turns her attention to the crying Carolyn.  It was awful! moans her daughter, clutching her throbbing throat.  Liz leads her daughter into the drawing room--everything will be all right, she assures her.

Woods - Bruno lies on the ground, bleeding, clothes torn, but still alive. Roger kneels beside him and looks him over--I'll try to get you a doctor.  It's too late, says Bruno--that animal, he mutters, not really an animal... Before he can say more, he dies.

Liz paces the foyer.  Roger, it must be the animal I've seen before, she says, but it's not an ordinary animal--it wears clothes and walks like a man!  I've got the police combing the grounds, says Roger--how's Carolyn?  I put her to bed, she says, and had Julia give her a sedative--you should go to bed yourself, you're tired. There's something I must do before I go to bed, says Roger--just something I promised Barnabas I'd do. He bids her good night.  Liz, seemingly puzzled by his mysterious errand, goes into the drawing room.

Roger wends his way through old furniture and cobwebs in the east wing.  He opens the doors and sees Bruno lighting a cigarette. Roger, unable to enter the room, is stunned to see a man he  saw die a short time ago. Bruno! he calls. Bruno speaks to Angelique's portrait--you're still as beautiful as ever, he says--I remember the day you sat for this portrait, listening to the music I composed for you, the music that will keep your memory alive forever. Liz enters and icily asks Bruno, "What are you doing here?"  Roger, watching, is absolutely amazed. You always did have a knack for showing up unexpectedly, says Bruno.  Why have you come back? Liz asks angrily.  I belong here, he claims. You're the only one who thinks so, he retorts. Wrong--she thought so, says Bruno, gesturing to Angelique's portrait. Quentin is returning soon and will never let you stay here, says Liz. I understand he's married, says Bruno. Yes, says Liz. Won't he be in for a surprise, predicts Bruno--do you think that she will let another woman come into this house?--she won't, you know that as well as I do. Why does everyone keep talking about her as if she were alive? asks Liz--it's frightening. Nothing was ever frightening about her, says Bruno--you were all envious of her because she was the most beautiful creature that had ever graced this earth. I think you'd better leave now, advises Liz. Fortunately for you, says Bruno, I have no desire to argue with you, so I'll see you around, my DEAR Elizabeth. She gazes hatefully after him, then stares at the portrait. Barnabas wasn't imagining things, says Roger, people like ourselves are living a completely different existence, here in this room--I must tell him.Roger turns to go, then hears his own voice, inquiring, was that the temperamental boy wonder I saw leave the room just now?  Roger turns back, fascinated. Yes, Liz tells PT Roger--he's come back. Back to compose more of his morbid music and bore us with his tiresome memories of her? wonders Roger--it will be worth it to see the look on Quentin's face when he finds out. Roger stares at his counterpart, flabbergasted, as PT Roger laughs.

NOTES: Rest in peace, Bruno, you're dead in RT, alive in PT, so we haven't seen the last of you, have we? I wasn't sorry to see that one die, he was pure villain and deserved being mauled to death by the creature he had kept prisoner more than once, and who he set up to kill Carolyn. Your plan backfired, Bruno, and isn't that tough?

Barnabas never saw a counterpart in parallel time, but Roger has, and the look on his face said it all. Angelique meant a lot to many men, it seems, but the women apparently despised her. Interesting, isn't it?  How many men have we seen drink a toast to Angelique--and how many of them were welcomed into her bed, too? How loose was Angelique in PT?

You can feel Liz and Roger's frustration at being unable to help Carolyn, but how can she confide that a shadow is stalking her husband?  Even at Collinwood, that would sound bizarre. It's obvious how very much they love her, and sad that she doesn't feel she can confide in them. They think it's Jeb, but if they only knew... Great scenes between them, touching. They want better for their children, but the supernatural specter that has haunted Collinwood for so many years seems to be taking on the new generation. I think Collinsport is located on a Hellmouth, just like BUFFY.


977 - Roger leads Barnabas to the PT room--how strange it was to see myself walking into a room, remarks Roger. I can't imagine, says Barn. Roger throws open the doors.  The PT Roger, laughing, says, "Liz, that it's really too much."

I needed that laugh, says PT Roger, it will get me through the day.  I don't find it the least bit amusing, says Liz tartly. Oh, but it is--the idea of Quentin and his new bride being greeted by Bruno--perhaps he'll even entertain her when Quentin is busy, suggests Roger wickedly. Disdainfully, Liz says, I don't find that amusing, either.  Bruno is a brilliant pianist, says Roger, or Angelique never would have encouraged him. He gazes up at Ang's painting--her taste in music, as everything else, he adds, was exquisite, thanks to me. You won't stop deluding yourself, will you? asks Liz. It's no delusion, says Roger, Angelique and I shared something very special--our minds met and changed each other--yes, Angelique was my very own creation, that's why I understand her sending for Bruno. Sending for Bruno? questions Liz--Angelique is dead, she can't send for anyone. Chris enters--hello, Cousin, he says to Liz. Bruno is back, says Liz, if you haven't heard. I have, says Chris. You manage the estate for Quentin, says Liz, there must be some way of stopping Bruno from moving into the cottage. Moving in? asks Chris--I'd assumed he was merely passing through. No, says Liz, he plans to stay, says he belongs here. He never belonged here, especially not now, says Chris. You'll do something about it then, says Liz.Of course, Chris assures her. Quickly, says Liz warningly--Quentin will be back with his bride soon! Roger laughs evilly--you make me laugh, Liz, talking so earnestly, trying to put together a plan to protect Quentin and his little bride from big bad Bruno and all the others--and it's all useless. Whatever you felt about Angelique, says Chris, you must remember Quentin is bringing Mrs. Collins back. Roger gazes up at Angelique's portrait, and repeats what Chris said--don't you realize that Mrs. Collins never left, not for a moment. Chris and Liz look at the portrait, too.  Roger asks to be excused and exits the room, smiling. He walks toward Barnabas and Roger, standing out in the hall, seeming as if he's going to literally bump into Barnabas--and the room abruptly changes back to dark emptiness. Roger and Barnabas gaze into the room.  I had the most incredible experience of my life, says Roger--imagine what it's like seeing another person with your body and face, but that person is completely different!  In that other world, says Barn, you live a different life. The world of parallel time, muses Roger, which Stokes said was, up until now, merely theory--this proves it isn't--Liz, Chris, Bruno, myself--all of us are in it. Not quite all of us, corrects Barn. Have you ever seen yourself? asks Roger. No, nor have I ever been mentioned, says Barn, but I know my ancestor, who lived and died more than a century ago (make that two), is somehow involved in all this, but not the Barnabas you know, he doesn't exist in this room or what lies beyond it. Incredible! remarks Roger--Barnabas, what's the matter, you seem so far away. I suppose I was, says Barn, I somehow feel drawn to this room, as if they're waiting for me there.  Yet you can't get in unless it's empty, points out Roger, you can't pass whatever that barrier is. Barriers have a way of being broken, don't they? he asks. Whatever you're planning to do, be careful, think carefully, warns Roger. I will, Barnabas assures him--someone is waiting for me in this time band, I must go. He leaves the room. Roger chooses to stick around a little while, pondering: Now all I can see is a dark room, yet somewhere, their other lives are continuing, somewhere, Roger Collins loves and hates, and longs for things I know nothing about.

Old House - Julia gives Barnabas an injection.  There's something I should have told you, she confesses--this is the last injection I can give you--when we started, I realized your system had become immune to the formula that had been successful before, so I changed it, but now you've reached the saturation point--even just one more injection could destroy you.Are you saying I can't be cured? he asks. We won't know that until dawn, she says hesitantly, fifteen minutes away. He looks out the window, dejected. Perhaps I was wrong, says Julia, to keep it from you. No, you were right, he says, a quarter of an hour is long enough to wait under the circumstances--if I had to wait any longer, I'd have been even more desperate. Suddenly gripped by pain, Barnabas says, something is terribly wrong.

Barnabas sits in his favorite chair while Julia takes his pulse.  I've never felt this way before, says Barn, but I know I'm not cured. I'm sorry, says Julia.  Help me downstairs, he asks. Of course, she says, and supports him, walking him toward the cellar.

Sabrina rubs her face, looking upset and distracted. When Chris returns home, she runs into his arms. You're free, and all right, he exults. Bruno is dead, she says. How did it happen? asks Chris.  He slides her arms from around his neck and says, no, don't tell me, now I know whose blood this is. He would have tried to destroy you time and time again, says Sabrina--he had to die. But I didn't have to kill him, says Chris. If you hadn't, he'd have killed me, she reminds him, the police came to search Bruno's house and found me and Sky locked in there. I told the police I didn't know what I was doing there, that he'd asked her to come and when I got there, he locked me up--I said he was mad--now that you're back, we must start planning. Planning is for people who have a future, he says bitterly. We have a future, she insists--Bruno is gone, he can't harm us anymore. Now all we have to worry about, says Chris, is each other.  He leaves the room. I've got to convince him, Sabrina tells herself, it's the only way he can be safe. Someone knocks. Roger is at door, asking for Chris--I want to talk to him--how is Chris feeling? Not very well--he had a bad night, she says, I was here, looking after him. Yes, says Roger, I imagine he did have a bad night, but I still want to see him. Chris comes out.  Can we be alone? asks Roger. Sabrina leaves the room. You look much better, comments Roger--I'm glad of that. They sit at the table. I was feeling guilty because I couldn't get you medical help, explains Roger--I would have, but then all of a sudden, you were gone from the room, it was incredible. I don't remember leaving or getting here, or what happened, says Chris--I presume Bruno must have drugged me in some way.  Do you know why Carolyn was there? asks Roger.  I don't know, says Chris. Bruno can't help anyone, anymore, says Roger--I suppose you weren't entirely displeased he was killed, the way he treated you?  I'm never happy to hear about anyone being killed, says Chris.  Horrible thing, says Roger, he was killed by an unnatural animal.  Sabrina told me, says Chris. I'm glad you're feeling better and that you had a devoted nurse, says Roger--I think I'll get an answer to this, perplexing as it is, even though Bruno is dead and gone. Roger leaves. Sabrina joins Chris.  That man knows something, says Chris.  He knows strange things have happened, she assures him, but he can't know you're a part of it. Why not? asks Chris. He wouldn't have just walked out of here, she says, he'd have made you leave Collinwood. I don't know, says Chris, but I will find out, or someone will, someone far less considerate, who will bring the police. There's the chance of a different future, says Sabrina--if you marry me.We can't even think about that, he insists. We can, she says--most of the time, we can live like any other married couple in love. And, says Chris, when the moon is full?  I thought of that, too--we'd have a room in the house where I could lock you, look after you, could make sure you don't harm yourself or anyone else--we'll keep looking for a cure and will find it. Chris bursts into bitter laughter--Mr. and Mrs. Christopher Jennings in a home with their vine covered cell. Don't be cruel to me, she begs. NO! cries Chris, marriage is out of the question--death would be too close to us, constantly--we are not going to get married.  He leaves the cottage.

At the Old House, Julia wonders and worries what happened to Barnabas just before dawn. She stands at the cellar door. Will he be all right when he rises? Or will he rise? she asks herself, tears in her voice. She hears footsteps coming up the stairs. Barnabas opens the door.  How do you feel? asks Julia.  I've never felt the need for blood so much before, he says. Julia is alarmed. I'm afraid, says Barnabas, I feel out of control--you've got to do something at once. I will, Julia assures him.  There's no time! shouts Barnabas--never before have I felt such a creature of the night--I cannot help but destroy or be destroyed. He bows his head.  Julia looks helpless and miserable at her own impotence to help him.

Roger and Julia stand in the dark parallel time room.  I didn't believe Barnabas at first, says Roger, but now I have proof--you can't imagine what it's like, seeing yourself in another time band. Julia, distracted, asks what?  Perhaps you aren't interested, he says--what's the matter? Nothing, she says unconvincingly.  What are you thinking? he demands. Liz interrupts them-- what are you doing here--I looked out the window and couldn't believe what I saw--lights in the empty east wing--what are you doing here? Looking around, says Roger evasively. There's nothing to see, says Liz--or is there?--there must be something very special in the east wing, because everyone is suddenly very interested in it--and she wants to know what that something is. Very well, says Roger, I'll tell you, but you will be stunned, as I was.

Desperate for blood, Barnabas realizes--I must go out, down to the docks, anywhere... Someone knocks at the door.  He looks out the window--it's Sabrina--I can't let her in!--she'll go away if she doesn't see me. Sabrina, however, opens the door and lets herself in--Barnabas?--I could have sworn I saw you at the window.  He hides from her.  She continues calling to him. Figuring he went upstairs, she goes to check, calling his name. He exits his hiding place and goes into the drawing room. You startled me, says Sabrina.  I'm sorry, he says.  I want to talk about Chris, she says, you're the only one Chris will listen to--"I want to marry him," she says--"Don't turn away, it's not as crazy as it sounds--I love Chris, the way he is, and no matter how he has to live, I want to live with him."  No matter what HE is, says Barnabas to himself, no matter what I am, we must live with it, there's no choice anymore. And if we're married, says Sabrina, I can protect him--he will be safer with me, Barnabas, please help me convince him. Barnabas? she says, suddenly realizing his face has turned evil and cruel.She is quickly silenced, however, as Barnabas, the blood lust overpowering him, plunges his fangs into her jugular.

Sabrina returns to the cottage, walking unsteadily, a scarf around her throat. I was worried about you, says Chris. I went for a walk, she says, I wanted to think. No use thinking about us, protests Chris. She starts to faint; he helps her to sit down.  What's the matter? he asks, and finds the vampire marks on her throat.

NOTES: Sabrina loves Chris so much, she's willing to live with him as is. Everyone has their problems starting out in marriage, but is she crazy, or crazy in love? Would you do it? One can understand why Chris is reluctant, but how can he turn away a woman willing to sacrifice so much for him?

Poor Barnabas, that last injection of Julia's increased his blood lust to never-before-felt levels. He would never have attacked Sabrina unless the need was crucial, undeniable. I feel terrible for both of them, and for Chris, too, making such a grisly discovery. Where will this tragedy end?

Julia's expression when she realized that her injections seem to have had the opposite effect on the man she loves was so sad. I wonder why they didn't work this time? Is Jeb's curse so different from Angelique's?

Now Roger, Liz, Julia, Stokes and Barnabas all know about the parallel time room. Will one of them end up in that world?

Love, Robin

972 - Old House - Fascinated, Barnabas stares at the book he holds in his hands. Willie enters, mumbling, I did everything I had to; anyone who wants to find Megan Todd'll have to look good and...he stops, realizing that Barnabas is staring avidly at him. What's the matter? asks Willie.  It may be just as well you didn't know, answers Barnabas. Willie insists--you're looking at me like you've never seen me before--does it have something to do with that book? He reads the title over Barnabas' shoulder--who wrote that book? he asks. You did, replies Barnabas.  What are you talking about? asks Willie.  Barnabas hands him the book.  Willie reads that the book is by William Hollingshead Loomis--but nobody knows my middle name! cries Willie--that's got to be some other Willie Loomis!  He reads the blurb on the back and sees his own face, reading, "He's the author of three best-selling books--PRIDE OF LIFE, GOLD HATTED LOVER, WORLD BEYOND THE DOORS, all of which have been made into major motion pictures. He is married to... Willie stops reading and smacks the book--lies, all lies, look at the clothes I'm wearing, I don't own clothes like that--where did you get this book? The east wing, explains Barnabas, but where it came from before then, I don't know. Willie reads, "It was published in Boston in 1965." I'm sure no records in our world say it was, says Barnabas.I don't understand this, says Willie--there's something written here, in my handwriting, but I can hardly read it.  I saw it, says Barnabas--"To the Cleo who inspired me," he reads. I never knew anyone named Cleo, scoffs Willie.  Cleo was the muse of history, says Barnabas.  History is supposed to be the truth, protests Willie, this is a pack of lies!--the life and death of Barnabas Collins--I mean, Barnabas, you never died!. (sure he did, after he was bitten by the bat.)  Not in this time band, but another, says Barnabas. You're scaring me, Willie protests.  I didn't mean to, the vampire assures him-- but you should be aware of the fact that there are other existences, and in one of them, you were quite a well-known fellow, just as I was born in the 18th century, heir to Collins lands, rich in years, died in 1830, grieved by my descendants and most particularly, by my loving wife, Josette. It says that right here in the book, says Willie. The beginning, and end, yes, says Barn, but I still have to read what's in-between, then I must go to Stokes--go to him and tell him I want to see him. If that's all you want, go to Collinwood tonight, advises Willie, Mrs. Johnson says Stokes is having supper there tonight. Good, says Barn, then I have time to read the book before I see him, and see if there are anymore surprises in this book for me. I don't think you ought to look for anymore surprises, advises Willie uneasily--they're no good--take that book and burn it.  The problem can't be disposed of as easily as that, says Barn--something exists, and I must understand it--and I will understand it no matter what happens--now let me read. All right, agrees Willie, but don't forget--I warned you!  Willie goes. "Of one thing there is no doubt," reads Barnabas, "Barnabas Collins was born in the middle of the 18th century, heir to Collins lands that spread from..."  He reads further ahead "...and so, rich in years, he died in 1830, grieved by his descendants, and most particularly by his loving wife, Josette. "Josette!" murmurs Barnabas aloud, entranced.

Collinwood - Eliot heartily greets Liz, taking her hand in both of his--it's good to see you, knowing you're yourself again--after Paul's death, you seemed distracted. It was a terribly difficult time, agrees Liz, but the difficulties aren't over yet--Carolyn married Jeb yesterday. Wasn't this sudden? queries Stokes.  That, agrees Liz, plus precipitous, stupid and rash. (Tell us how you really feel, Liz.)  I'm afraid for her, adds Liz, but I didn't have the heart to stop her because Carolyn loves Jeb so much--I ignored the warning voice in my ear and gave my blessing, but I can't ignore it any longer--Jeb didn't tell me where they were going, even Carolyn didn't know; she told me she'd call me when she got settled, but I haven't heard from her, and I'm afraid for my daughter, terribly afraid.

Jeb, suitcases in hand, opens another door to yet another hotel room. He looks warily around, jittery, and turns on the light. On the wall, he spots the shadow, which is now much larger. He turns off the light; it disappears. It's in here! he mutters to himself, frantic--I knew it would be, it's been everywhere I've gone, waiting for me, but I'll get away from it, somehow. Carolyn puts her hands over his eyes, scaring him; he gasps. She giggles--I promise not to hurt you, she says.  He hugs her fiercely. I won't hurt you, amends Carolyn, providing you take me to dinner--the manager says there's a marvelous seafood restaurant...  She turns on the light.  Jeb hastily turns it off. Why? she asks.  We're leaving this place--right now! insists Jeb.

Jeb, says Carolyn, we aren't going anywhere until we have a talk.  She turns the light on and he flips the switch down--keep it off, he begs.  I don't understand why, she says. My eyes are killing me, he complains, driving into the sun all day... No wonder, says Carolyn--we stop someplace, and no matter what hotel we stop at, you decide you have to leave, keep going. I just want things to be completely right, he says. Things will be perfect, she assures him, if we'll stay in one place--how about here, she asks hopefully?  No, he says--we have to get out of here!  Why, since you said your eyes were tired from driving? asks Carolyn. We can leave the car here, says Jeb, we can take a plane!  Where? she demands. Anywhere, says Jeb. I want to stay here! cries Carolyn. We can't! insists Jeb. Why not? she asks. He doesn't respond.  I want an answer, says Carolyn firmly--what aren't you telling me, what are we running from?--the way you act, look, the things you say--if there's an explanation, I want to understand. You can't understand, he insists. Give me the chance, she begs--I'm your wife, I must understand what all this means. The honeymoon is over! shouts Jeb--over!--now let's get out of here!--let's go!  He picks up the bags and storms from the room.

