Episode #255 - The warm night air wails around the walls of Collinwood, and, for all the world, sounds like a cry of anguish and despair. Imprisoned in the depths of a house on the great estate, there is one who knows despair, and yet still clings to a single frail hope--the hope that she will somehow be freed from the prison in which she is held captive--freed from the one who would destroy her.

Maggie lies on the bed in her cell, clutching the music box and rolling her head back and forth in despair. Willie brings fresh flowers into Josette's room and asks Barnabas if he's considering giving Maggie another chance--she might just go crazy in that cell. Barnabas says she deserves worse--after all, he wanted to make her his bride, to turn her into Josette and make her happy--and she tossed it all away! But he's considering giving her another chance anyway, and if she doesn't submit, she'll die.

At the Blue Whale, Sam drinks despondently. Joe comes in and asks if he wants to come see the sheriff with him. Sam says no, there's obviously no news, and he's going to the Old House to drop off the finished portrait of Barnabas Conrad (yes, he said Conrad, then corrected himself). He prefers to believe Maggie is still alive and he'll see her again someday; he can't give up hope.

Willie comes down into the cell and tells Maggie he's bringing her upstairs to Josette's room.He advises her to pretend to be what he wants, but she can't bear the thought of being turned into what he is! She is desperate to get out of the room, though. Then make him believe! cries Willie.

When Willie brings Maggie upstairs, Barnabas orders Willie to leave them alone. She's thrilled to be out of the cell and begs the vampire to let her stay. He's annoyed--Josette was above petty begging, and she must be like Josette in every detail, and sincere. They admire the fresh flowers. She wants to see even a blade of grass so much, to be free and accept her destiny! At Barnabas' request, she opens the music box, and although you sense she despises that tune, listens to it as if it's angels themselves singing to her. Listen to it, he says, be happy, be mine, look in my eyes, be my bride. . .Maggie seems eager to be what he wants, but once he kisses her hand, she draws it away from his icy lips. This angers him. When will she forsake that common creature, Maggie Evans? Hearing her true self thus insulted, Maggie slams the music box closed and says, through gritted teeth, "NEVER!" She's Maggie Evans, that's all there is to it, so he might as well just kill her. Barnabas is just about to give her what she wants when Willie bursts in--her father is heading for the Old House and will soon be at the door! Maggie becomes instantly agitated and Willie grabs her and puts a hand over her mouth. Barnabas gives him a handkerchief to gag her with, and orders him to take her to the top of the stairs so she can listen to what he has to say. If she cries out or does anything, not only will she die, but so will her father! (Barnabas has rarely been meaner, but worse is yet to come).

Sam, at the front door, hands Barnabas the finished portrait. Barnabas inquires after his daughter as Willie holds the gagged, miserable Maggie in a tight grip just a few feet above their heads. Sam says he still holds hope, and Barnabas comments that he's sure Maggie is alive and well. Joe comes in to report potentially bad news--they found a woman's body fitting Maggie's description about 50 miles up the coast. Sam tries to pretend that it's a mistake, but breaks down and admits that it must be Maggie.They leave to go to the sheriff's office, and the despair on Maggie's face is palpable. Barnabas said he overheard what Joe said and offers his condolences. (SUCH AN SOB!)

Willie returns Maggie to Josette's room where Barnabas works on the poor girl, rubbing salt into the gaping wound of her psyche. See? Everyone is going to think she's dead now. Joe will find another girl, get married, raise a family, transfer all his love to her. Sam will drown his sorrows in drink, then get back to painting. Maggie will fade in the memories of even those she loves the most! Maggie protests his words, sobbing, as he says she should just become what he wants her to become, as long as her old life seems to be ending of it's own accord. NEVER! she asserts. He says the sight of her offends him and orders Willie to take her back to her cell. Willie does so, and Maggie begs him to stay and talk with her, just for a little while. Willie can't, he says sadly, and he leaves the depressed young woman alone in the cell.

