645 - (Joan Bennett) - A violent storm continues over the great house of Collinwood-and it has been discovered that two children have disappeared in the middle of this night. While the adults in the house search frantically for them, the children are busy in an old storage room in the abandoned West Wing, about to make a startling discovery of their own--one that will change the course of their lives.

David and Amy crawl into the room they found. Amy nearly falls, and David catches her. He tells her to stand here; he'll flash the light around and see what's in there. They spot a skeleton, dressed in clothing, with a gray, page-boy-coiffed wig on its head!David and Amy stare at the skeleton, wondering if it's Quentin. Amy admits to being a little scared. David says they should go back out. That door closes and locks by itself, too, and the kids are once again locked in. Now what? laments Amy, sounding near tears. David promises to think of something, but Amy says there's no other way out of the room. David says they must look around, but Amy isn't thrilled at that prospect. David says a skeleton can't hurt them, can it? No, agrees, Amy, her voice shaking. David looks around. Amy complains about how musty it is--she can hardly breathe. It's been closed up a long time, says David, wandering away from her. Amy begs him not to leave her. They find a candle and matches. David lights it. Music begins to play from an old gramophone in the room.

Liz goes to the Old House and knocks on Barnabas' door. Barnabas, in a royal blue robe, answers. Liz apologizes for coming so early, but David and Amy are missing. She explains about Amy coming to stay with them and Carolyn waking up screaming from a dream that the kids were in danger. Roger found both kids gone. We searched the house, explains Liz--I thought the kids might be here, considering David's fascination with the Old House. Locks don't keep David out, Liz reminds him--I hope they are there, since they don't seem to be anywhere else. Barnabas and Liz undertake their own search.

The music is playing, over and over. The only way out is the way we got in, insists David. Amy complains about the constantly-playing music. David tells her to forget that. She reminds him a phonograph doesn't start playing by itself--how did it start?David doesn't know, and he's annoyed she asked again. He wants to try the door again. They're getting more testy with each other. The door still won't budge. It's no use, says David, discouraged--perhaps there's something we can use to break it down, he suggests. The music stops playing. Both children note the silence. It's so quiet, says Amy. They hear the sound of evil laughter as the door opens by itself. David has his arm around Amy, and both kids look terror-stricken.

Old House - Liz paces the drawing room. Barnabas joins her and reports they aren't downstairs, either. Liz fears something dreadful, and Barnabas cautions her not to fear the worst--this isn't David's first foray out of Collinwood. (Barn's handsome in the blue suit.) Liz wants to go back to the house; Barnabas volunteers to go with her. They leave. David and Amy watch them go, intending to enter the Old House. Amy asks if anyone else lives there. Willie Loomis, says David, but he's away. (wonder where?) David opens the unlocked doors and closes them behind them. Amy is nervous, wondering why HE'S looking at her that way. It's just that he asked us to do something for him, says David, and we promised they would. Amy knows, but. . . David reminds her she doesn't want to go back on a promise--they are going up to the attic, where he told them "it" would be. Amy asks David what's happened to him--you're behaving oddly. Nothing, he insists. You've changed, she says. No, he counters, but I haven't broken a promise before, and don't want to break one now.

Liz enters Collinwood's drawing room. Roger hasn't returned from searching the grounds, she says--I sent Mrs. Johnson to help him. Barnabas asks if she's certain the kids aren't hiding in the house. We searched everywhere, even the West Wing, she says. I'll go search, too, says Barnabas. Liz tells him she's going to call the sheriff if Roger comes back and hasn't found the kids.

David lugs a huge cradle from upstairs. He sets it down, catching his breath. She asks how they will sneak it into Collinwood. The same way we got ourselves out, he says. She frets that they won't be able to fit it up those narrow stairs. Stop worrying, urges David--leave it to me! She guesses he knows best. We had better go before Barnabas returns, says David. They lift up the cradle together.

We see a clock covered with cobwebs, then the skeleton sitting in a chair. David and Amy lug the cradle into the room together and put it down. David reminds her Quentin told them to place it in the middle of the room. Amy wants the two of them to go back downstairs. David curtly asks why. Everyone will be worried about us, she reminds him. He looks her in the eye and, in an odd voice says, we don't want everyone to be worried, do we? No, says Amy, we don't--why are you smiling?I just like you, he says--you're my good friend, do you know that? He advances on her and touches her shoulder, making her uncomfortable. She wants to go downstairs. "Surely we can," says David. "We can go downstairs and be ourselves again." Amy asks what he means, but he responds, "Nothing," his demeanor is that of an adult. The empty cradles begins to rock by itself. David and Amy stare at it. "Go to the cradle, Amy," orders David, pushing her forward, "she needs you. She needs you. Don't go, she won't hurt you. . .see, she's coming towards you, she wants to be your friend. She needs you, Amy." Amy looks as if she's in a trance, staring at the rocking cradle.

Collinwood - Barnabas returns and reports they haven't found the kids--if they are on the estate, they are well-hidden. What if they've been kidnapped? worries Liz, and is dialing to phone the sheriff when the front door opens and David and Amy come in. They greet Liz casually. Amy, delighted, rushes into Barnabas' embrace: "It's so good to see you again!" she bubbles. Liz turns to David and tells him, we've been worried to death about you two. Barnabas asks where they disappeared to. Liz wants to know, too. Amy walks over to David and says, "And YOU said they wouldn't miss us!" We went out for a walk, lies David. We've been searching for you for two hours! Says Liz--where have you been?--did you get into trouble? No, says Amy--is it all right to tell them, David? David protests. You don't want me to tell because you'll feel embarrassed, says Amy--boys are like that, whenever they do something they should be proud of, it always makes them embarrassed when anybody talks about it. Amy explains that it started early this morning--she had a terrible dream, and woke up crying, ran to David's room.She told him she was afraid of this big house, it makes her feel small and lost. David took her outside to an open field to watch the sun come up, so warm and peaceful and quiet, and when she looked at the house again, she felt good inside and knew she'd never again be frightened. This made-up tale impresses a grinning Liz, who can't possibly be angry at such tripe. Amy asks her not to be angry. We were frightened, says Liz. Amy chides David for not thinking of everyone else; he apologizes, sincerely, to his aunt.  Liz, proud of his obvious feeling for Amy, says they're safe, and it's all right. Barnabas, puzzled, asks, "If the two of you were out in the open field for such a long time, it's odd no one found you." Amy says, we weren't there all the time, and I have to keep where we went David's secret. David admits they went to one of his secret hiding places, and if they really must know, he'll tell. Liz says he doesn't have to do that, but insists David give his word that it will never happen again. Liz sends Barnabas out to inform the other searchers. Barnabas touches Amy's arm and tells her he wants to see her when he gets back. "What for?" she asks. We haven't seen each other in several weeks, he reminds her, not since Windcliff, and I want to get reacquainted again. She agrees. Liz tells David and Amy to wait in the drawing room; she'll have Mrs. Johnson fix them breakfast. Amy presents Liz with some pretty lavender and white flowers she picked for her. Liz takes them, thanks her, calls her a dear child, kisses her.

David and Amy enter the drawing room. David tells her, I told you everything would be fine--your performance was wonderful. As was yours, she praises. What about tonight? They'll have to be more careful, wait until it's very late, when everyone is asleep--they'll sneak up to the West Wing and play "The Game"--THEY promised them. "And a promise is a promise," says Amy firmly. "Isn't it, David?" He smiles and nods.

1:30 AM, Collinwood - David and Amy let themselves into the West Wing storage room, hoping THEY will be waiting for them. David moves the panel and they crawl into the secret room. "HI, QUENTIN!" greets Amy cheerily, leaving chills running up and down the viewer's spine.

NOTES: There was and always will be a discrepancy about the bones in the West Wing. It appears they are different later from what they appear now.

The kids turned in glorious performances, both for us and for Liz and Barnabas. Always wanted to see more of the relationship between Barnabas and Amy at Windcliff. I bet they were like father and daughter, and you can tell she adores him, and the feeling is mutual. Her greeting was very effusive.

What are these kids up to? No good, that's for sure. What's with the rocking cradle? Is there a ghost baby in there? Who is it? What does Quentin want from them?


646 - (Joan Bennett) - Of all the dark and evil secrets that plague the great house of Collinwood, none have escaped detection longer than the secret behind a wall in the abandoned West Wing. For over 70 years, a vengeful spirit has been imprisoned here. Now, through the curiosity of two children, it has been released, and soon it will bring about the final destruction of the Collins family.

The children face the ghost of Quentin Collins, a handsome, mutton-chopped, cruel-faced man who glares at them.

David and Amy stare at Quentin. Amy asks if he's going to say something, but he doesn't, and, chastened, she retreats behind David. Quentin smiles when David asks him if they're going to play the game. The gramophone begins to play, and Amy comments on the pretty music. David appears to be making serious eye contact with Quentin, who is giving him silent instructions. Amy asks David if he likes the music. You know it's my favorite piece, he retorts, annoyed. This declaration surprises her--you never heard it before last night, she reminds him. A tall, regal blonde woman steps from the shadows. Amy asks who she is.The woman slightly smiles and locks eyes with Amy. The two ghosts have the children in their thrall.

2 AM - Liz is in the drawing room, reading a book. Roger joins her from the study. He had to work to make up for the time he lost while searching for the kids all day. David gave his word, says Liz, and Roger wryly comments they've heard that before. Have more confidence in David, encourages Liz, but Roger is skeptical. He's too tired, and is retiring. Liz says she feels the woman who came to the seance never left the house--what was she trying to tell them? It can wait until morning, insists Roger.

The kids have slipped into the clothing that was in the trunk. Amy tells David he looks grown-up, and he asks, "Like Quentin?" Yes, she says. He asks her to call him Quentin, and she says to call her Beth. They can pretend this is their room. It is, says David, don't you remember --Beth? Yes, Quentin, she responds. We must keep it a secret, warns David, if we tell, and the adults came up there, they wouldn't let them play our games--we'll block the entrance to the room so no one will find it. Amy suggests they go downstairs, it's getting late and they must rise early. David agrees--they have much to do. Amy agrees. He asks what's wrong. I wonder if we will do what HE wants.We must, says David--my family has made Quentin and Beth very unhappy and must be made to realize that--must pay for what they've done to them! I understand, says Amy. David touches her shoulder and asks if she's thinking of letting him do this all alone. Of course not, she assures him. Good, says David, because I'll need your help, Beth--you must talk to Roger, but not until tomorrow night--during the day, we have other responsibilities--we must get rid of the skeleton if we are to have fun playing the game--we'll take it and bury it, says David. Amy wonders how they'll get it out of the house. David promises to think of something. The music comes to a close on the old gramophone.

Roger sorts through papers in his bedroom. Liz enters. She wants him to speak to Vicki; she's worried about her--she gives the kids a few lessons but mostly sits in her room waiting for Jeff to come back. Roger pooh poohs this, wondering why Liz didn't tell him before. I tried to fix it myself, she explains, but nothing worked.Roger agrees to talk to Vicki. Liz asks him not to be angry with the poor girl. Roger says he'll be firm; whatever she's gone through, she still has the kids to be concerned with--left to their own devices, no telling what they'd be up to! (If you only knew, Rog.) Liz looks worried.

David and Amy bring a toy chest into Quentin's room, pushing it through the small space in the paneling. Amy doesn't think the skeleton will fit in the chest, but David says he'll find a way. Amy wonders why they have to do this. David asks if SHE would want HER bones rotting away in a musty old room when she dies. No, she says. All right, then, says David, we're giving Quentin what his family refused to--a decent burial--it's only fair. How can we get the chest down the secret stairway? asks Amy. Through the front door, says David. What if we're seen? asks Amy. We're just taking a toy box outside to play with, says David, and we must prevent anyone from looking inside.

Liz paces the foyer. Roger comes downstairs, briefcase in hand, and tells Liz Vicki's in a sad state--I couldn't have gotten angry with her. She should be spending more time with the children, opines Liz--if she does, it would take her mind off Jeff. It's too much to expect, says Roger, we must wait and hope for the best--what about the children--I hope they didn't pull one of their disappearing acts again.

The kids are at the top of the steps, Amy complaining she almost fell down carrying his toy chest. Roger comes to see what the commotion is. David tells Amy to pick up her end. Liz tells Roger to help them; he and David lift the trunk and carry it carefully downstairs. They put it on the floor and Roger asks what's inside. David says they're going outside to play. ALL your toys? asks Roger, bending to open the trunk.  It's locked, says David, and a military secret. (LOL!) Roger smiles. Amy tells him one of David's soldiers broke while they were playing with it, so they're burying it with full military honors. It wasn't broken, corrects David, but killed in combat. Amy repeats it. Roger, bemused, opens the door so the kids can carry the trunk out. Roger salutes as they carry it past them. Roger remarks to Liz how morbid the game is, but she is relieved they aren't getting into trouble. Roger hopes it wasn't a mistake to let Amy in the house--I get a strange feeling about her, and hope she isn't a bad influence on David. Liz says she thinks Amy is the best thing that ever happened to David.

David and Amy carry the chest far from the house. David tells her he lied to his father about it being locked, and she praises how clever he is. If you sound convincing enough, says David, my father will believe anything you tell him--you will learn that tonight, when you talk to him.

The kids bury Quentin's bones. His spirit is still alive, says David, so no need for prayer--we'll return to Collinwood, play a while, then get ready for tonight. David asks her if she still doesn't feel right about doing it.  Amy assures him she'll do whatever he wants. It's not what I want, says David, but what HE--Quentin--wants-do you understand? Yes, she says. They don't want to anger him, so they must go through with it. The children pick up the box and leave the disturbed plot of earth behind.

Collinwood - the usual storm is raging. David and Amy, now in night clothes, go into the storage room. Amy says she wishes he would tell her what he's looking for. He rummages in the trunk. She worries they'll find them out of their rooms; it's still early. David takes a roll of wire out of the trunk--do you remember what to do? he asks. Yes, she says. We'll go downstairs, wait until one o'clock, then Amy will go get Roger--and David will be waiting downstairs when he comes. David holds the wire between his two hands, feeling the strength of it.

The clock strikes 1 AM. Roger, reading in bed, decides to call it a night. Before he can turn off his light, there's a knock at his door. He shrugs into his robe. It's Amy, who asks to come in--I heard noises downstairs and got scared. Roger assures her everyone has gone to bed, but Amy says the sounds awakened her. He suggests it was a dream, but she says no, it was like someone was trying to get in the door--perhaps a burglar. Roger says he'll go take a look, and withdraws a gun from his night table. Amy is all set to go with him, but he tells her to return to her room and stay there. I'm afraid! she cries, so he orders her to stay in his room. She warns him to be careful, a slight smile curving the corners of her mouth.

David tests the trip-wire he has set up on the third step from the top, then opens the double front door. Leaves blow in, propelled by a strong wind. David disappears into the kitchen area. Roger immediately spots the open doors, holds up the gun, and proceeds down--only to trip on the wire and fall, screaming, down the stairs. David exits the kitchen area, Amy appears on the landing. They survey each other triumphantly.Roger lies on the floor, unconscious, blood running from the corner of his mouth. Impassively, the kids look at his still body.

NOTES: This isn't the first time David tries to kill his father during DS, but in this case, possessed by an evil spirit, he has an excuse. When David removed the bleeder valve from Dad's brake system, nearly killing him, that was all David. The kids are so very chilling here, and the stoic way they stare at Roger makes my blood run cold. How calculating they are, apparently possessed by Beth and Quentin at various intervals (perhaps when wearing the old fashioned clothes)? When David tells Amy he likes her, there is almost something predatory, sexual, about the way he says it and looks at her. This, IMHO, brings some genuinely frightening moments on DS.

Love, Robin

641 - (Joan Bennett) - The great house of Collinwood is calm now, but it is a false calm, for in the neighboring village, a murder has been committed--the torn body lies in the Blue Whale tavern awaiting discovery, a vicious crime committed by one who is not a man when the moon is full.

Amy awakens screaming, crying; Vicki comes in to comfort her. Amy hugs her and cries, "Something's happened to my brother!" she sobs pitifully. Vicki tells her she's had a nightmare, but Amy denies it was a dream. When Liz enters, Amy runs into her arms. Chris! Amy bleats. Sympathetic, Liz goes to call Chris in his hotel. Vicki asks the little girl what she thinks happened to Chris. Amy doesn't know--I just saw him, he was in the dark, outside, all alone--I couldn't see his face, but he was crying, I could tell, and he's too big to cry! Vicki tells her no one is ever too big for that. Amy wonders why he was crying, what would make him cry? Liz uses the downstairs telephone to call the Collinsport Inn. She asks for Chris, but there is no answer in his room. Liz asks them to check again, but there is still no answer. Vicki assures Amy Chris wasn't crying--you just imagined he was. No, protests Amy. It happened in your mind, says Vicki. I wasn't sleeping, protests Amy. A daydream, then, suggests Vicki--if you love someone very much, you can sense what's happening to them (like Jeff/Peter)--I know that for a personal fact. Do you believe me? asks Amy.  I do, Vicki assures her. Liz comes upstairs and lies to Amy that Chris was fine, and sorry his sister was worried about him--you shouldn't worry anymore, admonishes Liz. Amy says she has no one else to worry about. Not true, says Liz--you have everyone here to worry about (a full time job, for sure). Amy agrees--she never thought of that before. Both women gently touch Amy, reassuring her. Vicki tucks her back into bed again. Amy asks for a kiss goodnight, and Vicki complies. Amy smiles, looking much happier. She kneels by her bed and says her prayers. This kid is just so adorable!