Collinwood drawing room - Liz twirls a glass of sherry in her hand and tells Stokes, I suppose a mother worries about an only child. ANY child, amends Stokes. If I'd just hear from Carolyn, Liz frets. Barnabas enters--"You've heard nothing?" he says.  No, answers Liz--what does it mean?--I wish I knew. So do I, agrees Barnabas. Eliot, may I speak with you? asks Barnabas.  Talk to him now; urges Liz, I've been going on about Carolyn and I'm sure Eliot would welcome a change of subject. Eliot assures her, as a bachelor, I don't feel qualified to judge whether or not you are overreacting.  I'm sure you have a theory about the care and feeding of children, says Liz--you have a theory about everything. She rises from the sofa and adds, I'll tell Mrs. Johnson Barnabas is staying for dinner. I did everything I could to keep Mrs. Stoddard calm, says Stokes, but I fear Carolyn's marrying Jeb could be disastrous--what do you wish to discuss? Barn closes the double doors and asks about Stokes' theory of parallel time--if I understand it correctly, a person can be traveling down more than one time band simultaneously. That's the theory, agrees Stokes, it's a matter of different choices--for instance, if I'd chosen to marry my high school sweetheart, I'd be living a totally different life somewhere with her, with several children perhaps--according to the theory, there may be some Eliot Stokes who is doing exactly that--there may be many Eliot Stokes living all manner of different lives. Fascinating, says Barn. But only a theory, says Stokes. Do you think it possible? Asks Barnabas.  From your tone, says Stokes, I take it you do. Yes, says Barnabas--in a room in the east wing, I have seen a most extraordinary thing.

7 PM - Barnabas has related to Eliot everything he's witnessed in the east wing, with Liz, Julia and Willie leading completely different lives. If there were only a way to reach them, says Stokes. There is, says Barnabas, taking the book out of an envelope--there has to be, for this has reached me. Eliot examines the book, shocked--what does this mean? he asks.  It's a history of my ancestor, says Barnabas, and in that time band, he married Josette, had children, and died in 1830--of course in our own time band, he left Collinwood in 1799? and never returned.  I want to go check out this incredible room for myself, says Stokes. As Barnabas leads him there, Eliot ponders--what am I doing in that time band?--or am I even alive?--when I was 10, I nearly drowned, perhaps in that time band, I wasn't rescued--perhaps there, I've been dead a long time--do you wonder what your life might bave been? inquires Stokes.  Significantly, Barnabas answers, "Yes, I do."

East Wing - Barnabas throws open the doors, but finds the room dark and empty. Both Stokes and Barnabas are disappointed.  I wonder why it's there sometimes, yet not others, muses Barnabas. I guess the time band is always there, says Stokes, but can only be glimpsed occasionally through the warp--I have a small rip in my sleeve, and when I hold it a certain way, the rip seems to disappear; to see it you must stand in the right light and position. And I have been standing in the right place, the right light, surmises Barnabas. Yes, agrees Eliot, perhaps that is it--theoretically, others could see it, too, under the right circumstances--I wish I could, for this is proof of what had only been a theory--until now. Its real importance will come if and when I can cross over, says Barnabas.Don't, warns Eliot, it's too dangerous, we know so little, you might become trapped. Barnabas interrupts him--I know the dangers, he says, but do you think I can pass up the opportunity of crossing over if it comes?  I don't know what to wish for, says Stokes, but I advise you to keep watching this room, let me know, but for all our sakes, don't do anything that might destroy you. Barnabas licks his lips, not answering.

Jeb and Carolyn return to the carriage house. I want to let Mother know we're back, she says. I'm not stopping you, says Jeb. Aren't you coming with me? she asks. Nope, he says. I don't understand, she says, you hardly spoke on the drive back--why are you so angry--please tell me!  Nothing to tell, he says--go to Collinwood. What will you do? she asks. Unpack, he says. It would help considerably if you could see what you were unpacking, she says--and she turns on the light. Jeb spots the shadow and is immediately terrified. What's wrong? demands Carolyn.  Stop asking me, he commands--if you want to go see your mother, go see your mother--get out and stay out!  His cruelty shocks her. This is where I belong! she cries. He pushes her away--I don't want you, he says--I made a mistake, I don't want you. Maybe we both made mistakes, she says, and leaves the cottage. Jeb, devastated, looks ill. He sees the shadow and turns off the light. What kind of life is this?

Collinwood - Liz carries the glasses away on a tray.  Seeing Carolyn, she puts it down on the table and takes her daughter into her arms. "Darling!" she cries. Realizing Carolyn is upset, she asks where Jeb is. He went right to the carriage house, answers Carolyn.  It's not ready yet, protests Liz. It doesn't matter, says Carolyn quietly, he'll be staying there, I'll be staying here--that's the way he wants it. Carolyn! cries Liz, not comprehending. Carolyn leans against the doorframe--I don't want to talk about it, she says, inches away from crying.

Old House - Barnabas returns--I talked to Stokes, Willie he says.  I've been thinking a lot about that book, confesses Willie. So have I, says Barn, and about the life in which I loved and won Josette. Well if that life existed, says Willie, it ended in death, Barnabas, and don't you forget it! Barnabas considers this profound statement.

Carolyn sits in the drawing room--why did Jeb force a quarrel between us? she wonders--I'll never understand it, but I have to--I've got to!

Cottage - Carolyn finds the door locked. Why is it dark? she wonders, why is the door locked?--did he leave me? She rattles the knob, then starts to unlock it. Leave me alone, demands Jeb from inside. It's Carolyn, she says.  Go away and stay away! says Jeb.  NO! she insists, entering the cottage and flying to his side--you've got to tell me, she begs, you can't just sit here in the dark!  She turns on the light.  Jeb gazes at her fearfully. Spotting the shadow, she screams.  Jeb holds her close--I didn't want you to see it, ever, he says. What is it? she cries. He hugs her--I didn't want it to hurt you, Carolyn. It's going to hurt you--kill you--isn't it? she asks miserably. Not if I sit in the dark, says Jeb.  Carolyn, close to hysteria, says, I won't let it--we'll get away from it. There's no place to go, he insists.  There has to be! says Carolyn--and drags him from the cottage. The shadow, huge now, appears in the room, seeming to fill it.

NOTES: Poor Carolyn, going on her honeymoon, having to deal with her groom forcing her to pick up and go when all she wants is to cuddle in his arms. At least now she's seen what's been troubling her husband. Although it was cruel of Jeb to push her away in such an abrupt manner, was only trying to protect her.

Willie proved himself a man of intelligence and profundity when he told Barnabas not to forget that the Barnabas in the alternate time band died--and which is preferable, living death or the real thing? It's also funny the way he reacts to his counterpart's talent at writing--and I guess our Willie shares the same unique middle name that the other Willie does! Willie is so cute in this scene!

Stokes proves himself a good friend to both Liz and Barnabas, listening with sympathy to the former and warning the latter not to attempt to join that other time band for fear of getting trapped there. Stokes is a bright guy, knows his stuff, but Barnabas, as we all know, is impetuous, especially with the vampire curse hanging over his head. His counterpart's normal life looks too good to him right now--and THAT Barnabas married Josette and had children with her--the very life the present time Barnabas was denied!


973 - Collinwood - Carolyn holds in her hand the cutout Angelique made.  Each night, explains Jeb, it grows larger and larger and each day, every night, it reaches out a little further. Don't think about it, urges Carolyn. I didn't want you to know, he says, but you insisted. Now there are two of us to fight it, she assures him.  One of these days, predicts Jeb, it's going to kill me as it did in the vision. What vision? she asks.  I have enemies, he says. Who, and why? she asks. I told you that you must accept me as I am, he says, and why not?, he says bitterly--I won't be around much longer anyway.  There might be something they can do, she suggests--if it's gone during the day, whoever made the cutout must be made to remove it completely.  That person won't help me, says Jeb. Is it Nicholas Blair? She asks.  What made you think of him? asks Jeb.  He's evil and wants to hurt you, she says, I know that. You know too much, says Jeb. I'm sure it's Nicholas, she says--I should go to him. No, says Jeb, don't do anything, I'll take care of it. How? she asks, every night the shadow grows larger. He vows to do something now, but says, the less you know, the better. One thing I must know, she says--you do love me, you're not sorry? I do love you, very much, he swears, holding her and caressing her hair.

Cottage bedroom - Sabrina, twisting a handkerchief in her hands, sadly tells Quentin, Chris and I both know there will be a full moon tomorrow, but Chris refuses to discuss it. What do you expect him to say? asks Quentin. I expect him to trust me, says Sabrina, share the danger. No one can do that, says Quentin. I want to try, she says, help Chris--I don't care how much he tries to shut me out, I will--I thought of one way--get rid of Bruno--Chris won't mention it, but I know he's worried about the fact that Bruno knows all about him--and Bruno is waiting for Chris. Quentin sits on the bed. I wish Chris had killed him when Bruno captured him, says Sabrina. Don't wish him that, says Quentin--every life he takes gives him great pain--very great pain--and he looks as if he knows exactly what Chris is experiencing.He isn't to blame for that, says Sabrina. I know that, says Q--but the pain is still there. You have great insight, she says, seem to understand how others feel--please try to understand how I feel, she begs--Chris has forbidden me to get involved, but I feel I must. What will you do? asks Q. Offer Bruno money, says Sabrina, if I offer it to him, perhaps he'll take it and go away. You'd do this for Chris? asks Q. I'd do anything for Chris, says Sabrina firmly, I want to marry him. No, says Quentin angrily, you can't think about marriage until this curse if over, you've got to believe that. How can it be over unless Bruno goes? asks Sabrina--that's why I must get to him! Quentin thinks it over and agrees, maybe Chris can be driven out of Bruno's mind--you and I will go discuss it with him--you can't go alone--I'll be back in an hour, we'll tackle Bruno together.

Carriage house - Bruno uses his sharp knife to cut up an apple. Jeb enters.  Don't you believe in knocking? demands Bruno--what do you want? Jeb approaches him slowly. Why did you come here? asks Bruno--I asked you a question, now answer me!  He points his knife at Jeb.

Things aren't like they used to be, man, says Bruno--when I ask you a question, you answer me! That knife can't hurt me, says Jeb. Bruno drops it on the table--the knife doesn't need to hurt you, he says--you're already dead, and nothing can help you--when you had your little temper tantrum, you destroyed yourself as well as everything else--why did you come here? demands Bruno, answer me!  I know things are different between us, says Jeb--not much friendship left. You're wrong, says Bruno, there's NONE!--how could there be after what you did--destroyed everything for all of us--if it had only been me instead of you, I'd never have disappointed Nicholas the way you did. Speak to Nicholas about me, begs Jeb--he's the only one who can help me. Save your breath, advises Bruno--you haven't gotten much left.  Angelique Rumson put a curse on me, says Jeb, and describes the shadow destined to destroy him. You don't destroy that easily, says Bruno. I know this can destroy me, says Jeb, because Angelique has powers, as does Nicholas, and you have to help me. You don't seem to realize how you hurt Nicholas and all of us, says Bruno. I did it all because of Carolyn, says Jeb desperately, I love her very much--we're married now! You're kidding, says Bruno--does she realize that very soon she'll be a very young widow? Bruno, says Jeb warningly.  When you're out of the way, says Bruno, I'll make a play myself for the rich, young, beautiful Carolyn--who will need a lot of consoling.  Jeb grabs Bruno threateningly.  You do want help, don't you? asks Bruno--I will go to Nicholas and tell him what Angelique is doing, but it won't do any good--Nicholas could help you against her, but even if he did, it wouldn't make a difference--you have less and less existence as time goes by. If I can beat this shadow, says Jeb, I can beat anything--I can LIVE, and I will, I've got to, for Carolyn. jeb looks as if he's about to cry.

Collinwood - Carolyn, pacing the drawing room, decides to take a drink. Maggie comes in--welcome home! she cries, and gives her a friendly hug--how's married life?  All right, says Carolyn.  Something is wrong, says Maggie--I don't mean to pry, we all want you to be happy. I love Jeb very much, Carolyn assures her. All right, says Maggie doubtfully, I'm just not used to seeing you drink in the afternoon--what is it? You missed our wedding ceremony, says Carolyn--have a drink with me now. I shouldn't, says Maggie, I have to get dressed--Barnabas is taking me out to dinner. Oh, says Carolyn, perhaps someday you and Barnabas... Maggie chuckles, blushing, then asks, do you recommend married life? Yes she does, answers Jeb from the doorway. Maggie greets him uncertainly, offering her congratulations. Thank you, says Jeb. Maggie leaves. Carolyn closes the doors--what happened? she asks--did you see Nicholas? No, says Jeb, I'm sure Nicholas won't help me, and I'd just make a fool of myself if I went to him. Carolyn draws him into her arms, soothing him. How much longer will it be until you're a young widow? he asks. Don't say that she begs, kissing him possessively. It's beginning to get dark, he notices--how much larger will the shadow be tonight?

Later - Maggie comes downstairs. The pitchfork has reappeared on her hand. Quentin, she thinks, smiling with anticipation, where are you?
It's 7:30 - Sabrina waits for Quentin. Although he's right outside her door, he notices the pitchfork on his hand and decides, I should be with Maggie.  He leaves.

Sabrina impatiently waits for Q--why he isn't here? she wonders--does it mean he changed his mind about going with me? She falls back on the bed, thinking, I have no right to be disappointed if he has, even a good friend can only be expected to do so much. More has to be done, she muses-- Bruno must be dealt with, for Chris' sake, no matter how dangerous he is, and I will deal with him, alone if I have to. . .no, I won't go entirely alone.  She takes a gun from the top dresser drawer--this will go with me, she vows.

8:30 - He has changed his mind, he's an hour late, Sabrina thinks to herself. She holds money in one hand, the gun in the other--which will it be, Bruno?--the decision is yours.  She puts the money into her purse, then holds the gun, wondering, dear God, what am I doing with my brother's gun (where is dear old Ned, anyway)? I must, for Chris' sake--I'm not like Quentin, and can't change my mind. She slips the gun into her purse.

Out on the terrace, Quentin and Maggie are smooching it up real nice. I have to go, she says.  Huskily, he says, you don't have to go anywhere. Barnabas is waiting, she says. It doesn't matter, he says.  Maggie agrees--nobody matters.  We're the only two people in this whole, wide world, says Q. I've never felt this way before, she says, I'm frightened. Don't be, urges Quentin, and they kiss up a storm.

Carolyn and Jeb cling to each other as she shadow appears. It's happening so quickly, she says. Turn off the light, says Jeb. That won't save you, insists Carolyn.  Turn off the light! yells Jeb.  She does. The shadow seems to be gone. Go to Barnabas for help, Carolyn suggests--he knows many things. He knows, all right, says Jeb, but we won't go to him, he isn't a friend of mine. That may have been true once, says Carolyn, but not now. Forget about Barnabas, says Jeb, do me the favor. Go to Stokes, suggests Carolyn, show him the paper, there might be some way!  I don't think so, says jeb.  Carolyn, near hysteria, asks, how do uoi know unless you ask him?--I don't understand you--forget Barnabas, Stokes, Nicholas--are you trying to forget me, too? Wordlessly, he takes her into his arms, holding her close.

Sabrina goes to the carriage house to see Bruno.  You're most welcome, he says. Noticing he has on his coat, she says, I can make this fast. No, he assures her, I have all the time in the world for you. But I don't, she says coldly, I only have until tomorrow night. His expression sobers--when the moon is full, he says, and I thought you came all this way because you were interested in me--it's a long way (?)  I'm only interested in one man, says Sabrina. I'm interested in him, too, says Bruno--when the moon is full.  Please leave him alone, pleads Sabrina. You're very appealing, says Bruno, but it's not enough. Is this? she asks--and pulls out the wad of money. He takes it in his hand.  You can have all of it if you leave this place, says Sabrina--forget you ever heard of Chris, forget about him. You asked me a question, says Bruno, and a lovely creature like yourself deserves an answer--"No, it's not enough!" I'll get more, she swears. No, says Bruno cruelly, Chris Jennings is more valuable to me than a pile of money--and whoever controls him controls a source of great power, and so far, that person is me--I intend to use him, the right way. There is no right way, objects Sabrina. Oh, yes there is! shouts Bruno, when I'm finished with him...  You'll kill him, finishes Sabrina. Let's not look too far into the future, taunts Bruno, you might find it a little depressing...now I really must go. She puts the money back into her purse--wait, she says--and pulls out the gun.  I'll let THIS speak for me, says Sabrina--and points the gun at him. He gazes at it--what do you intend to do? he asks.  I love Chris, she says, and I'm not going to let anyone hurt him--I'm going to kill you!

NOTES: Go, Sabrina! I think Bruno is a real SOB, and death is too good for him! I wish Sabrina would torture him a bit first. Poor woman, so in love with Chris she's willing to give up what must be her life's savings, and even risk prison!

Jeb and Carolyn against the shadow--while the special effect continues to elicit giggles, their feelings for each other are still so real, intense, I can't help but hope they make it. Although I don't believe in Jeb's sudden transformation into good guy, I do believe Carolyn loves him very much, and I would like to see her happy. Her scene with Maggie, wherein she suggests that she and Barnabas might get married someday, was a total hoot when you realize she blew off her date with Barnabas to suck face with Quentin on the terrace. They do make a nice couple, don't they, and oh, those long, slippery kisses!  See how Angelique either directly or indirectly screws up the lives of everyone? Her pitchfork love spell left Sabrina to go alone to see Bruno, a dangerous move. Quentin and Maggie's passion can't have a good effect on her relationship with Barnabas.

Now, why was Jeb unable to reveal to Carolyn who put the shadow curse on him--Angelique--yet so readily able to tell Bruno? Why didn't he feel he could tell her that important fact? Just wondering.

Love, Robin

968 - Jeb and his foster father fight to the death. They struggle fiercely, Philip trying to force Jeb over, but Jeb manages to escape, leaving Philip in a vulnerable, crouching position. Jeb orders Philip, get up--I'm going to let you go, because I've killed enough and don't want another death on my conscience--get out of here! cries Jeb.  Philip dashes off. Jeb hears a rustling sound behind him--Philip attempts to run at him, a last-ditch effort to send him into the sea, but Jeb dodges the attack--instead, it's Philip plunges over the cliff's edge. "PHILIP!" screams Jeb, but the sea under Widows' Hill claims yet another life. I didn't want it to be this way, murmurs Jeb. Neither did I, says Peter Bradford, still wearing his odd neckwear, but it doesn't matter, you won't escape. "Doesn't matter?" demands Jeb, "a man just died there because of you!" I won't rest until you're dead, vows Peter. Then you never will, says Jeb--you can't kill me, why don't you realize that before more lives are lost? It doesn't matter how many lives are lost, says Peter, only one thing is important--that I kill you, Jeb Hawkes. You never will, predicts Jeb, walking away. You can't get rid of me so easily, Peter warns him, I can follow you, and lead you without your knowing it, and I'll lead you back here to Widows' Hill and push you off--and you'll be destroyed, I'll destroy you.  No, Peter Bradford, says a female voice behind him, you will not destroy him. It's Angelique. Who are you? Peter asks.  I'm no ordinary woman, she says--I'm watching Jeb Hawkes, in whom I have a special interest--and he belongs to me--I am the one who will destroy him. What did he do to you? asks Peter. I had comfort, position, a wonderful marriage, a man who loved me, explains Angelique--and because of him I lost it all--he's going to pay dearly for that loss.I can make him pay, Peter assures her, I drowned him once before--that's the only way he can be destroyed--by drowning. That's the only way YOU can destroy him, corrects Angelique, I have other ways--I told you, I am no ordinary woman. And he's no ordinary man, says Peter, if you fail, he'll go unpunished, marry Carolyn. Oh, it's come to that, has it? says Angelique bitterly, all the more reason why I shall not fail--I shall go and look for Jeb Hawkes, as soon as I return you to your grave. I don't want to, protests Peter--he might get away. He won't, says Ang, I promise you, Jeb Hawkes has a very short future--now go back, Peter Bradford, she intones.  The ghost begins to shrink and soon disappears.  Go back into the darkness knowing he will soon follow you and you will have your revenge, adds Angelique--go back now to where you belong, you will be avenged!  Peter is completely gone. Angelique smiles evilly.

Liz, distraught, finds Carolyn's note stating that she left with Jeb, she hopes her mother will give them her blessing, that she loves him very much. Carolyn enters.  You can't do it! insists Liz. You can't change my mind, so please don't try, urges Carolyn--I was at the carriage house, looking for Jeb--I made up my mind a few hours ago, I was going away with him; we talked on the telephone and it was going to be in a few minutes, but he never showed up, and he's not at the carriage house--I can't imagine what happened to him. I know, says Liz--and sits beside her daughter on the bed--painful as it may be, better to find out now rather than after you're married--Jeb doesn't really want to marry you--he changed his mind at the last minute. That's not true, says Carolyn, he was worried about something terrible happening, kept talking about it, but wouldn't say exactly what. The phone rings.  I'll get it, says Carolyn, whatever it is, I must hear it for myself. She picks up the phone; it's the (new) sheriff, asking about Megan. We don't know where she is, says Carolyn--what's wrong?--oh, no, yes, of course we'll phone you if she comes here. She hangs up. Liz asks what happened. Philip Todd escaped from jail, says Carolyn--no one knows where he is or where to begin looking for him. Jeb, standing in the doorway, suggests, "Look for Philip in the water below Widows' Hill."