Maggie lies on the bed, looking as if she's lost all hope. Suddenly, she hears the sound of a little girl singing "London Bridge."She stares out through the bars in her cell window and, to her astonishment (or her madness?) sees a young girl, dressed in a white, frilly cap and a Josette-era dress, singing the song to her doll.

NOTES: Who is this young girl? Ghost or real? A figment of Maggie's imagination and growing madness?

Barnabas is rarely more nasty than he is in these episodes, yet he is so compelling and persuasive as he tries to make Maggie realize that even those who love her most will eventually forget her and live out their lives--so she might as well become Josette, since Maggie Evans' life is nothing. And threatening to kill her father is so cruel!

Now that Maggie has resolved who she chooses to be, what is going to happen to her?


Episode #256 - Hope of rescue is fading for a girl being held captive. And now she must struggle to retain her sanity. For soon she must make the decision for her own life or death. But, there is a presence that could affect her fate.

Maggie calls to the little girl standing outside her cell, throwing a ball up and down, singing London Bridge. She wonders how the child got in, and urges her to quiet down, lest someone hear her. Maggie begs her for help, and the little girl stops singing. She urges the girl to tell her parents she saw Maggie Evans. The little girl walks away. Moments later, Willie appears with food. He heard her calling to someone, he says, but she reminds him that if she'd been speaking with anyone, he'd surely have seen that person.As Willie strongly suggests she listen to the music box, she begs him to help her escape. There's no escape for either of us, he sadly tells her--Barnabas has powers even during the day. Maggie is infuriated by her own helplessness. Willie leaves, locking the door behind him. The little girl silently tosses the ball up and down as Maggie retreats to her cot, in despair.

Collinwood, drawing room - Vicki and David work on lessons. Carolyn joins them, and David heads out to play. I'm going to marry Buzz,Carolyn insists to Vicki--Buzz is a saint in comparison to Jason! Carolyn leaves the drawing room, but breaks into tears in the foyer, when she is alone.

David swings on a swing near the front door of the Old House. The little girl watches him for a while, then calls to him. David climbs off the swing and goes to her; she tells him she wants someone to play with. David asks her where she lives, and she tells him her name is Sarah--she already knows his name.They play catch for a little while. Sing with me, she asks, explaining that everyone went away and she cried for a long time. She leaves to look for those she lost. Willie comes out and asks who David was talking to. A girl, says David, just some kid. Nobody is supposed to play near the house, Willie reminds him, and insists David leave. Willie watches to make sure he's really gone.

Foyer - David announces to Carolyn that Buzz is here, and he wants a ride on that motorcycle! Sure, agrees Carolyn, but will only say, with hesitation, that she and Buzz are "going steady." She leaves. As the bike peals away, David imitates the sound of the engine's roar, zooming into the drawing room where Vicki stands looking out the window. David tells her he thinks Buzz' bike is pretty cool--and playing ball is dumb. He describes the silly kid he met at the Old House--she was sad, her name was Sarah, and she had clothing and a hairstyle from a long time ago.

Old House basement cell - Maggie rests on the cot, and doesn't rise when Willie enters. She hasn't felt like eating, she says, and Willie takes away the tray of food and goes. Maggie listens to the music box, but shuts it when she hears Sarah singing outside her cell. The child is playing ball, and ignores Maggie as she repeatedly calls to her."If you see my big brother," says Sarah, finally speaking, "don't tell him you saw me. He doesn't like anybody to come down here." Sarah walks away slowly as Maggie gazes after her.

NOTES: That last comment from Sarah to Maggie sure is fascinating! Who is this child's big brother? Barnabas? Who else could it be? Is this the way they decided to keep Barnabas/Frid on the show--by introducing his kid sister to the audience? Maggie is probably thrilled, frustrated and baffled by this mysterious kid. David finds her annoying--she wants to play ball, sing a stupid song like London Bridge--and she's depressed, too! No wonder he didn't seem especially interested, but how many kids close to his age are there? Not too many!