In Vicki's room, Liz laments lying to Amy, but felt there was nothing else she could do--I can't understand where Chris is--I plan to call him tomorrow and tell him about this--I'll ask him to lunch. Vicki picks up the watch she'd given Jeff and Liz sadly tells her not to start thinking of Jeff. Vicki notes the time on the watch--11:25--was exactly the time Jeff disappeared--I noted the time when I went to call Stokes. It doesn't do any good to think of that, says Liz. I can't let it go, says Vicki--why didn't I realize it stopped when Jeff disappeared before? Does it change anything? asks Liz. I knows you won't believe this, says Vicki, but Jeff never had this watch in this house, yet I found it here--he left the watch as a sign to me--if only I could understand why.Liz begs Vicki--for your own sake, her happiness, stop believing this. Wouldn't you if you were me? asks Vicki. Liz sighs and agrees she would, for a while, anyway. She kisses Vicki and encourages her to get some sleep, wishing she could be of more help. Vicki says her presence is enough, and thanks her. Liz leaves after turning off the light. Vicki takes off her robe and slips into bed. The watch begins to move, to tick. Vicki senses Jeff's presence. The door opens; she calls to him. She picks up the watch and asks him to let her see him--I miss you so! Please, she begs. She sees the watch is working and presses it to her face. "You are here!" she exults. Amy comes running in, begging, please let me sleep with you tonight. She rushes into Vicki arms, embracing her. "Oh, Jeff!" laments Vicki. The door slowly closes. He's gone, Vicki realizes. She kisses Amy's head, holding her close.

7 AM - Collinwood's foyer - Liz tells Stokes that while she knows Vicki sent for him, she fears what she will ask him to do. Stokes promises to help as much as possible, but Liz wants Vicki to forget Jeff Clark--it's for the best. Don't encourage her, says Liz.

Amy picks up Jeff's gift and asks Vicki why she has a man's watch. Vicki tells her not to play with it, apologizing for being brusque--it belonged to my husband, explains Vicki. It's stopped, you should wind it, advises Amy, but Vicki says no--she has it because it was his, and he wanted her to keep it. Liz and Stokes come in. He tells her he's sorry to hear what happened. Amy giggles and comments that Stokes is funny. He takes his monocle in his fingers and says, "I beg your pardon." She tells him she likes him. Stokes remarks that he's pleased his appeal extends to all ages now. Vicki makes introductions, and they shake hands. Amy wonders if Stokes is going to help with her schoolwork, and Liz says she hears Amy's arithmetic needs lots of attention, so come along. She leads Amy out. Vicki gazes at the watch and Stokes notes how early it gets dark this time of year. Vicki asks if he senses a presence; she can't tell anymore, but she feels Jeff with her constantly. Stokes remarks it must be a great comfort. It isn't, says Vicki, I want to be with him--no, that's not right, I HAVE to join him. Why did you send for me? asks Stokes--I'm not a wizard who transports people through time. I know that, she says. Is he here, listening to them? If so, he'll give her a sign, says Stokes, a sign to forget this insanity. Is loving insane? she asks. It has been known to be (make a list of DS characters whose love was insane.)I won't accept that, Vicki insists--you have my husband something that last night, that made him know he'd lived before and enabled him to be called back. Stokes admits to giving him three Indian herbs. Vicki wants them, too, but Stokes refuses--I can or cannot, wish to, or not, but not must. She asks him not to wordplay. Stokes says she's right--what he gave Jeff made him available to be called back--but the herbs didn't take him there, he BELONGED there. And I belong with him! bleats Vicki--I want to try the herbs. Too dangerous, objects Stokes. I'll take all the responsibility, says Vicki, and am willing to write down that I forced you to give the herbs to me--if Jeff gives me a sign, will you help? she asks. Do you feel his presence? Stokes asks. Vicki begs Jeff to help her; she knows he wants her with him, if he is there, tell Stokes to help her--make him help her! Stokes touches her shoulder and tells her Jeff apparently feels her place is here, her time is now--and I agree, says Stokes--the only way you can join Jeff is to die. (oh, don't tell her that!) Vicki considers this.

Liz tucks Amy in, reminding her she slept poorly last night. Amy wants a kiss from Vicki, too (this child is starved for affection), and Liz says perhaps she'll check on her later. Good night, says Amy. She lies in bed, thinking, then gets up, opens he windows, and hears the widows wailing. "You're crying," she says. "Why? Who are you?" She gazes around, looking for the source of the sound.

Vicki begs for Stokes' understanding--she was in the past, that's where she met Jeff. She wasn't dead. But she was in jail being tried for witchcraft, he reminds her. Yes. Does she want to go back to that? I could go back to an earlier time, suggests Vicki. And know what's ahead of you? asks Stokes--he was hanged for murder--is that the life the two of you want, knowing how it must end? We could change it, says Vicki. Stokes reminds her history isn't so accommodating. He takes her arms and reminds her that she's seen his grave--forget about him! What can I do? she begs--I refuse to forget about him, there must be some answer--Jeff, she begs, tell me what it is. Forcefully, Stokes takes her shoulders and tells her to give him up--I don't know what to do, either. I'll never give him up! screams Vicki. Stokes pursues her out of her room.

Amy stands at her window asking, "Why are you called the widows? Why? Tell me! Let me help you." The wind blows. Amy calls Quentin on the old phone. No response. She hangs up, distressed, and returns to the window.

Liz finds Vicki in her coat, racing for the door. You can't go out, insists Liz--not with the recent attacks. Stokes and Liz both beg the distraught woman to stay. I'm not a child, says Vicki--leave me alone. She leaves the house. Liz wants to follow her. Stokes asks if Vicki has ever spoken that way to her before. Never, says Liz.Then think of why she did now, advises Stokes--following her can only cause trouble between the two of you, at a time she needs a friend. Liz brings up the animal she saw, and last night's murder. Amy pads downstairs and asks if they hear them crying--the widows. This gives Liz a start. I heard them outside my window, says Amy--who are they? Liz opens the front door. Stokes asks her what it means. Liz explains--when you can hear the widows on a stormy night, someone will die. They both look very solemn.

Vicki appears on Widows' Hill, staring down at the angry water below. She stands on a rock, remembering Stokes' words: "The only way you can join him is to die." The wind blows her hair as the words "To die" echo in her thoughts, and she sways, looking as if she's about to either jump or fall.NOTES: Is Vicki going to take the jump in order to join Jeff? Who agrees with Stokes? Should she just forget him, since the two of them are from two completely different times? Or should he help her rejoin Jeff, wherever he is now?

Isn't Amy a spooky little kid? She seems to have an affinity for ghosts. She was able to translate the widows' wails.

No Barnabas or Julia, boring episodes, but I love Stokes and Amy and David are a hoot together.

Sorry, gang, I REALLY don't like this Vicki!


642 - (Nancy Barrett) - There is a storm raging over the great house of Collinwood, a storm that cannot shut out the sound of the widows' wailing--for theirs' is a legend that when death is near, the widows rise from the dead and commence their wait for the one who is to die.

Vicki seems to contemplate suicide as she stands on Widows' Hill. She wonders--is this the only way she can be with Jeff? Liz and Stokes come upon Vicki. Liz, anxious, wants to rush to her, but Stokes grabs her, stopping her--if you do that, he warns, you might force Vicki to jump. Vicki, in the meantime, screams for them to stay away from her. Stokes asks Vicki to listen to him, please.

The wind blows Vicki's hair as she balances perilously close to the edge. She tells them she loves Jeff, and wants to be with him. Liz and Stokes beg her not to jump. Jeff wants you to live, Liz reminds her.I can't, protests Vicki. Stokes reminds Vicki that Jeff isn't responsible for her standing there, but there may be another way--you must wait for word from Jeff, who is trying to reach you--as long as you believe it, let Jeff tell you what to do. Vicki bursts into a storm of crying. Stokes comes over and eases her away from the precipice. Liz follows after them.

Carolyn and Chris return to Collinwood. She asks him to come in, but he says he shouldn't. Noticing that she's frightened, he decides to come in. The house seems gloomy, complains Carolyn--that poor girl at the Blue Whale. . .I didn't pay much attention to her, but what a terrible way to die. Chris, uncomfortable, wants to return to town, but Carolyn offers him a brandy, asking him to stay until someone else comes home--I don't want to be alone.He agrees. Carolyn says the animal who killed the girl is definitely the same one Liz saw--that the animal broke through a window to get to that girl. . . Chris appears to not be listening, but he says he's more upset about the girl even than Carolyn. He didn't know her, but. . . Carolyn comments that he's difficult to figure out. Chris wryly advises her not to try. She asks if he's challenging her. Chris starts to leave again--I forgot--I was supposed to stay. She finds him both rude and mysterious, and asks why he doesn't want anyone to notice him. Liz comes in asking for Julia. Vicki is hysterical, clamoring, "You should have let me!" Liz and Stokes help her upstairs, Liz assuring Vicki it's going to be all right. (Stokes is really nice to be of such help.) Carolyn asks Stokes if the animal attacked Vicki. No, says Stokes, who is standing on the bottom stair--she was attacked by fate, that's all.

Up in Vicki's room, Liz encourages the sobbing girl to cry as much as she wants to--I know how terrible this is for you--I'm trying hard to understand. Vicki realizes that. Stokes knocks on the door. Vicki tries to compose herself. He apologizes to her for the things he said. She says she should have listened; she panicked, thinking she'd never see Jeff again unless she. . .the curtains billow. Vicki screams, "LOOK!" Liz closes the window, noting the silence. Vicki picks up the watch and sees the watch is back at 11:25 again. Liz advises her to stop thinking of Jeff (rather callous, that), and Vicki says it's all she can think about. She says he's here, the watch has started again. Liz says no one else is in the room, and asks Stokes if he feels any presence. She asks him to tell Vicki no one is here, but replies that he can't. Vicki, smiling, is sure her husband is there--don't leave me, she begs--tell me what to do--don't keep putting me through this--tell me what to do. The room is filled with the sounds of an astral manifestation, then a glowing blue orb. Vicki is thrilled, sure it's hubby. The other two stare at her. She's very disappointed when the orb fades. "You saw it!" she says to Liz and Stokes. We know he's been trying to reach me, but why can't he do it? Stokes says he might know a way. He tells Liz to stay with her--I'll be back, he promises. Liz tries to comfort Vicki, apologizing to her for ever doubting her. They hug.

Downstairs, Carolyn tells Chris she's sure Vicki is upset about Jeff, and Vicki doesn't want their help. Stokes comes in and tells them Vicki is feeling better. He and Chris introduce themselves. He asks Chris for a favor--I need another man in case the spirits want to speak through him--spirits prefer to speak through their own sex when seeking a voice, explains Stokes--understandable--do you mind, Chris?--I want to hold a seance in the drawing room. He asks if Chris will help, and the young man refuses, which surprises Carolyn. Chris doesn't believe in this stuff. Stay and learn, suggests Stokes--we stopped Vicki from killing herself tonight, but she will try again unless Jeff forbids it. Carolyn insists that Chris stay, and he looks like he wants no part of it.

Stokes tells Liz and Vicki he wants to hold a seance. Liz isn't pleased--I don't want to put Vicki through this, I can't let her take a chance on being sent to the past again. However, Vicki is more than willing. Troop downstairs to start things happening.

Carolyn lights red candles on a standing sconce that looks like it belongs to Barnabas. She tells Chris she was afraid of her first seance, too, but he assures her his reluctance isn't fear. What, then? she asks--why are you so nervous? I don't know, says Chris--I don't like this whole business. Vicki comes in and thanks them both for helping her through this. Chris is sorry it must be this way. Stokes asks Chris to make sure the windows are closed, then tells Vicki to sit at the table, which also has three candles on it. He seats the other ladies, then Chris, and turns off the lights himself. Stokes sits down. Vicki tells the others not to worry--I want whatever is going to happen to happen. Stokes has them place their hands on the table, fingers touching. This is a most important contact, he wants, don't break it--clear your minds of all interfering thoughts--wish the spirit to appear and accept him when he comes. Stokes calls to Jeff Clark. "We are hunting you, begging you to come here, to appear before us." We see each face at the table in turn. Stokes tells Jeff, we know you are trying to communicate with your wife--speak through one of us, he suggests. They hear the same weird sounds they heard upstairs. Stokes asks Jeff to give them a sign. Please, Jeff, begs Vicki. Stokes senses a presence. Is it Jeff? No, says Vicki, not Jeff. If there is a spirit, says Stokes, tell us who you are and why you came here. Liz felt someone turning her head, eyes staring at her, a hand. . .Stokes asks if she wants to end the seance. No, says Liz, she's gone--it was definitely a woman's hand. She tells Stokes to go on. He starts again, asking whoever is in the room to tell them what it wants, they will help it find rest. Speak to us!It's Carolyn who goes into a trance. Chris is concerned, Stokes reassures him. Carolyn says, "I heard the widows wailing. You must. . .you must. . .stop him!" Who? asks Stokes. "He must not come back!" cries Carolyn. Stokes asks if it's Jeff. "No," intones Carolyn, but she can't seem to say who. "You must stop them!" she begs--"He must stay where he is." Stokes asks who she is, and she responds, "Magda! My curse. . .my curse!" She screams the words. Stokes asks what curse. Carolyn screams and Chris grabs her into his arms, halting everything. "Stop it!" cries Chris. Stokes tells them all that whoever was there, is gone. Vicki, sobbing, runs from the table. Chris continues to hold Carolyn in his arms. Angrily, Stokes demands to know why Chris did that.Chris kisses Carolyn's head, not answering, tightly clutching her.

NOTES: Interesting to have a different ghost show up than the one requested, isn't it? Another fascinating facet to this budding storyline. Who is Magda? What is her curse? Why did Chris so violently end the seance, and why his reluctance to be part of it? Will Jeff appear to Vicki again? Will he encourage her to die so they can be together or encourage her to remain part of her time and forget him?

Love, Robin

637 - (Grayson Hall) - Darkness hangs like a shroud over the Collins estate as a stormy night grows closer to dawn. Inside the great house, a young man broods over a momentous decision, for he has discovered he belongs to an era gone by. Now he stands on a threshold between past and present, torn between his allegiance to those he once loved and to the woman he now loves.

Vicki comes into the drawing room, where Jeff paces. Liz will be down in a minute, she reports, and he pronounces that good--I was thinking about us, he says--I wish I had your faith. They hug. We've got so little time together, he laments. Vicki begs him not to say that. I can hold you in my arms, he says, but I don't exist here and now, and if we marry, it will be like marrying a corpse, he warns. Hearing this unromantic comment, Vicki looks stricken.

Vicki begs Jeff to stop thinking about the past, but he can't. He hears the thunder and says it brings back a night almost 200 years ago. She was condemned to be hanged, and when they led her to the gallows and they said goodbye, it was thundering just like this.Vicki has only one memory of that night--his vow to follow her and be with her. His love helped her to keep that vow, and her love for him will protect him and keep him here. You really believe that? Jeff asks. Yes, she assures him. They hug. He tells her even if she's right, they might not have that long--Eve's murder is still hanging over his head. Earlier that evening, Roger went to the police and told them Jeff couldn't possibly have done it, because they were together at the time, at the Eagle Hill Cemetery. Roger didn't say what they were doing, but Jeff's innocence has been established. Liz comes downstairs to find out why Vicki wanted to see her. Vicki apologizes for bothering her, and explains that she and Jeff have decided to get married--we need a witness and I want you to do it--we're marrying tonight, and the Justice of the Peace is waiting for us. Is this what you both want? asks Liz. I wouldn't have it any other way, says Jeff. Liz requests time to get dressed. Vicki tells her how much this mean to her. Liz assures her as long as she knows they believe in it, she'll do whatever they want, and no thanks are necessary. The clock chimes 3 AM.

The Justice of the Peace looks over the marriage license and says all is in order. He has Liz stand next to Vicki and tells Vicki and Peter to join hands. "It was meant to be," murmurs Vicki. As the ceremony is performed, Jeff's mind floats away to 1796, when Vicki told him they were coming for her, and he promised that he would find her as she had found him--somehow, I'll find you again--remember. Vicki swears she will. I love you, he tells her. The minister asks the usual questions, pronouncing Vicki and Jeff husband and wife. They kiss. Liz is wearing the hideous coat that Julia sometimes wears. The married pair kisses and the minister shakes Jeff's hand. Liz hugs Vicki and shakes Jeff's hand, wishing them every happiness. Liz steps to the mantel, taking her pocketbook in her hands, looking somber.

At the Collinsport Inn, the newlyweds joyfully enter their room, Vicki holds a bottle of champagne in a brown paper bag. They kiss. She tells Jeff to open the bottle while she gets two glasses. The champagne is warm, but Vicki says she doesn't care if he doesn't. She brings out two bathroom glasses while he deftly pops the cork. He pours the bubbly for them and they drink to their future. He agrees to the toast. Thunder booms as if denying any possibility for happiness.

The newlyweds clink and drink. Jeff says the storm is making him nervous. They sit together by the fire. He comments that the storm is like a warning. She realizes he fears something might still happen, and reassures him it's too late--they're married, one, no one can take him from her now. He tells her he want to believe that, and she begs him to do so, because it's true. Earlier that evening, he felt himself being pulled back into the past, but it didn't happen, he's still here, and he'll stay here. He tells her he loves her and they kiss. And I love you, she says--we must keep saying and believing it--and we'll always be together. They kiss with tremendous enthusiasm--and saliva.