On the phone with the sheriff, Jeb describes what happened between him and Philip on Widows' Hill--he turned and charged at me...I'll repeat it as an official statement--however, it must be today, after that, I don't know where I'll be. Carolyn listens in dismay. I answered their questions and they answered mine, says Jeb--Philip had a nervous breakdown earlier this evening--when they called the doctor, he escaped--they don't know what caused the breakdown, but don't think it was the first one he had--they're pretty sure these periods of madness only come on him when he feels the need to kill. This time, he almost killed you, says Carolyn. Seeing how upset Carolyn is, Jeb reassures her--he didn't kill me.  I know, she says, but...I heard you tell the sheriff you were going away. I am, says Jeb, with you--we're getting married, remember? Intensely relieved, Carolyn goes into his arms--I thought you'd changed your mind. Not a chance! he promises. She  clings to him and says, everything seems like a threat, I'm so afraid of losing you. You won't, he says--I'm going to the police station so we can get out of here. Wait a minute, says Liz--I don't approve of the marriage, but I can see Carolyn loves you, and if I let her walk out of here, I'll lose her forever--stay here and get married at Collinwood, the way you should, begs Liz. No, says Jeb, there's no need for a big wedding, no time--we'll go off as we planned, it will be better that way. Carolyn takes her mother's hands in hers--let me speak to Jeb alone for a few minutes, she asks. Liz leaves.  Mother has come a long way, points out Carolyn, couldn't we...? Jeb refuses to wait around while Liz invites half the state of Maine to a big Collins wedding (yeah, like Dan Curtis would spring for the bucks!)  It doesn't have to be a big wedding, says Carolyn hopefully, it can take place just the way we planned--I'm sure my mother can arrange for a special license, the only difference will be it will take place here, with my family. No family, insists Jeb definitely, no one is to know about this until it's over. Carolyn agrees--anything she says, as long as you marry me. I hope I get that chance, says Jeb, looking none too sanguine.

Collinwood drawing room - Angelique sits with Liz, sipping coffee--I meant to call you, Mrs. Stoddard, she says, and I'm glad we ran into each other in town--it's hard to call when all the news is bad. I'm so sorry to hear about you and Sky, says Liz--I thought you were so...  "Perfect for each other," finishes Angelique, "so happy."--yes, we were. Jeb enters to report to Liz, I took care of the matter at the police station.  Angelique stares at Jeb. I took care of the marriage license, says Liz, so you and Carolyn can pick it up whenever you want. She introduces Mrs. Rumson to Mr. Hawkes. Mrs. Rumson? repeats Jeb. Mrs. Sky Rumson, grins Angelique. We stayed with them at Little Windward Island, explains Liz.  Mr. Hawkes has been there, reveals Ang. I don't think I have, says Jeb.  Really, says Ang, I could have sworn we had, Jeb and Sky were such good friends. Liz expresses surprise at this connection.  I met him a few times when I was taking pictures for his magazines, says Jeb, but I'm not a friend of your husband's.  I must be confusing you with some other photographer, suggests Ang. Of course, says Jeb, I'll go get Carolyn. Ang puts down her cup, stands and walks over to Jeb. Are you and Carolyn planning to get married? she asks. Yes, answers Jeb--today, here. Well, says Ang, there's an old Irish saying--"may ye have all the luck ye need." Thank you, he says, not quite knowing how to take the fury in her eyes mixed with her pleasant tone.

Carriage house - Jeb enters to find Angelique waiting for him. I expected you sooner, she says, but don't feel bad--I spent the time repairing my nails--she shows him a pair of nail scissors. Tell me, she asks, casually cutting something from black construction paper, what do you know about me?  Not much, answers Jeb, except that you're very beautiful--and that you're Mrs. Sky Rumson. I know a great deal about you, she says--for instance, you should have been destroyed when the box was destroyed, when the cairn blew up, and the room burned--that should have been the end of you, too. How do you know about all that? demands Jeb. You have a tremendous will to live, she says--unfortunately, that's not enough against me, because I know too much. What do you know? he asks. For one thing, she says, still cutting, I know the way Peter Bradford was going to do away with you. But he didn't points out Jeb, and neither will you, because no one is going to lure me near water again. I don't need water or to lure you anywhere, she says--I have the means to destroy you right here in this room.

In her bedroom, Carolyn accepts a pin from Liz that belonged to her great-great-great-great-great grandmother. That should certainly make it old enough, chuckles Carolyn. And you can carry my hanky, says Liz, handing it to her. Thank you, says Carolyn, for all this--and for accepting Jeb. Liz looks away.  I realize you haven't really accepted him yet, says Carolyn, but you have given him a chance. Carolyn puts her hand over her mother's. We're all giving each other a chance, says Liz. But it's going to work, says Carolyn--I know it's going to work--no matter what fears you or Jeb have, I'm sure of that--I love him very much, and I'm very glad we're being married here. I had imagined you would have a big wedding, sighs Liz. It isn't exactly what I had in mind, either, concedes Carolyn, but it's the one I have and I will make the best of it--I have new stockings, now all I need is something blue. She opens her desk drawer to look.

I didn't ruin your marriage to Sky! Jeb angrily tells Angelique--your husband did that himself, by his own selfish greed--now stop talking about it, and stop threatening me with your powers, because I haven't got the time. No, she says, you have to go to Carolyn, don't you?--then go, and may this follow you wherever you go--until it consumes you.  She takes the construction paper figure she's been cutting out, which looks like a black ghost, and presses it over his heart.  Jeb takes it into his hands and examines it.  What is it? he asks, making a face at her--what is this thing? You'll find out in time, she assures him, you'll be seeing it again. When? he asks-- how? You'd better get dressed, she advises, taking the figure from his hands, you don't want to keep your bride waiting. You can't do anything to me, says Jeb defiantly. Can't I? asks Angelique--will you wonder if I can after you leave here?--will you wonder when you hold Carolyn in your arms...it would be too cruel of me to let you wonder--I think I might as well tell you now, so that you'll know before you go away. She sits by the fire.  Come over here, Jeb--I will show you what's going to happen--or would you prefer to find out for yourself?  Jeb looks into the fire as ordered.  Tell me what you see, she says.  I see a bedroom, says Jeb.  We see the flames and the colorful disco ball, then Jeb, lying on a bed. It's me, asleep, says Jeb--it can't be!  It can be anything I want it to be, corrects Angelique. What's going to happen to me? asks Jeb.  You'll see, soon enough, promises Ang.  In the vision, Jeb awakens and spots a shadow on the wall, attacking him, enveloping him. He screams as it chokes him to death. Jeb draws away from the horrifying vision in the fire. "Have you seen enough, Jeb?" she asks, "or do you want to see more?" Jeb grabs the cutout from the table--"That shape was the same as this," he says, "only horrible and deadly." Ang smiles, then giggles. All right, says Jeb, I admit you have powers, you can make me run, scream and die in your visions, but you can't make it work. Oh yes I can, Ang assures him. No you can't, says Jeb--you can make me die, but only by water. "By drowning--the way you did at Widows' Hill so long ago?" asks Angelique--"Oh, no, I will prove to you, Jeb, that death waits for you around every corner, not just on Widows' Hill--and it will follow you wherever you go!"

Liz slips a blue sapphire bracelet around Carolyn's wrist--it makes you a traditional bride, she says. In a very small way, agrees Carolyn, who wears a simple pink dress (no white in her wardrobe?) That doesn't matter, says Liz, "Happy the bride..." "...the sun shines upon," finishes Carolyn, looking unhappy--"but the sun won't shine on me, will it, Mother, because Jeb can't wait--I'll be married at night--in darkness."  (very sad, wasn't it?)

Collinwood foyer - Jeb checks his reflection in the mirror. For those who have been waiting for him to wear different clothing, he's in a 70's leisure suit (shudder), white shirt and tie. He tells himself he looks good, fine, and everything will be fine. Then he sees Angelique's avenging shadow reflected in the mirror. It can't be! he cries--the world is full of shadows, all kinds, and none of them can hurt me!--there's no need to be afraid, no need!  He turns on a lamp; the shadow fades and disappears. Carolyn comes downstairs and asks, Jeb, what are you doing?  The bulb was burned out, he says, I was just seeing if it had been replaced.  Is that all? she asks, you looked so serious!  She hugs him--you're going to be a wonderful husband, she says, I can see that now (a man willing to change a lightbulb--does it get any better than this?)  They walk hand in hand into the drawing room. Liz answers the door to the minister--thank you for coming at our convenience, she says. Jeb looks at the wall and once again spies the shadow.  Carolyn has to call his name twice to get him to join her. The shadow dances a bit, then disappears.

NOTES: Yes, the shadow is a dumb, dumb special effect, I thought so back in 1970 and think so now. It would have made so much more sense for them to just go directly to Angelique taking revenge on Jeb, which makes sense, than to have her wrestling Peter Bradford for it--he never should have appeared in this storyline in the first place. IMHO.

Poor Philip, rest in peace. All you wanted to do was run a small-town antique store with your wife, perhaps crank out a few red-haired babies, and instead you ended up with the foster child from hell and your dream burned to the ground. A sad, undeserved ending for a man with simple desires.  Pity.

I always find I get a lump in my throat when Carolyn prepares for her rush-rush marriage to Jeb (are all the locals betting on the birth date of Carolyn's "premature" baby)? This gal should have had a BIG wedding, with all the trimmings, but Curtis preferred to spend the money on the awful special shadow effects instead of giving the Collins offspring a grand affair. A shame. At least put a white dress on the poor girl! And only Mama Liz as the witness/matron of honor?

Angelique was SUCH a bitch in this ep! Granted, she has every right to be pissed at Jeb (instead of the trumped up nonsense with Peter Bradford/Vicki), but it almost sounds like she wants to take equal revenge against an undeserving Carolyn--for daring to love and be happy when she herself couldn't!  This witch is cold!


969 - Drawing room - Jeb plants a wet, pre-wedding smooch on Carolyn, who notes how nervous he is. I've never been married before, he says, then hesitantly asks, "I haven't changed my mind--have you?"  I always imagined I'd have a very large wedding with bridesmaids and parties, she says, but now the only thing I want is to be married to you.  He grins and kisses her again. Liz enters and tells the smooching couple, Reverend Brand thinks we should begin--he has a vestry meeting later, so if you're ready. We're ready, Carolyn assures her mother.  Liz laments about how impromptu this all is. Carolyn takes her hands--it's the way we want it, she says. I know, says Liz, but...Reverend. Brand, stand by the fireplace.  He does. Jeb suddenly smacks himself in the forehead--I forgot the flowers! He goes into the foyer, picks up a bouquet lying on the table and hands it to Carolyn.  How lovely! she exclaims.  Jeb and Carolyn stand before the reverend.  Liz, looking as if she's going to cry, stands behind them. He begins the ceremony, "Dearly beloved, We are gathered here in the sight of God and the eyes of this company to join together this man and this woman..." The camera pans back for a long shot as we fade out...
Jeb slides a wedding band on Carolyn's hand and stares down at it.  "With the power invested in me, I now pronounce you man and wife," says Reverend Brand. (We're even cheated of seeing the entire ceremony, blast it!) Jeb and Carolyn kiss heartily.  Liz wipes a tear from the corner of her eye. The Reverend hugs Carolyn, wishing her the best, then shakes Jeb's hand. Carolyn hugs her mother, asking, wish me happiness. I do, says Liz, I wish both of you every happiness--Reverend, you must have a glass of champagne before you leave, we must toast the bride. Jeb volunteers to open the champagne. Carolyn rapturously observes, I don't feel a bit different, I expected to, I thought I'd feel like a different person with other worries, but then, I've always worried about Jeb, ever since I first met him. Jeb comes in and chuckles--and you still married me? And I'd do it all over again, she assures him, smiling. Jeb pours the bubbly into glasses.  How long are you going to be away? asks Liz--since you're going to be living in the carriage house, I want to make some changes. We haven't even discussed where we're going, says Carolyn. Far, far away, laughs Jeb. Really, where? asks Carolyn--it doesn't have to be a secret even from me. You married a very mysterious man, laughs Jeb. Are you going to be gone a week, 10 days--you really must tell me, insists Liz. Now that I'm your son in law, says Jeb, I might as well tell you we don't believe in timetables and plans--we're just going to get in that car and keep right on driving--and when we get there, we'll decide where we're going to go. Rev. Bland dubs Jeb "an unconventional young man." Very, agrees Jeb--and when we get uptight about being there, they'll just head home--simple as that. Rising his glass, Jeb says, I want to toast my bride--may we have much time together. Yes, agrees Carolyn, much time. Julia walks diffidently down the stairs.  Jeb greets her--come in, he says, join us, help us celebrate, offer us congratulations--we're married. Julia's eyes fly open in astonishment. Jeb presses his head against Carolyn's and says--it's a surprise, you never thought it would happen, did you? Stunned, not knowing what to say, Julia doesn't reply. Come in! urges Jeb, every celebration needs guests. Julia enters the drawing room, hugs Carolyn and wishes her happiness--Jeb, take care of your bride, then accepts a glass of champagne from Liz. "To my husband," toasts Carolyn, "may neither of us ever forget the way we feel as this moment."  Julia, you must be very surprised, says Liz.  I am, agrees Julia. Everyone sips their champagne. And you're probably not the only one, Doctor, remarks Jeb, I think there are going to be a great many other shocked faces around the estate tonight. He smiles and drinks his champagne, raising it to someone who isn't there.

Barnabas rises for the evening and begins to light the candles in the drawing room. Sky Rumson stands in the shadows. Mr. Collins, he says, I didn't mean to frighten you--do you know how much I hate you? Is that what you came here to tell me? asks Barnabas. I hate you for so many reasons, says Sky. Beginning with Angelique, says Barnabas. Where is she? demands Sky. I honestly don't know, says Barnabas.  She told you to tell me that, guesses Sky. "Angelique asks me nothing and tells me nothing," says Barnabas, "we are not friends."  "You're much closer than friends, you're enemies," says Sky, "and I know that neither of you can resist torturing each other--she's known you for a long time, she'll remember you long after she's forgotten me, I know that!--you've got to get me to her, because she's the only one who can help me." She would no more help you than she'd help me, Barnabas points out. She must, insists Sky--you must convince her, because you are responsible for what is happening to me. Nothing is happening to you, says Barn, Jeb destroyed the box, all of you are released. Not me, says Sky, I made my deal with a Mr. Strack, but that's not what I blame you for--what I blame you for is this--and he yanks away the scarf covering his throat and shows Barnabas' Megan's handiwork. Megan! cries Barnabas. Yes, says Sky.Barnabas, ashamed, looks away.

Collinwood - Liz collects the champagne glasses on a tray. Jeb, I'm going upstairs to change, says Carolyn.  He hugs and kisses her and says, I wish we could go away right now. I promise not to be long, says Carolyn.  Liz exits the drawing room, too--Jeb, I'll hurry Carolyn as fast as I can. The ladies go upstairs. Jeb, alone in the drawing room, loosens his tie, exults, married--yes, married--no one stopped us, or came running in when the minister said if any man knows any reason this couple should not be united, speak now or forever hold their peace--even Angelique stayed away!...forget what she showed me, she was just trying to scare me, that paper on my forehead (it was on his chest, but who's quibbling?), mumbling those words--killed by a shadow, Nicholas says she has powers, I have none now, but nothing has happened, and nothing will. The shadow appears on the wall beside Jeb, growing, quivering. Jeb cries out and backs away, crying NO!He closes the drawing room doors and leans against them on the foyer side, remembering that Angelique said that shadow would grow, kill him. CAROLYN! WE'VE GOT TO GET OUT OF HERE! screams Jeb.

Old House - We see Barnabas' portrait. Sky tells Barnabas, I am Megan's victim, as she was yours--what you did to her is not going to happen to me, vows Sky. Barnabas apologizes to him--I didn't know, he says.  You knew she had to find blood somewhere, accuses Sky. I did try to find her, says Barnabas. Not nearly as hard as I tried to find her, says Sky--suddenly hearing her voice in my mind, begging me to come to her, and me not able to stay away--I can't have it anymore, I won't! Barnabas drops his head in shame. Angelique can help me, says Sky, she has powers, more than anyone, and I need her help. I swear, says Barnabas, I don't know where she is--but there may be a better way--where is Megan's coffin? It was in the crypt (what crypt?), reveals Sky, but tonight she told me she hid it somewhere else. But where? asks Barn, you must tell me if I'm to help you. The east wing of Collinwood, says Sky, I don't know which room, but she won't be there until dawn, and you have to be back here at that time--I don't know how knowing where she is will help you. I have a friend who will help, explains Barnabas--if she summons you, go to her--we must find her! Julia comes in, surprised to see Sky. Barnabas tells the latter that, with your permission, I'll tell her everything. Sky nods. If you find Megan, says Barn, tell Julia tomorrow, she will know what to do. Sky turns to Julia and says, "So we're going to be on the same side at last, Dr. Hoffman--must I stay while you go through it, Mr. Collins?" Of course not, says Barnabas--tomorrow, go to Julia, she'll tell you what to do. Sky leaves. Julia tells Barnabas, I have no idea what this is all about, but before you tell me, I have something to tell you--"Jeb and Carolyn are married." Barnabas is clearly stunned.

7:55 - Collinwood - Jeb stands in the foyer, scared spitless.  Carolyn assures her mother, I'll call you as soon as we stop somewhere. "Oh, darling!" moan Liz, hugging her. Jeb puts on his coat, about the shadow--it won't follow us, it can't, we'll escape it, we've got to, nothing is going to ruin this, NOTHING! Liz keeps calling Jeb, who is so engrossed in his own thoughts, he doesn't respond. When he finally realizes his new mother-in-law is talking to him, bidding him goodbye, he apologizes, assuring Liz, everything is great, and is going to be. Jeb puts an arm around Carolyn, pulling her away from Liz, who wishes them a good trip. Liz closes the door after Jeb and Carolyn, looking absolutely miserable. She picks up a box from the table and says, forlornly, "The rice, we forgot to throw the rice."  She sets it back down on the table.

10:00 - Liz sits on the sofa in the drawing room. Barnabas and Julia enter.  Liz stands, asking, did Julia tell you?  Yes, Barnabas replies. I'm going to miss her so, says Liz, I suppose the best thing to do is to keep busy--I wanted them to live here, but Jeb insists on the carriage house. I'm sure that's very wise, says Julia. I want to go check to see what damage the fire did, says Liz. I'll go with you, volunteers Julia--now. Will you? asks Liz--might as well, I feel at such loose ends--I'll go get the key. She leaves the room. You're very clever, Julia, compliments Barnabas, this will give me the chance to search the east wing. I wasn't thinking of that at all, admits Julia--I was feeling sorry for Liz--Barnabas, Jeb can't change into his true form, can he?  No, Barnabas assures her, I'm sure of that--when he destroyed the box, he lost all of his powers. How is he still alive? queries Julia.  I don't know, says Barnabas. But the other form is real, says Julia, this form we see now is just a materialization--what will we do?  If I'd known before, says Barn, I'd have done everything I could to stop that marriage, but we must remember, he did save Carolyn, and must simply wait and watch for the slightest sign he is making her unhappy before we do anything.

I can do some things correctly, says Jeb, according to your mother's plan.  He carries Carolyn into their modest honeymoon suite (looks like the Collinsport Inn to me). She laughs, and they kiss with great fervor. Jeb looks carefully around the room.  What are you looking for? he asks. Nothing, he says. Ah, you're lying to me already, I can tell, she teases.  I have nothing to lie to you about, he assures her--here we are in a strange hotel room, nobody in the whole world knows where we are--no one can knock on the door, or call us--Carolyn, we've left the whole world behind, with all its sorrows! Yes, we have, agrees Carolyn--there's no one alive except you and me, and nothing can change that. Nothing, agrees Jeb, and they kiss again, passionately.

Collinwood drawing room - You're right, Julia, says Barnabas--you must offer to give Megan the injections. Even if we aren't sure we'll work? asks Julia. But they must work! insists Barnabas. Liz enters.  (what if she overheard them?)  I'm sorry I took so long, says Liz, but Mrs. Johnson was very upset--I should have persuaded Carolyn and Jeb to let her attend the ceremony; in fact I should have insisted, but Jeb was determined to keep it a secret. Don't get upset about it, Julia says kindly, it's over with and you did everything you could about it. It helps to know you and Barnabas think so, says Liz, comforted--are you ready? Yes, says Julia. I can't imagine what started that fire at the carriage house, says Liz--Jeb said it completely destroyed one room, and that was all--it's so odd--would you like to join us, Barnabas?  I'll just find a book, if I may, he says, and go on home. Wait if you want to, says Liz, we'll only be gone an hour. The ladies leave. The east wing, thinks Barnabas, I must find her coffin.