Carolyn didn't tell David she's marrying Buzz, only Vicki. And her crying makes it seem like something she absolutely doesn't want to do, but is doing to mess up her mother's marriage plans.

How will this child's presence affect Barnabas?

Love, Robin

251 - It is twilight, and a few fading rays of sunlight still cling to the walls of Collinwood. Not far away from the great house, the approach of nightfall strikes terror in the heart of one girl, for she either must submit to an unspeakable fate or kill--destroy in order not to be destroyed.

Barnabas didn't take kindly to Maggie's attempt to destroy him and realized she was faking being Josette.He's going to kill her! Willie intervenes and said he'll have to kill him, too, and kill him first, if he kills Maggie (there's that heroic fellow we all came to know and love). A knock at the unlocked door (left so because Willie heard Maggie screaming down in the basement) saved the cowering pair from instant annihilation, as Barnabas had to go upstairs to answer the door before some busybody just let himself or herself in. The frown Barn gives the two of them is absolutely horrible.

It's Vicki, who explains that there's a curfew in town now, due to the attacks and Maggie's disappearance. He asks about poor Miss Evans in the past tense, which upsets Vicki. She might not be dead, Vicki says--but then again, she might, says Barnabas. "Unless she's being held by a madman," counters Vicki (zing, Barnabas!)

In the basement, Willie has his hand over Maggie's mouth, muffling her cries. He warns her to keep quiet and takes his hand away. She explains how she tried to kill Barnabas. She'd rather die than be like him, she wails. Willie reminds her that where there's life, there's hope--if she doesn't become his bride but can convince him to let her live, perhaps someone else will get them out of this mess.

Vicki tells Barnabas he's missed at Collinwood. He's been too busy to get down there, Barn explains. She sees the music box on a table and admires it; he plays it for her.She likes it, she says, grinning, it reminds her of the past, and she SO loves the past! After Vicki leaves, Barnabas continues to listen to the music as he glances at the door through which Vicki departed. You can almost see the wheels turning in his head--to hell with Maggie! Vicki is the girl I should be going after!

Willie and Maggie hear Barnabas heading back to the basement. He reminds her to let him do the talking. Willie tries to convince Barnabas how good Maggie was, but Barnabas says she's going to her grave as common old Maggie Evans.Cruelly, Barnabas says that she deserves to die, painfully, slowly, so that when she does die, it will be a merciful death. She'll die lifeless--and bloodless! Maggie cringes and cries out at these cruel threats, and even though the vampire warns Willie that he no longer needs him, either, he starts talking rapidly (his performance is stellar here). Look at how pretty she is, Willie babbles, you wanted her for your bride, give her a chance! Barnabas turns away, not wanting to look at Maggie, but does turn back. Barnabas drags the protesting, struggling Maggie away, leaving Willie alone, and locks her in a small, dank cell in another portion of the basement. She'll stay there until he makes his final decision, he informs her harshly.

Already working on his new conquest, Barnabas goes to Collinwood and gives Vicki a handkerchief that once belonged to Josette. She admires it and says she loves family heirlooms--she's an orphan, you know, and has always wanted a family. This being the first he's hearing about this, Barnabas is probably thinking, hmm, no family ties, no one to stop me! He warmly invites Vicki to the Old House to discuss the past with him.

Maggie sobs on what has to be a mouse-eaten, damp mattress in her cell. She cowers when Barnabas comes in. He wants to kill her, he says. "GO AHEAD!" she screams, no longer caring. He also wants her as his bride, he confesses, and for her to come to him of her own free will.That she will never do, she informs him. Only her beauty is saving her, he reminds her, and right now, he's going to leave her in that cell. She begs him not to--she'll go crazy! "Perhaps madness is preferable to sanity or death preferable to life," he retorts. He locks her in, ignoring her plaintive crying. He's already found another candidate, and Maggie, for the most part, has already ceased to exist for him.