Barnabas and Julia enter Collinwood; he's fretting where Adam could be. He couldn't have gotten far with a bullet in his back, she assures him. We looked everywhere and couldn't find him, says Barnabas. Julia reminds him Adam is stronger than most men. But not immortal, Barnabas reminds her--if that wound isn't treated, they know what will happen. I suppose I must take precautions, he says--if Adam dies tonight, I will need a coffin. Julia doubts Adam will die tonight. How can you be sure? He asks. Because of your behavior, Julia says--you don't feel any differently than you did before Adam was shot, right? A little weaker, he says, but no urge for blood yet. She doubts there's any danger now. If Adam goes for good, what sort of life will I have, laments Barnabas, wondering what could happen. Julia says there's another threat besides Adam--Angelique.Barnabas hasn't forgotten her, but what can they do about her? Julia says they can make certain Ang won't return, by going to her coffin at dawn and staking her--we can do it now, with Nicholas gone. Barnabas says the problem is finding her coffin, he's never been there! Julia finds this a shock. Barnabas says his memory is no longer clear--she summoned him to the woods, then to Widows' Hill cemetery, and finally, an old crypt. Good, says Julia, "And at dawn, we will destroy Angelique." "And I want to drive that stake into her myself." Says Barnabas. Julia notes it's less than two hours until dawn and suggests he stay there and rest. Liz joins them; they're surprised to see her (what the hell time is it?). She looks depressed, telling them she doesn't know if anything is all right anymore. She left Vicki in town with Jeff--they were married about an hour ago. Barnabas looks stunned to hear this news, and Julia's eyes widen.
6 AM - Collinwood - Julia comes downstairs, looking pretty refreshed for a woman who has had so little sleep. She finds Barnabas sitting by the fire, his head pressed against his hands as if praying. "Barnabas, you didn't get any rest," she chides him. No, he says. I wants to see that you do when you get back, she insists. Barnabas, sad, asks why she did it--why did she marry HIM? Julia, probably smarting like crazy, tells him Vicki's in love with Jeff--and you knew that. I never really believed it, says Barn. Julia apologizes--you have to accept it, she says, you know that, don't you? Yes, I'll accept it, says Barnabas, and pray she'll be happy with him. He looks out the window at the dawn. Julia suggests they go. Barnabas says they'll go to the Old House and get the hammer and stake.

Hammer and stake in hand, Barnabas and Julia enter the crypt where Angelique had her coffin. Barnabas stops and Julia asks why--it's daylight--there's no danger now. Barnabas knows Angelique is helpless--"But I can't believe I'm this close to being free of her." Julia leans in close and whispers, "Get it over with!" As he approaches the coffin, he steps on the broken magic mirror. Barnabas says he wants to put an end to her now. He opens the coffin--it's empty! Barnabas doesn't understand! Julia asks if he's sure this is the right place. He's positive this is it, and he says she also took him to Nicholas' house. This might be our last chance, says Julia, and if she rises tonight, she might call you. Barnabas has a frightening feeling something happened to Angelique. Because Nicholas disappeared? asks Julia. Barnabas would like to believe that, but he can't--she may be gone, but not for good, and sooner or later, she'll be with us again!

Vicki sits beside her husband, wearing a pretty, cover-all blue nightgown that definitely didn't come from Victoria's Secret. She's given him a watch that's engraved: "To Jeff, I love you forever, Vicki." He admires it and puts it on. I don't have a gift for you, he says (cheapskate)!) She assures him his love is enough. They kiss and smile at each other. You looked like that the first time I put my arms around you, he says--do you remember when? Vicki insists that she only cares about him and the future. It was in the old Collinsport jail, he says, when I agreed to defend you. Only you, she says, and it wasn't courage--he didn't know the first thing about the law, but he knew he loved her and wouldn't let anyone take her away. Those were awful days, he says, and she glances at him uneasily. Jeff goes on and on about the evil Trask, jurors who wouldn't listen--they put up a good fight, kept each other going. . .she doesn't want to talk about that, but Jeff does, he's really into it as the memories flood over him with more clarity--I can't get it out of my mind! Vicki tells him it can't do any good, but it's so vivid to Jeff, as if it were happening now. He can feel the same emotions--they were waiting for the verdict and he felt they believed him--the reasonable, honorable men wouldn't take her away from him, sure. . .but they did! And now, says Jeff, beginning to feel himself being drawn back--they're taking me away!--Vicki, it's happening again, I'm being drawn away from this place. Vicki throws herself in his arms and begs him to hold her. Resist it, hold me, she pleads, but he can't stop it, he's going back, it's more intense than at Stokes', and there's nothing they can do. She runs to call Stokes--he has to know what to do for Jeff! Vicki starts to make an emergency phone call, despite Jeff's begging her not to. I can't fight it, he says, I've already had more time with you than I was meant to have! I'm going back! He starts to fade away, assuring her he loves her.She darts forward to the empty space where her husband was, screaming, "JEFF! JEFF!" But she's calling to an empty room.

NOTES: It would have been so much more effective if Alexandra Moltke were still playing Vicki. I wish they could have kept her a little longer. I never liked Jeff and this Vicki doesn't mean a thing to me. I did feel Barnabas' pain, and Julia's, over the news of Vicki's marriage. Liz didn't look happy at all, and why did she take her pocketbook? She should have revealed she was Vicki's mother, shouldn't she?

These days, when Jeff disappears, I'm always glad, but I recall feeling sad for the young couple the first time I saw this ep. So, do you think Vicki and Jeff consummated, or was she denied even that little pleasure? Only one of them was in nightclothes.


638 - (Grayson Hall) - Morning at Collinwood, a morning that should be a happy one, for on the previous night, Victoria Winters was married to the man she loves, a man whose love has lasted through time. However, unknown to the residents of the great house, a mysterious and terrifying event has just occurred, an event which will plunge Victoria Winters and those around her into new terrors.

Vicki, looking stunned and dazed, returns to Collinwood, walks through the foyer and into the drawing room, slowly, her blue eyes glazed. She stands for a moment, then faints, falling to the floor. Liz comes out with a cup of something, sorts through the mail, takes a sip, then takes the letters and coffee into the drawing room. She's horrified to find Vicki on the floor and pats her face to wake her up. She helps Vicki to her feet, leads her to the sofa and sits her down. What made you faint? she asks--and what are you doing here?--where's Jeff? Vicki seems unable to speak, then turns to Liz and says, "I didn't know where else to go. He's gone." Jeff? Liz asks.Yes, replies Vicki--he didn't want to go, he had to. Liz doesn't understand. Vicki explains Jeff had to go back to his own time--I thought my love could hold him here, but it couldn't, and he disappeared right before my eyes! Vicki buries her face in her hands, sobbing, and Liz does her best to comfort her.

Liz tries to reassure Vicki, who is sure she has lost Jeff forever. He was so sure everything would be all right, and then. . .and then. . .I have to talk about it, insists Vicki--I ran to the phone to get Stokes' help, and that's when he was drawn back--and he was gone! She continues to sob. Liz brings her to her room. What am I going to do? asks Vicki.

Julia watches Maggie sleep in her bed at the cottage. She awakens, surprised both to see Julia and to realize it's afternoon. She asks Maggie what she remembers. It's strange, says Maggie, the last thing I remember is being in this house in the middle of the afternoon. Julia tells her it's a day later--you've blocked a day from your memory for traumatic reasons--Nicholas Blair sent for you, says Julia--you had fainted after telling him you wouldn't marry him, and Nicholas couldn't revive you--it was difficult for you, explains Julia--that's why you blocked it from your memory. Maggie finds this tough to believe, but Julia says it does happen.Nicholas asked Julia to say goodbye for him--he left town after Maggie refused his marriage proposal. I won't see him again? asks Maggie. Probably not, says Julia. Maggie is surprised to hear this, but sorry?--I'm not sure. Why should he stay, if you turned him down?, asks Julia. Maggie supposes so--I feel relieved, glad he's gone--I don't know why, but I am. (Maggie's nightgown is pretty.) Still, Maggie feels it's odd she forgot an important day. The phone rings. Maggie answers. It's Liz, asking for Julia. Julia takes the phone. Liz asks her to come immediately--there's an emergency involving Vicki--come quickly, Vicki needs you badly! Maggie asks what's wrong and, hearing what's going on, says she'll follow Julia to Collinwood and see if she can help.

Vicki (oh, she really does look like Monica Lewinski) sits on her bed. Liz comes in to tell her Julia is on the way. I'm all right, Vicki assures her--because I've decided something--I'm going to find Jeff--I don't know how, but I will, somehow. Liz looks perturbed to hear this.

Vicki accepts a sedative from Julia. Vicki asks her to phone Stokes and ask him to come tonight. Julia objects--Vicki needs rest. Stokes helped Jeff, says Vicki--perhaps he can help me, too. Not tonight, says Julia, perhaps tomorrow. I'm going to see him soon, insists Vicki, and I hope he can help me. I hope so, too, agrees Julia. Liz interrupts--Chris Jennings is downstairs to see Julia, and he says it's important. Liz also says that Maggie is here to see Vicki, and even though Julia said Vicki should have no visitors, she apparently thinks it's OK that Vicki see her friend, if not Stokes.

Down in the drawing room, Maggie is reading the riot act to Chris, sternly calling him heartless. It has to be this way, he says. I'm furious with you, she tells him. Julia comes in and sends Maggie up to Vicki's room. Chris gives Julia money for Amy, explaining he can't go to the hospital again--I'm leaving town soon, tonight. Julia thought he was staying. I had to change my plans, says Chris. Postpone them for a while, she advises, but he says he can't. I want you to spend a few days with Amy, she says. Impossible, says Chris. Julia is sure he'll at least stop at the hospital and say goodbye to Amy, but Chris says it's better that he doesn't. Julia wants an explanation, but he can't provide one. Julia asks if he realizes how much he means to Amy--he's her only living relative, all she has!--yet you're willing to walk out on her, is that it? I have to go, says Chris, I'll still send her money. Julia stuffs the wad of cash into his pocket and says, in a marvelously angry way, "She doesn't need money, she needs you!" (Oh, go, Julia!) I would like to stay and take care of her, begins Chris -- "but you won't," finishes Julia. She demands to know why, and he says he can't go on any further--he has to go--and nothing she can say will make him change his mind!

Maggie goes in to see Vicki--I heard about Jeff, she says, expressing her sympathy. Vicki sits up in bed then crawls forward as if chasing someone. "No!" she cries, disappointed.

Julia is still downstairs trying to encourage Chris to change his mind when Liz comes to get her--Vicki is hysterical. When Julia turns to head upstairs, Chris is about to leave. She asks him to stick around, she has more to say. He wanders into the drawing room by the fireplace. He hears the clock chiming, sees that it's 5:30. The moon is full. Do we ever see any other kind of moon in Collinsport?

Vicki keeps telling Maggie, "It's true, it's true!" Julia and Liz come enter; she tells them Jeff is here in the room--I felt his hand touch my cheek! babbles Vicki.The other three women eye her as if she's nuts.

On the landing Liz asks Julia if Vicki is going to be all right. I think so, says Julia, as soon as she gets enough sleep--Maggie is sitting with her. Neither woman understands anything that is happening to Vicki. Liz answers the phone--it's for Julia. (Busy lady.) She's upset to learn Amy has escaped Windcliff. She tells the caller to let her know if there's any news. Julia rushes into the drawing room and is upset to find Chris gone--Amy, her patient at Windcliff, escaped, and Chris said he was leaving Collinsport tonight. I must find Amy's brother, says Julia--where can he be?

Chris stumbles through the woods, not looking well at all. He falls down, hugging a rock, staring with an open mouth at the full moon. He begins to moan in pain, then gets up and continues bumbling through the woods.Maggie watches over the sleeping Vicki, who awakens and insists, I don't want to sleep--Jeff is with me, in the room!  Maggie asks her to stop. Vicki says she doesn't care if Maggie believes her--Jeff is in the room--I want to stay awake and be with Jeff. The door opens by itself. Maggie maintains it's the wind, but Vicki is sure it's Jeff. She runs out of her bedroom and stands in the hall--he's gone now, I don't feel his presence--why did he have to go away? laments Vicki. Maggie encourages her to go back to bed. On the floor, Vicki finds the watch she gave to Jeff after they were married. The inscription is the same. The women stare at each other.

Julia is on the phone asking about Amy. No news. I'll be at that number all night, says Julia--call anytime. Liz reports that Vicki is no better. She grabs her coat and says she's going to the Old House to get Barnabas--he needs to know what's happening; he and Vicki have always been close, perhaps he can help her. Julia agrees and wishes she could go with her, but she must wait for a call from Windcliff. Liz understands. She leaves. It's 6:50 PM. Liz walks through the woods toward the Old House and hears bushes rustling. She asks if someone is there, but receives no response. She hears it again and demands to know who is following her. We hear growling, see Liz' terror-stricken expression. "Don't come near me!" she cries, covering her face.

NOTES: What manner of creature has Liz found? Adam? Something else? Is this connected to the dead hotel clerk? Is Liz in serious danger?

Best scene was between Julia and Chris. I loved the VENOM in her voice when she shoved the money back into Chris' pocket.

Vicki is still too shrill, and Betsy Durkin so on my nerves.

Everyone needs Julia--Amy, Chris, Vicki, Liz--and she's always there to help. Great lady, one of the most giving women!

Must be pretty easy to escape Windcliff--Amy did, it, Liz did it and Maggie herself did it months ago. Where is the security in that hospital?

Love, Robin

632 - (KLS) - A brilliant morning sun illuminates the walls of Collinwood and all is serene in the great house. But not far away in a strange house by the sea, a desperate man waits. This day will decide his fate and the fate of the young woman he has chosen to be his bride.

Nicholas wonders where Tom is, and Adam, why has HE disappeared? Everything is going wrong, he frets, my his time is running out!--I must have Maggie!--I must have her now. He turns on a multi-colored lamp and summons Maggie. Hear my voice, he calls, and do as I bid you to--you will come to me, you will decide you want me. You will decide you need me as much as I need you. Listen to my voice and come to me, come to me!  Maggie, wearing a quilted blue robe, starts walking. Nicholas says, "You will come to me, and we will be united forever--in death."

Adam comes in, slamming the door like a petulant child. He tells Nicholas he was "away", and wanted to be alone to think. Nicholas says he's glad to see him, he has something important to tell him--tonight, he says, you will have a new mate--Barnabas and Julia will do the experiment over, and Eve will live again. No, barks Adam. Nicholas assures him she will be better this time. The new Eve will not pretend, she will be tender, warm, loving--the mate Adam always wanted--she will truly love him.Adam doesn't believe him, but Nick admits he made a mistake that won't be repeated. Maggie will provide the life force, and she will be as tender and loving as Maggie herself is--I will persuade Maggie, he assures Adam. The latter isn't sure he wants this--I would rather be alone for the rest of my life than live with a woman like Eve. She will be beautiful like Eve, but there the resemblance will end, Blair says. Adam wonders why he's so anxious for him to have a mate. Because I am, says Nick--I don't want you to be lonely. Adam is skeptical. Nicholas says he'll be honest-this is something he must do, but cannot tell him why--it's vitally important. Adam considers. He doesn't trust him, and there are too many questions he won't answer. Allow me to furnish you with a mate, says Nicholas, then decide if you want to keep her or not--it can he your decision, what do you have to lose? Perhaps nothing, agrees Adam--all right, but if she's anything like the first Eve, I'll kill her. She won't be, promises Nicholas. There's a knock at the door. That's Maggie says Nick, and sends Adam out--I'll call you when it's time to go to the Old House. Maggie, dressed in a sailor suit, is joyous when she comes in, and he compliments her. He hangs up her coat, the welcoming grin dropping from his face as he contemplates what is going to happen. Maggie seems puzzled. They sit down. He asks why she came. You're going to be leaving soon, she reminds him, so I must decide on your proposal. I don't mean to press you, he says. Maggie, however, has decided--I'll marry you! Nicholas is ecstatic!--of course I want to marry you! he says excitedly. They hug. He tells her she's made him the happiest man on this earth. It's odd, she says, this morning, I still hadn't decided, then suddenly, I did. (ah, that ol' black magic!) He takes her hand in his and says he's immensely happy. She promises to make him a good wife. We'll be married tonight, he says--why postpone it? She is flustered, but reminds him that marriage is a serious step--to get married tonight and leave Collinsport so quickly. He regrets that they must leave, but he wants her with him as his wife. He must take care of business interests abroad--they can move into his flat in London. It's happening so fast, I can't think, she says. I don't want you to think, he says. Maggie insists there are some considerations. Do you not want to marry me? he asks. No, she says, I do. They hug, and the warlock really does look regretful over what must happen now.

A nurse at Windcliff warns Chris that his sister is very disturbed and he must be patient (this is probably DS' worst acting job, thank God it was of such short duration). Chris understands. The nurse says she'll send her in. Chris looks at the fish swimming around in a large tank, checks out a newspaper and sees the forecast is for clear and cold--with a full moon. This upsets him. Please, not again, he begs, gazing out the window.

Chris' sister, renamed Amy from Molly, comes in to see him. (Denise Nickerson is an excellent child actress and adorable with her long red hair and big brown eyes.) When Chris greets her, she simply stares at him. He gives her a gift, but she doesn't say a word. He asks if she wants to open it, even know what it is, but she remains silent. He says he'll open it, and tells her it's a box of paints--you still likes to paint, don't you? He asks. He kneels and tells her he brought it for her, won't she even take it? She takes it, then tosses it violently onto the floor. She looks at the fish. Chris joins her, begging her to say just one teeny word to him--anything? "Why didn't you come before?" she demands. We see them, distorted through the fish tank. I wanted to, says Chris, but couldn't. Nobody came, she says sadly. I wanted to, he repeats, I wrote you. "Nobody came," she repeats accusingly. I know, I stayed away too long, he admits. "You did what you had to do," she says coldly--"You brought me the present, you can go now." Chris protests he came because he wanted to. Is that true? She asks. You're my sister, I care about you, he says. She asks if he's going to stay. Chris looks guilty. "You're not, are you?" she asks, angry. He says he can't. Amy turns away. He wants to stay and take care of her, he says, but she runs from him. "Please go away!" she cries, "Go away, go away!" She cries and tells him to go, if he's going away. He asks if it would make a difference if he stayed. It won't, she replies. I'd like to. . . he says doubtfully. I know you won't, she says. He promises he'll change his plans and stay. Amy gazes heartbrokenly into his face and says, hardly daring to hope, "You will, really? You won't change your mind?" A promise is a promise, Chris says. Amy hugs him, begging her to please not leave him.He hugs her back, assuring her it's all right. (This is one of DS' nicest, most human, scenes.)