Carolyn and Jeb lie side by side in each other's arms in what one hopes is post-coital bliss. Jeb, wearing just the bottoms of pajamas, rises from bed (nice chest!) He turns on a light, which goes on before he hits the switch, glances around, and spots the shadow. OH NO! he cries, rushing to Carolyn, who awakens, confused. Mike R. Phone makes a prominent, lengthy appearance above their heads as insists, we have to go, now, I can't explain, just listen to me. Why? she asks sleepily. We've got to drive on, he insists--I'm sorry, we've got to go. All right, she agrees, perplexed, we will.

East Wing - Barnabas searches for Megan's coffin (cheeky of her to put her coffin in Collinwood), thinking there are so many places to hide, no one's been down these halls for years. He opens a pair of double doors and is startled to see a gorgeous room, vibrant with colors. He tries to enter but is unable to; a barrier prevents it. "Why?" he asks aloud. "I can't get in! Why?" He spots a black and white photo of Quentin and David sitting on a table, and the written on it is, "Your loving husband, Quentin." Liz enters.  Barnabas calls to her, but she doesn't respond. "Why can't you hear me?" demands Barnabas. Liz opens a closet and starts taking dresses out of it.A woman who looks exactly like Julia, dressed in black, asks Liz, "What ARE you doing?" Julia! cries Barnabas in a hoarse whisper. I'm clearing out her clothes, says Liz. "You will not touch her clothes," orders Julia.  He will want the room open, insists Liz. Oh, will he? asks Julia sarcastically. "You know that," says Liz, "it will be THEIR room." It will not, says Julia--it is hers, it will always be hers. "SHE is dead," says Liz. Barnabas listens, entranced. "She will be back," says Julia defiantly, "no one else will ever live here, it will always be hers. "Don't say she'll be back," insists Liz in a scared whisper, scuttling over to the doors, "don't say she'll be back, what if the children hear!"  Liz closes the doors. Barnabas calls to Elizabeth, then Julia, rattling the locked door, wondering, what's happening to me?--they can't be in that room--but it wasn't my imagination. The doors fly open.  Barnabas enters the room, but this time, it's empty, no light or furniture. But it wasn't a dream, he tells himself--what was it?  Puzzles, he leaves the room.

Liz and Julia return to Collinwood.  I'll get the workmen started on the carriage house tomorrow, says Liz--so much to be done. Barnabas stands on the stairs, flashlight in hand. He sees them come in and says their names. I had forgotten how shabby the carriage house is, says Liz--Julia, I have some marvelous chintz samples in the study.  She leaves to get them.  "You were at the carriage house, Julia?" asks Barnabas.  Yes, she replies.  "You were no place else?" Barnabas asks. No, says Julia--did you find Megan's hiding place? No, says Barnabas, but I have found something else--I don't know what to say--Julia, it sounds insane, but I just saw you and Elizabeth--in a room in the east wing! They stare at each other.

NOTES: This is our first glimpse of 1970 parallel time, a sometimes fascinating storyline that is filled with bright colors and beautiful sets. It has its drawbacks, too, but I don't want to go into them here. The cast was making HOUSE OF DARK SHADOWS during this time, and most of our beloved main characters are gone for eons, especially at one ep per day, which is all we saw in 1970!  Two eps per day makes the waiting less lengthy and excruciating.

Believe me, seeing Jeb and Carolyn twined together in bed is about as risque as DS ever gets! He's wearing the bottom of the PJ's and it appears that she's wearing the top. Although it's highly doubtful that Carolyn was a virgin before (she and Buzz must have smoked a little pot and gotten it on off-camera, and who could resist the sweet charms of Joe Haskell?), we can safely assume she isn't one now. No surprise that Carolyn had a small wedding, but couldn't we have at least heard the entire ceremony? This is Carolyn Stoddard, one of the mainest of main characters, it seems just plain wrong to treat her wedding with this little pomp. I know what the plotline said, but come on! I did love Carolyn and Jeb's euphoria after the ceremony, it was very true and real, and Liz' sadness was palpable. She doesn't really think Carolyn got the best possible guy, but she knows her daughter loves him, so what can a mother do? Decorate the little house where the newlyweds will be living (if Jeb ever decides to come back at all).

Felt the teeniest bit sorry for Sky in his predicament with Megan, but even more so for Barnabas, who was so ashamed and sad at what had happened to Sky. Blood sucker Barnabas may be, but eternally, he has a soul.

We had seven speaking characters in this episode, one more than usual.  Way to spring for the big bucks, Dan!

Love, Robin

964 - The zombies carry Julia downstairs, where Roger interrupts them. My God! he cries.  One of the zombies holds his arms behind his back. Put her down! Roger orders, let her go!  Another zombie whacks him across the face, leaving him unconscious, too. They let Roger slump the floor and carry Julia out of Collinwood, their faces deadly white, shuffling along, leaving the door open. Roger lies on the floor, unmoving.

Julia awakens in a chair and finds herself in Jeb's carriage house--why, she wonders, did they leave me alone? She opens the door and finds a zombie barring her way. No! she cries, and closes the door on him. She runs her hand over her face. Sky Rumson exits the other room and says, it's good to see you again--of course, you don't think so. No, I do not, she answers--why have I been brought here? No questions, he says--you are here, and fine, just enjoy it. Impossible, she retorts. You're impatient, says Sky, always so eager to get to the bottom of things.  Those men that brought me here are dead! she says. That should satisfy your curiosity, I should think, he says. I don't know what powers you have, she says. Very few, he admits, unfortunately. Who has the power to raise the dead, she asks, Nicholas Blair? I suppose it would be Jeb, then, she realizes. No questions, he repeats. Yes, questions, she insists--why have I been brought here and why are you the one to greet me, and where is Jeb? He's here, he assures her. She looks at the door to the other room and asks, is that Jeb's new room?--why have you told me all this--does it mean he's going to kill me?  (She sounds so brave, too!)  I won't kill you if you do as I ask, he says, and you'll know what, soon enough.

Roger awakens just as Quentin arrives at Collinwood. What happened? he asks, helping him up.   Roger says, "Dead men." What are you talking about? asks Quentin. Dead men, I know it, says Roger--they got Julia!

Sky offers Julia a glass of sherry.  When she refuses, he asks, do you mind if I have one?  I don't care what you do, she says. He goes over and pours a drink. I will never tell you where Barnabas' coffin is, if that's what you want to know, she says. You never stop thinking, do you, doctor? Asks Sky--use your imagination--ask one more question. The sound of Jeb's Leviathan lungs emanates from the room.  He's in there, Julia realizes, in his other form. Sky offers to let her see what he looks like, but Julia waves a dissenting hand at him, runs from the door and says, "No, no!" I believe you're afraid, says Sky. Julia reminds him--I've seen what he does to people. That's right, you saw Paul Stoddard after they'd met, says Sky--I'm sorry you're not interested, it would make it much easier, because, you see, you are going in that room, doctor. No, protests Julia. You must, says Sky, he wishes it. I will not do it! she cries. Sky opens the door and says, Come, Dr. Hoffman. She tries to escape through the front door, but the zombie awaits her.  Sky grabs her, twists her arms behind her back and says, you are going into the room. She struggles.  I won't release you until you're in the room, says Sky--"Get in there!" he insists, tossing Julia in.  She leans against a coffin and beholds Jeb's true form.  She begins to pound on the door, sobbing, begging Sky, let me out, help me, let me out! The creature comes closer.  Julia's face contorts in horror. She holds her hand up to her face. "Don't touch me!" she wails. "Don't touch me!"  However, Jeb comes closer.  Julia screams.

Julia begs Jeb, don't touch me!  He retreats, breathing more gently, and she calms down. Jeb appears to her in human form and says, "You thought I was going to kill you, didn't you, doctor? Well, I may. It all depends on you, entirely on you, so play it cool." She looks at him, scared.

Collinwood - Roger asks Quentin, why did they take Julia?  Q replies, it's Jeb's declaration of war on all of us--Barnabas, Julia, me and you. Are they going to kill her? asks Roger anxiously.  Unless we can stop them, says Q. How do we know where they went? asks Roger. Not the carriage house, says Quentin, he's too smart for that--they'll try the crypt at the cemetery. It may be a trap, says Roger--they'll know you or Barnabas would try to rescue her. You're right, says Q, but we can't simply forget about her. Of course not, says Roger, but we must be clever--more clever than they. Both men try to think of a plan.

Jeb knocks at the door, signaling Sky, who enters the room. You may go now, Doctor, says Jeb, not the house, that would be impossible, but you may leave the room, you seem to hate it so. Julia exits the room. I think you confused the good doctor, Jeb, says Sky. Go to Collinwood, Sky, orders Jeb--find out if Megan's back--you didn't know Megan was missing, did you, doctor? asks Jeb. No, says Julia. I thought, somehow, that Megan might be at the Old House, says Jeb--she wasn't no, one was.  Why would she be there? asks Julia. Why don't you tell me? counters Jeb. The only reason she'd be there, says Julia, would be if you sent her there. Jeb tells Sky, Mrs. Stoddard will fill you in; Rumson leaves. Why did you do it, why did you let me in that room? asks Julia--did you think I'd be so terrified, I'd die of shock, like Paul?  No, I want you alive, says Jeb, I know what you're doing for Barnabas--curing him--you did it once before. You want me to stop curing him? asks a puzzled Julia. If you want to help Barnabas, you're going to help me, insists Jeb--you saw me in that room, do you think I like being like that?--that's it, doctor, that's the ballgame, you know I go into that room, and can't help myself--I change into that--that thing! You have no control over it? she asks. Sure, I can hold it back for five or ten minutes, says Jeb, but then I can't, I just used to accept it, got kicks from it, but now I never want to be that again--not until I saw a look in someone's eyes when she saw me like that--I don't ever want to go to that room again. They make you go in there? Julia asks. They do now, says Jeb. And you want to be human, like us, lose your power? she asks. I don't want my power, says Jeb, I want to be human, I want you to help me!  I can't, Julia says.  Don't say that, please! He begs. I don't understand anything about what happens to you in there, she explains--there's some kind of chemical change. You did know about the vampires, didn't you? he asks. She looks reluctant to answer, then suggests, there might be certain experiments we could make--try hypnosis, perhaps some chemical way of prolonging the periods before you change, I don't know. Promise you'll try, he asks. If you'll promise me to do something for me and keep your word, she says--leave Barnabas alone!  Jeb thinks it over, then agrees--I'll leave Barnabas alone. Send someone to Collinwood for my medical kit, she says, if your servants haven't destroyed everything--I'll need blood tests to see what can be done, set up a table and work in this house.

Collinwood - Quentin and Roger fret. Quentin paces--we're wasting time, he complains. We have no plan, insists Roger.  I want to go to the cemetery, says Q. That's suicide, says Roger. If he isn't there, I'll go see Jeb at the carriage house, says Q. Someone knocks at the door; Roger answers. It's Sky Rumson, here to see Mrs. Stoddard. Is she expecting you? asks Roger. Quentin answers quickly, saying yes she is, show the gentleman in. Quentin is grinning. Sky enters the foyer.  Do we know each other? asks Roger.  I've met Sky, says Quentin--heard a lot about him from his wife. Tell Mrs. Stoddard I'm here, Sky asks Roger.  She'll be down shortly, says Quentin--why don't the three of us have a nice chat?  He introduces Sky to Roger and ushers him into the drawing room. Roger gives Quentin a weird look, but Quentin waves his hand in a "trust me, I know what I'm doing" gesture. I know you like art, Mr. Rumson, says Q--you might find some of the paintings enjoyable. Something is cut out here, but Sky apparently says he isn't interested.  I'm sure you can find some things fascinating, says Quentin--do you collect weapons?  No, says Sky--are you sure Mrs. Stoddard will be down shortly?  Quentin, standing by the crossed swords on the wall, yanks out one sword, knocking the lamp to the floor as he does so. It makes a loud crash, but none of the three actors seems to notice. Quentin holds the sword threateningly at Sky, and says yes, I'm sure you'd like to see both of them, that would be a treat, wouldn't it?--there's someone we would also like to see--Julia Hoffman--now where is she?  He holds the sword up to the frightened Sky's throat.

Sky stands stiffly, claiming not to know where Julia is. You're a bad liar, accuses Quentin--where is she?  This is insane, Sky insists.  WHERE IS SHE? shouts Quentin--do you  want me to move the point closer?--it IS very sharp. I don't know anything! protests Sky.  Maybe a nice long scar across your throat will help you remember, suggests Quentin venomously, or am I going to have to kill you?--I'll do anything to find out where she is. The coach house, confesses Sky.  I don't believe it, says Quentin. I swear--he brought her to the coach house for a reason, explains Sky. What reason? asks Roger.  Is Nicholas Blair is with them? asks Q. He doesn't know anything about it, says Sky. Are those other men with them? barks Quentin. Four! responds Sky. Where are they stationed? asks Quentin?  Outside each door, says Sky.All right, says Q, tell me, is there a password I can use to get by--come on, tell me!  "Live," says Sky, it's the only word they respond to. There, that wasn't so hard, after all, says Q, handing Roger the sword--watch him, I'm going after Julia. Quentin hurriedly leaves. Roger offers Sky a seat.  I prefer to stand, says Sky. I said, sit down! orders Roger.  Sky does, in a chair, remarking, this isn't quite the reception I expected in this house. Roger assures him curtly, I'm not here to offer you any explanation whatsoever.  Roger looks out the window and spots Megan Todd, her fangs bared. The sight distracts Roger enough so that Sky jumps him and escapes. He locks Roger in the drawing room. Roger pounds on the door, demanding to be let out.

In the woods, Sky tells Megan, "You can never go back there, you know--Mr. Collins will never forgive you for this. He's onto us."  I don't want to go back there anyway, says Megan in a sultry voice, eyeing his throat. You can't go back to Jeb, either, says Sky--for some reason, he's very angry with you, I don't know why. Don't you? she asks--I'll be all right. Somehow, he says, I think you really will be--I have to go. Why? she asks, must we go back there?--I don't want to see Jeb, only you--"Look at me! Are you afraid to look at me?"  Why would I be afraid of you? he asks--you're beautiful.Her mouth falls open to reveal her sharp new fangs, which she buries into his throat.

Jeb watches sand flowing through an hourglass (I thought that was DAYS OF OUR LIVES), musing, all I need is time. Quentin bursts in--where is she?  Jeb applauds his marvelous entrance. Have you killed her? asks Quentin. Ah, old Sky told you the password, realizes Jeb--I hadn't dared hoped you'd be here. They begin to grapple, fighting wildly. The four zombies enter and subdue Quentin.  Jeb introduces the foursome as "my forces." Quentin struggles, assuring Jeb, I'll be back.  I've heard enough, says Jeb. One of the zombie punches Quentin unconscious; they lift and carry him to the back room, where the coffin that confused me so much sits. They open it. Careful with him, gentleman, cautions Jeb, he bruises easily. They dump Quentin into the coffin and close the lid. "Do not grieve, gentlemen," says Jeb, "he is old...very old indeed, and he will soon join you."

Lightning fills the night sky as the zombies carry the coffin containing Quentin to the cemetery. They set it down. Bury him, orders Jeb, and using straps, they lower the coffin into the fresh grave. "May Quentin Collins soon learn to rest in peace," says Jeb. "Soon he will find himself in a coffin, and the air he breathes will become less and less and less, until there is none. I promised you a surprise, Quentin Collins, you know I keep my promises."  He nods.  The zombies begin shoveling dirt onto the coffin, burying Quentin alive.

NOTES: Can Quentin die? Won't the portrait absorb anything that might kill him? And didn't Jeb stop and think that Julia might have almost as many problems with him harming Quentin as she does Barnabas? Why would she help him if he murders her friend?

Love those zombies, they're so ugly and helpful. Wish I had a few to help me with my housework!

Jeb wants to be human now, just because Carolyn hated him in that other form! It would have been plausible of developed slowly, but this seems to have just suddenly happened. Jeb used to love his Leviathan form, now he wants to be rid of it forever. Too fast!

Julia's outfit was flattering. She looked very attractive. Notice how quickly she moved to doctor mode? As scared as she was, as determined to protect Barnabas, here's another weird life form she can play with--although nowhere near the remorse of Barnabas.  You've got to love it!


965 - Jeb orders his zombies to bury Quentin, "May Quentin Collins learn to rest in peace," says Jeb. "Soon he will find that he is in a coffin, and the air he breathes becomes less and less and less, until there is none. I promised you a surprise, Mr. Collins, and you know I always keep my promises." He nods at one of the zombies (the one with one bad eyeball), who picks up a shovel and begins to pile dirt on Quentin's coffin. The second zombie helps the first, quickly covering the coffin with dirt.

Lightning flashes overhead.  Their task complete, Jeb orders the zombies leave--the only regret I have, he says, is not being able to see Quentin's face when he opens his eyes and realizes what has happened. Goodbye, old man, says Jeb, leaving the grave.Inside the coffin, Quentin opens his eyes. "Oh my God!" he thinks--I've been buried alive--and there's no way out!

Nicholas, looking quite dapper, hears the sound of glass against glass as he enters the carriage house.  He finds Julia mixing things up in a beaker in what is normally Jeb's transformation room. He greets her cheerfully.  I was told you'd come back, she says in carefully modulated tones. Who told you? he asks.  When she doesn't respond, he takes a guess--Barnabas Collins--what are you doing here.  Again, she gives no answer  Have you switched your alliance from Barnabas to Jeb? asks Nicholas. When she still doesn't reply, he says--come, come, I've never known you to be at a loss for words, Doctor!  She remains tight-lipped.You're leaving me to my own powers of deduction, he says, and grabs her arm, hurting her, dragging her away from the assortment of beakers and fluids. What is this equipment? he demands--and why is it here?--start talking!  I can't tell you, says Julia, you'll kill me.  Jeb? asks Nicholas--perhaps he didn't tell you *I* give the orders here, start talking or *I* will kill you. Jeb had me brought here and asked me to help him, admits Julia. Help him how? asks Nicholas. "You guess," snarls Julia in a delightfully husky voice. (I loved the way she said that!) Of course, he wants you to help him remain in his human form, Nicholas. Julia confesses he's correct. I don't know which of you--Jeb or Julia--is the greater fool--did you really believe you could help rid him of his true form? I told him I would try, says Julia. I'm glad I happened by, says Nicholas, because I believe your quaint little experiment is about to come to an end.  Blair knocks all the equipment to the floor as Julia cries out in protest.

A hysterical Maggie comes to the Old House, where Barnabas sits in a chair, contemplating, most likely, the sad state of his life. I had to come, she says, very upset--I had to see you!  You should have stayed at Windcliff, protests Barnabas, it's not safe here. I had to leave, she wails--I was sitting in my room and felt frightened--Quentin came to mind--something told me he was in danger--and I was the only one who could save him. You're imagining it, suggests Barnabas.  I never felt this way before, says Maggie--when did you last see Quentin? Last night, says Barn. You haven't seen him this evening? she persists. No, replies Barnabas, but I'm sure I could find him and show you he's all right. I've already looked and couldn't find him, frets Maggie.  What do you think has happened to him? asks Barnabas. I don't know, says Maggie, but I'm sure it's terrible, and he has very little time to live--maybe only an hour. She glances down at her hand upon which is etched the pitchfork of love.

In the coffin, air is running out.  Quentin is gasping--in a little while, he realizes, there will be none left at all...Maggie, if you could hear my thoughts...Maggie...Maggie, I love you!

Barnabas goes over to Maggie, who covers the pitchfork with her other hand.  You should have sent someone to me from Windcliff, rather than leaving, says Barnabas quietly."I'm going to go and find him," she says in a faraway voice. What? asks Barnabas. Quentin is counting on me to find him, and I will, says Maggie, rushing from the house. Wait! Barnabas calls.  When she doesn't, he grabs cape and cane and heads out after her.