252 - There has been an announcement at Collinwood, an announcement that has shocked all those who live here, and filled them with disbelief. But there is one who will not accept this news, and is determined to do something about it.

Today we saw the first introduction of Buzz, Carolyn's chain-bedecked, beer-guzzling, motorcyle-riding hunk. We also saw the scene in which Joel Crothers subbed for the MIA Mitch Ryan at the Blue Whale.

It was hard to tell what distressed Carolyn more in her discussion with her mother--hearing that Liz is pushing her divorce through so she can marry Jason because she loves him or that she accuses Carolyn of having no life of her own.You can see how very much alike mother and daughter are here, in their resolve to muck up their lives.

After a brief PTA meeting in the study with David's governess (he's doing great at math and English, poorly in history, and Rog wants Vicki to push him to do better), Roger makes a comment to Vicki and Carolyn that we are, essentially, the authors of our own screwed-up lives, and it's after hearing this remark that Carolyn looks in the phone book and calls Buzz, who is surprised to hear from her. She wants to take a ride on his new motorcycle, she giggles.Mom's found love--so will she!

Joe and Vicki are having drinks at the Blue Whale when he tells her he saw Buzz' motorcycle gang revving their engines--and Carolyn was with them. On a second go-round, they left a pile of beer cans in their wake--and Carolyn was still with them. Vicki says Carolyn is just doing this to upset her mother, then suggests that Liz might be marrying Jason because he's charming and not unattractive. Joe, however, thinks Mrs. Stoddard is heading for a fall. Buzz and Carolyn lurch in, both drunk, and order more booze at the bar. Vicki and Joe are upset to see her in such gruesome company, and not at all happy when Carolyn drags Buzz to their table to introduce them. Carolyn, who says she has more money than he'll ever see, buys Buzz beer because he's out of "bread," and he says life is "a gas." She has been riding with him all day, and it's been so much fun!To Joe and Vicki's discomfiture and disgust, Carolyn gives Buzz a big, sloppy kiss in front of them.

Buzz pulls up in front of Collinwood's front door (neither wears a helmet). He wanted to go around to the back, but she'll have none of that for her new beau! He says they "swing" well together, and they smooch hungrily. He refuses to go inside at first, but she drags him in, and he's impressed by the place. He says he'd love to drive his bike right up Collinwood's staircase and Carolyn tries to talk him into doing so, but he at least has enough smarts not to do anything that foolish. They go into the drawing room, drink some more, and dance to a transistor radio; then Buzz sits and watches Carolyn gyrate for a while. Liz comes downstairs, horrified that Carolyn has come home at 3 AM (isn't that when all the good stuff happens at Collinwood?). Carolyn introduces her to Buzz, who calls her "Mommy," grossing Liz out.Liz tries to order him out. Carolyn soundly kisses Buzz and plops herself into his lap, introducing her mother as Mrs. Jason McGuire, screaming it after the retreating Liz, who arrives at the top of the stairs, unable to bear her daughter's jibes anymore, and struggles to open the difficult door.

NOTES: So, what do you think of Buzz? He almost seems to be a character of comic relief, but Carolyn has specific plans for him, whether he wants to be involved or not! Of course, she's using the biker to upset Liz--hey, Mom has an unsuitable beau, I'm doing her one better! He actually comes across as a better fellow than Jason, but that will be seen in the future.

Liz' struggle opening the door is on the blooper tape, I believe.

Mitchell Ryan didn't show up for work this day, so they had Joel Crothers at the Blue Whale with Vicki, and they obviously had to alter his lines to fit the scene. Did you think it seemed weird that he was there with Vicki instead of Burke?

Love, Robin

Episode #247 - When hope is gone, there is nothing, and the world becomes an empty void. For one man, the setting sun indicates the beginning of a long, lonely night haunted by thoughts of his missing daughter.