Chris returns to the Collinsport Inn and asks desk clerk Conrad Bain, who will later strike it rich on DIFFERENT STROKES, if he can change his room. Of course, he is told, but why? His room is too close to the street, too noisy, and he needs something more isolated because he writes. He asks about the room in the back, is it vacant? Yes, but it's tiny and inconvenient for most guests, replies the clerk. Chris insists on having it without even seeing it. They go upstairs so Chris can check it out. The window is barred in the shabby little room, and the clerk is surprised Chris wants such a small, stuffy room. Chris insists it's fine and asks him to bring up his luggage in the morning--lock me in here, adds Chris--and if you hears strange noises during the night--I act out what I'm writing, moving around to get myself into it--don't pay attention. The clerk is puzzled, but Chris gives him a nice tip and reminds him to lock the door from the outside. Sure, says the clerk, and he complies with Chris' request. Chris checks it and tells himself this has GOT to work. (He really is cute.) He goes over to look over the bars on the windows.

Blair House - Maggie is wearing a simple white dress with a lace veil. She looks very pretty. Nicholas hands her a bouquet and she expresses, nervously, wondering why the minister isn't here yet. He'll be here shortly, he assures her. Maggie feels so confused.Why? he asks. Getting married, leaving Collinsport tonight--it's all happening so suddenly, she says. He asks if she's unhappy. No, just nervous, she admits. He tells her he has an antidote, and kisses her cheek. Champagne, he says, he was saving it for after the ceremony, but a toast now seems appropriate. He pours the bubbly, then drugs her drink with something he takes from his pocket. (He wears a sparkly diamond on his right hand, very nice.) Nicholas hands Maggie one of the drinks as she studies her bouquet. He clinks his glass with hers and toasts to their happiness. She repeats it and sips her champagne. Church bells toll. Maggie stands. She tells Nicholas she feels strange. "Do you?" he asks--it's the champagne, he assures her, you'll be all right in a moment. When she faints into his arms, he lifts her and carries her away.

The full moon has risen and we see Chris' closed door, his voice moaning, "Oh, no, not now." We hear the sound of things breaking. "Please!" be begs. "No!  I don't want it to happen again." The clerk hears the racket and bangs on the door, calling to Chris. There's no sound. The clerk thinks for a few moments, makes up his mind, and unlocks the door. He cautiously opens it and walks in. The room is a shambles. "Mr. Jennings," the man murmurs. We hear growling, and the clerk's face contorts in terror as he backs against the wall, then screams, "Oh, no!" as something or someone attacks him.

Nicholas carries Maggie to a table and places her upon it. The room is filled with many lighted candles. He begins the ceremony. "And you will be my bride throughout time," Nicholas says, holding up a small cup above her body.The clerk's obviously dead body, his face covered with scratches and blood, is dragged across the floor of Chris' hotel room. (Looks like some blue paint mixed in there with the makeup.)

Nicholas dips his fingers into whatever is in the cup and anoints Maggie with "the blood of the owl, the raven and the bat. You will dwell with me forever in the land of the dead," he intones. "You will live, as I live, as one of the damned! Your spirit has united with mine." He drinks from the cup, then kisses Maggie's mouth. He raises his arms and calls out, "Let the legions of the damned salute you!" We hear the souls of the damned screaming in pain. Nicholas lowers his arms.

NOTES: GOOD episode! Conrad Bain's makeup looked really fake and hastily applied, but we can't quibble about such things. I remember being scared, wondering what had happened to him, and Nicholas' incantations over Maggie (and his earlier expression of guilt) really got to me. Notice she never tells him she loves him. This is certainly one-sided. So is the ceremony complete? Will Maggie die now and become whatever Nicholas is? Wouldn't it be fun if she became a witch and gave Angelique hell?


633_634 - (Grayson Hall) - Night over the great estate of Collinwood, a night which many feel will never end--and when it ends, no one knows who will be alive and who will not. For one man is engaged in a frantic effort to appease the cruelest, most evil master of all. And to do this, he must bring a new convert and then with her spirit make a dead body alive. In this house by the sea, the first ritual starts in a small room with an alter draped in black.

Eve's body lies on a surgical table. She is wearing what appears to be a different, more modest dress. Barnabas tells Julia this is the last time they will do this experiment, ever. Julia reminds him they're at Nicholas' mercy, and quotes "'Poor, motherless Eve'--there's a poem about that." She wonders who will be used to bring the body to life. At least not Tom Jennings, says Barnabas. Nicholas, in a jaunty mood, joins them and asks why they are so reluctant. Everything is ready, they tell him. Nicholas pats Eve's head and says she's getting another chance. Sarcastically, Barnabas remarks, "You specialize in second chances," citing Tom, accusing him of sending the vampire to Collinwood. Nicholas calls him tiresome and assures him he disposed of Tom Jennings."No, I did, Mr. Blair," retorts Barnabas. Nicholas' mouth twitches in a smile and says destroying Tom must have been traumatic for him--he asks Julia if she agrees. She doesn't respond and just eyes him coldly. Nicholas reminds Barnabas that, not so long ago, someone could have done the same to you. I am well aware of that, retorts Barn. Nicholas advises him not to forget what he was. What do you mean by that? ask Barnabas. Nicholas doesn't get a chance to answer before Julia cuts in, reminding him they have a job to do. Nick agrees--we shouldn't waste time on personality conflicts. He goes upstairs to retrieve the life force. Barnabas starts to go after him, but Julia stops him. Barn wonders--if Eve lives, will we be able to forget what we've done? Adam comes downstairs, smiling. This time it will be different, he tells Barnabas, because this time SHE will be. Barnabas barks that he doesn't want him here, but Nicholas insists that Adam is staying. When Maggie comes downstairs, Julia cries out her name. Nicholas tells Barnabas he has met one of his conditions--Maggie volunteered. Maggie greets Julia and Barnabas, marveling how she's been here so often, and this is where it will take place. Barnabas refuses to go through with this, and insisting on speaking to Nicholas alone. Maggie tells him she knows it's to talk him out of using her. Julia chimes in about the risks. Maggie tells them no amount of risk will change her mind. Barnabas says he told Blair to stay away from her. You have no right to interfere, says Maggie, a tad belligerent. (They were going to use Maggie before, weren't they, so what's the big deal now?) Nicholas assures Maggie he'll settle it, and tells her not to be angry. It's my life, says Maggie, and I want to do this. I promised Vicki, protests Barnabas, and orders Julia to turn off the equipment. Julia turns to do so. Adam and Nicholas both start to argue with Barnabas. Barnabas refuses to listen to Adam's threats. Blair takes Adam's arm and assures him as long as HE is here, threats are not necessary. Nicholas places his middle finger on Adam's chest and tells him, I feel your blood rushing through your body--faster than ever before, your heart is pounding, you feel dizzy--you can barely stand.Both Adam and Barnabas react to this, gasping for breath. Julia begs Maggie to make Nicholas stop. Why should I? demands Maggie--stop it yourself, she orders Julia--do what he wants. Julia agrees, Nicholas halts the spell, and both Adam and Barnabas return to normal breathing. To avoid further arguments, Nicholas leads Adam to a cot away from the action and tells him to lie down there. You will sleep, deeply, Nicholas tells him, and will not awaken until I wake you. Adam sleeps. Barnabas watches, stunned. Nicholas points out how slight Adam's breathing is--if I say three more words, Adam will stop breathing forever--and I will say them if you don't do as I say. Julia tells Barn they have no choice; the dazed Barnabas realizes she is right. Barnabas reminds Nicholas Maggie will be in great pain, perhaps die. Nicholas tells Maggie not to be afraid, he will be with her. That's all I want, Maggie assures him. Julia prepares a shot. Barnabas tells Maggie to lie down on the other table beside Eve. Maggie observes how beautiful Eve is--"and soon she will live."--I'm beginning to learn many things now. Nick helps Maggie up on the table, where she lies down. Julia tells Barnabas to fix the straps. You will be conscious, Julia explains to Maggie, but only at first. I will be here for you, Nicholas assures Maggie. I know you will, she says softly. Barnabas mutters that Nicholas must have done something to her. "I have given her my love," responds Nicholas, and kisses her hand. The experiment is ready to begin. Barnabas places a sheet over Maggie, who is feeling drowsy from the shot Julia gave her. Maggie begins to count and falls asleep by the time she reaches. Julia instructs Barnabas to watch the gauge and let her know when it reaches 10. Don't touch Maggie, warns Julia, it could be dangerous for both of you. Nicholas plants a kiss on Maggie' face, then steps back. Julia listens to her heart. Barnabas, standing at the controls, looks sick. Julia nods for him to turn on the juice. He does so. Everything begins to hum. Lights flash, electricity buzzes. Maggie moans in pain. Barnabas does more fiddling with the controls. Maggie screams. Julia listens to her heart. "I want to do this," Barnabas hears Maggie repeating in his mind, along with Nicholas' assertion that, "I have given her my love." Maggie cries out. Barnabas turns to look at her, even more upset.

Barnabas keeps hearing Maggie's and Nicholas' voices in his mind. Julia calls for a gauge reading, and the distracted Barnabas tells her it's just 10. Nicholas is distraught at the sight of Maggie's pain. Barnabas calls for Julia. The level is too high. She tries making adjustments, no good--it goes up! "I'm going to die!" shrieks Maggie--"JOOOOOE!" (Interesting, hmm?) Eve's hand moves. She flexes her finger. Barnabas suddenly yells, "No, I won't go through with this!" He shuts down the power. Julia calls out his name. Nicholas holds up his hands in a "spell gesture" and tells Barnabas, "You will stop!" Julia warns Barnabas Nicholas will kill him, but Barnabas, seemingly unhearing, begins trashing the lab. "You cannot move!" intones Nicholas. Barnabas battles the spell, still knocking things down, crying out, "NO!" Barnabas appears to be free from the spell. Nicholas suddenly looks heavenward and implores, "Don't take me now, I can stop him!" He tries to force Barnabas to stop, but his powers are gone. Out of control, Nicholas races to the cot where Adam lies and begins to throttle him. Barnabas and Julia drag him off Adam wakes up and realizes his so-called friend was going to murder him. "Why did you hurt me?" he demands of Nicholas. "Your powers, where are they now?" asks Barnabas. Nicholas struggles away from Barnabas. Adam races out to find that Eve's body is nothing more than a skeleton with red hair. (would that ever really happen?) Adam, heartbroken, accuses them of doing this. Barnabas denies it.  "You wanted it this way!" blares Adam. "Eve. . ." Barnabas tells Julia he must go after Blair. He will kill you, protests Julia. No, says Barnabas, I will kill him! Maggie regains consciousness. Julia checks her heart. Adam sobs, "Now I have no one!" and wanders away. He sits down and mutters, "All my life, alone. . ." Julia calls to Maggie, encouraging her to open her eyes. Maggie doesn't react. After Julia gives her an injection, Maggie comes to. Julia asks her to get up. Maggie gazes at her blankly--who am I?--where am I?--what's this room?--I must get out of here. Julia calls her Maggie, a name the young woman doesn't recognize.Maggie's cluelessness frightens Julia, who laments, "What's happened to you?--what?"

If you aren't Maggie Evans, who are you? asks Julia--do you remember Nicholas Blair? Maggie walks over broken glass, wondering what this place is, and where. Come upstairs, urges Julia--you'll remember. Maggie isn't so sure.

Adam, left alone with the skeleton, looks morose. He stands, covers what was intended to be his mate with a sheet, and says "Barnabas!. . .Nicholas!" like he doesn't know who to hate more. "Always Barnabas!" he screams. "I want him to be alone!--I hate him!--he doesn't deserve to love!" Adam literally spits. He heads upstairs.

Julia shows Maggie around the Old House living room, explaining to her that Barnabas lives there. Julia shows her Josette's music box, plays it for her, tells her to think. Does the name Josette mean anything to you? (why take the chance of bringing Maggie's memories of Barnabas as a vampire back to life?) No, says Maggie. Julia insists on taking her to look at Josette's portrait. Maggie is not happy with this.

Adam leaves the Old House.

Nicholas, standing in Widows' Hill, desperately begging Diabolos for another chance. I'll make them do it over!--you must let me explain!--I'll make it right--I'll force them to make a new woman for Adam. Give me time, that's all I need--a week is nothing to you, seven days! It's so small to you. Give me seven days and I'll give you everything you want! PLEASE!! Barnabas is hiding in the bushes, listening to this pitiful supplication as Nicholas continues, "You can take charge of Adam and his new wife--guide their destiny. Just remember that I brought them to you! Let me bring Maggie--I'll come to you!" His us surrounded by flames. "No! You've given me chances before!" he pleads. "I will not fail you this time, I swear I won't. It almost worked, It will work the next time, I swear it will. Don't take me now!" He screams as the fire reclaims him, his arms raised in entreaty.Nicholas Blair disappears into the conflagration. Barnabas Collins, watching his enemy being snatched from the mortal world, has the biggest, most joyous smile on his face we have ever seen or will see.

Adam sneaks into Collinwood and stealthily goes upstairs.

NOTES: Does this mean Nicholas Blair is dead? One would hope not, given that he is one of the most delectably evil characters ever produced on DS. So suave and cool, he's one character you've got to miss if you appreciate a good villain and great acting.

And what deal did Angelique work out, we must wonder, for tattling on "brother"?

Where is Adam going? To Vicki first, then everyone else in the house, to kill them with his bare hands? That was his original plan, and now that Eve is nothing more than a skeleton and Nicholas gone, he truly is alone. What will become of Adam? Will he be killed, forcing Barnabas back into a vampire state?

Quite an excellent episode. Did you feel a bit sorry for Nick, begging for another chance that way? He behaved in a similar way toward Cassangelique, didn't he? Perhaps in the DARK SHADOWS milieu, what goes around DOES come around!

Lots of cast in this episode, all at once, too, a rarity. It was a melodramatic farewell for Nicholas, and let's wish him well on his way back down to Diabolos. One wonders why he was begging the heavens for help, but it looked a lot better than looking down, didn't it?

Love, Robin

628 - (Grayson Hall) - A storm rages over Collinwood as the terrifying events of this night occur. But there are earthly confrontations beyond the sight of the stormy sky that have yet to take place. Now, in a secret place, a young woman begins a strange, forbidden ritual-a ritual that will lead her to the strangest and most terrifying journey of all.

Smoke billows as Angelique screams, over and over. An eerie voice addresses her: "You have summoned me. . ." Yes, she says, fearfully. She wants to speak to him. He orders her to descend to him, and she protests, but she screams and writhes in pain as she disappears from the basement and finds herself in what HAS to be hell. "Approach me," demands a caped, hooded figure. She does, slowly. He asks what is so important she has called him. It's about Nicholas Blair, tattles Angelique, he has failed you--he was sent to save me, when I was exorcised by a man called Trask. And you will be punished for your ineptitude, her master declares. I was, says Ang, but after that, Nicholas became vindictive and unreasonable--instead of helping me, he kept punishing and tormenting me. You deserved it, says Diabolos, by following your own selfish will and breaking your pact with Nicholas--I don't want to hear bad stuff about Nicholas, says the tall, caped one--he's going to create a superrace that will follow only Him, his Excellence. Angelique reveals Nicholas is failing in this plan, one of those chosen for the plan has destroyed the other. How could he have made such a mistake? demands Diabolos. Ang explains Nicholas screwed up because of a human weakness--LOVE!--human love! (look who's talking!) Love, snarls Diabolos--how could one of my followers LOVE? He has learned, says Angelique, and describes Maggie, and how he's fallen in love with her, spends all his time with her--a human!--he was away with her when the murder occurred! He left them alone, and the experiment is no longer important to him. Diabolos says he won't be defeated by love, the most cardinal of sins. This pleases Ang, who smiles and says, "He should be returned to this world. Will you give me the power to handle that, because I would love to outwit him, to pay him back for what he's done to me?"He asks if she's able; she implores him to be given a chance. It would be interesting, says Diabolos, but if he lets her do it, what would she want in return? Lift the vampire curse, she replies--I would continue to serve you well. She bows her head in acquiescence. I'm tempted, admits Diabolos. But first--Nicholas! And the camera zooms into the black, faceless maw of the hood.