Cottage - Julia and Nicholas have gone into the other room. What are you planning to do with me? she asks.  Calm your fears, he urges, I have no further need to dispose of you and am willing to let you go--as long as you promise to stay away from us and not interfere in something that is inevitable--you might impart that same info to Barnabas, he advises, helping her into her coat. He bids her goodbye, smiling at her (he does like her). Jeb, coming in as Julia is about to leave, is immediately incensed--we had agreed...  Your agreement has been canceled, says Nicholas-- now step out of the way and let the lady go--"I said, let her go!" Jeb steps aside, letting Julia exit. Nicholas looks totally pissed off. I'm getting very tired of you, says Jeb.  Your childish pranks are beginning to bore ME, says Nicholas.  They're not pranks, insists Jeb, I happen to enjoy being the way I am now, and intend to destroy the thing that's me in that room. Jeb, explains Nicholas, you can't do that because that is ALL you are--you destroy the thing in that room and Jeb Hawkes will cease to exist. How do you know that? asks Jeb. I know more about you than you do, says Nicholas, and I feel if I go on letting you make certain decisions, our entire plan will fail--therefore, I have come to a conclusion--we can no longer wait, the ceremony must go on tonight. I'm not ready for that! protests Jeb.  Do you love Carolyn? asks Nicholas. Yes, says Jeb, but...  Only as Jeb Hawkes, well, you cannot have her that way, says Nicholas, you can only have Carolyn after BOTH of you have reverted to the other form--that is the only way for both of you--we won't discuss this any further, continues Nicholas--I want you to call Carolyn at Collinwood and find some excuse to bring her here--she will then be taken to the shrine and the ceremony performed. Seething during Nicholas' entire speech, Jeb assures him, angrily, "The orders are clear."

Barnabas and Maggie search the cemetery.  Quentin is somewhere very close by, says Maggie. How do you know? he asks. I can feel his presence, she says. She stops at the newly-covered grave and kneels, touching the earth--come here, Barnabas.  He notices the grave has just been filled.  There's no headstone, she points out--Quentin is buried here, buried alive, cries Maggie.  She begins frantically digging into the dirt. Barnabas finds a shovel conveniently left behind by the zombies and begins to dig. He has so little time! Maggie wails as they feverishly work on the grave.

Carriage house - Jeb pours Carolyn a drink. She watches him carefully, then asks, "W'hat's wrong?--you sounded so urgent when you asked me to meet you here." He kneels beside her--I asked you here because...he begins.  Go on, she urges. He shakes his head--I'm not good at saying what I feel, he says. She touches his shoulder, his hair--try, she says. I have never met anyone like you; he says--something happens to me when I'm with you--whenever you look at me or touch me, I feel like I'm the way I'm meant to be, should always be. You are what you are, says Carolyn--why should anything make you want to be different? You don't understand, says Jeb--I'm not what I seem, there's another me, one you've never seen, one I don't want you to see. She pulls him around to face her--I don't know what it is you're trying to say, she says. "Only that I love you," he says, staring into her eyes--"And that I always want to be this way--and no matter what happens..."  What do you think might happen? she asks. "I wish I could tell you," he murmurs, gulping.  I'll tell you, says Carolyn--nothing will happen to separate us, ever, we will be together--she kisses him, hard.  When I was growing up, she says, I used to dream about falling in love, wonder when it would happen, how, and sometimes I'd be terribly afraid it would never happen--I'll never have that fear again, because it did happen--soon after I met you--Jeb, I love you very much, and nothing is ever going to change that. They kiss again, a deep, long, fervent one.

Hurry, Barnabas, pleads Maggie--open the coffin!  When he does, Quentin is inside.  Maggie takes him into her arms--are you all right? she croons. She and Barnabas help him out of the coffin. "I knew you'd come," says Quentin. We must get him out of here, insists Maggie.  My legs are a little shaky, says Q, but I'm all right. How did this happen? demands Maggie--who did it? Jeb Hawkes, says Quentin, who warned me he had something special in mind--whatever he is, he's a man of his word. Don't talk anymore, says Maggie, I'll help you back to Collinwood, and Julia will take care of you. (doesn't Barnabas notice how worried Maggie is about him--not to mention that psychic connection!--Angelique saved his life)

Carolyn and Jeb are making out pretty energetically.  I know you're terribly disturbed about something, aren't you? she asks.  Yes, he admits. Can't you tell me what it is? she asks. No, I can't, he says, but I've got to do something very important--I want you to wait here for me to come back--I can't tell you where I'm going, but trust me, wait for me. She holds his head between her hands--I'll wait for you, she swears, and gives him another kiss. (They kiss as if they mean it--whew, sizzlers.)

Old House - Barnabas and Maggie lead Quentin inside.  Julia holds the door open--what happened? she asks. Jeb tried to kill him! cries Maggie.  Julia, I must help Quentin upstairs, says Barnabas, and explain everything afterwards. Yes, I have things to tell you, too, says Julia. Maggie and Barnabas help Quentin upstairs. Julia, looking very unhappy, paces. Suddenly, the front door opens; Jeb stands there, staring at Julia.

What do you want? asks Julia.  You've got to find a way to help me, now, tonight! insists Jeb.  Coldly, Julia says, even if I were able, I just learned you tried to have Quentin killed tonight. I had a debt to settle with him, says Jeb calmly, as if that's a perfectly acceptable explanation. Fortunately, says Julia, he's still alive. I don't care either way, says Jeb, but there are a great many things I will change about myself--I will live and let live, I swear--if you will help me.  I have no reason to believe you, she says.  Believe me! he pleads--something happened to me that made me see things differently--I don't have time to tell you that now, but believe I will be a changed man. Even if it were possible...says Julia. It's got to be, he says desperately, and must happen tonight! Why tonight? she asks. If not, it will be too late, says Jeb. Too late for what? asks Julia, why? Just trust me! begs Jeb. He turns and sees Barnabas standing on the stairs.

Nicholas returns to the carriage house and greets Carolyn. She coolly asks, what are you doing here?  I wish you wouldn't be so formal, he says--your mother calls me Nicholas. That's my mother's business, says Carolyn--I asked what you're doing here. I'm sorry we were never able to become good friends, he says, but somehow, I am confident we soon will be. I wouldn't count on it, she says icily. I am counting on it, he says, grinning--I know how relationships can change, and I think you do, too. He holds up his cigarette case--keep looking at the light, Carolyn, find the center of the light, deeper, deeper, until you see the center, the center of the light. Hypnotized, Carolyn says, I see it.  Good, he says, then we can proceed--he puts away the cigarette case, opens the door, and orders two zombies, take her to the shrine and wait for me there. They move to obey.

Old House - Maggie comes downstairs, looking for Barnabas. Quentin joins her--he isn't here, he says, and it's just as well. You shouldn't be downstairs, says Maggie.  I couldn't help it, says Q--I had to come after seeing this mark on my hand--he shows her the pitchfork of love, which matches the one on her hand. I know, she says, I found it, too, earlier tonight. He covers her hand with his--I know now how you were able to find me, he says. I had to, says Maggie, falling into his arms, hugging him--I would have died if I hadn't!  Why is this happening to us? they wonder.  I have no desire to fight it, says Quentin--he brushes his hand across her hair--the only thing I care about is you--I love you.  She says it back, then they kiss, a nice, big, juicy one.

Shrine - Nicholas is dressed in cool black robes and holds a gold scepter. Jeb, he says, place the box on the altar and take your place beside Carolyn (who, hypnotized, stands docilely by.) Jeb obeys, placing the Leviathan box in the center of the altar. Are you ready? Nicholas asks.  Jeb takes Carolyn's hand in his. She stares blankly ahead. I'm ready, says Jeb. Nicholas puts in a call to the prince of darkness--I call upon the flame to summon you, beseeching all the dark creatures of nature to summon you here, to witness this ceremony, give your blessing to these two creatures who will soon become your obedient servants--I call upon the seven plagues, and upon the charred and blackened stars that reigned at my beginning, to draw you from the darkness of the earth and to be witness to the vows that are taken here tonight. Jeb, Nicholas orders, take the scepter and begin the vows. Jeb merely stands there.  Nicholas repeats his order. Jeb takes the scepter, turns and screams, "NOW, Barnabas!!" Barnabas appears, grabs Carolyn and quickly leads her away. Nicholas, yelling in protest, orders Jeb, "Stop them, you fool!" Instead, Jeb takes the scepter and begins hammering at the Leviathan box. "You fool!" screams Nicholas, "Do you realize what you've done?" Nicholas' eyes fill with horror--Jeb, we must both leave, he warns, or we will both go up with it. He hustles Jeb away from the altar, which is bathed in light, glowing. Rocks come crashing down noisily as the shrine is destroyed. Jeb grabs his stomach and, writhing in agony, falls to the ground in a convulsion of pain.

NOTES: Seeing Jeb and Carolyn together in this episode made their love seem believable to me, even if a lot of other stuff isn't. His change was too fast, but apparently they decided to turn him into a good guy since he and Carolyn love each other so much (and I guess Chris Pennock caught on with the audience). That Jeb betrayed the Leviathans this way is actually pretty cool, even if it seems hard to accept/believe. I love that he asked Barnabas to help him save Carolyn--very appropriate.

Julia and Nicholas are always a delight together. Their sparring is a joy to watch, and it's clear that while she may hate him, he likes and admires her a great deal, and it comes through clearly.

The pitchfork love between Quentin and Maggie won't last much longer, I'm relieved to say. It's great that it helped save Quentin, but could he really die, anyway, with the portrait absorbing anything bad that might happen to him? Seemed forced jeopardy to me. It was good to see Barnabas digging someone else up for a change, LOL, he's usually the one dug up!

Love, Robin

960 - Bruno takes Chris to an abandoned crypt in the cemetery and orders him inside at gunpoint. For the next 24 hours, it will be your home, so make yourself comfortable, advises Bruno.  Who are you? Chris asks.  I suggest you stop asking me that question, says Bruno--I won't tell you. Why did you bring me here? asks Chris.  I told you, says Bruno--I have certain suspicions about him, and they will either be proved or disproved tomorrow night, when the moon is full. Chris, his face tense with apprehension, wonders what does this man suspect about me? Does he know the truth?

Holding the gun against his back, Bruno asks Chris, does the thought of a full moon frighten you?  Why should it? asks Chris.  You should tell me, says Bruno. Nothing you've said makes any sense, says Chris.  Are you sure "something" doesn't happen to you when the moon is full? queries Bruno. Chris denies all. I don't blame you for playing dumb, says Bruno--I'd do the same thing, if I were you. You're crazy, Chris accuses him.No, says Bruno, if I'm wrong and nothing happens to you when the full moon rises, you're a free man, but if I'm right, I have no choice but to kill you. I see, says Chris, grinning sickly--so we just sit around and wait? No, I haven't time for that, says Bruno, I have other things to do--but I wouldn't dream of leaving you alone, nor would I want you to be lonely, so your jailer will be someone you know--he opens the crypt door to reveal the shuffling figure of Sheriff Davenport. Chris cries out in terror.  Does he look familiar? asks Bruno. Chris gulps, unable to believe it--"He's dead!"  True, he did die, says Bruno, but was temporarily brought back from death--we do have that power, but he refuses to tell Chris who the WE is.  Shake hands with him, suggests Bruno.  Chris, grossed out, doesn't want the zombified sheriff to touch him. Chris back away, bellowing, I don't want it to come near me!  He won't harm you, promises Bruno, as long as you behave yourself.  Davenport asks Bruno, why is he here?  Bruno asks the dead sheriff, do you know who this is?  Yes, says Davenport.  What you'll find even more interesting, says Bruno, is WHAT he is. Tell me, says Davenport. When there's a full moon, he turns into an animal that prowls the woods, looking for victims, explains Bruno. Chris  shoots a resigned, pissed off glance at Bruno. Ironic, says Bruno, that Sheriff Davenport, while he was alive, couldn't bring you to justice, but now, in death, he just might have that satisfaction. Davenport asks, what are my instructions?  Chain him to the wall, orders Bruno, and never leave him alone. Chris is stunned and dismayed. Davenport understands what he is to do. Bruno hands him a gun filled with six silver bullets--when the moon rises, he'll go through a transformation--wait until it's complete, then kill him. Davenport understands. Bruno goes to Chris and says, you look so pathetic, I could almost hope I'm wrong.  Bruno leaves. Chris' face contorts with disgust as he gazes at Davenport, who now holds the deadly gun on him. (Davenport really needs to get his hair washed, it's still covered with grave dirt.)

At his cottage, a pissed off Jeb is on the phone, asking how long ago "he" left Collinwood. Two hours ago? He should have been here long before that! shouts Jeb--Idiot! Imbecile! Incredible, no--you call me here, let me know if anything happens. I'll wait here. Jeb hangs up, furious. Bruno returns.  Why did it take you three hours to get a little information? demands Jeb. Bruno hangs up his coat--something very interesting happened after I left Collinwood, he hints. I don't want to know about that, says Jeb--what happened with David?  Bruno accuses him of being uptight.  Jeb again demands to know what happened--are those things real?  Oh, yes, I almost got myself killed while there, says Bruno, pouring a drink--just as he was about to leave, the lights went out, the room got cold, I felt something cold and damp at my neck, trying to strangle me.Did you see anything or anyone? asks Jeb.  No, says Bruno--next thing I knew, I was on the floor, almost unconscious--the lights came back on, and there was a noose around my neck, a very old one covered with mildew. He reaches into a briefcase to show Jeb, but it's gone.  Someone is trying to get us from beyond the grave, says Jeb--I'm sure it's the spirit of Paul Stoddard. The spirit is behaving oddly, remarks Bruno--you'd think it would be after you, not me. We have to do something, insists Jeb.  I want to talk to Nicholas, says Bruno.  I want to handle this myself, insists Jeb. (who is clearly, really scared.)  Just let me think, says Jeb. He paces, considering everything. Bruno watches him.  Why are you looking at me as if you're afraid? asks Jeb.  Afraid of what? demands Bruno. Spirits of the dead, says Jeb--I'm not and don't want you thinking it. Bruno denies Jeb's accusation.  I could see that smug, contemptuous expression on his face, says the Leviathan leader, grabbing him--I'm not afraid of any spirits, and I'm not afraid of you! He pushes his henchman and reminds him, "I lead, you follow, Bruno, don't ever forget that!" And Bruno looks at Jeb with absolute hatred.

Nobody does that to me, not even you, warns Bruno, and punches his fearless leader. They get into a fight.  You've got guts, says Jeb--that's the only reason I keep you here. Jeb gets him in an armlock.  Let me go! says Bruno. Not until we settle something, says Jeb, and either we will settle it, or I'll kill you--who leads, Bruno? Jeb squeezes his arms hard, hurting him. You do, gasps Bruno. Who follows? asks Jeb. I do, responds Bruno, under painful duress. Jeb, satisfied, grins and releases him.  Remember that, if you want to stay alive, orders Jeb, still obviously a frightened man. You were going to tell me something, Jeb reminds him--what happened after you left Collinwood? Bruno doesn't answer at first, then explains, the woman I rescued in the woods was at Collinwood; I took her back to town, that's why I was late. That was all you were going to tell me? asks Jeb--does she know anything about the werewolf? If she does, says Bruno, she didn't say anything to me about it.  The moon will be full tomorrow night, says Jeb--perhaps you should have used a little persuasion. I don't think she knows a thing, says Bruno, so that wouldn't do any good. Jeb smiles and says, it doesn't sound like you--are you soft on her? What's your next move? asks Bruno, annoyed. Tomorrow morning, I'll go see David, says Jeb, perhaps he'll remember something from the book, and how to deal with spirits of the dead. He enters the other room.  Bruno smashes his glass to the floor, enraged. There's a way of dealing with you, too, Jeb, he says to himself, and maybe I'll use it!

Cemetery - Chris sits in the crypt, knees drawn up to his chin.  Davenport holds the gun on him. Chris stands.  I'll chain you to the wall, says Davenport. What if I refuse to be chained to the wall? asks Chris.  The formerly living sheriff says, it won't do you any good--I have my orders. Chris attempts escape; Davenports grabs him around the throat. Horrified at the zombie's touch, Chris screams, get your hands off me!  Davenport comments, you don't like the touch of death, do you? He retrieves the gun from his pocket and points it at Chris, forcing him to the wall--stay there, he orders--put the manacles on each of your wrists.Chris does so, cowering from the walking dead man. (jeez, one supernatural creature to another--get over yourself, Chris!)

Collinwood - Roger paces. The front door opens; Jeb enters. Roger, angry, says, it's customary to knock before entering this house. Jeb grins--Mrs. Stoddard gave me free reign of the house, he says. Oh, I see, says Roger sarcastically, then feel free, by all means, don't let me stop you. I won't, Jeb assures him. What are you doing here? asks Roger--or would that be out of bounds?  I dropped by to see David--to show him some photos I took, says Chris. Of what? asks Roger. You ask a lot of questions, Mr. Collins, says Jeb darkly. I care about my son's welfare, says Roger crisply--it concerns me, the company he keeps. Nothing to worry about, Jeb assures him. That's for me to decide, retorts Roger.  Let me finish, says Jeb--David and I have become good friends, and like each other. But he is my son, says Roger, and if I don't like his choice of friends, then it's up to me to do something about it. I suppose it is, says Jeb--what do you plan to do, Mr. Collins?  David hasn't been himself, says Roger--I forbid you to see him (bravo, Rog!)  Jeb nods and says, that may present some sticky problems--because I don't know how you're going to stop me--he heads upstairs. Roger enters the drawing room and dials Quentin--I had my first run-in with Jeb, and it will be my last--I intend to put up with no more of this insanity--I won't stand by while he corrupts the lives of everyone around me...don't tell me that, Quentin, there is something I can do--have him run off Collinwood, off this property, out of the state if I have to--I no longer care about the risks involved--somebody has got to stand up to him, tell him what a cheap, insufferable pig he is--and I'm going to do it--I'm going to do it, Quentin! He turns to leave the drawing room and finds Jeb standing in the doorway, half-smiling at him.

Wondering how much I heard? asks Jeb.  I don't care if you heard all of it, says Roger. I heard enough, says Jeb.  Get out of this house--and stay out!  I know it was Quentin you were talking to, says Jeb. Makes no difference, insists Roger. It DOES make a difference, says Jeb, because if you were speaking to Quentin, you know a lot more than I thought you did--and your attitude really surprises me. Why? asks Roger.  Jeb grins--you probably thought Quentin's stories about us were exaggerated, but I assure you they're not--it's all true about us--and another thing, while you're still in one piece--we don't tolerate defiance, and if you think you can break me, ruin me, you can't--think about your son, your sister, and all the others, and how much you love them, and think of how you would feel if something happened to them--and something COULD happen to them, Jeb assures him, and to you, too.  Roger, chastened, turns away and mutters, "You're a monster." Get one thing straight, orders Jeb, don't mess with me, don't rock the boat, leave things as they are. He turns and leaves the house. Roger goes to the phone and dials Quentin again, speaking in a soft and defeated voice.

Bruno paces the cottage, letting his anger simmer. I'm a lot smarter than Jeb thinks I am, he says to himself--I wasn't born to follow, but to lead!  He'll know that soon enough--I'm glad I didn't tell him about the werewolf, if I had, it would have spoiled the greatest chance I ever had--if anything happens to Jeb, Nicholas would have to appoint a new leader, and I'm sure I can convince him that I'm the best qualified--yes, there's no one else! (I thought Jeb was one of a kind?)  It will be dark soon, says Bruno, and Jeb will be dead. He grabs his fur coat and puts it on. Jeb returns.  Darkness is coming, says Bruno--I had better start prowling the woods. Stay here, orders Jeb--I want to talk to you about a lot of things. Are you still uptight? asks Bruno, annoyed. Yes, says Jeb, I am--things keep getting worse, our enemies increase, rather than decrease--I just put Roger Collins in his place, but it's the spirit I'm worried about, I don't know what to do about it. Don't worry, we will think of something, says Bruno. I have a gut feeling it isn't Paul Stoddard, says Jeb.  Let me go, urges Bruno--I must get ready for the werewolf's appearance. Why are you in such a hurry to leave? asks Jeb.  I'm not, Bruno assures him, I just want to play it safe and be outside when he gets there. Plenty of time to go outside, says Jeb--stay here and cool it--and don't leave until I tell you to leave. Bruno sits in a chair.

The werewolf pains are wracking Chris.  It's almost time, says Davenport. You can't go through with this, gasps Chris. I have my orders, the zombie reminds him, I can't disobey them even if I wanted to. Why not? asks Chris--you've got nothing to lose! Yes, I have, says Davenport--even as I am now, I have something to lose (what)? Davenport opens the door and looks at the rising full moon. He returns to hear Chris screaming in pain, his hand already transformed into the werewolf's claw.  Davenport stands, gun pointed at Chris, ready to fire.

NOTES: Jeb doesn't get it--there are certain people he can't push around, or they will seek revenge on him. Bruno is one of them, and he apparently plans to use the werewolf to murder his now-detested leader.  It is true that ANYONE can be the Leviathan leader? They give us the impression that only Jeb is the true messiah, or whatever.  Also, what happened to slavish, never-wavering loyalty like Megan's?  I thought it was like once you're a Leviathan, you're a Leviathan all the way, from your first killing spree to your last dying day...