Sam Evans is miserable, unable to paint, able to think only about Maggie. Sheriff Patterson stops by and says he has no news (then why stop by?),the FBI knows zilch and it's obvious Maggie was kidnapped for reasons other than ransom. Sam laments he knows Maggie is dead. Burke stops by, and the sheriff leaves, his face sad. Burke offers to buy Sam a decent dinner and help him knock his pet peeve, pop art (blast from the past, my children of the sixties).Burke says Sam should try to work, which gives Sam an idea--he'll go work on Barnabas' portrait to take his mind off Maggie! As he leaves, Sam grabs his pipe.

Willie, who is hammering a chair in the living room, is very reluctant to even talk to Sam, no less let him in. Willie gazes nervously upstairs, then decides it's the better two evils to let Sam take the portrait home and work on it, since he's so determined to do so. As Sam carries the painting out to the station wagon, Willie grabs the easel so he'll only have to make one trip. While they're outside, Maggie/Josette drifts downstairs, spots Sam's pipe on a nearby table, and takes it. Holding it pressed to her breast, she disappears back upstairs, missing the returning Sam and Willie by seconds. (so suspenseful!) Sam comes back in to look for his missing pipe, but it's obviously gone, so he asks Willie to keep it for him if he should find it. Willie is relieved to see Sam go, but upset when Maggie/Josette drifts downstairs. She doesn't want to stay up there, she says plaintively. He insists she do as she is told. Who am I? She asks in a child-like voice.Josette Collins, Willie replies--did she take something? She doesn't answer. She thinks she's someone else, she says several times. Barnabas will come soon, he warns. She repeats Barnabas' name several times, then scuttles upstairs in fear.

Willie heads downstairs to await Barnabas' awakening and watches the coffin lid slowly rise. Still lying on the casket, Barnabas asks him to come closer, grabs his throat and demands to know what's up.Willie is forced to gasp out the information that he had to let Sam in and allowed him to take the painting home with him. Barnabas pushes Willie to the floor angrily, then rises, off camera, from the coffin. He reminds Willie that they must have no visitors who might see their guest, and that he's vulnerable. "You can't ever escape me," Barnabas reminds him. Willie knows that. (Oh, he looks so sad and resigned!)

Maggie wanders downstairs again clutching the pipe. She knows she is someone else, and she has to get that pipe to it's rightful owner. So, she wanders out the unlocked door.

Cottage - Burke, pleased to see Sam working on Barnabas' portrait, brings him a ham and swiss sandwich, which Sam seems eager to eat. They discuss how Sam likes to imbue his portraits with the characteristics of the person being painted and can't figure out why Barnabas' eyes keep coming out so cruel-looking. Burke agrees that Barnabas doesn't look mean (ha!)

At the Old House, Willie tells Barnabas he's been having problems keeping Josette in her room, and Barnabas asks Willie to bring her to him. Barnabas, lighting candles, hears Willie screaming, "JOSETTE!" and turns in alarm. She's gone! They race out the door to find her (lock the house from now on, guys!)

When Burke goes to the kitchen to get coffee, Sam, working on Barn's portrait and still having trouble painting the eyes, spots Maggie outside the bay window. He calls out for Burke and they both run out to look--but she's gone!

NOTES: Really, it's amazing that a vampire and his terrified Renfield, both protecting a giant secret, are leaving the door open the way they are, but so be it--Maggie escaped and now Sam's seen her. Will this mean her salvation or destruction?

Barnabas is such a violent creature, I wonder how and why I ever felt such caring for him, but there are those moments when his self-hatred shows through (I loathe him, he says of himself when speaking to Woodard), and you can't help but realize he despises being this terrible creature and longs for his old life with Josette. So, if he can't have it for real, he creates it as best he can. It's very sad.

Will Maggie be found? Will poor Willie ever stop being pummeled by different people?


Episode #248 - A stillness hovers over Collinwood tonight, but there is no peace in the silence, for it is a silence that precedes a great storm--peace that holds the promise of terror. Far away from Collinwood, one man knew a moment of hope on this night, only to have that hope withdrawn. And despair and further confusion follow in its wake.