Blair House - Nicholas returns, closing an umbrella against the rain. He greets Adam in the living room, who sullenly says he doesn't feel like talking. Eve is out, says Adam--she didn't tell him where. Nicholas hopes they haven't quarreled--Eve loves him a great deal. Does she? asks Adam. Sure, hasn't she shown you? asks Nick. Yes, says Adam.You should be happy, says Nicholas. Adam says he is. Nick opens the newspaper, looking quite domestic. Adam asks if he was with Maggie. Yup, says Nick, then notes that Adam is acting strangely--why? Adam says he's lonely, waiting for Eve. Nick promises to tell her not to leave him alone so often. They hear a knock at the door and Nicholas tells Adam he'd better go. Nicholas opens the door to Julia--who says she must see Adam. He tells her Adam isn't there, but she insists he's lying. She opens the living room doors and demands to know where he is. I can't help you, says Nicholas, good night. She tells him she has news about Eve--she's dead. Nicholas' face collapses in disbelief and horror. Dead? She was murdered, says Julia. Adam listens in. Nicholas can't believe it. Julia explains that she was found in Jeff Clark's room several hours ago, strangled. Jeff and Vicki found her, and Jeff is being held on suspicion of murder. They both know only one person could have killed Eve, says Julia--Adam. The latter comes in and asks how she knows that. Ah, I knew you were here, says Julia. Adam advises Nicholas to let her in. Julia asks Adam why he killed her. I didn't, says Adam. Julia knows he's lying. She's certain now--because of his reaction. He knew Eve was dead before she arrived, or he would have had a different reaction--surprise, at least. I am surprised, says Adam, then goes on to add that he doesn't CARE Eve is dead. This admission shocks Nicholas. No, she never loved me, says Adam, no matter what you said, Nicholas--that's why I don't care if she's dead--but I didn't kill her. Julia tells him Jeff is not a murderer and couldn't have killed Eve--that only leaves Adam. Nicholas calls this an interesting theory and asks what she plans to do about it--go to the police? No, says Julia, she can't, because if anything happens to Adam, it endangers Barnabas. Julia can't do anything but warn him there will be an investigation--he should take him out of town. Julia requests an audience with Adam alone, but Nicholas wants to stay. Adam orders Nicholas to let her speak to him alone, and gives Nick a murderous look that sends him out of the room. Julia closes the doors; she and Adam survey each other. "What do you want to say, Doctor?" he asks. First, says Julia, I want to say I'm not unhappy about Eve's death. Whatever caused you to kill her--Adam again denies it--Eve was evil and vicious and she deserved to die. Adam believes that and belligerently asks if that's all she has to say. I need your help, says Julia--there are three people in trouble, and I must help them and don't know how I can--Jeff is innocent, and Adam knows that. Adam denies it. Julia protests he can't let an innocent man die for what he did. Why are you wasting time talking about this? asks Adam, I'm not going to do anything to help Clark. Stokes taught you decency, says Julia, and I believe you still have a spark of it. Adam asks if she wants him to confess to the police he killed Eve when he didn't. She shakes her head, beaten--I don't want that, she says. Then what do you want of me? demands Adam. I don't know, she says helplessly, I only know the three of them are in trouble and I don't know how to help without harming one or the other--Jeff, Barnabas and Adam.Adam accuses her of not caring about him. Curiously enough, says Julia, I do. Through gritted teeth, he insists she is lying. In spite of everything, says Julia, I don't want anything to happen to you, although I'm not sure why--perhaps because I created you and feel a sense of responsibility, a protective instinct. Adam says she acts like she's his friend, but he has no friends. Julia reminds him Carolyn is his friend, as is Stokes. Adam orders her not to speak of them. Why not, because it makes you feel guilty to hear of them? asks Julia. No, says Adam. Because of what you've done, continues Julia--your conscience is beginning to bother you. He opens the door and orders her to get out, and with a hurt look, she leaves. Adam closes the door. She almost made me like her, muses Adam, but I can't like anyone, ever again! (sad)

Nicholas accuses Adam of lying and demands he admit it. All right, says Nicholas, what if you told me you DID kill Eve?--did you? No, says Adam, wondering what would happen if he admitted he did kill Eve--what would you do? Nicholas can't answer this, which makes Adam contemptuous. There's a knock at the door--the police? Adam hustles out the back door. Nicholas finds Maggie standing there. He's thrilled to see her, but she's acting oddly, almost trancelike. She enters the living room. When he asks to what he owes the pleasure of this visit, she can't explain why she came by. You don't need a reason, he says, I'm always happy to see you. Hesitantly, she says she doesn't know why she's here--she was preparing for bed, and suddenly felt compelled to come here. Did you want to ask me something? queries Nicholas. No, she replies. You wanted to see me? he guesses, smiling.Maybe, she says. He hopes that's why. I feel so strange, she says. He supports her as she nearly falls. I don't know, mutters Maggie, grabbing her throat--I can't breathe! He helps her onto a chair, calling her name. It's  getting dark, I can't see! She wails. Maggie gasps for air, then passes out. The light in the room room turns blood red. Nicholas asks what's happening. Maggie's mouth opens, but it isn't her voice that issues from it--it's that of Diabolos!--"Nicholas!" Blair, his face bathed in crimson, realizes it's his Master, speaking to him through Maggie. "PREPARE FOR YOUR JUDGMENT!" cries the voice hoarsely. Nicholas is terrified as Diabolos tells him, you will appear before me tomorrow--be prepared!" Nicholas' eyes bulge and his forehead furrows as he realizes that this means--he's in big trouble!!!!

NOTES: Hell in the DS world is filled with the voices of screaming, lost souls, smoke, red lights and candles, and lots of heat--pretty much the cliched view of the place to most people. Diabolos' voice scares me even now; it's got such a weird, other-worldly timbre! Interesting how Ang goes down to tattle about Nicholas. Diabolos must be aware of all of Angelique's many gaffes and her own descent into the emotion of love, yet he doesn't dwell on that, does he? I think Ang has the Master wrapped around her little finger as much as all the other men in her life, and even the Big Guy in Hell allows her more leniency than most of his other evil souls. I find it quite amusing to me. When I wrote a long fan fiction story, I have Angelique being raped and impregnated by Diabolos, because I always felt he had the hots for her, mostly as a result of today's encounter. It was NEAT! I believe Julia really does care for Adam, and it's a shame he feels he can't ever trust anyone again.


629 - (Joan Bennett) - Somewhere in the darkness of this night, one man's existence is in terrible danger of being snuffed out. On this night, in a house by the sea, he will soon feel the overwhelming presence of the supernatural.

Nicholas asks the master, who still speaks through Maggie,  why he has summoned him. Through Maggie's mouth, Nick is informed that he has failed him, and Eve is dead. Unselfishly, Nicholas begs--if I must account for what has happened, don't blame Maggie. The Master knows, but sarcastically asks Nick if he's become the defender of the innocent and pure at heart. No, says Nicholas, but the Master knows he's lying. The Master asks if Nicholas has fallen in love with her--he demands an answer? Nicholas replies, "Yes." The Master says he has become even more human than he was led to believe, and they must do something about it. Nicholas, bathed in red light, looks nervous. Does he mean about Maggie? She shall be as she was, says the Master, when I am finished with you. Nick asks what he's going to do. The Master says he will tell him after he has become summoned, at which time he must give an account of himself and his recent actions--be prepared to defend yourself--at midnight and no later! Maggie's head tips to one side; the room is once again normally lighted. Maggie comes to, Nick's hand on her face. He's holding her hand, and asks if she's all right. I don't understand, she murmurs, I must have fainted--I can breathe all right now. I was frightened, she admits. Nicholas holds her close. I don't know why I'm here, she says, but he kisses her forehead and assures her she will be all right.

Collinwood, 9 PM - Julia walks downstairs. Liz stops her and asks to see her a moment. Julia looks reluctant, but says of course. Thunder rumbles. Liz tells Julia she spoke with Barnabas at Windcliff, and while she doesn't want to offend her, she wonders if Julia told her the truth as to why Barnabas went there--that he was suffering from exhaustion. It's true, says Julia, he was close to a nervous breakdown and in need of professional attention. Liz asks how long he needs to stay. Julia figures a month. He's completely miserable at Windcliff, says Liz, despite the necessity for his care--I feel Barnabas should come home. Julia doesn't want him to go to the Old House.Liz means he should come to Collinwood, where everyone loves him (awwwwww!)--Julia could take care of him there. No, objects Julia--he needs constant attention and couldn't be cared for by me alone. Barnabas sounded so pathetic, says Liz, I felt terrible. (ugly dress on Julia today.) Julia realizes Liz' natural impulse was to want to help him, but it's for his own good he stay there. Liz wants to go with Julia when she visits Barnabas again. Nicholas comes to the door and Julia greets him. I must speak to you, he says, his face sober, something of vital importance--this has to do with both you and Barnabas. Liz looks startled. Julia agrees to stay. Liz tells them to use the drawing room, and heads upstairs. Julia asks him if he did something to Barnabas. Blair assures her he did not. She is immensely relieved. You must cooperate, he says, I need your help. She doesn't know whether to be flattered or frightened. Both, he says--I made plans for Adam and Eve, and with her dead, my plans are stalled. Barring a miracle, your plans are ruined, amends Julia. I want you to repeat the experiment, he says. Impossible, she says, defiantly, I will never do it again--it's too dangerous. Just the last phase, he insists, the experiment itself--I will bring you Eve's body. She's shocked, dismayed. I'm sorry, he says, but that's the way it must be--the body isn't deteriorated, and they can infuse it with a new life force. NO, says Julia. He suggests she reconsider. Julia retorts she is happy Eve is dead. He knows that. She will stay dead, insists Julia. Nicholas glances nervously at his watch and warns her he will give her 3 minutes to change her mind. She realizes that something has happened to him--what? He denies knowing what she means. That he came to her, and seems authoritative; she still feels he is really quite upset and desperate. He denies that, too. She doesn't believe him, and she asks why he came here--why can't you bring Eve to life? she asks. (a question I've asked before!) If I'd had that power, I could have avoided the first experiment, he says. (yet he brought Carolyn back to life, right?) Eve had to be created artificially, as Adam was, and for the answer to that, he tells Julia to refer to the book of Genesis. Julia considers. The original Adam and Eve were tempted by Satan, says Julia. I know him by another name, says Nicholas--the original Adam and Eve yielded to temptation and sinned against their maker, explains Nick--for this they were punished, but remained his children nevertheless--after thousands of years, there is a new Adam and Eve, different from all other humans yet human just the same!--and they and all those they breed shall be the children of MY Master. "That's MONSTROUS!" cries Julia.Yes, Nick agrees, and intended it to be. Julia refuses to be part of it. You have no choice, says Nick, but she believes there's some reason he can't or won't use his powers-if I'm wrong, challenges Julia, use them to force me to help you. I can, he says, but if you still cares for Barnabas, you will do as I say--if you think by sending him to Windcliff, he would be saved from me. . . Will you send Angelique after him again? asks Julia fearfully. No, says Nick--something far worse. Nothing is worse than that contends Julia. Oh, yes, says Nick, don't forget Lang's taped message--if Adam dies, then Barnabas will die, too. You'd never kill Adam, says Julia. Nick reminder her that, without a mate, he has no use for Adam, and doesn't care about him. Believe me, I will kill him, shouts Nick, and you don't want that to happen. No, says Julia in a small voice. He orders her to study the journals and prepare the equipment. Julia isn't sure it's possible to do this experiment, circumstances aren't the same--I must let you know tomorrow. I assume your answer will be yes, he says, and I will proceed accordingly. He stomps out, leaving a scared Julia wondering what the hell she's going to do now. She heads back upstairs, then turns and picks up the phone. She dials. "Operator, I want to call the hospital at Windcliff, person to person. . .I want to speak to Mr. Barnabas Collins." Liz overhears from the landing.

Blair House - Nicholas stands at a candlelit bier. Wind blows uneasily; he looks nervous, uncertain. The Master tells him he looks frightened, and has good reason to be. His time has come. He will leave his world and enter hell--permanently! Nicholas screams as he is enveloped in light, his whole body afire. The pain dissipates and Nicholas finds himself in hell, facing Diabolos. The Master asks if he knows why he was summoned. Nick says, I have my suspicions. He asks Nicholas if he feels shame at being outwitted by an inferior. Nick asks if this is Angelique's doing. Of course, says D. Nicholas asks him not to believe a word she said. The Master has already witnessed his very human aspirations--and allowed your plans to be ruined--because of your involvement of a mortal woman, you lost control of everything, starting with Angelique, who was supposed to be your slave! Nicholas shouts that she is a vile, untrustworthy creature. All of which you knew when you made her what she is, points out the Master--you knew if you ever let your guard down, she'd betray you--she tried on two occasions and you stopped her, but each time you made the mistake of giving her one more chance!--well, this time, she has succeeded, and for that, she should be rewarded, and you. . .Nicholas begs for a second chance, but the Master tells him he doesn't give second chances, nor sympathize with those who do. No, Nicholas was given an opportunity, but because of a woman allowed it all to slip away.Nick implores his boss for a little more time, he can prove himself. That's what every condemned man needs and never gets, sneers Diabolos, just a little more time. Nick says everything can be salvaged, but the Master reminds him that Eve is dead because of your negligence--and you can't use supernatural powers to bring her back to life. No, protests Nick, the experiment will be performed again and Eve will be reborn. Diabolos gives him 48 hours to accomplish what he must. Nick protests it isn't enough time. That's all you're getting, says Diabolos--you are free to go for as long as it takes for the experiment to be completed, then you will return here. But if I succeed? asks Nicholas. You haven't succeeded yet, Diabolos reminds him, but, if Eve is restored to life, we shall see. I don't want to return here, says Nicholas. No one ever does, intones the Master. If I give you what you want, I deserve more, insists Nicholas--to remain on earth, without my powers. How will you survive? wonders Diabolos. Perhaps I wouldn't, says Nicholas quietly--it's because I want Maggie with me, admits Nicholas--I love her very much. The Master pronounces Nicholas hopelessly lost--no wonder he made such a mess of things--when the experiment is over, you must return to hell. I won't be allowed to be with her? Asks Nicholas. I didn't say that, says the Master--your story has touched me--I mean that you can be with her. Nicholas is excited. Then the Master drops the other shoe, "But only here." "But that would mean she would have to die," protests Nicholas. Yes, says the Master--arrange it--there is something else that must be done before she can be accepted here--she must be sacrificed on the black altar. No, protests Nicholas. It's the only way you can be with Maggie, says the Master--the black mass must be performed!

NOTES: What's this? Nicholas must kill Maggie before she can be his bride in hell? Will he be willing to sacrifice her that way, or leave her alone, without him, to find someone else, or perhaps reunite with Joe?

What a brother and sister are Angelique and Nicholas, each going to "Daddy" Diabolos to tattle and reveal the anti-evil things they've done. You have to laugh, it's so much like a real brother and sister, only the stakes are much higher!

Once again, Nicholas swears to harm Barnabas if Julia refuses to go through with the experiment a second time. Their chemistry in this scene was excellent, wasn't it? They are on opposite sides of course, especially since she loves Barnabas, but you sense Blair would really rather have her on his side than a treacherous gal like Angie! And even though Julia probably feels it safer to leave Barnabas at Windcliff, she is calling to have him come home to face this latest crisis. These two really have earned some serious R&R!

Love, Robin

624 - (Alexandra Moltke) - The first rays of the morning light fall on the towers of Collinwood, and in a strange house by the sea, a woman has taken a mysterious journey into the past. When the clock strikes six she will return-and her return will set off a chain of events that will terrorize Victoria Winters.

Nicholas plays solitaire, looking very gloomy.  It's 5:45 AM. He's pissed. Where has Eve been all night? Did she run away? No. She wouldn't dare. Adam enters. Why aren't you asleep? Asks Nicholas. I found Eve gone and couldn't sleep, replies the big guy. She went out for a walk, Nicholas says--she hasn't been gone long. Adam wants to go after her, but Nicholas says she needs moments of privacy; Adam will only antagonize her. Adam sulkily says she never wants to be with him. Untrue, says Nick, but Adam says I'm not stupid as you think. Nick says it takes Eve time to become adjusted. Eve doesn't care for me and never will, protests Adam. Nick promises she will. Adam wants to know how Blair can make her care if she doesn't. She will, repeats Nick, and I've always kept my promises--go to your room and let me handle it. Adam catches Nick glancing at the clock and asks what's wrong. Nothing, says Nicholas, I will let you know the moment Eve returns. Adam leaves, Nick, furious, sips some coffee. Where could she have gone--if she's run away, gone against his orders, he will destroy her and handle Adam another way. He turns around and finds Eve sitting in a chair, grinning at him.

She bids him good morning, the Collins history book on her lap. Where have you been? Demands Nicholas. Out! She replies--no where in particular. You've been out all night, he snarls. She claims she took a long walk and lost track of time. Adam might be gullible enough to accept that excuse, but not me, says Nick--you've been with Jeff! No, she says--you must believe me. He asks about the book and wants to see it. She hands it over and he glances through it. While he's engrossed, Eve hides her letter behind the clock. Nicholas realizes it's a history of the Collins and asks where she got it. At Collinwood, she says. Why did you want it? he asks. I just wanted to know more about the illustrious Collinses, she replies. He accuses her of hiding something, and you'd better cooperate with me, he warns--you know why I've allowed you to live--because of Adam--and you had better make Adam think you love him--you haven't been very successful so far. She promises to do better. She smiles winningly at him, and he asks why she's suddenly so cooperative. Because I know what will happen if I'm not, so I must obey you, she says. He asks if she will concentrate on making Adam happy, stay away from Jeff and Vicki? Yes, she says, but Nicholas still doesn't trust her at all. I fear you, she says, and that's why I obey you. Nicholas wonders if she means it.Innocently, she sips her coffee, grinning.

Vicki is in her room, in her stunning white wedding gown. Liz comes to see how she's doing. Vicki remarks that she dressed for the hundredth millionth time and hopes Jeff will think her beautiful. Of course, says Liz--you look absolutely radiant. Vicki has never been so happy, nor has Liz, not in a long time. Vicki feels both happy and frightened--I love Jeff and want to be a good wife--I don't want anything to go wrong--I'm just nervous, she admits. (leave Collinsport!)  Liz assures her that she and Jeff will be very happy together. Vicki gazes at herself in the mirror, adjusting her gown.

Eve says she could almost feel sorry for Vicki, thinking she's going to marry Peter today, but she's not--because her plan is going to work, and that marriage will never take place! She touches a wrapped box addressed to Vicki.