Poor Chris, such a nice guy, having to go through this agony and now imprisonment. He deserves better. Now Bruno wants to use him as an instrument of murder.

I loved the fight between Bruno and Jeb. It was actually ridiculous, two little boys fighting for playground supremacy--who leads? You do? Who follows? I do! Hilarious!  They're both idiots!

Poor Roger, too, a mass of bluster and rage, and all it took was for Jeb to threaten his family, and all the stuffing was knocked out of him. He'd rather let everything go on as it is than risk Liz and David. He sounded so defeated when he called Quentin back--my heart ached for him.


961 - The werewolf is chained to the wall in the crypt, seemingly asleep. Davenport checks the full moon outside and returns to the animal, who awakens, growls at him and tries to attack him. Davenport takes the gun from a table conveniently located in the crypt, and aims it at the snarling creature.

Davenport surveys Chris' alter ego and is about to shoot him when Bruno enters and orders him to stop. You told me to, says Davenport.  My plans have changed, says Bruno. Why? asks the zombie.  I didn't get here a moment too soon, did I? asks Bruno, grabbing the gun from him--my suspicions proved to be correct, didn't they?--my, my, Mr. Jennings, how you've changed! He laughs. Does the tone of my voice anger you? Good, I want you to be good and mad, mad enough to rip a man to shreds--that's what you'll be doing later on tonight--you should be grateful to me for saving your life, I'm going to give you the chance to show your gratitude, I have new plans for you, important new plans.

Old House - Barnabas summons Megan--wherever you are, my mind will reach you, you will know I need you, you will come to me! Come to me, Megan!  You must!

Flames leaps in the fireplace at the carriage house. Megan sits in a chair while Jeb paces. I'm surprised you're not with Carolyn tonight, she remarks--is that why you're so upset? You KNOW why I'm so upset, he says petulantly. Yes, says Megan, quoting, "Even the man who is pure at heart and says his prayers at night, can become a werewolf when the wolfbane blooms and the moon is full and bright!" That's enough, Jeb snaps at her. You were the one who taught me that poem, she says. He points--that thing is in the woods looking for me, and Bruno had to find and kill him tonight, says Jeb. Megan hears Barnabas calling to her--come to me now, I need you. She closes her eyes, her face reflecting pleasure, and caresses the spot on her throat where Barnabas bit her. Noticing how distracted she is, Jeb asks, what's the matter with you?  Nothing, I was just remembering something I must do at Collinwood, says Megan. She rises, intent on leaving. It's something that disturbs you, notes Jeb.  Megan denies that. Your whole mood has changed, he points out--is there something you haven't told me? I've never kept anything from you, she says--"May I go now?" Sure, he says, annoyed, go ahead. She takes her coat and leaves the carriage house. Jeb sits by the fire.

Davenport asks Bruno, what are you going to do to the werewolf?  First, I'm going to get him in a proper frame of mind, says Bruno, removing his fur coat.  He takes down a whip hanging conveniently on the wall and pushes the silver handle in the animal's face, commanding him, "Look at it!"  The animal cringes and tires to get away. He might get loose, warns Davenport.  Go outside and wait by the door, orders Bruno--I'll handle this alone--GO ON! The zombie leaves.  I want you mad enough to rip a man to shreds, Bruno tells the werewolf, because that's what you're going to do for me later on tonight...his name is Jeb Hawkes, and you're going to kill him for me!  He begins to whip the cruelly whip the chained-up werewolf, who howls in pain. Over and over, eyes bulging, teeth gleaming, Bruno applies the whip to the protesting creature--"Get yourself worked up--that's what I want!" he shouts, sounding nearly orgasmic.

Barnabas, gazing out the window, is pleased to see Megan appear. He opens the door and invites her in, a smile of welcome on his face. She gracefully trails into the house--I got here as fast as I could, she murmurs. I'm glad, he says--I need your help. "I came here to be with you," she says. That will come later, promises Barnabas, but there's something I want you to do for me first. Tell me what it is, she says, eager to serve.I received a note from Julia Hoffman a short while ago, he explains, Chris Jennings has been missing from his cottage since early last evening--I've told you about Chris. There's a full moon tonight, says Megan. He'd agreed with Julia to go to Windcliff, but when she went to look for him, Sabrina told her he'd been missing since last night--I'm afraid Jeb may have him, says Barn. I was just with Jeb, says Megan, no, the way he was behaving, I can't believe he knows anything about Chris. He wouldn't just go away without telling Julia or Sabrina, says Barnabas--what about Bruno?--what if he's found out? Bruno hasn't been around the carriage house much since... says Megan.  Since when? demands Barn. Since last night, says Megan. Go back there right away and find out what you can, he orders--Jeb must know what Bruno is doing and where he is. I don't want to go back to Jeb anymore, she says, it's too risky, and I think he's already suspicious. You must do this for me, protests Barnabas, it's vitally important. Megan unfurls the scarf from around her throat and says, "I just want to be here with you." Megan, says Barnabas impatiently, don't force me to make you go, I don't want to do that. But I want you to, she says, turning around to face him--"Go on, Barnabas, I want you to, go on!"  Unable to resist, he obliges her by sliding his fangs into her throat.

Bruno is sweaty and exhausted from torturing the werewolf, his tongue lolling from his mouth. And one more, for good measure, he says, slamming the werewolf with the tip of the whip again. The werewolf collapses to the floor. Bruno opens the door and has Davenport come back in. What have you done to him? he asks Bruno. Showed him who was master, says Bruno, he'll be pretty mad when he wakes up--you can loosen up the chains. You want him to be free? demands Davenport. Only from the chains, says Bruno, I don't want him out of this crypt. Why do you want him loose in here? asks Davenport. I have my reasons, answers Bruno.  Is that the way Jeb wants it? asks Davenport--if it isn't, I don't think we ought to do it. Well it IS the way Jeb wants it, says Bruno warningly, and we do what Jeb wants, don't we? Yes, agrees Davenport.  I'm glad we're in agreement, says Bruno--now loosen up those chains--wait until I get outside, loosen the chains, then you come out. Bruno puts on his suit jacket, takes his fur coat, and hurries from the crypt, closing the door behind him. Davenport frees the werewolf.  Bruno locks the door from the outside. Freed from the chains, the werewolf drops to the floor. Davenport tries to leave, but finds himself locked in--and the werewolf awakens. Davenport bends down to pick up the whip, but the werewolf, faster, grabs and savages him.

Cottage - Jeb paces. Bruno returns and to report there's no sign of the animal. Upset, Jeb says if we don't, we'll have to wait a whole month. Sorry, says Bruno, I'm doing my best, but if I can't find him, I can't kill him. I don't think the animal is out in the woods, says Jeb--I don't hear him howling, like in previous months. I haven't, either, says Bruno--perhaps the police have caught him. No, says Jeb, I couldn't be that lucky.  I'll go look for him again in a few minutes, says Bruno--you should plan on spending the night here.Oh, no, says Jeb, I'm going to Collinwood to see Carolyn. It's not safe, warns Bruno. I can't stand being cooped up in here! bitches Jeb--I want to see Carolyn, and I'm going to see her--you are to call me if anything happens. I'll do that, promises Bruno.  After Jeb has gone, he pours himself a drink and sits down by the fire. Megan returns.  What are you doing here? asks Bruno. Weak, her voice frail, she says, I came to talk to Jeb.  He went to Collinwood to be with Carolyn, says Bruno. As usual, says Megan. There's a full moon tonight, Bruno says--you shouldn't be out alone. She staggers a bit--I know, she says--you haven't found the werewolf yet, I take it, nor learned his identity. Is there any reason why I should have? asks Bruno suspiciously. Oh, it's just that I haven't been around much the past few days, he says.  Megan starts to sway on her feet.  Are you all right? asks Bruno. Yes, she says. You don't seem yourself--very pale, he says. Distracted, she starts to speak, then passes out in Bruno's arms. He helps her to a chair--can you hear me? he asks. He removes her scarf and discovers Barnabas' marks.So that's your trouble, says Bruno, then says, to himself, "You've nothing to worry about from Jeb, Megan, I won't tell him." He loops the scarf back around her throat. "This is going to be our secret. Yes my dear Megan, you may be able to help me; in the unlikely event that my plan fails, you can give me the protection I need." He goes over to a drawer and takes a gun from his pocket.  He replaces the silver bullets with regular ones. Without silver bullets into he pistol, Jeb won't stand a chance, thinks Bruno--and that animal will rip him to pieces!

Bruno gently slaps Megan awake, calling her name--can you hear me?--that's it, open your eyes, he encourages. She looks at him and immediately checks for the scarf. You passed out, he says--you're not as well as you thought you were, gave me quite a scare. She apologizes. Jeb will be very upset when he hears about this, says Bruno.  Oh, no, she protests, I don't want him to know, please don't tell him. You know how concerned Jeb is about you, says Bruno, if there's anything wrong with you... There isn't, she says, please believe me. A person doesn't pass out for no reason, he says, enjoying toying with her. It was just fatigue, she says--I have so much on my mind, with Philip in jail and Jeb feeling he's in constant danger, I haven't had much sleep--that's all it is, please don't tell Jeb. He promises not to tell--on one condition--go back to Collinwood and get the rest you need. She promises to do that, smiling gratefully.  I'll take you, says Bruno.  I can get back by myself, she assures him.  Grabbing her coat, she thanks him and leaves. He closes the door--goodnight, Megan, he says--picks up the phone and calls Collinwood. He asks Carolyn if he can speak with Jeb. "Your worries are over--I've captured the werewolf," says Bruno--it was a pure stroke of luck, I have him trapped in the crypt at the Eagle Hill Cemetery--how soon can you meet me there?--good, I'll be waiting.

Barnabas opens the door to Megan.  I didn't find out anything, she reports, but Bruno almost found out about me when I fainted when I was there--but I don't think Bruno suspects the truth--he hasn't found the werewolf, she says, nor his identity, either. He could be lying, suggests Barnabas. Why would he lie, if he thinks I'm still one of them? she asks. I don't know, says Barnabas, but I fear something terrible has happened to Chris.

Bruno waits outside the crypt. Jeb shows up, breathless--is he still in there? he asks.  Of course, says Bruno--you don't think that after all the work we've done, I'd let it get away, do you? This is too good to be true, says Jeb--I want to wait, see him change, find out who he really is. You'll find out, Bruno assures him--as soon as he's dead, the transformation will take place.  Get in there and finish him off, orders Jeb. Me? asks Bruno. Yeah, you, says Jeb. If I'd thought I was going to be the one to do it, I'd have done it first, then called you, protests Bruno. Why didn't you? asks Jeb. You're the one he's been after, says Bruno, I thought you should have the honor of killing your principal enemy--and besides, after that little misunderstanding we had, earlier this evening, I didn't want to do anything without consulting you--remember, I lead--rather, you lead, I follow? (Cute Freudian blooper on Bruno's part.)  I remember, says Jeb. Bruno hands him the gun--the honor is really yours, he says. Jeb takes the gun n his hand. Go in--I'll close the door after you so he can't get away, says Bruno--unless of course you WANT him to do it for you? No, I'll do it, says Jeb. Bruno opens the door.  Jeb walks in, faces the werewolf, fires the gun, once, twice, but the werewolf comes tearing after him, very much alive.  "Bruno, it didn't work!" screams Jeb. Bruno stands in the doorway, grinning with satisfied glee.

NOTES: I always watch the scenes in which Bruno tortures the werewolf and think to myself how much pleasure the actor seemed to take in doing so. He just gets into it so much, doesn't he?

Marie did a wonderful job vamping the vampire. She really seems to enjoy playing the role of victim to Barnabas, and seducing him into biting her. Basically, she said, no bitey, no favor. Who's the leader between these two?

You have to give Bruno credit for a great plan to do away with Jeb. The question is, who's going to save the Leviathan leader--if anyone?

Love, Robin

954 - Collinwood - terrace - It was almost as if Paul Stoddard had remained buried alive all this time, Megan tells Nicholas, just waiting for Jeb to come open his coffin--I can understand why Jeb was so terrified. So can I, says Nicholas, but I hope Jeb had the presence of mind enough to put the coffin back in the grave and cover it--did he? Jeb said we had to burn it, explains Megan. And so you burned it, states Nicholas--and Jeb thinks this has solved the problem. He chuckles evilly. Hasn't it? asks Megan. No, says Nicholas, he has not. It seems to amuse you, says Megan. Pleases me, admits Nicholas--burning a corpse merely disposes of a body, the spirit of that body cannot be burned; somewhere, in the darkness of this night, Paul's spirit is waiting, and given the opportunity, will haunt Jeb Hawkes to his own grave. You won't let him do that? asks Megan uneasily. What is to stop him? queries Nicholas.  If you let anything happen to Jeb, says Megan through gritted teeth, grabbing Blair's coat, "I'll kill you!"

Nicholas gazes at Megan--take your hands off me, he orders. She does, slowly, fearful. Don't ever threaten me again, he warns, do you understand?  Sometimes I wonder who's side you're on, says Megan defensively. Stop wondering, says Nicholas, I said that about Jeb because he's immature and reckless, and if he's haunted by Paul's spirit, he has no one but himself to blame--perhaps he might even learn something from the experience. But you won't let any harm come to him? asks Megan again. Nicholas notes--how concerned you are about Jeb.  He's my responsibility, she says. Yes, agrees Nicholas--but is it that which drives you--or something else? I don't know what you mean, she insists. I believe you're in love with him, says Nicholas. Not true, she says. I hope not, says Blair, because all that really matters is our cause--you as an individual are expendable!--I know, he continues, that's why I'm here--I have a great deal at stake--I know what it is to make mistakes; I have my own superiors, and was out of favor with them for a long time--but I've been granted a second chance, and while I don't have the powers I once had, I have enough, and I cannot afford to fail a second time.  What would happen to you if you did? she asks.  I prefer not to think about it, he says--and don't want you to think about it either--remain devoted to Jeb, but remember, your orders will come only from me from now on--is that clear? Yes, she says, angry, quite clear. Don't worry, says Nicholas, I won't let any harm come to Jeb, the one individual who is NOT expendable.

Sky Rumson is on the phone, blathering, I wasn't expecting to hear from you, but am delighted, of course--by all means, ASAP--tonight is fine, no problem. I look forward to it--see you then. He hangs up.  Angelique enters, asking, good news or bad?  It couldn't be better, he says. I'm always astonished at how good things go for you, she says--you never get bad news--business deals never fall through--what's your secret? Just lucky, he says. No, she says, putting her arms around him, I know what it is--you're irresistible, no one can say no to you. They kiss, with fervor.  Who was on the phone? she asks. A very important man, he says--you'll meet him in two hours--be your most beautiful. I'll put in an appearance, she promises, but I don't want to sit and discuss business all evening.  This man is important to our future, Sky assures her--go upstairs and get yourself ready. She smiles and leaves. Sky is happy.

Megan sits by the fountain, pissed off and dejected. She hears the squeaking sound of a bat.  Is someone here? she asks.  Barnabas appears on the terrace and calls to her--we have a great deal to talk about, he says.  "I'll have nothing to do with you," spits Megan. "You are a traitor!--Jeb will make you pay for your betrayal, and I'd like to be there when he does!" He's already exacted his punishment, says Barn, he hasn't told you?--I'll have to tell you myself.  I don't want to stay here with you, she says, and tries to flee.  He grabs her arm and pulls her back. You have no choice he says, don't be afraid, look at me--look into my eyes. She struggles at first, threatening to wake the whole house, but finally succumbs, staring into his eyes as ordered. You're not the way you used to be, she says--you look like a different person.  Afraid, she asks, what are you going to do to me?His fangs appear.  Barnabas bites Megan's throat as she protests.

Barnabas stares at Megan, who is quiet now. You still want to go inside the house? he asks. I want to stay here with you, she says in a lost, faraway voice. What about Jeb? h asks. I have no need for Jeb anymore, she says, only for you. And you're willing to help me? he asks. Yes, she replies, trancelike. Tell me how Jeb can be destroyed, says Barnabas. It's written somewhere in the book, she says, only David can read the book, and he's loyal to Jeb.. I know that, says Barn--I will talk to David later. Who betrayed me to Jeb? asks Barnabas.  It's someone I've never met before, says Megan--a man who's been with us a long time--Schyler Rumson. Barnabas repeats the name, stunned. He smiles and says, things are beginning to make a little sense--go into the house and tell no one you saw me, orders Barnabas.  I want to stay here with you, protests Megan.  We will be seeing a great deal of each other, he promises, but I have important matters to attend to--now go! She gives him a kitty cat smile and does as she's told.

Sky paces his living room, looking at a clock, waiting for the VIP. Angelique, dressed in slinky black, suggests, tell me about this man--I've never seen you so nervous--you're usually so calm about business matters. This guy is directly responsible for all my success, says Sky. I don't believe that, she scoffs--everyone knows you're a self-made man. You'll see what I means when you meet him. For the time being, I'll take your word for it, she promises, kissing him--I'll go upstairs until he arrives. Wait with me, urges Sky.  I'll let you two talk a while, then make an entrance, she says and leaves, grinning. Sky looks at the clock again.

Angelique goes up to her bedroom.  Her curtains billow in the wind.  We see a man's shoes on the carpet, then Barnabas, who hides behind the drapes before she comes in. When she switches on her light, he darts out.  What are you doing here? she asks--you promised never to come there again!  I had to see you again, he says. Don't you see how dangerous this is for me?--if my husband catches you, I'll be ruined. "In my present state, I should be able to get out without being seen," says Barnabas. What do you mean? she asks.  "You of all people can see what's happened to me," he says bitterly.  She looks at him closely.  Her face crumples. How did it happen? she asks, her voice filled with sympathy--"Why?" The same way it did a long time ago, and why is the reason I'm here, says Barnabas--Jeb found out about me--from your husband! That's absurd! she giggles. He is one of them, says Barnabas--a Leviathan, and has been for years. At that moment, Sky calls up to her.  She pushes Barnabas toward the window--get out of here, she orders. Sky enters the bedroom--I almost completely forgot, he says, in my excitement, about the gift I have for you--do you remember that art gallery in Boston, you were in love with this, at the time--and he hands her a little statue of a woman. Nothing her distracted expression, he asks, has it lost its charm?  No, it's very beautiful, she assures him, voice trembling. Are you feeling all right? asks Sky.  I'm fine, she says, but something about your thoughtfulness always touches me so deeply. The doorbell rings downstairs.  Our guest has arrived, says Sky--come downstairs as soon as possible, he urges, and leaves. Barnabas exits his hiding place--"You really are in love with him, aren't you?" he asks.  (Do I detect a note of jealousy, irony, bitterness here?)  It was four months ago that we saw this in that gallery; explains Ang--it took him four months to get back to Boston and he still remembered to get this for me because I casually mentioned liking it--"Do you expect me to believe this is not a GOOD man?"  Angelique, says Barnabas--for your own good, you must investigate what I've told you. I don't see any reason to investigate, she insists--the subject is closed--"And I think you had better leave, Barnabas."Barnabas is hurt by her cold tone and refusal to believe.

Sky pours a drink for his guest, who turns out to be none other than Nicholas Blair--does this reorganization means I'll be operating more out in the open now? asks Sky.  No, not necessarily in the open, says Nicholas--the fewer people who know you're one of us, the better, but I'll be relying on you more heavily--n your advice and judgment. This is the one part of my life I've been unable to share with my wife, says Sky--I want her to become one of us as soon as possible. You must be aware not everyone is susceptible, warns Nicholas. I know that, says Sky, but suspect she will be. I'll let you know after I see her, says Nicholas--I can tell sometimes just by looking at a person. Angelique enters, apologizing for being late.  When she sees Nicholas, her huge eyes and her mouth fly open. Nicholas stares back, frowning.