Poor Sam! The episode starts with him CERTAIN he's seen Maggie,but after the Sheriff finds nothing, he is convinced it was all his imagination. She was wearing a gown from another century and looked ghostly and pale. He recalls so many details, but in the end, decides he never saw her at all. You really have to pity the grieving, confused Pop Evans.

Today, we saw the truly cruel Barnabas, and how venomous he could be when crossed. Maggie wanders into the cemetery, where, unfortunately for her, Barnabas is the one who finds her--and promptly grabs her around the throat. He drags her to the mausoleum where he opens the secret panel. "Come," he orders. She tries to run away from him, so he snatches hold of her, twists her arms and demands that she never leave him, never. "You must stay with me always, Josette" he entreats over and over. He's going to have to punish her for her attempt to leave him! She insists she wants to stay with him, and falls down sobbing on one of the coffins in the outer room. Her crying upsets him, and when he reminds her who she is,she repeats, "I am Josette." She also repeats that they will be happy together, for eternity. He reconsiders punishing her and says they'll go back home. He's closing the secret room when he spots her gazing at Sam's pipe. He grabs her, demanding to see what she's got, and she starts screaming, "POP!" She struggles in his arms, then faints, and he carries her into the secret room. He places her in a casket (this was the infamous scene that so appalled KLS and made them wait until the end of the day to film it). She screams frantically as he closes it, and his face is the last thing she sees before the light is blotted out.

Willie later comes to release her. He helps her out of the coffin and into the outer room of the mausoleum, where she bursts into tears. Willie assures her Barnabas is gone and he, Willie, won't hurt her. He returns her to Josette's room at the Old House, encourages her to lie down on the bed and rest, and does his best to calm her down. She thinks she DREAMED she was in a coffin, but becomes hysterical when she realizes it was no dream. She's got to do what Barnabas wants, be what he wants, Willie tells her desperately, or risk more cruelty from Barnabas. She cries no at first, but when he opens Josette's music box, the tune soothes her.Willie tells her to keep reminding herself that she's Josette and she's going to be Barnabas' bride. She seems calmer, and relaxes, repeating what he tells her.

Burke and Sam and completely demoralized when Sheriff Patterson tells them there was no sign of Maggie at all. All they saw at the cemetery was a big, ugly dog (Barnabas?)Sam decides he was wrong in the first place--seeing Maggie was all in his imagination.

Maggie awakens with a start, listens to music box, says dreamily, "I'm Josette Collins." She sits at the vanity, sniffs the perfume, starts brushing her hair, then touches her reflection in the mirror. The truth hits her; angrily, she slams the music box closed. "I'm MAGGIE EVANS!" she says harshly, and, calling for Pop and Joe, begins to cry helplessly.

NOTES: What Barnabas did to Maggie was just horrible. For all the terrible things he does, he deserves whatever he gets, but he is clearly desperate to bring back Josette in whatever form he can. That Maggie isn't cooperating him is frustrating and infuriating him. He wants to love her, but she won't let him, and now that she's determined who she really is, his chances of success are slim.

As for Sam, you have to pity this poor father who loves and counts on his daughter so much. From a man always bothering Sam to exonerate him from his crime, Burke has become a reliable friend who wants to help in any way he can.

So who will win, Maggie or Barnabas? Can Willie ultimately save the damsel in distress? Who will save HIM?

Love, Robin

Episode #243 - Collinwood, even by daylight, can seem a menacing and dangerous place, for there are many unsolved mysteries here. And those who seek to solve them, to uncover the secrets of the great house, can be in grave danger. One man, unaware of the danger that exists in the shadows of the Old House, is determined to seek out the truth.