Adam reads a book, then slams it shut with annoyance. He paces the room, irritated. He glances out the window, then goes out into the hall, where Eve enters the house. She greets him and tells him she went for a walk. He is angry, complaining that she's been gone a long time. I lost track of the time, says Eve. She starts to sail into the living room; Adam follows her. Where do you go on these walks? He asks. The woods, she says. Nicholas told me you were walking on the beach, says Adam. He was mistaken, says Eve. Adam finds it strange that she always uses the walking excuse when she goes away for long periods of time. She likes to walk, she says. He wonders why she never asks him to join her, and doesn't even want him to. I want to protect him, given that you're wanted by the police, she replies, while I can come and go as I please--no one knows who I am now that Barnabas and Julia have gone--I like to get out once in a while. I understand, he says sullenly--is there someone else? He gets down on the floor with her next to the fireplace intimately close--are you seeing someone else? he asks again--you are very beautiful and I know a lot of men would be interested. How can you think such a thing? she asks--I don't want to say, your not knowing the truth about me hurts me--you don't understand much about women--it's difficult to say--don't you know how I feel about you? She asks softly. I think sometimes that you hate me, he says. Hate you? Yes, that's how you act sometimes, he says. Are you surprised to hear me say it? asks Eve--I haven't understood you at all, I'm sometimes irritable because I've had a difficult adjustment, just as you have--don't you understand?--my outbursts of temper have nothing to do with you--I was created for you so we could be together, and I want that. You do? asks Adam. Of course! She says--when I look at your scars, aren't they ugly. She takes his face in her hand, assuring him she doesn't care about his scars--she thinks he's the most handsome man she's ever seen.His face curves into a delighted smile--he can't believe she said that. She did--and means every word. He says she has changed, so suddenly, and she says it probably happened so gradually, he didn't see it happening. I care for you more and more every day, she says, holding him. I so want to believe that, says Adam. They kiss, briefly. She smiles at him and they kiss with more urgency and passion. Now do you believe it? she asks. Are you happy? Adam asks. You make me very happy, he says--I feel I should apologize for thinking there was someone else. She presses her hand over his mouth, kisses him, and tells him to forget it ever happened--she has. Adam says if there were someone, he thinks he'd kill him. They kiss again, passionately.

Vicki asks Liz if she can borrow her car, she needs a few things. Vicki tells Liz she's going to carry roses, Peter's favorite flower, at the wedding. Both are perturbed she called Jeff Peter--he's no one else but Jeff Clark. Liz assures her she hasn't done anything wrong, and only she heard her say it. Vicki wishes she could stop remembering -what happened to her, and Liz assures her while she doesn't understand it, it's only natural for her to think about it. Vicki doesn't want to, it upsets Jeff and confuses her--I want to pretend I made it all up. Liz says that's what she should do. Vicki wants to think of the present and future, and she's marrying Jeff Clark--that's all she knows and all she needs to know.

Adam holds Eve in his embrace in the love seat. She has her arms wrapped around his neck, and apologizes for leaving him alone when she takes her walks, admitting she's selfish--I can go out and you can't, and I know how lonely you get--I've been unfair. Adam denies that--I know how hard it is to be cooped up in that house--if I could, I'd leave, too. She hugs him and promises never to leave, to stay with him. He doesn't want that, because he knows she wants to leave sometimes, and he warns her to do anything that pleases her. They kiss, long and hard, and she cuddles up to him and calls him sweet. I'm happy, he says. The camera zooms in on her face, and we hear her unspoken thoughts--"If only he knew the truth--how much I DETEST him! There's only one man in the world I want, and I'll have him before this day is over--Peter will belong to me!"

Adam is grinning like an idiot when Nicholas comes in. He happily reports to Nicholas that Eve cares for him--it happened--she loves him! Of course she does, says Nick smugly. Adam never believed it would happen, and it did so so suddenly.You worried about nothing, says Nick. Adam asks if he had anything to do with it, and Nick says of course not--I couldn't make Eve love you--I have no control over human emotions, says Nick, and if Eve learned to love him, she did so of her own accord, as I told you she would! Adam is ecstatic, in disbelief. Nick says Adam will spend the rest of his life with Eve--they're leaving soon. Adam realizes he needs to learn more about the world, study, learn. Nick agrees. Adam grabs him and tells him he's never been so happy in his life! Adam leaves. Nick's smile fades. Eve enters. Are you satisfied? Demands Eve. Yes, very, says Nicholas. I'm cooperating and will continue to do so, she assures him--I kept my end of their bargain. He gazes after her, still not sure he can trust her.

Vicki returns to Collinwood, where Liz told her more presents arrived. Vicki finds a necklace, wrapped tightly, from Miss Norris, a nurse at the foundling home who was very fond of her. It was in her family for generations and she used to let Vicki wear it--I can't believe she gave it to me, says Vicki--I used to feel so alone at the foundling home. Liz observes that there must have been many people who cared about her. Vicki next opens a large package--the Collins family history book. Liz doesn't recognize it. It's the book I took into the past and left there, says Vicki, upset. Impossible, says Liz. Vicki wonders who sent it. Liz finds a card and Vicki opens it. She gasps. She hands it to Liz. PETER is all the card says.
NOTES: I did love the way Eve seduced Adam. Hard to believe she could put so much passion into her scenes with Adam, considering how she hates him, but then again, Adam is innocent to the ways of the world of women, so it was easy for her to fool him. He suspected there's another man, but she was so easily able to slide his mind right away from that.

Nicholas isn't sure of Eve, nor should he be. Even as she's probably having sex with Adam, she's plotting her next move to steal Jeff/Peter away from Vicki. I say let Eve have her, Vicki! Now Nick is a man of the world--the underworld, too!--yet he's as fooled by Eve as Adam was, at least right now. Will both of these men wake up before it's too late?

Now that Vicki's gotten this strange gift of the Collins family history book, what will it mean to her? Would she cancel the wedding because it showed up like this? Didn't Alex Moltke look gorgeous in that gown Even pregnant? I bet she was teased a lot over that.

I miss Barnabas and Julia and Angelique!


625 - (Louis Edmonds) - Happy is the bride the sun shine son. And this day, on the great estate of Collinwood should be a happy one indeed. But as the guests assemble to celebrate a marriage, there are certain signs of dark clouds nearing the sun--for a book has mysteriously disappeared, a book which Victoria Winters carried with her into another century, a book which she left there. On the terrace, the groom waits nervously to go in and take his marriage vows, while one woman secretly watches, determined to stop him before that time comes.

It's Vicki's wedding day, but this is Collinwood, so dark clouds are already overtaking the sun. Vicki, dressed in her bridal gown, stands in her room touching the Collins family history book as if she's about to swear to tell the truth. Liz, in fetching blue, is behind her, reassuring the worried young woman and gazing sternly at her. Out on the terrace, a nervous Jeff, in tie and tails, lights a cigarette, for the ceremony to begin. Eve watches him from the gate, determined to stop his wedding. He spots her and orders her to get out. I have a message, she says, and if you love Vicki, you'll listen, especially on your wedding day--Peter Bradford--you died on the gallows 200 years ago, she says, and I have proof of it.She hands him the letter and tells him to read it, a letter he wrote to her when she was Danielle Roger. He was in prison. He tries to escape her, but she warns him she will follow, so he stops. She offers to read the letter to him. He asks her to go away and leave him alone for the rest of his life if he allows her to read it. Dear Danielle, it begins. I am not going to escape with you tonight. I am not afraid, I was the last time I heard him, because of Vicki. She shows him that it's his handwriting, and it mentions that Vicki, the woman he loves, is waiting. Jeff hesitates as he reads some of it aloud himself, and turns to a triumphant Eve. "The guests are waiting for your wedding," she jeers, "a dead man's wedding."

Jeff is stricken by this news. Eve says she survived death too, and knows how lost and hopeless he feels. They can't live as others do, she says, they will always be different. He demands she leave him alone. She knows he will change, he will have to. You need more proof, I know, she says--you won't believe this. He knows where to find more proof--if he has risen from his grave. He feels his forehead, distracted. Roger calls him. Jeff begs Eve to leave. Roger, decked out handsomely, tells him it's time to start the ceremony. Jeff slips Eve's letter into his pocket and Roger teases him about being nervous. He sees something is wrong and tells him the guests are waiting. Jeff says he can't--bring Vicki to me. She's dressed and in her room, waiting for you, protests Roger--get yourself under control, Clark! Jeff insists he see her now.

Liz adjusts Vicki's veil, telling her the beautiful veil was imported from France for Naomi's wedding to Joshua--it will bring Vicki good luck (after what happened to Naomi and Joshua?--burn it!!!). Vicki thanks Liz for the veil, the wedding, everything. She remembers how she felt the day she was coming to Collinwood on the train, not knowing her, Roger, anyone. She wondered if they would like her, a stranger. Liz assures her she was never that (this would have been the perfect time to reveal her true identity to her, sadly, they didn't). Vicki says she always felt like a stranger--now, sometimes I think I dreamed it all and I actually grew up here. Liz fondly says it seems you've always been here--before you, Vicki, David was so much more difficult than now, and it's thanks to you--we'll miss you very much. Vicki assures Liz Collinwood will always mean home to her. They hug. Roger comes in, grim-faced. Vicki is smiling, radiant, and Liz asks her brother if he isn't going to tell her how beautiful she is. Roger agrees, but he didn't bring up her flowers--Jeff wants to see you, he tells her. Before the ceremony? demands Liz--impossible! Where is he? asks Vicki anxiously.  On the terrace, answers Roger. Liz wants to go tell him it's bad luck to see the bride before the wedding, but Vicki wants to go. Liz is upset.Vicki glances at Roger's face and, knowing it's important, heads out the door, Liz calling after her, Roger looking miserable.

Liz asks Roger what happened. He doesn't know. Liz fears this will hurt Vicki; they love each other, what can change that? Roger tells her not to get worked up, but she can't be calm. He assures her he isn't calm or unemotional, and she says she didn't mean to attack him. She prayed that for once, everything would be well. Perhaps it will be, says Roger, not convincingly. Liz can tell he isn't sincere. Whatever happens, says Roger, you must not allow it to affect you--the expression on Jeff's face spoke of bad news--Vicki might need you more now than ever before, so you must be strong.

Vicki comes out to the terrace in her bridal finery. Jeff tells her how beautiful she is, and that he loves her. They hug. I was afraid you'd changed your mind, she says. I haven't, he says, but we have to postpone the wedding--there's something I must find out, then I'll know. Vicki is angry at him for never letting her understand. He takes out the ancient letter Eve presented to him and shows it to her. She recognizes it as his handwriting. It's dated 1795, he points out--if this is true, says Jeff, then I lived in 1795. She asks where he found it. If I am Peter Bradford, says Jeff, I can't marry you. She wants to know where the letter came from, and who. A woman named Eve, he says, who claims she knew him in the past. Be honest with me! demands Vicki.He asks not to argue about it now. She agrees, but asks about this woman. Jeff can't explain--he doesn't understand himself, that or anything. Who is this woman, asks Vicki, what does she want-you?--did you love her in the past? I don't remember! Jeff shouts. You don't love her now, but you're allowing her to ruin our lives, points out Vicki. If I lived then, asks Jeff, what am I now? (Don't ask!) You're real, she says, as real as I am. He doubts that--I'm going to the old cemetery to check something out, but refuses to tell her what. She begs him not to let this woman do this. I don't want to!, protests Jeff--I want to marry you right now. Vicki doesn't care what the truth is, but Jeff says she will later. He walks away, Vicki calling desperately after him.

Roger and Liz worry about what's going on. It's been half an hour. Roger frets the ceremony should have been over by now. We can't do anything, says Liz, turning the tables and telling HIM not to worry--we must wait until she gets back. Roger wants to go speak to the minister, but Liz asks him not to leave her alone. Nothing ever works out for any of us, she says morosely. Roger chastises her for saying it. Liz wants Vicki to be happy. Perhaps she will, says Roger--perhaps they will solve whatever problems there are. Why hasn't she come back? asks Liz. Roger doesn't know.Liz senses Vicki needs her--it's almost like she can see her, on the terrace, alone, not knowing what to do. Roger argues that she shouldn't interrupt their conversation, but she ignores him and races out.

Jeff kneels at the grave of Peter Bradford. Born 1771, died 1795. IIf I open the grave, will I find the bones of Peter Bradford? Wonders Jeff--if the coffin is empty. . .it's better not to know, better to go back, take Vicki away from this town and never know. Lightning flashes, thunder crashes. No, I must find out, he says, taking off his coat. He grabs a shovel and begins digging frantically.

Liz stands by the gate with Vicki, who tells her Jeff is gone. Pulling away from Liz attempted embrace, Vicki tells her he went to do something he felt he had to. Roger is standing, listening. Vicki supposes she could have stopped him, but I didn't want to spend the rest of my life knowing that I had. Liz comforts her, but Vicki says she chose Jeff and must accept what he does--he'll be back, but there will be no wedding today. She asks Liz to make some explanation. Roger promises to handle that, and leaves. Vicki apologizes to Liz for the planning and such. Don't think about it, says Liz. I should have known when I got the book wrapped as a gift that something or someone would try to stop us, laments Vicki. Liz wants to know who. Vicki says the past follows us, no matter how independent we think we are. If you could only cry, says Liz.   I cried when he left, says Vicki sadly, but tears are no good now--there's nothing to do but wait.

Jeff has completely dug up Peter's grave. Roger comes upon him. Leave me alone, insists Jeff--I'm going to answer a question. He pries open the coffin, asking, is Jeff Clark really Peter Bradford?--you don't care about the answer, says Jeff. Roger says he can't open that. Do you know what I'll find? Demands Jeff. Roger threatens to call the police. Jeff sarcastically inquires if there's a law against opening his own coffin. "You're mad!" pronounces Roger. Jeff breathlessly continues to work, remarking, I wish I were crazy--it wouldn't be so bad then. Roger asks if he really thinks he comes from the past. Jeff doesn't know, but is going to find out. Be sensible, begs Roger--what will this prove? Whether or not Peter Bradford is dead, says Jeff. He opens the coffin, pausing a moment. He looks at Roger. We focus on Jeff's face, then Roger's. The coffin is empty!

NOTES: So what does this mean? That Peter is Jeff and Jeff is Peter? Why can't he marry Vicki? So he was transported from 1796 to 1968--marry the woman you love and be happy, you imbecile! Why cancel the wedding? Because of Eve? There's nothing between you two anymore, so who cares? Jeff is clearly not dead (at least from the neck down), so why is he acting so crazy?

Weddings are either aborted or unhappy on this show. Remember Liz' wedding-that-never-happened with Jason, and Barnabas' eventually disastrous wedding to Angelique? Who sees future happiness for Adam and Eve? Vicki should have just lived with Bradford/Clark, whatever. Doesn't Vicki Bradford sound better than Vicki Clark, anyway?

Poor Liz and Roger, lamenting what's happening to Vicki while they lament their own failed marriages and sorrows. Too bad--you'd almost think there was a curse on Collinwood, wouldn't you?

Love, Robin

620 - (Alexandra Moltke) - A moonless night at the great estate of Collinwood and a secret drama takes place. A drama which, if known, would shock and horrify every member of the family. For Barnabas Collins has disappeared, the victim of a vampire, and the two who know this fear for his life. This night, a lonely figure waits, shielded by the trees, staring at the mysterious house on the property. She is positive that somewhere in this house is the answer to all of the questions: Where is Barnabas? Who is the vampire who is determined to kill him?

Wondering. . .why didn't Ang just dematerialize? Why did she resort to walking to the hut?

Julia is horrified to realize that Angelique is the vampire. She IS! Cassandra came back as Angelique! She will turn Barnabas into what he was, frets Julia, and cautions herself not to panic, but to think--if Barnabas is in that house, he's either so weak he can't escape--or. She must go in the house and find out! She heads determinedly to the house. She goes inside, fearful, looking around. She enters the drawing room of Blair House and is accosted by Adam, who turns on the lights and demands to know what she's doing here. Get out, he orders her, you're not wanted here. He nearly falls; she asks to examine him. He insists nothing is wrong with him, touching his shoulder, but she says something is wrong with Barnabas--does he know where he is?--is he in this house?--tell me, she begs, for your sake as well as his--you haven't forgotten when you were so ill in the root cellar, with Carolyn?I haven't, says Adam, but I can't tell you. Julia is sure Barnabas is in the house, and wants to search. Adam shakes his head--you don't believe me? I must see for myself, Julia insists. I do not lie, says Adam, he isn't here--if you can make him well, find him, don't waste time, begs Adam, make both of us well. He rises and tells her to stay out of this house. He's very weak, too, and in pain.

Collinwood, Adam's old room - Barnabas lies on the bed. Vicki returns with the cross he requested and hands it to him. He takes it. I need it so, he murmurs. He holds it against his chest, relieved.Vicki asks why he insists on staying here, not letting her get a doctor. No one must know, he insists. She points out he's no better. I will be, he assures her. She wants to get Julia. Barn says she's already saved him by bringing him there, keeping his secret--he doesn't need Julia--I need no one but you, Vicki, and nothing but this, he says, clutching the cross and drifting off to sleep. Vicki, fearing he's worse, takes his pulse, but is reassured to find he's just sleeping. She is very disturbed by all this.

Angelique wanders the woods, tearing a branch to pieces. How could Barnabas ever leave the hut, she wonders. Someone must have helped him--where is he now? What should she say to Nicholas--what will he do to her? She begins to call Barnabas to come to her--I need you, come to my coffin, wherever you are--you need me now. "Come to me!"

Barnabas stirs restlessly. Vicki asks what's wrong. I had a nightmare he says.

Angelique tells him he has the strength to come to her, wherever you are, leave and come to me, hear me.

Barnabas moans in his sleep, "No!  No!" He clutches the cross tightly.

Angelique returns to Blair House and looks in the mirror (why didn't Nicholas do that?) She asks the mirror to show her where Barnabas is. She sees the image of her victim, with Vicki seated beside him--and a cross in his hands! She orders him to rise from his bed and come to her now. Then she spots the cross and, with a cry of hatred, turns away from the dreadful sight. She covers her mouth with her hand--he has a cross!  Adam comes in and asks her what's wrong. She grabs him and tells him he must help her. No, he protests, afraid. I can't control Barnabas anymore, says Ang, he has a cross that protects him, and as long as he has it, he can do whatever he wants--he can kill Eve! Adam, backing away from her, falls onto the sofa. She tells him Barnabas is in his former room, lying on his bed. He's planning to come kill Eve--I swear it. Adam vows that won't happen, but he can barely move. Vicki is with him, explains Ang, do whatever you must with her, but find the cross and destroy it Then Barnabas will be as he was before. Adam insists he cannot go. Ang says Barnabas is weaker than you are, and I know you can get there--please try, she begs. He assures her he will go and take, that cross! Ang is relieved.