Nicholas' eyes gleam as he surveys Angelique. Sky introduces Nicholas to his wife, who offers her hand--how do you do? she says evenly. "The pleasure HAS to be mine, Mrs. Rumson," says Nicholas, kissing her hand, grinning--"I'm not easily taken by surprise."  What do you mean by that? asks Sky.  I only mean that she is far more beautiful than you led me to believe, replies Nicholas. Angelique turns away. Wherever did you find her? asks Nicholas. In one of my own magazines, says Sky, Angelique was a model.  A model? asks Nicholas, smiling while Ang seethes."And you took her away from her chosen profession?" he asks Ang--"That WAS your chosen profession, wasn't it?" Sky leaves them alone to get acquainted.  Angelique walks away from Nicholas, who smirks, "At the risk of sounding banal, it's a small world, isn't it?"  Too small for the both of us, she says   I figured you were convinced you'd never see me again, he says. Yes, I was, she says coldly. I don't think I've ever seen such a look of shock on your face, he says--was it because your husband and I are such good friends?--or "Merely the sight of me?" he asks with an intimate expression on his face. It's both, she answers icily--how long have you and my husband been "friends"? Oh, for a long, long time, answers Nicholas. She looks upset.  You seem to be at a loss for words--how uncharacteristic, he quips. Sadly, Ang says, "I had begun to believe that, through Sky, I could escape my past." No one ever does, my dear, you know that, says Nicholas. Perhaps I could have, says Ang, if only he hadn't deceived me. He's known all about you from the beginning, says Nicholas, I mean--what you are. No, I was so determined to leave my past life, says Ang, I saw no reason to tell him. Nicholas bursts into cruel laughter. What are you laughing at? She asks angrily. "You," he says--"how typically female--you overlook your own deception, but you're furious about his!"  When Sky returns, Nicholas is still laughing at her. I want a few moments alone with Sky, if you don't mind, Mr. Blair, she says.  Not at all, my dear, says Nicholas. What are you two laughing about? asks Sky.  Angelique said something that amused me, chuckles Nicholas. Glad you're getting along so well, says Sky (gad, he's dumb). May I make one important call? asks Nicholas. Of course, says Sky, and points him out to the study.  Once Nicholas has gone, Angelique gets to the point--about the secret I told you concerning Barnabas and the people he's involved with--did you repeat that to anyone? Sky answers no, very unconvincingly. You're lying! she accuses--you told Jeb Hawkes, didn't you? I don't know anyone by that name, insists Sky.  Never mind, says Ang, it's frightening enough to know you know Nicholas Blair--the man responsible for all your success--just how much do you owe him for that, Sky?  Angelique, says Sky, I don't know what's happened to you. I've seen the light, she says--I was told the truth earlier this evening and refused to believe it, but now that I've seen Nicholas Blair, I have no other choice but to believe it--all that remains is for you to admit it--you're the one who preached to me about keeping secrets, and ever since we've been married, you've kept the darkest secret of all--"You're one of them, aren't you? demands Ang, then screams, "You're one of the Leviathans, aren't you?"  He doesn't respond at first.  Angelique asks again, "Aren't you, Sky?"  YES! he shouts, I am, and you can be, too, Angelique--I wanted you to be all along. "Don't say anymore!" she sobs--"Just don't say anymore!"  She runs from him, out of the room. Nicholas enters--don't bother to tell me, he says, I heard every word. I don't understand what's happened, says Sky--does she know you from somewhere? Yes, answers Nicholas, but there's no time to tell you where and when, we have an emergency. You mean she must become one of us immediately? asks Sky. She can never become one of us, says Nicholas--and because of the way she feels about you, she can only be our very dangerous enemy. What are you saying? demands Sky.  You have a decision to make, says Blair--Angelique or us. I refuse to make that decision, insists Sky.  Then I'll make it for you, vows Nicholas.  He grabs one of the fire irons and sticks it into the fire. I assume that your position and way of life are very dear to you, says Nicholas, pulling the flaming iron out of the fireplace--and we can just as easily undo it--now, what will it be--hold onto Angelique and destroy Sky Rumson's empire, or...  Or what?--there must be some other solution, insists Sky.  No, yells Nicholas, holding the flaming poker aloft, "There is no other solution--she must be destroyed--with this--there is no other way, and you must do it!--this is the severest test we'll ever put you to, Sky, I advise you not to fail it." Nicholas smiles as Sky accepts the flaming poker into his own hand.

Upstairs, Angelique very quickly packs her clothes. (Looks like Maggie's suitcase.) When her husband enters the room holding the flaming poker, Angelique, frightened, asks, "Sky, what are you going to do?" I wanted it to work out, says Sky, I really wanted you to be with me and I'm sorry you can't--"Goodbye, Angelique!" he shouts, moving toward her with the fiery poker pointed at her heart.

NOTES: One of the best Leviathan eps, for sure. How can one not love the interplay between Barnabas (who seems genuinely surprised, if not jealous, that his former wife loves another man), and Angelique? His ironic statement that she, of all people, should realize what has happened to him is both sad and true, and her reaction--sympathy and sorrow--is real as well.

More wonderful scenes between Parker and Allen Astredo! Oh, the look on their respective faces when they saw each other, although supposedly they've known about Angelique all along, so Nicholas knew he was going to be introduced to her before he even showed up at the Rumson home.

I always love the way Barnabas' victims react after being bitten. Megan seems even more attached than most, and Barnabas was wise to choose her as a victim, because it gives him power over Jeb. She almost was purring like a kitten when she left Barnabas, sorry she had to do so.  Very hot stuff!

Perhaps my all-time favorite of the Leviathan eps. I hope you all enjoyed it, too!


955 - I wonder if Barnabas bat-flew to Little Windward Island on bats wings? That is certainly a cool power to have.

Sky comes at Angelique with the flaming poker, bidding her goodbye as she screams and backs away. The poker crackles with fire.  Angelique says, "Nicholas Blair sent you here to kill me!" You're not one of us and never can be, says Sky. You don't know what you're doing, cries Angelique desperately.  Please don't make this anymore difficult than it has to be, begs Sky. Ducking away, she urges, don't make me fight you! She takes the little statue he'd presented to her just a few hours before into her hands. If you could fight me, I'd have gotten it over with by now, says Sky, I just wanted to look at you one more time. She grabs one of her husband's ties and loops it around the statue's neck, murmuring, Nicholas didn't tell you much about me, did he? Only that you had met before, answers Sky. I'll give you one more chance to let me go, offers Ang--I'll leave this house and never see you again. He edges toward her, promising, it will be over very quickly. She pulls tight on his tie, rendering Sky in choking mode.  Put the poker in the fire! She orders.He grabs his throat--what's happening to me? he gasps.  Do as I tell you or I'll make it worse, she promises. He gets rid of the poker--how are you able to do this? he asks--"What are you, anyway?" Her face contorted, Angelique suggests, ask your friend, Nicholas Blair.  She yanks the tie tightly, sending Sky into unconsciousness. Gazing down at him, Angelique says, sadly, "Maybe it was all wrong from the beginning--we both kept from each other our darkest secrets." She kneels beside him, adding, "I wish it could have worked out, because I really did love you, Sky."  She loosens the tie and lets the figure drop very close to her husband's groin.

Collinwood terrace - Barnabas calls to Maggie, demanding that she respond--come to me, he wills her, now!  Maggie, in her night clothes, appears--Barnabas, what are you doing here? she asks. I came hoping I would see you, he says. She smiles--it's the strangest thing, she says--I was sound asleep and had the feeling I had to come here. I'm glad, he says, I had to talk to you. She remarks, you seem different--are you ill? No, he says, just tired--I had to see you tonight--I was concerned about your safety and because I've missed you. Shyly, she dips her head down and says, I've missed you, too--so many terrible things have happened here since Jeb arrived, and I'd hoped you would be able to stop them. Barnabas gently says, I hope I won't disappoint you. I'm sure you won't, says Maggie, and goes into his arms to hug him. He draws away, fearful of taking her in vampire fashion.  His reaction puzzles her--did I say something to disturb you? she asks Nothing, he assures her, his back to her, not at all. He reaches into his pocket--there's something I want you to have, he says, something very dear to me--he hands her the emerald and diamond ring Josette returned to him a few episodes ago.  Consider it a token of our deep friendship, he says.  Maggie exclaims with delight and he hands her the ring. Barnabas! she says, it's so difficult to understand you--sometimes you seem so warm, and other times I feel I don't even know you. She studies the ring. Maggie, he says, believe me, please, when I say how much I care for you. He holds her closely, which makes his fangs grow erect. He's just about to bite her when Quentin, standing at the gate, yells, "Excuse me!--I  didn't mean to interrupt." Maggie is embarrassed.  Quentin tells Barnabas, I must talk to you right away--Maggie, please excuse us. Get inside, Maggie, says Barnabas, I'll get in touch with you tomorrow. Stung a bit at his sudden formality, Maggie bids him good night and goes into the house. I don't have to ask what would have happened if I hadn't arrived when I did, says Quentin quietly. No, you don't, says Barnabas, defensive and ashamed. You must stay away from Maggie, insists Quentin--in your present state, you can only hurt her. I know that! says Barnabas angrily, but I can't help myself.  We don't have time to discuss it, says Quentin--the sun will be up any minute; since Julia is having trouble locating Willie Loomis, I'm on vampire guard duty this day until she can find him--let's go. They leave.

Collinwood drawing room - Maggie, sitting on the sofa, has placed the ring on her left hand, the engagement finger. She raises the hand to her lips, bemused, happy. She rises and heads off to bed.

Quentin, napping in a chair at the Old House, awakens to a knock at the door--Angelique.  "Don't just stand there, Quentin--kiss me!" she says.  He stares at her, shocked.

Angelique, smiling, enters the Old House and looks around wistfully.  I'm still looking for that kiss, she says.  Quentin obliges, a slight peck on the lips, barely touching. You never meant it before, but you used to do a lot better than that, she chides him. We aren't going to resume our friendship on a sour note, are we? he asks.  I forgive you, she says--we're both a great deal older, and hope, one of us wiser. I'm not, he says. That makes two of us, she agrees, their faces very close. Barnabas told me you hadn't grown any older, says Ang, and you don't look a day older than the day I told you goodbye. So do you, says Q. It's been a long time, says Ang. Quentin agrees--I remember your saying we would meet again. And we have, she says. WHY have we? he asks. Oh, Quentin, don't look so apprehensive, she says, I was hoping to see Barnabas, that I'd be in time, but obviously, I'm not. What do you mean, obviously? asks Q nervously. I saw him earlier this evening, says Ang--I know what's happened to him.  He was at the island last night? asks Quentin. Yes, says Ang, he came there just after he found out that the person who betrayed him to Jeb was my husband. This shocks Quentin. Did Barnabas tell you about the Leviathans? She asks. Yes, says Q. Sky was one of them, before I met him, says Ang-- I left him tonight and I'm never going back to him. I'm sorry, says Quentin--what are your plans now? I don't know, she says. Quentin offers his assistance.  I'm all right, she says there's nothing you can do--"The truth is," she admits, "my interest in you in the past was never more than a device intended to upset Barnabas--I was very good at devices, always have been--perhaps, in spite of my feelings for Sky, Barnabas has always been my one true love."  I'm sorry you got here too late to see him, says Quentin.  I'll stick around and see him at sundown, she says--if you don't object. Go upstairs and get some rest, he suggest--plenty of room up there. She agrees. She looks around--it feels good to be back in this house, she says--I once knew it so well--I lived here, loved--for a while I was very happy--"This is where it all started, Quentin. I'll sleep in An--I'll sleep in Josette's room," she amends.

6:10 PM - Quentin, reading the newspaper, hears another impatient knock at the door. It's Sky, looking for his wife. He introduces himself to Quentin.  Who told you she was here? asks Q.  Who are you? counters Sky.  Quentin Collins, answers Q. May I come in? Sky asks.  You may, if your wife is here, says Q, but I haven't said she's here. He grins nastily.  Angelique appears on the stairs--I'll see him, she says. Quentin invites Sky in and closes the doors.  I must speak with you, alone, insists Sky.  Do you want me to leave or stay? Q asks Angelique. You can leave, she replies. After Quentin goes down into the basement, Sky explains, I've been with Nicholas all day--he told me the truth about you. She giggles--I'm surprised Nicholas didn't tell you last night, before you almost got yourself killed. Nothing has changed, says Sky, I still love you. How can you say that after last night? she demands--if I hadn't stopped you, you would have killed me!  I'm trying to tell you, it's different now, says Sky--I convinced Nicholas of how I feel about you, told him I want you to come back to me--he agreed. Teeth clenched, Ang says, Nicholas never agrees to anything unless there are conditions attached. The only condition is that you become one of us, says Sky, that you be on our side.  I want no part of your, she insists, or Nicholas Blair--I would only come back if you agreed to become your own man again. It's too late for that, says Sky. Then you don't really love me--and we have nothing more to say to each other, she says coldly--go tell your Master that my answer is no. Sky tries to pull her around to face him, but she yells, "Get out of here, Sky!--go on, leave!"  I believe you'll be with us one day, he says--I'll be waiting for you. He leaves. She stares after him, furious.  She looks out the window, miserable, then turns and sees Barnabas standing there. She looks at him a moment, feeling his sympathy, then, with a tiny moan, runs into his arms for a much-needed embrace.

Barnabas hands Angelique a drink--Quentin told me you were here, he says. Quentin's been very kind and understanding, says Ang--you were right about everything, I've been a complete fool. If you'd rather not go into it, he says. I can't help but talk about it when everything that's happened to you has been my fault--I told Sky all about you, trusted him--I never dreamed he'd betray you.  Barnabas, surprised at first, quickly recovers--you had no way of knowing, he says--I realize you didn't do this to deliberately hurt me. "As I did the first time," she says softly. That's a long time ago, he says, best forgotten.Yes, she agrees--how ironic it is--that it happened the same identical way--"I can't help thinking that it must mean something for you and for me". Her face is very close to his.  Perhaps it means we can be closer friends than we were before, he suggests.   Perhaps it means we can start again, at the beginning, as we did the first time, she rhapsodizes. This embarrasses Barnabas, who says, "Angelique," and turns away. We have so much in commons, both outcasts, she points out--"Surely you must realize, as I did, that neither of us has any chance for a normal life!--when Nicholas Blair came back into the picture..." Nicholas Blair, exclaims Barnabas. Didn't you know he was here? she asks--that's the visitor who came the night you were there, she explains--as soon as I saw Nicholas with Sky, I knew everything you had told me was the truth. I must find Maggie and warn her about Nicholas, says Barn anxiously, he almost killed her once. You seem very concerned about Maggie Evans notes Angelique, the green-eyed bird of jealousy already circling her head. Yes, he agrees. Why, Barnabas? she asks. Maggie was involved with Nicholas once, and it almost meant the end of her, says Barnabas--wait here, we have much more to talk about. He leaves. Angelique already has a plan darting through her brain, and it can only mean misery for many.

Terrace - Maggie is surprised to hear Nicholas is back--Barnabas , have you spoken to him? she asks. No, says Barnabas, but I thought you should know immediately. He's in league with Jeb and the others, and Jeb is bound to tell Nicholas that you're one of them, and Nicholas will certainly want to come and see you. Don't worry, says Maggie, I think I know what to do. Be very very careful, cautions Barnabas, he's a dangerous man and if he ever finds out you're not on his side, your life will be in jeopardy, and I wouldn't want that to happen to you. He pulls her into his arms--you mean far too much to me. Angelique jealously watches their embrace from the gate.

11:20 - Collinwood drawing room - Maggie, says Quentin, I know there's no law that you have to take my advice, but I think it's wise that you stay away from Barnabas Collins--look, I'm telling you this for your own good--and for his. Why? asks Maggie. You know the people he was involved with, says Q--they're out to kill him, and if they know you're seeing him, they may do it through you. I'd never do anything to hurt Barnabas! protests Maggie.  That isn't what I'm saying, says Q--they may use you to trap him. Watching them through the drawing room window, Angelique thinks to herself, "You asked if there was any way you could help me, Quentin, well, there is, but you will never be aware of it."  Aloud, she says, "I am what I was, and what I shall always be--I call upon the powers of darkness to help me work again--make a flame where there was no flame before--and let that flame transmit the power of love to those who look into it!" Maggie primly tells "Mr. Collins", I appreciate your concern for Barnabas and me...  But you'll continue to see him, finishes Quentin. Yes, says Maggie, and there's nothing you can do to stop us. She notes that the fire has suddenly leaped up; both she and Quentin gaze into it, then at each other. "Quentin Collins and Maggie Evans," says Angelique, superimposed over their image, "you will look into the flame as if it were a mirror to the future--your future is there--your future is love, there's no turning back now, you must both accept it--you are both prisoners of your love for each other." Maggie? asks Quentin.  Quentin, she says, moving in to give him a big, juicy kiss. What's happening to us? she asks.  He shakes his head--I don't know, she says. She slips Barnabas' ring off her finger and throws it into the fireplace, then goes back to passionately kissing Quentin.  Angelique raises her hand, which now has a pitchfork drawn on it. "Quentin Collins and Maggie Evans," she intones, it is the sign that binds you, the sign of your love for each other, and whenever it appears, no power on earth can keep you apart!Still kissing, Maggie and Quentin finally separate. This is crazy, she murmurs.  I don't understand it anymore than you do, he agrees--but I feel it's right. So do I, she says, but it can't be. Then why don't we have the desire to fight it? he asks, taking her hands in his. They now have matching pitchforks on their clasped hands; they note them with horror...

NOTES: Back to her old tricks, Angelique has been there, done that, Jeremiah and Josette. I had hoped she'd grown as a person and a woman and wouldn't go back to her petty, jealous tricks, but DS let me down on this score. While I think Quentin and Maggie make a stunning pair, I can only think, with resignation, that Angelique is back to her old, tired ways and hasn't learned a damn thing. I was very disappointed to see this backslide on her part the first time around, too.

On the other hand, great scene as Ang flies into Barnabas' arms (made me tear up a bit). I know the Julia fans must have groaned when she started talking about getting back together with him, but he clearly isn't interested in anything more than friendship--and she should be grateful to have that and try to build upon it instead of returning to her witchy ways.

Loved the scene between Quentin and Angelique, her remark about always being very good at devices, and her demand for a kiss (and his unenthusiastic response). They also make a nice couple.

Hate Sky, has hoped Ang had killed him with the tie and statue, was sorry to see him return. I have a brief, to-the-point little poem for him--DIE, SKY!

Love, Robin

952 - Megan enters the antique shop, calling, Jeb, get out!   She runs away, shouting FIRE!

Collinwood - 11:20 - The phone rings in the foyer.  Liz answers. It's a hysterical Megan--the shop is on fire and Jeb is trapped in there!--he didn't come out, I tried to get to him, but it moved too fast--I'm calling from a pay phone.  We hear fire trucks roaring in the background.  They didn't find anything, Megan reports to Liz, not yet, what will we do?  I don't know, says Liz, but immediately leaves to join Megan.

Old House - I stayed close by the shop until the fire had taken, says Barnabas to Julia--by the time the firemen arrived, there was nothing left to save. Cringing, Julia says, at least he can't turn into that loathsome creature anymore, with his room burned. I believe I have accomplished more than that, exults Barnabas--Jeb never came out, although I knew he was there when it started. You don't know if Jeb can even be killed, Julia reminds him. I know poison can't kill him, says Barnabas, but every inhuman creature has one vulnerability, one way the earth can finally get rid of him. Do you think his can be fire? asks Julia happily.  I don't think it would be that easy to destroy him, he replies. Jeb isn't finished with you, predicts Julia, and won't be until he puts a stake through your heart. Yes, agrees Barnabas sadly, every inhuman creature has one vulnerability. Julia apologizes about his affliction--I will start the injections and it won't go on, she promises. He moves in close--you're a good friend, he says, but my one personal score is with the Leviathans to settle the way they made me harm you. Perhaps he is dead, we'll know soon enough, says Julia hopefully. At least I destroyed his room, taking away his special powers and great strength, says Barnabas--the Jeb who comes here to accuse me will be human, but nothing more.Yes, agrees Julia, except for his hatred, which makes him so dangerous.

A dejected Liz and Megan return to Collinwood. In a monotone, Liz remarks, I hadn't realized it had gotten so cold--should I have Mrs. Johnson fix some tea?  I don't understand, mutters Megan--somehow I'd have felt better if they had found something, anything, in the wreckage. He wasn't human, Liz reminds her, you couldn't expect him to die like a human. I didn't expect him to die at all, says Megan--he had no right--I don't care about the shop, everything being gone that Philip and I own--I don't care about any of that--all I care is about HIM. She looks up in shock. Jeb is standing there.  Gone? he asks--who said I was gone?--no one could get rid of me that easily. Liz is stunned, Megan thrilled.