Woodard comes to the Old House wanting to examine Willie and take a sample of his blood.Mr. Loomis can't allow that, of course, and went into wild-eyed insistences that it was impossible. Even after Dave said he and Maggie could be suffering from the same serious blood disease, Willie refuses to cooperate. Barnabas came down before Willie could get Dave out, and pretended to go along with the doctor about being checked out. It's true, points out Barnabas, that Willie does the work of three men and certainly doesn't seem sick, but Dave says that doesn't mean anything.

Barnabas tells Willie to allow the doctor to examine him, but Willie knows damn well Barnabas doesn't want that, and begs to be allowed to go to his room. Barnabas tells him fine, and although he promises Woodard he'll work on the prospective patient and try to convince him to be examined, he can't FORCE Willie to do so, can he? Diabolical Barnabas!

Jason presents Liz with violets, a gesture which makes her suspicious. She accuses Jason of putting on an act. No, he's really fond of her, he says. When Dave Woodard comes to the door, he sits down in the drawing room and they discuss Willie. Dave, citing a possible virulent illness that could turn into an epidemic, wants Jason to talk Willie into being examined,but Jason says he doesn't have the same influence over Willie that Barnabas does--why not ask him? Jason is surprised to learn Barnabas won't order Willie to be examined; the man has more influence over Willie than anyone, these days! Liz, Dave and Jason discuss Willie's symptoms--weak during the day, stronger at night--and how they match Maggie's. Jason agrees that the entire business is very strange.

So, Jason goes to the Old House amidst the sound of howling dogs and finds Willie not at home. He does talk to Barnabas, expressing his concern for Willie's health. Barnabas says he can only suggest to Willie. Jason asks for the story of how Barnabas met Willie, and Barn, apparently clued in on the story Willie told (if he didn't even give him that story to tell) explains the flat tire story (Barnabas can't drive!) and how Willie needed a job and Barn offered him one.Willie was fascinated by Barn's ancestors and Eagle Hill Cemetery, where many of them are buried. Barn is surprised to learn that Jason has been to that cemetery and indeed, in the mausoleum.

Jason reiterates that Barn should get Willie to the doctor, and leaves as dogs howl and Barnabas gazes silently, evilly after him.

Jason returns to Collinwood, nods at Barnabas' portrait and quizzes Liz about just how much she knows about her new-found cousin. Why didn't she even know of his existence? Why is he staying in that decaying old house? How and why did he get mixed up with Willie? Liz stands regally and says perhaps Barnabas is a gentleman, a trait which Jason can't appreciate. Besides, she doesn't want to discuss her cousin with him! Jason changes the subject, discussing the problems they have--she wants to cut off his cash supply and scandal is brewing in the town because he's still living at Collinwood. She says her only problem is HIM. So Jason comes up with a solution to all their problems:"Let's get married."


Episode #244 - A secret from the past can exert a strong control over a woman. It can force her to do things that otherwise might be considered impossible. It can cause a woman to make the most difficult decision of her existence.

Liz assures Jason that she'd die before marrying him, and at first is sure he's kidding. He convinces her he is serious about his proposal, and even when she reminds him she detests him, is not deterred--after all, he did help her 18 years ago. . . .people are still wondering what happened to Paul, and the true story would mean prison for Liz.Liz realizes they both equally share the blame and guilt over Paul's death. Marrying me, says Jason, would be your insurance policy. Liz accuses him of going too far this time, but he reminds her that she would have to confess to the sheriff. When she heads straight for the phone to make the call, Jason reminds her she must first tell Carolyn that she murdered her father. Cruelly, Jason tells her that her daughter won't surpport her, but most likely will hate her when she finds this out. Liz is more than willing to take the chance, and Jason heads off to bring Carolyn to the drawing room.

Jason enters the study to find Carolyn reading. He offers her some friendly advice before taking her to see her mother--be particularly understanding, he says,because your mother is very upset about speaking to you. Carolyn doesn't understand what he's trying to impart and leaves as Jason gazes thoughtfully after her.