Vicki rests her head against the stone chimney, awakening when Barnabas thrashes in his sleep, muttering, "No, no, don't let her come." Vicki asks who. Barnabas has dropped his cross and frantically reaches for it. Vicki gives it to him and asks who is scaring him so. No one, he replies,  but Vicki tells him what he said. All I need is the cross, says Barnabas, and drifts off again, smiling. Vicki touches his forehead, calling his name. She's frightened--you'll die if I don't go for help, she says. Adam stands at the door, listening, and hides when Vicki leaves (how fortunate for Ang and Adam!). He enters the room, goes over to the bed and grabs the cross from Barnabas' hands. Barnabas instantly awakens, rises from the bed, tells Adam, "No, no, the cross will save us both!" Adam doesn't listen; all it takes is one push to send Barnabas falling to the floor, unconscious. Angelique orders Barnabas to come to her now, she will wait for him. Come to me, she says.

Vicki goes to the Old House, calling for Julia, who finally comes out. She tells her Barnabas didn't want her to tell anyone, but he's been in the West Wing and won't see anyone.Julia grabs her doctor's bag. Vicki asks if she knew he was sick. Julia does, but won't tell Vicki how she knew--when did you find him? In the woods, answers Vicki--I think he's dying. The women hurriedly leave.

Angelique tells Barnabas he knows he must come to her, he can't deny her what she wants, what she needs. "Barnabas Collins, come to me now." He awakens. "I will meet you in the woods. You know you want to come to me." Barnabas rises. She tells him she will give him the strength to come to her now, now, now! He drifts to the door, leaves, in a trance. Angelique, pleased, sits down. Adam brings her the cross and tells her Eve is safe. She turns away, she doesn't want that--burn it! she cries. He thinks it has power and can free Barnabas, but she becomes hysterical and again orders him to destroy it, leaving the room in a rush.

Outside the West Wing door, Vicki tells Julia Barnabas wanted a cross but didn't want to see anyone. I left him with the cross, says Vicki, a fact which relieves Julia. Vicki tells her she's going to be shocked by Barnabas, who won't want her help--he's that different. Julia assures Vicki she'll deal with him, but when they go into the room, Barnabas is gone.

Angelique waits in the woods. Barnabas shows up. "You've come," she murmurs. Why did you leave the hut? she asks--I told you to stay. I couldn't, he says. You should have known I would find you, she says. He turns to her, defensive, ashamed, accusatory. "And send Adam to steal my cross!" That was necessary, she says. "Necessary if I am to die," he says--"don't you think I know that?" And yet you came to me, she says. He sits down and says, with wonder, "What is this power of yours? Once I had it, too--once others felt drawn to me as I am to you now. Did I understand then, the feelings, the regrets, the hatred that they must have had for me then?" "Hatred that you have for me now?" she asks. He gazes up at her and says, "You're going to kill me tonight." She replies, "We'll be together forever, Barnabas." You never gave up, he says. "I have loved you. . .for so long," she says softly--"And at last you need me--as I have always needed you. Yes, finally we will be together." He says, "An eternity together," and she says, "We will never die." We'll both have our nights, he says regretfully, and days spent in coffins, that's how we will be together. She reminds him it's the only way they can be. If Nicholas will even permits it, he says--he'll be angry enough to come to our coffins and destroy us--when he does, Adam will die, do you know that? I don't care about Adam, she says. Barnabas reminds her Nicholas will. She asks if he's afraid of Nicholas. Barnabas tells her you should be, too. No, says Ang, I'm not afraid of him anymore--Nicholas wants to be human, and every day he becomes more like a mortal man--and no mortal man can spoil my plans. She turns to him, smiling.  "Come to me. Come to me now. Let us start our journey together." Defeated, he rises and moves into her waiting arms.

Julia tells Vicki they must find Barnabas. Vicki wonders how the weakened man could have left the room--he must have known I was going for help. Vicki wants to get Roger and everyone to search for him, but Julia says no--she and Willie will find him. Vicki is puzzled about why the sick Barnabas won't see a doctor, what's wrong with him? No questions, says Julia, and Vicki demands to know when she CAN ask them (Julia's putting off Vicki in much the same way she put off Stokes).After we've found him, says Julia--Barnabas wanted this kept a secret, I don't know why, but he has his reasons--if everyone learns he's missing, it will embarrass him--go along with me as you went along with Barnabas, urges Julia. Vicki request an explanation later, which Julia promises to provide (yeah, right!).

Barnabas is lying in Angelique's arms as she delicately withdraws her fangs from his throat. The look on her face is one of ecstasy; his blood stains her lips. "I am dying," says Barnabas. She lifts up his head. Don't be afraid, Barnabas, she says softly. He calls to Vicki. Angelique tells him not to think about her. "I love her," Barnabas says. "As you will love me," says Angelique, her face filled with hope--"Now and forever." The rooster crows. Angelique stands. It's nearly dawn, she says--"I must leave you now, but I will come to you, at dusk. They will find your body here, and then your spirit will meet with mine, never to be parted, never.And you will be as I am, forever!" Barnabas raises his head and repeats, "Forever."

NOTES:One of the very best, most suspenseful, marvelous eps ever on DS. Those last scenes with Angelique are so powerful, it's impossible to look away. Despite Barnabas' gaffe in saying Nicholas will bring a hatchet and a stake to kill them in that last scene (lack of blood to the brain, I'm sure), his defeated posture, his voice, his entire demeanor, show he knows he is going to die and the woman he hates is going to be his executioner-and his lifelong vampire companion, if she has her way. SO GOOD, and the performances of Frid and Parker have rarely been sharper. BRAVO, DS!


621 - (Humbert Allen Astredo) - Dawn over Collinwood, and those that sleep do not even dream of the fate of one of the family. A man left to die in the woods by a woman who thinks that at dusk he will rise inhuman, invincible, as evil as she is, and that together their nights will last for all eternity. But in the Old House on the estate, another woman who fears the man's fate, tries desperately to do something about it. (Humbert Allen Astredo does a wonderful intro. His voice is sexy and confidential.)

Barnabas lies in the woods, unconscious, his head pillowed on a large rock. We get a glimpse of the gaping wounds Angelique left on his throat.

Julia gazes at the clock in the Old House--4 AM. She glances out the window impatiently and watches the growing dawn. She calls upstairs to Willie, asking if he's dressed yet. He comes down, wanting to know what the rush is, and she tells him they must find Barnabas. Vicki, who has been hiding him in the West Wing, wanted to have everyone out looking. "He'd dying, Willie!" she cries. Willie is horrified. She tells him that Vicki came for her, although Barnabas begged her not to--we are his conscience, Willie, you and I," she explains. Barn wanted to be free of them, and when Vicki came to find her, he was summoned to leave the room, forced to leave the room--Julia is certain, she knows so well, the feeling, the sound of those dogs howling, that voice in your ear, urging you out--"Come to me, come to me"--now he's unconscious somewhere, dying, perhaps. . .no, she won't think that. Julia shudders when Willie reminds her if he does die, he'll be a vampire again. She nods. Willie asks who did this to him, and Julia says, hatred in her voice, answers, "Angelique--Angelique Collins!"

Willie doesn't know who Angelique is. Julia reminds him of Vicki's portrait, the blonde woman with the strange, intense eyes. That portrait is 200 years old, protests Willie. "Barnabas Collins was married to Angelique," reveals Julia--"SHE is the vampire!" Willie insists that they should go destroy her immediately, but Julia says they have to find Barnabas first.

Blair House - Nicholas comes in jaunty, happy, and turns off the hall light. He finds Adam on the floor, in bad shape. He tries to rouse him, demanding to know what happened. Nick asks him if Angelique touched him. No, says Adam.Nicholas swiftly realizes Angelique did touch Barnabas--will I never learn about her? He pours Adam a glass of brandy, holding him up. Adam is sure he's going to die, but Nick assures him he won't. He helps the big guy up onto a love seat, where Adam looks quite ill. Nicholas asks if he saw Ang after he left last night. Yes, says Adam--she left after Nick himself did, but she came back.

Woods - Julia calls to Barnabas, looking around all the tress. Willie, too, passes by a rickety tree, calling to Barnabas.

Adam tells Nicholas Angelique returned and went out again. Of course she did, realizes Nicholas, and she summoned Barnabas to meet her somewhere. And shortly after she left, Adam began feeling terrible. Yes, agrees Adam, I was going to my room, stood up, felt weak--I don't remember anymore. It occurs to Nicholas that Barnabas Collins might be dead--has Angelique finally succeeded at last?

Julia searches, holding the collar of her jacket closed. Willie, frantic, searches too. They meet. Willie says they could look forever. Barnabas was very weak when he left Collinwood, says Julia. Willie suggests that if Barnabas met Angelique, she'd have taken him somewhere. She had to be in her coffin at dawn, Julia reminds him. That's where Barnabas must be, says Willie, but Julia disagrees--Angelique isn't like Barnabas--she killed Tom and just left his body in the woods--she doesn't care what she does.Willie has a feeling they won't find Barn, as does Julia, but she won't give in to it--and neither will you, she insists.

Nicholas tests Adam's pulse and clenches his fist in worry. Was the message on Lang's recorder true--this strange affinity between Barn and Adam--can Adam live and Barnabas be dead? If Barnabas is dead, will Adam die? There are no answers, only more questions, he muses, he must find Barnabas! The mirror! It's gone, however, Angelique thought of everything. Nicholas asks Adam if he's seen the mirror. It was there when Ang sent him to Collinwood, replies Adam. Nicholas is furious, realizing she knew what she was going to do to Barnabas, and took the mirror because she didn't want him to find out--and she's in her coffin, dead to any question he might ask! Well, she will not get away with this, he hisses.

Old House - Julia and Willie return, both discouraged. Julia says she found herself feeling they might come home and find Barnabas here. Willie asks Julia if she forgot--when Tom had her in his power, Barnabas got a stake and mallet, went to the coffin, and destroyed Tom--and it was as if Julia had never been bitten. If they can find her coffin, and if Barnabas is still alive. . .how are they going to find out? Her coffin is at Blair's house, it has to be, insists Julia--she isn't sure. Willie knows Barnabas doesn't trust Blair, who will be there. Julia orders Willie to get her stake and mallet. She has some blood plasma downstairs. Willie runs out, she heads downstairs.

Adam is very weak, moaning feverishly. Nicholas hears a knock at the door but is loath to leave Adam. He decides to see who it is, and closes the living room doors before admitting Julia. He tells her it isn't a good time, but she says she has come to save Adam, so he'd better let her in. He drops his barring arm and admits her, confessing that he was wishing there was someone he could call--Adam isn't well, although he isn't sure how she knew that. Julia tells him they must be very honest with each other. He says he'll enjoy being honest with her. He leads her to Adam. She looks him over. "Help me," the big guy whispers. She assures him that both she and Nicholas will help him. He tells her he has no healing powers (what about Carolyn?), but she says he has knowledge. Is that better than medicine? he asks.  n this case, yes, says Julia--where is the coffin? she asks. He smiles, "The coffin?"She asks where Angelique's coffin is, but he pretends he knows of neither coffin nor Angelique. She gets annoyed--there is one way to save Adam, and that's what Nicholas wants, and she wants to save Barnabas, if possible--you must go to that coffin, says Julia, and I have the instruments that will make both healthy again. She places a stake on the table. Nicholas, his voice a combination of dark and light, tells her she's been reading too many Gothic novels. "Why do you keep pretending I don't know about you?" she demands. Nicholas counters, "Why do you insisting I'm pretending anything?" But you are, insists Julia desperately--do you want him to die? Nicholas suggests that she does, considering she's done nothing for him since she came into the room. Julia says he should have a blood transfusion, but in lieu of that, she will give him some injections. He suggests she is psychic, prescribing without an examination. You forget, she says, I am an authority on this particular disease. She tells Nick to roll back Adam's sleeve and tells Adam he will feel a slight sting--I am doing this, she reminds Blair, but it doesn't mean I've forgotten the only known cure. They both look at the stake. Adam moans after Julia gives him the shot.

In the woods, Barnabas awakens and moans, too.

Julia administers a second shot, which revives Adam--and Barnabas-further. "Help!" calls Barnabas. "Someone, help! Help!"

Willie hears Barnabas calling and races to his side. Julia listens to Adam's heart and tells Nicholas I must warn you--this will provide only temporary relief. Nicholas thanks her--Adam does seem better. He knows she is thinking about Barnabas, but she says she doesn't have to admit that to him. I've done everything I can to make you be honest with me, says Julia. Nicholas wishes he could convince her he isn't as she's decided. "Then you have won again," she retorts, "and I mind very much." She tells him she's leaving the stake with him. He takes it in his hand. "A memento of your visit?" Yes, she says, and if you're the wise man I think you are, you will use it.

Willie helps Barnabas back to the Old House. Standing in the doorway, Barnabas covers his eyes, complaining about the light--the sun is so bright! Barnabas insists he wants to stay downstairs, and Willie helps him into a chair. Close the drapes, begs Barnabas, please. Willie does so, then, excited, tells him they almost gave up looking for him--but I tried one more time--I have to check on Julia--she might be in trouble at Blair's house. Barnabas asks where she is. Willie changes the subject and asks him why he never told him he was married to Angelique. "Angelique?" asks Barnabas--Julia knows about her? Yes, says Julia, entering the room--"I do, Barnabas." He gazes at her, wide-eyed.She assures him there will be no recriminations--you're alive. Willie joyfully tells her he heard him calling in the woods. She tells Barnabas he must have a transfusion. "No," he objects. Julia promises to help him fight Angelique. "Why are the days so long?" demands Barnabas. Julia exchanges an anguished look with Willie, both terrified. Julia sends Willie to Collinwood to use the phone--call Windcliff to send an ambulance to the Old House. Barnabas continues to protest her plans. Julia tells him she will help him stay alive--SHE won't know where he is and he won't be able to leave the hospital. "Barnabas, you are going to Windcliff. If you stay here, Angelique will kill you--tonight."

Blair House - Adam's condition has improved. Nicholas is standing there, hand on the stake, musing that Dr. Hoffman is right--there is only one end for Angelique--she will ruin his plans, kill Adam, bring down the Master's wrath. He has warned her, she has not listened, she became what she is as a punishment, but now she must be punished again, and this punishment must be the last! He heads down to the basement, stake and mallet in hand, and places his hands on her coffin. You will feel no suffering, no pain, he says comfortingly--you will cease to exist without ever knowing it. He opens the coffin.

NOTES: Will Nicholas destroy Angelique? Is Barnabas really going to be safe, or is Angelique going to pursue him and turn him back into a vampire so they can be together forever? If Julia sends him to Windcliff, will that really keep him safe, or will the witch-turned-vampire find him there and finish what she started?

Weren't the scenes between Nicholas and Julia crackling? I loved the two of them opposing each other! Will Nicholas get what he wants, or will Adam die? Angelique insists she doesn't care about Adam--will losing Barn piss her off so much she takes revenge on the creature who means so much to Nicholas?

Willie sure was shocked to learn that the vampire-turned-human Barnabas had once been married to a witch named Angelique. I wonder how he'll react when he hears the whole story--or has Barnabas ever related the story to Julia about the lovely blonde he had sex with almost 200 years ago who retaliated in a most inhuman way?

Love, Robin

618 - (Grayson Hall) - It is late at night at Collinwood, but for one man, there will be no more sleep this night-for he has had a strange and perhaps prophetic dream, a dream which has warned of tragedy in the life of a young woman. Now his task is to warn her and hope that she will listen and change her plans for the future.

Vicki glances at the foyer clock-2:30. (when does she sleep?) Roger, clearly upset, pads downstairs and tells Vicki he must speak to her in the drawing room. He closes the doors and nervously asks her if she and Jeff have set a date. Sometime next month, says Vicki. Roger tells her to cancel it immediately--if she marries Jeff Clark, it will be the most tragic mistake of her life!

Vicki, confused, demands to know what Roger means. I had a dream, he explains, and woke up so terrified, I knew he had to warn you. He relates the dream, and how radiant and happy she looked. Then he turned to look at her--beneath the bridal veil was only a skull! I woke up trembling, he says. This isn't like you, remarks Vicki, you don't believe in dreams or the supernatural. I took the nightmare as a warning, he says--steps must be taken to stop it.Vicki finds it hard to believe a nightmare, no matter how realistic, could change his mind--she thinks there is another reason-why the hostility toward Jeff? (let's count the ways.) Roger denies this, but she believes he should have the decency to tell her what's happening. Think about it, he asks. Vicki insists she is going to marry Jeff, no matter what. It will be the greatest mistake of your life! Shouts Roger. She turns and asks what he has against Jeff. NOTHING! Yells Roger. Vicki believes there's more to it--does he know something she doesn't? No, says Roger, but Jeff's behavior has been strange lately--look at the way he treated her in the recent past--not the way a gentleman should treat a lady. I have forgiven him for that, she asserts, and thought you had, too. Perhaps we both made a mistake, suggests Roger. Vicki demands he tell her what is on his mind. Roger finally admits he believes Jeff isn't trustworthy. Why not? asks Vicki, but Roger can't tell her. Because you don't know, accuses Vicki, refusing to hear anymore on the subject. She storms out, leaving poor Roger is horribly distressed.