Liz, now smiling, asks Jeb, who holds the Leviathan box, what are you doing here? Waiting for you, he says jauntily, I knew you'd be back soon.  How did you get out? asks Megan. I was out the window and away before anyone could realize it, boasts Jeb, way out in the country, alone-- then I changed to me and walked right back here--and I'm tired. I'll arrange for rooms for tonight, says Liz, and hurries away.  Jeb, why didn't you come into the village, let me know? asks Megan--I was sick with worry!  I was sick, too, with what you let happen, says Jeb--now someone set that fire. Why would someone would want to set fire...begins Megan.  Because we have enemies, says an angry Jeb, and you're supposed to protect me from them. You knew I was visiting Philip, Megan reminds him, it's very important to convince him I'm frightened of you. He advances on her and suggests, you might just have a real reason to be. You're not being fair, she says, nor making sense--I just remembered something that also makes no sense--I saw Barnabas standing in the crowd, watching the fire--I called to him, but he didn't seem to hear me, and when I later went looking for him, he was gone. He was there, all right, says Jeb. Why didn't he speak to me? asks Megan. Because he's a traitor, says Jeb--I knew he'd move against me, but not this quickly. Jeb walks away.

Julia prepares a blood-red injection and warns, this time, Barnabas, you must accept the dosages I decide on--last time, because I listened to you, you aged--this time, you must accept this. She gives Barnabas the injection.  He winces--even one night as this bloodthirsty creature Jeb made me is too long, says Barnabas. Julia takes her bag and the other paraphernalia upstairs.  Barnabas, putting on his jacket, sees something he doesn't like at all. "What are you doing here?" he asks Jeb.  I didn't think you'd have the presence of mind to set a fire tonight, says Jeb, because you did, and don't deny it--Megan saw you. Yes, I set it, admits Barn. Jeb asks, "Don't you know you can't cross me anymore?"  I'm going to keep on trying, insists Barnabas, until you are destroyed. I promise you, you'll be destroyed first, warns Jeb, but not until you see me take over Collinwood, marry Carolyn, and do all the things I'm going to do--and then you'll be unable to see the light, you'll be a hunted animal, just waiting for people to find out.  Waiting? asks Barn--aren't you going to boast about it, tell everyone?  That's my business--and I told you to keep out of my business, says Jeb. Your anger has a habit of getting in the way of his good sense, just like when you were a child, says Barnabas. No! says Julia, dismayed, spotting Jeb. Julia, Mr. Hawkes was just leaving, says Barnabas. Jeb grins--of course, it's almost dawn. Laughing, Jeb leaves the Old House. Julia, terribly upset, says, I really hoped he was dead... You're exhausted, notes Barnabas--when I go down into the basement, you should go to Collinwood to get some rest--this has been too much for you, we must get Willie Loomis back. We will, says Julia, soon, but until then, I will stay. She gives him a look, brooking no argument.

Collinwood - Megan puts on her coat--I'm going to visit Philip, she tells Liz--Mrs. Stoddard, is it right, my staying here?--what will people say, under the circumstances?  It doesn't matter, Liz assures her, we know the real circumstances, don't we?  Jeb went out walking, says Megan. I want to show him the carriage house, says Liz--I think he'll be comfortable there; it will be nice having him close by, and I know Carolyn will like it--they really seem to care for each other, don't they? Megan whirls around and curtly replies, "Yes, they seem to REALLY care for each other!" She leaves.  Liz wonders what THAT was all about.

Jail - It's been a nightmare, Megan, says Philip, sitting in a jail cell, accused of three murders I didn't commit--but I had no choice--I had to confess to them. You could have let him kill me, says Megan.  No, says Philip.  He still will kill me, insists Megan, if he thinks you're wavering--I can tell by the way he looks at me. I've got to get out of here, says Philip--his room is destroyed, he can't become the other thing anymore--this is the time to move against him, when he's an ordinary man! No! cries Megan, then calms herself down--he's not an ordinary man, and don't delude yourself into thinking he is, or that you can do anything--Philip, our only chance is to convince him of our loyalty, he hates that more than anything!  And if we ARE loyal, asks Philip, will he tell the truth, confess to the murders? No, says Megan, but he'll find someone else to take your place--you'll see. Is that all I can hope for? asks Philip--some other innocent person to die in my place?  Don't talk about dying, cautions Megan, it scares me.  Philip hugs her and holds her close.  I'm glad the shop burned down, he says viciously, glad it's all gone--I was beginning to hate it and everything it stood for--if I ever get out of here, we will forget this, leave it behind and start over--won't we? She pulls away from him, looking into his eyes.  Yes, she says. Out of all this horror, one good thing has come, he says--I've got you back again.He hugs her, but the cruel expression on her face belies what Philip believes.

I think my new accommodations are very nice, Mrs. Stoddard, says Jeb. I think you'll be comfortable, she says--and there's a room in the back where you can be your other--higher--form. He praises her for thinking of everything.  I've tried to, she says. You've done very well, he says, I like being near Collinwood--I feel like I belong. You do, she assures him--we've waited such a long time for you, sometimes it seems as if this family just kept this house waiting for you, until you were ready to take over. Very soon, promises Jeb. Perhaps you should move in now, suggests Liz--should I ask Barnabas? NO! says Jeb quickly, don't ask Barnabas anything. Why not? asks Liz. Barnabas is no longer our leader, says Jeb--he betrayed me, so don't consult Barnabas on anything--is that clear? Should I keep him out of Collinwood, too? asks Liz. No, says Jeb, not yet, I want Barnabas to be an outsider, but not so far outside he can't see what's happening. He grins.

Old House - Julia sleeps in a chair in the drawing room, awakening when she hears Barnabas coming up from the basement. They smile at each other. One more day safely past, he tells her, thanks to you. Yes, but I have a feeling the night won't be so safe, she says--I'm frightened. Don't be, he says. He turns to leave.  "Don't go out," asks Julia.  I must, he insists--no matter what happens, there is one more thing that I must do."

Megan returns to Collinwood. Did you see him? Liz asks. Yes, says Megan--it must seem strange to the rest of the world--the woman whose husband was killed, in the same house as the woman whose husband confessed to his murder... Will Philip will stick to his confession, or is there danger he will tell the truth? asks Liz.  No danger, says Megan, as long as he feels sorry for me. What about you, asks Liz, are you feeling sorry for yourself? I've never been happier in my life, responds Megan with a horribly creepy grin.

Jail - A bat joins Philip in his cell and becomes Barnabas. How did you get in here? demands Philip. Quiet, please! says Barn. Where did you come from, who let you in? persists Philip. No one knows I'm here, says Barnabas--let's keep it that way.  There's something different, strange about you, says Philip--I don't understand it, it frightens me. Don't be frightened, I'm here to help you, Barnabas assures him--they're going to accuse you and try you for three murders you didn't commit. And hang me for them, I know that, agrees Philip, but if I make one move to get out of here, Megan will die--Jeb has made that quite clear--she's his hostage for my continuing good behavior. Megan is not Jeb's hostage, but his slave, his worshipper, corrects Barnabas. I don't know what to believe anymore, sighs Philip, I just doesn't know--I thought I'd be able to steal that box, and almost did.  I completely understand, says Barnabas, you had no power over this, anymore than I did after he changed me into this vile creature of the night. Philip looks at him, light dawning, and backs away. "A creature of the night!" he cries. Don't draw away from me, please, begs Barnabas, I will not harm you, believe me!  I didn't betray you to Jeb, explains Philip, he already knew about you--someone else betrayed you.

Carriage house - Philip asked me to go away with him, Megan chortles to Jeb--leave everything. What did you say? asks Jeb. I said I would, she gloats--if he ever gets out of jail. They laugh together.  Oh, but I wouldn't go anywhere with him, she says--that weak, spineless...  You loved him once, Jeb reminds her. That was until my eyes were opened to the truth, she says--Philip said he was glad the antique shop was gone--well so am I!--it reminded me of him--here there is nothing to remind me of him, it is perfect, and that room will be perfect for you in your higher form--I'll consecrate it immediately. No, you can't, says Jeb, stopping her. But I did before, she protests. The consecration didn't come from you, says Jeb, but from Oberon, and the dream. We can't wait for a dream, says Megan. Can't we? asks Jeb--there is plenty of time. No, you must have your room now, says Megan. I don't want it now, he says, looking into the fire. What did you say? she asks. He repeats it--I don't want my room, that was just fine when I was younger and had to change, but now I'm in a different form, I am me, and I don't see any reason not to remain in this form. She kneels beside him and says, "YOU are what's in that room--Jeb is only what the world sees!"  But the world seems to like it fine, says Jeb. "You mean Carolyn Stoddard seems to like it fine!" says Megan angrily. He looks at her furious face and asks, what if she does?  I didn't give up everything in my life so that someone like Carolyn Stoddard could have another date to take her to dinner! snarls Megan. Jeb smiles. If you want her, then it must be the way the book demands--the Leviathan way, asserts Megan. Why, would you be jealous otherwise? asks Jeb, rising to stand beside her. I've given up a lot for you, she reminds him. So you keep telling me, he says, and I'm tired of hearing it, and of your thinking of me as Michael or Alexander, someone you have a special hold over--because things have changed--I'm different--and things between us are different. He leans in close, Megan, uncomfortable, says hesitantly, that isn't true...  Jeb grabs her into his arms and kisses her.  Megan responds passionately, twining her arms around him. When they separate, he smiles and asks, "Isn't it?" Thunder roars. Megan scared, pulls away from him and asks, "Jeb, what did you do?" The front door blows open.  What's happening? cries Megan. Jeb looks outside--something is there, he says--who is it?Who is it? echoes Megan.  She turns to Jeb and asks, "Who did you make angry?" Frightened, Jeb stares into the night...

NOTES: I know who's at the door, but I won't say. We'll find out soon enough.

What's this? Is incest best? Is Mama Megan giving in to lusty temptation for her own hot boy child? Her attitude toward Philip is so cruel and undeserved. They were once so happy, and their wrecked marriage infuriates me more than anything else in this storyline.

Barnabas and Julia seemed especially close today, and when he came upstairs from his day in the coffin, it wasn't so much a vampire man with his protector as a husband and wife meeting for dinner after a hard day at their respective offices. Their smiles were genuine and caring.

Now Jeb doesn't even want to revert to his Leviathan form, and he was just telling someone he prefers it. Has love humanized Jeb?

Great scene with Barnabas and Philip, who must have thought he was about to become vampire food. Barnabas really does care about making sure he doesn't fry for Jeb's crimes--or does he?


953 - A mysterious hatted man stands in the doorway.  Jeb, you always goes too far, he says. Who are you? demands Jeb--come into this room! Be sure you really want me, the man warns, still standing in the shadows, for once you see me you'll know you have to follow my orders!-- I've watched you, both of you, make your mistakes, his more disastrous than yours, Megan; I've watched your blundering, your ineptitude, and I've come to save the Leviathans--"Let there be light, for I am tired of eternal darkness!" The lights flare back on.  Standing there, handsome and angry, is...  You may call me Nicholas Blair, instructs the man.  That name means nothing to me, sheers Jeb.  It will, Nicholas assures him--Megan, allow me to be alone with Jeb, for we have much to discuss--tell no one I am here, warns Blair, for you can be punished more easily than he, and the name I use it known here--I shall make myself known to the proper people at the proper time--go! Nicholas orders her, pointing to the door with his gray gloves.  She exits. Nicholas approaches Jeb, who is staring into the fire. Shall you give your explanations now for the crimes you've committed? asks Nicholas--the chances you have taken, the power you have usurped-- before we go into what will happen to you now?--look at me! demands Blair, for I can change anything, Jeb, even Carolyn's feelings for you. Jeb looks at him when he hears this threat. Begin--now, commands Blair.

Collinwood - Carolyn, wearing her nightgown, turns off lights in the drawing room. She hears a door slam--Megan is home. You frightened me, says Carolyn--it's nerves, that's all--it's storming--Megan, do you feel a presence in this room? No, answers Megan unconvincingly, turning on a light, you're simply exhausted. I suppose you're right, says Carolyn, I haven't been sleeping well, it's as if I'm afraid to go to sleep, that I'll have the dream again. Tell me the dream, says Megan.  It's too insane, says Carolyn--Jeb, with blood on his hands. Megan turns away, once more angry and jealous. I keep having it, says Carolyn--each time it goes one step further. What was the last dream? asks Megan.  I don't even want to think about it, says Carolyn. It would be better, says Megan--you should talk about it.  Where did you came from? asks Carolyn.  The coach house, says Megan--Jeb is quite settled, she assures her.,.and will be fine, just fine.

Jeb and Nicholas are seated in the coach house.  I only did what I had to do, insists Jeb. The state will hang Philip, says Blair--you sacrificed one of us--another game you were playing just as you were when you brought that sheriff back to life--if his state can be called that--every move unwise, and the most unwise was Barnabas Collins--you made him a vampire, made him totally useless to us--a shabby performance indeed, and a dangerous one--he will be after you and relentless about it!  I will take care of him, promises Jeb. NO!!!! bellows Nicholas--we must destroy Barnabas Collins, he says, his face shaking--now, Jebez, we have come to your most serious deviation--you never want to change into your Leviathan form again, do you? Jeb looks nervous. You want to be human, accuses Nicholas, which for a Leviathan is the greatest sin.  Jeb's eyes reveal that Nicholas' accusations are true.  Give me the box, commands Nicholas--do you think I'm going to let you stand in the way of the return of the Leviathans?--this was MY idea, the resurrection of the Leviathans, I will not see it fail; now the box--for the next time Carolyn sees you, she will run from you as she did when she saw you as you truly are. Jeb, miserable, reluctantly gives Nicholas the box.  I will consecrate the room so you can change into what you really are, insists Blair--do you understand?--answer me!  Yes, says Jeb. Wait here, orders Nicholas, entering the adjoining room. Jeb, furious, sits down by the fireplace, then stands and says a firm no. He heads for exit door, but when he arrives there, Nicholas is there, grinning at him--"You see, Jeb, I can anticipate your every move."

Nicholas laughs--am I going to have to keep proving my powers?--I hope not, that would be unbelievably boring for both of us. Your room is ready for you now, Jeb. You'll not mind it so much once you're in changed.  Please don't make me change, begs Jeb.  I have no choice, insists Nicholas--there's no harm in telling you my last endeavor on earth took place here also, and was a failure--I don't like being punished for failure, and won't do so a second time--get in your room, Jeb.You cannot kill me, says Nicholas, not even in that other form--yes, I can read your mind, believe it now, and save yourself all the trouble. I may not be able to kill you in that room, says Jeb, but I promise you'll regret it. I'll take that chance, says Nicholas smoothly. They stare at each other.  Jeb hesitates at the door. Go in, says Nicholas.  Jeb obeys. Once the door closes behind Jeb, Nicholas summons Bruno, who has been waiting outside. Bruno notes there is no sign of breathing.  He's sulking, of course, says Nicholas. Does he know you spoke to me, that I told you where he was? asks Bruno. No, Nicholas assures him--you're afraid of him, aren't you?  I don't want him thinking ill of me, says Bruno. Don't worry about that, says Nicholas, I'll protect you. As long as I'm useful to you, says Bruno. Yes, agrees Nicholas. They listen at the door.  Is that where the change takes place? asks Bruno--whether Jeb wants it or not? He can delay it, but that's all, says Blair.  They hear the LLB breathing issuing from the room.Nicholas assures Bruno all is well; together, they laugh.

Carolyn dreams, twisting her head on the pillow, murmuring, not again!  She dreams of Jeb's bloody hands, asking him what he's done. He laughs uproariously. The door opens and she sees a dead body. What is that? she asks, terrified--Jeb, you've killed someone. He shuts the door, if she believes that. She demands to know whose body that was.  He continues to laugh and assures her there's no body in there.  Blood pours from under the door; she screams at him not to touch her, even as he continues to insist there is no body there. Silence.  Jeb is gone. Carolyn opens the door with the blood pouring out from under it and enters. What's happened to the room, she asks, the body? She finds herself out in the woods, a coffin sitting there, in the cemetery.  Who's calling me to come here--who wants me here? she asks--open it, she tells herself, find out whose body is there, why Jeb has blood on his hands. The coffin opens by itself, but Carolyn can't bring herself to look. She wanders back to the empty coffin, wondering, what was the person who was there trying to tell me?--whose grave was it? She screams when she comes across a headstone that tells her--Paul Stoddard!The dream comes to an end as it began--with a swirling disco ball. Carolyn awakens and sits up, gasping in horror.

Bruno, I disagree with the sacrifice of Philip Todd, says Nicholas--but perhaps Jeb is right--someone had to pay for the already-committed murders--but there must be no more killings while Philip is in jail--and that is your responsibility. I'm glad you came, says Bruno, now our day will arrive sooner. True, says Nicholas, and I plan to be in Collinwood just as soon as possible. He puts on his hat. Why Collinwood? asks Bruno.  Even though there is a reason, says Nicholas, that's the one question you cannot ask--a most important reason. He leaves. Bruno listens to the heavy breathing coming from the other room, grins, and sits down in a chair. The breathing stops. Bruno rises from the chair, calling to Jeb. He enters the room and the door swings closed behind him. Bruno faces the creature, gesturing frantically to it, yelling--"I didn't betray you, just told him where you were--don't kill me! DON'T!"

Backed against the door, Bruno pleads for his life--I tried to get in good with him for your sake as much as mine, I swear it! Trust me, we'll know what he's going to do before he does it. Stay away from me!  Don't come any closer!  He runs out of the room. Bruno? asks Jeb plaintively, back in human form. You were going to kill me! accuses Bruno. IT was, corrects Jeb--IT was. You and it are the same in that room, says Bruno. I don't want to be like that, ever, says Jeb, I swear I don't!--if I were only human!  Don't even say that! cries Bruno, I want to be like you are in there! You aren't in love, says Jeb, and leaves the coach house, Bruno calling after him.

Carolyn stares at herself in the foyer mirror, wondering what does the dream means--my father's grave?--why my father's grave?. . .Father, speak to me, she begs, tell me whatever it is you want to say! She closes her eyes, then turns from the mirror, confused. There's a knock at the door-- Jeb. I had to come, he says.  Why? she asks. I had a feeling, he says. That I was in trouble? she asks. I don't know--are you? he asks.  You reassured me before about my dream, she says, I keep having it, and it keeps going on. What's going on now? he asks, not really wanting to know. If we went to my father's grave tonight, she says, his coffin would be empty. This shocks Jeb--what do you mean? I don't know, I was in the graveyard in my dream, to find out who'd been killed.  She turns, sees his guilty face, and asks what's wrong.  Nothing, he says.  She goes into his arms--there's some truth in that dream, she murmurs, what is it?--what? Megan comes downstairs--Carolyn, I went to your room to give you a sleeping pill. Jeb breaks away from Carolyn and nearly trips on something--she's very upset, he says--take the pill, Carolyn. She accepts the proffered pill and water Megan is holding. Take Carolyn upstairs, says Jeb. I'm sorry, Jeb, says Carolyn  He kisses her--don't worry anymore, he says. Megan is pissed off and jealous. As Carolyn drifts to the stairs, Jeb orders Megan, meet me at Paul's gave as soon as Carolyn is asleep. Megan nods, seething.

Graveyard - Jeb digs up Paul's gave (he lived form 1920-1970).

Megan tucks Carolyn in bed--you'll sleep well, without dreams, promises Megan. Carolyn thanks her and reaches to turn out her light.

Jeb has dug up Paul's gave; the coffin is out of the ground. Of course Stoddard will be there, insists Megan--you're just being hysterical--you won't even open it, she taunts. He's working against me, wails Jeb. Of course he is, says Megan, because you killed him, and it's your own fault!--Jeb, let's not fight, she begs, this is ridiculous, all of it!  We'll see, says Jeb, opening the coffin. He is! exclaims Jeb--he knows!  Inside lies Paul Stoddard--grinning, eyes wide open. He's smiling! cries Megan.  Staring at me, says Jeb--gloating, he's going to tell her!--I'm going to burn it--we must burn the body!Paul smiles up at them.

NOTE: Yes, that face is hysterical, absolutely a riot. They must have taken a photo of Dennis for this very occasion, and what an expression! It rather steals the drama from the scene, but it's priceless, not a blooper, but a real funny bone tickler.

Nicholas is back, and we've got him! Looking even more handsome and debonair, we now learn he is the creator of this Leviathan idea from the start! Or did they just bring him back as a ratings ploy? One can only imagine the punishment he endured at the hands of his master for his last failure, and doesn't want that to happen again. He was impeccable here, and it's so much fun to see him again.

Jeb wants to be human now! He was so thrilled with himself in his ugly form, what happened? Is it the power of love, and Huey Lewis and the News would say?

Megan is so jealous, it's wild to see Jeb's former mommy hankering to be his lover. Kinky, DS, very kinky! Makes one nervous that she's giving Carolyn pills, because one senses she wants to get rid of her at this point, stealing her foster son for her very own.

Love, Robin