Julia enters as Vicki leaves, looking exhausted. She greets Roger, who asks if she's just getting in. Yes, she says, refusing a drink--I can't risk being sleepy. He says she looks like she hasn't slept for some time. I haven't, she says--I've been terribly worried about Barnabas--he hasn't been himself since Joe tried to strangle him. Roger understands. Julia says earlier this afternoon, she made Barn go to bed to get some rest, and he did, but then later, after sunset, she went to his room to bring him food and he was gone. Roger is shocked. I've looked everywhere for him, but he's completely disappeared, she says, tears in her voice.

Abandoned hut by the sea - Angelique closes the door and troops down the stone steps. Barnabas is seated on a rock, looking around like a lost child. "Where have you brought me? he asks, his voice dead. "What is this place." She tells him he's by the sea, far from where anyone would try to find him--this is where you'll stay, she says, "until it's time for you and I--for us to go away together." She slips a hand over his shoulder, kneels behind him. Barnabas, his face showing he knows what's coming, has an expression of euphoria and despair. "No. . .no," he moans, yet he cranes his neck toward her waiting fangs, grunting in pain (pleasure?) as she plunges them into his throat.

Afterwards, Barnabas struggles to get up. Angelique anxiously tells him not to--she doesn't want him to stand because he won't be as steady on his feet as he thinks. She urges him back onto the rock. He asks what she's going to do with him. "Don't you know?" she asks, amused. You said something about our going away together, he recalls. Yes, she agrees, just the two of us. You can't do that, he says, Nicholas won't let you. Nicholas will have no idea what's happened to us, she says, pleased. Barnabas doesn't understand--"after all these years of hating me. . .in spite of how you feel about me." Softly, Angelique says, "Regardless of what I am, what I have been, I'm still a woman, Barnabas. I think and feel like a woman. I hate the things you've done, but I've never hated you yourself. How could I? The memory of a night in Martinique has never left my mind." "Angelique!" says Barnabas, embarrassed or irritated, a combination of both. (THIS again??--how much do I have to pay for some hot rolls in the hay all those years ago?) She continues, "You came to me that night, and I was full of love for you. How else could I have given you so much of myself? And I knew then that no power in the universe could prevent us from one day keeping the pledge we made that night." His voice filled with anger, Barnabas insists, "I made no pledge!" To which she replies, "Not every pledge is made with WORDS, Barnabas." (I guess he let his body do the talking.) You'll never succeed, says Barnabas--Nicholas will find out. She insists that won't happen--Nicholas has his own involvements, and won't have time to find out--in a few days, I'll have all the preparations made. . . Barnabas, realizing the full import of her words, sinks back on the rock. She asks if he can hear her. "You're going to turn me into what you are," he says, defeated. "Yes," she says, sounding surprised at his reaction. "Well, it's too late, he says--you've moved too quickly, you've been too anxious." What do you mean? She asks. He replies, "You can't afford to let me die now, before you're ready--dawn is approaching."She assures him he won't die yet, and he says, with a grim smile, "I will if you don't leave me." She touches him. The cock crows. She caresses his head and says, "Perhaps you're right. I must be more careful. I must keep you alive until the moment comes." "I hope I disappoint you and die before dawn," he says bitterly. (Too bad he didn't disappoint her in bed, in Martinique--perhaps he wouldn't be in this mess at all!). She assures him he will survive this night and a few others but will be too weak to move, which is why she brought him here. She realizes she must go, it's close to dawn--I needed a place where you'd be safe while I slept during the day. Barnabas, horrified, scared, asks if she's going to leave him here. I can't stay, she says--"Don't be afraid, Barnabas. You'll be too weak to do anything but sleep today, as I will. And when night comes again, I'll come back to you. Until tonight then," she says, raising her arms as if to hug him, and she fades away, leaving Barnabas weak, miserable, and heartsick.

Vicki comes downstairs. Julia is in the drawing room. It's about 9:00, says Vicki, asking Julia how long she's been here. All night, says Julia, despairing--I've looked everywhere and don't know what else to do--Barnabas left his bed early last night and has disappeared--I can't find him--I'm so afraid something's happened to him. What? asks Vicki. Julia says she doesn't know, but it scares her just to think of it. Since Julia hasn't been to the Old House since midnight, Vicki suggests she go back there and check.No, Willie is there watching for Barnabas, says Julia--I don't know what else to do. Vicki advises that Julia sleep. Awaken me if Willie comes to tell me Barnabas has returned, says Julia. (Alex Moltke looks quite pregnant in this beige belted dress.)

Hut by the sea - Barnabas, fading in and out, realizes he must leave this hut, but where can he go where she won't find him? Who can help him? Julia? No, Angelique would think of her and might harm her, not Julia--or Willie--not even Stokes, she'd suspect him, too. Who can help me? Vicki! Yes, Angelique knows how I feel about Vicki and feel I wouldn't go to her in my condition--yes, Vicki will find safety for me. Barnabas struggles to stand, clinging to anything to support himself, repeating "Vicki" over and over. He opens the door and flinches at the sunlight pouring in, covering his eyes with a moan. He keeps saying "Vicki" to help propel himself out the door of the hut, and with great effort, he finally succeeds.

Roger comes downstairs to find Vicki drinking coffee in the drawing room. They are cold to each other at first, and he knows she's still angry at him. I stayed in my room all morning, thinking about last night, he says--I want to apologize--my reaction to the dream was wrong. Vicki assures him she isn't angry about the dream. Roger reminds her how he and Liz feel about her--she's a member of the family. She asks about his mistrust of Jeff--not telling me isn't fair. Roger agrees, and offers an apology--I spoke without thinking--will she forgive him? She smiles and says she will. She asks if he was up when Julia came in, and if he heard about Barnabas. Roger asks if there are new developments. Vicki says he still hasn't been found.

Barnabas walks through the woods, clinging to trees, muttering, "Vicki, I need you! I can't make it alone! Vicki, hear me!"And Vicki does. Roger notes her expression and Vicki's trancelike stare. She goes to the foyer and stares at Barnabas' portrait. Roger pursues her--what's wrong? I must go to the Old House, she insists, Barnabas is there now, I have a feeling--he's in danger and needs help. Roger wonders where she got that idea, but Vicki hastily flees, leaving Roger puzzled.

Woods - Vicki searches for Barnabas, coming upon the Old House. She heads that way. Barnabas, rapidly losing strength, clutches a tree in a death grip, begging Vicki to hear him. He finally loses his grasp and falls to the ground. Vicki hears a moan and follows the sound, finding Barnabas lying on the grass. "Barnabas!" she cries, kneeling beside him. "Vicki," he whispers, "you've come to find me." She asks what happened, and he murmurs, "You've come to find me, but it's. . .too late!" He passes out. Vicki grabs his hand and calls his name. "It can't be!" wails Vicki. "It can't be!"

NOTES: One of the best Angelique Barnabas scenes in the series, IMHO, and an erotic bite, for sure. This couple has a fascinating history, and this scene told us a few more little things about their time together. For him, it was a good time, for her, it was apparently "a pledge made without words." Typical!

How interesting that Barnabas is able to psychicly link with Vicki and draw her to him. How? Was it their former vampire-victim link? The fact that they met in the past? Or are they such close friends, he was just able to delve into that bond and make her realize he needed her? In any event, ir was fascinating.

Poor, desperate, exhausted Julia, searching for the man who loves who only considers her a friend at this point. She knows he's a vampire victim and fears that by the time she finds him, it will be too late to save him. Now Barnabas tells Vicki it's too late! Does that mean he's about to die and rise as a vampire? Will Vicki be able to save him?

I'm glad the tree they had Barnabas clinging to was fairly strong. We know how easily props topple at Collinwood, and it surely would have destroyed the drama to see Barnabas go down with the tree.


619 - (Grayson Hall) - Even in the warm light of day, the effects of evil forces can be felt and seen in and around the great house at Collinwood. In grave danger and too weak to move on, Barnabas Collins realizes her is lost in the woods and may die before help can come--but through some strange mental bond that exists between them, Victoria Winters has sensed that Barnabas is in desperate need of her.

Woods - Vicki shakes Barnabas--it isn't too late! She protests. He comes to, and Vicki asks if he can speak to her. She asks what happened, but he says it's too horrible to relate. Hide me quickly, he pleads, there's so little time. She wants to get him a doctor, to Julia, but Barnabas insists no doctor can help him, only you can--please don't disappoint me. She promises she won't. He asks her to take him somewhere no one will find him. People are worried about you, says Vicki, how will I get around that? That doesn't matter, he says, but hiding me does.She isn't sure she knows where to take him, but she suddenly decides she knows a place--the secret door to the west wing of Collinwood, which hasn't been used for years. She helps him up (I always worried about that, given her real life pregnancy). Barnabas tells her he needs a day's strength before darkness. She helps him along the path.

Collinsport Hospital - Joe hides his face from the sun's glare, hoping Angelique will come to him tonight. Julia enters. She greets him and asks how he's feeling. He asks her to close the blinds. She does so, blocking out the light. He asks about Barnabas. She tells him he's gone, and she hoped he would tell her where. Joe claims not to know. You know a lot more than you've been telling, says Julia--I know you've been under a vampire's spell.  Joe denies knowing what she's taking about, but she goes on that she knows how much he's suffered, because it happened to her, too. He glances sharply at her, saying he doesn't believe her. It was Tom Jennings, reveals Julia, I was his victim. Joe asks if she knows what happened to Tom. The same thing that must happen to the vampire who put you under a spell, she says--he was found at dawn in his coffin, a stake driven through his heart. Joe doesn't like hearing this, but Julia says it's the only way he can be free, and begs him to tell her who it is. He covers his face--it's no use, he says--even if I wanted to, I don't think I could.Summon up all your willpower, urges Julia. Joe reminds her--if you've been through this yourself, you know how impossible that is. Yes, agrees Julia, defeated--you aren't my last hope. Joe asks if there have been others beside Barnabas and him. Julia is thinking of the vampire's protector, and asks Joe to tell her who that is--who's been behind all this, and don't pretend you don't know--"I know you do?" Joe suggests she get out right now, but, intrepid Julia forges ahead--is it Nicholas? Ridiculous, pronounces Joe. If that's so, says Julia, I can go ask him a few questions. Don't go to that house, warns Joe, stay away, don't go near that man--I can't tell you why, you've just got to believe me. She nods and assures him it's all right--he's told her a lot more than she ever expected he would. She turns to go. Joe asks what she's going to do. I have no choice, she says--no matter what the danger, I have to have a showdown with Nicholas Blair (YOU GO, GIRL!) Joe leans back unhappily on his pillows.

Vicki takes Barnabas to Adam's former room and helps him lie down on the bed. I didn't think we were going to male it, says Barnabas weakly. Vicki sits beside him and asks him to tell her why he wants to hide. Barnabas begs her to trust him. If you're sick, you needs a doctor! She cries. She gets no response from Barnabas.

Nicholas stands by his mantle, rubbing his fingers on a piece of statuary. He answers the knock at his door and greets Julia cordially--an unexpected pleasure, he says--he's been meaning to call and thank her for the delightful evening at the old House. Julia pulls off her gloves with decisive motions and suggests they level with each other. He feigns not knowing what she means. "Let's stop playing games--I know what you are and we both know why I'm here."  He assures her he never plays games, and she retorts, "Nonsense, you've been playing a very cruel game with all of us ever since you left Collinwood--now let's not waste time--I know you were behind the experiment from the beginning, the experiment that created an artificial mate for Adam. I also know what you've done to Barnabas, or HAD done to him." Then perhaps you'd be good enough to tell me, suggests Nicholas. "Barnabas is the victim of a vampire," says Julia. Nicholas bursts into laughter. A vampire?--you have a fertile imagination, Doctor, he says, grinning. Julia continues relentlessly, "And for whatever reasons, you are protecting that vampire." She is twisting her gloves in her hands like she wants to slap him with them. I am? he asks. "But what I don't understand is why you've allowed it to go so far. I didn't think you were a man who is subject to serious mistakes." Nicholas rises from the sofa and tells her it goes without saying he hasn't the slightest idea what she's talking about, but there is one thing she said that was quite accurate--he doesn't make serious mistakes. Julia informs him there is something he isn't aware of--Barnabas disappeared early last evening. Nicholas' grin dims. He was in a weakened condition, says Julia, and probably even weaker today--if he's not found and saved by tonight, he may die. Nicholas carefully asks if she doesn't know where he is at the moment. If I did, I wouldn't be here, would I? she asks. Nicholas says he fails to understand why she felt he could help her. Julia is glad to tell him: "You have a plan involving Adam and his mate--but for your plan to succeed, it is imperative than Adam remain alive and healthy. Nicholas glances out the window. "And you know as well as I do," says Julia, "that if Barnabas Collins dies, Adam will die, too."He asks if she's finished. Not quite, she says. Nicholas says, "Well I have. If you'll excuse me, I have a great deal of work to do." It can wait, she insists. It can't, he counters, still urbane and gentlemanly--I'm sorry I haven't been able to help you. Smiling prettily, Julia says, "I do believe I have upset you." He chuckles and says, "Don't be absurd." "I'm not, she answers, "you don't seem quite as self-assured as you were when I first arrived." Grinning, he begs her to excuse him--I'm busy and must get to my work. Julia glances out the window and says, "Yes, it is getting LATE in the day, isn't it?" Nicholas' grin disappears as he retorts, dangerously, "Don't try my patience, doctor. Don't do it." (I love the way he says this line!) Is Barnabas in this house? she demands. He is NOT, replies Nicholas. Do you know where he is? Asks Julia. I haven't the vaguest idea, says Nick. She suggests it would be to their mutual advantage to find out. Through gritted teeth, he responds, "I will do everything I possibly can to help you, doctor. Good day." As she turns to leave, he says, "I rather admires you for coming here this afternoon." "What do you mean?" asks Julia, rattled. "You know what I mean," he says softly, significantly, and sees her out, smiling. She gives him a "we understand each other" look and leaves. He stands there, intensely pissed off.

Julia walks through the woods, musing that Nicholas was lying when he said he didn't know where Barnabas was. He must know! Or maybe he doesn't. He was anxious to get me out of there, after he went to the window and looked out at the sky. The sun will be going down soon, then he'll take some kind of action. But. . .what? I must stay. She pulls her jacket around herself, a determined look on her face.

Barnabas sleeps. He opens his eyes and calls to Vicki. She assures him she's still there. He asks the time, but she doesn't know; he's been asleep for hours. He asks if the sun's gone down. Vicki checks out the window and reports the sun is just setting. You shouldn't have let me sleep so long, says Barnabas. You needed the rest, she says. I know that, says Barn. Vicki again asks what's happened. Barnabas ignores the question and begs her to find him a cross. This alarms Vicki--do you fear you're going to die? He again begs for a cross--there's no need for you to understand, just bring me a cross. Disturbed, she heads out the door, giving him a look of concern.

When Angelique rises, Nicholas is sitting in the living room, rubbing a yellow tea rose over his chin. She greets him and remarks how chipper he's looking--Maggie's company has had a good effect on him. He doesn't respond. She asks if he's seeing her this evening--is something  wrong? No answer. Then, his voice filled with venom, twirling the tea rose in his fingers, he asks if she'd REALLY like an answer. Yes, she says. "All right," he says dangerously, rising, sniffing the rose, "I'll give you one." And he viciously backhands her across the face. She falls into a chair with a cry of protest and asks what he did that for. Still inhaling the scent of the rose, he orders her not to ask stupid questions.She claims not to know what he's talking about. He grabs her by the throat and forces her to look at him. "I'm talking about Barnabas Collins, and what you've done to him and what you're doing to my plan and how you had better UNDO them--immediately." Chastened, she tells him she understands. He asks where Barnabas is. Angelique, caressing her stinging cheek, admits, "in a hut by the sea." He tilts her head up with the rose and says, "I don't have to ask you WHY you brought him there, do I?" She complains that he hasn't been fair with her. Under ordinary circumstances, says Nick, "I would let you have your precious Barnabas--what you see in him is your own peculiar problem, not mine," but if anything happened to Barnabas, Adam will die, he reminds her. If that happens. . . You don't have to say the rest, she assures him. Apparently, I do, says Nicholas--I won't just punish you, I've done that before, and it doesn't work--"No, Angelique, if you've gone too far this time. . ." and he pats her blonde head as if she's his bad child, leaving the words unsaid, but the intention obvious. He's still twirling that rose between his fingers. Angelique bows her head. Now, says Nicholas, go get Barnabas back to the Old House, leave him there, and stay away from him! Yes, Nicholas, says Angelique obediently. You are to be waiting for me here when I return, says Nicholas--Maggie is expecting me, and you've already made me late. When it comes to your interests, she says bitterly, you do very well. He puts an arm around her back, caresses it, and says, "That's one of the advantages of being the master, my dear." He sniffs the rose, kisses it,  grazes her sore cheek with it. She touches her cheek, furious, as Nicholas puts on his hat, takes his gloves and takes his leave.

Julia waits in the woods. There's no reason to stay; if Nicholas had intended to do anything about Barnabas, he's done it by now. She hears the door of Blair house opening. Someone is coming. Nicholas tucks the tea rose in his lapel and heads off. Julia wonders why he's leaving now, where's he going? She could have been wrong, the vampire could be hiding elsewhere, and Nicholas is going there now. Should I follow or try another look inside the house? If Barnabas is in there, I could get him out before Nicholas comes back. She hears someone else exiting the house--a woman! She notes--she's coming this way. Julia ducks behind some trees, then gasps, getting the shock of her life. She lifts her hand in front of her mouth and says, with horror, "It's Angelique Collins!"

NOTES: How did Julia feel, knowing Barnabas was once a married man? How much did he tell her about their relationship? Did he confess it started with an affair in Martinique?

One of the best eps of the series. The scenes between Julia and Nicholas and Angelique and Nicholas were sheer beauty, and HAA put in a superb performance all the way around. The bit with the rose has always fascinated me; whoever put that little bit in was a genius. The rose was used brilliantly in a mesmerizing scene!

Love, Robin