Carolyn goes into the drawing room, and indeed finds her mother quite upset. As Liz speaks to her, she senses that her mother is about to make a confession, and she tells Liz that she'd rather not hear it if it's that upsetting to Liz. Liz insists it's necessary for her to free herself--but first she has a few things to reveal about Paul Stoddard--he loved no one but himself.This distresses Carolyn, who isn't sure she wants to hear more. Your father never loved or wanted you, Liz tells her daughter, who becomes terribly upset. Refusing to listen further, Carolyn runs from the room, slamming the door closed behind her.

Study - Distraught, Carolyn joins Jason and tells him Liz told her something about her father, but that she couldn't bear to hear anymore. Carolyn then asks Jason about her father--did he hold her, talk about her, love her? The SOB Irishman pours on the blarney as he tells her that Paul loved Carolyn above everyone else in the world, and even carried a bearskin rug picture of her in his wallet that he proudly showed everyone. Wanting desperately to believe his story over her mother's, Carolyn thinks it all over.

In the drawing room, Liz admits to Jason that she was unable to tell Carolyn the truth, and doesn't know what will happen now. They will plan for the future, Jason assures her. She understands that, but asks for time.Sure, she can have time, "But not much," warns Jason.

NOTES: Such a sweetheart of a guy is Jason--not! Poor Liz, roped into this last humiliation. She knows that tying herself matrimonially to Jason will mean misery for her; she Bank of Liz will be forever open to him, and she can't do a thing about it! Too bad she didn't keep trying with Carolyn, but Jason made it impossible when he told Carolyn lies about Paul. We know that Liz' version is the truth, and Jason was doing his best to undermine their relationship. I do wonder, however, if Liz might not be a happier woman if she could succumb to Jason, at least sexually. They might finally find something in common besides crime! It's been a dry spell for Liz, and who knows?--a sailor just might be able to make her happy, in one way at least!

Love, Robin

Episode #239 - A gentle night wind blows over Collinwood, and all is silent and peaceful, but there is no real peace in the night, for those in the great house and for those beyond it. For one man, especially, the approach of nightfall brings with it ever increasing desperation, for a search is in progress, a search for a missing girl once believed to be dead.

At the Blue Whale, Sam and Joe sadly discuss the fruitless search for Maggie. "Where is she?" laments Sam.

At the Old House, the object of their concern is sitting across from Barnabas Collins at the elegantly set table. As Willie lights the candles, he asks Barnabas why he keeps calling her Josette. Hell, that's her name, Barnabas asserts, and that's the only name by which Willie must address her--"Miss Josette." Barnabas talks to Maggie, calling her Josette over and over, reminding her of her impeccable taste, how they always used to dine together by candlelight, how the music box was the only gift she would accept from him because no one would accept their love, and that she will be his bride. "Bride," repeats Maggie softly, woodenly. He encourages her to play the music box. They're going to stay together this time, he promises. Willie pours them some wine and Barnabas raises his glass and drinks to forever.

At the Blue Whale, Sam is trying to get stinking drunk and despite a huge intake of booze, can't seem to get to attain that state. Waiting is driving him crazy! When Joe suggests Sam go back to painting,Sam insists that's impossible--and oh, by the way, he'd better go tell Barnabas they'll have to put off his portrait until Maggie is found. Sam is praying for a miracle.

Barnabas tells Maggie, who is listening raptly to the music box, that he doesn't want her to be frightened of him, that he wants her to be happy.He begs her to say she understands. She agrees with everything he says, but seems repulsed when he kisses her hand and pulls it away. This upsets Barnabas. She wants to be with him, she assures him, mechanically. He recalls how she was 18 and he was teaching her English. They were so happy spending time together, and now time will mean nothing.

Their romantic dinner is interrupted when Sam and Joe (!!!) knock at the Old House door. Barnabas orders Willie to take Miss Josette upstairs, but Maggie reacts to the voices of Joe and Sam, seeming to withdraw from her trance somewhat. Barnabas invites Joe and Sam into the house after Willie has led Maggie upstairs. He solicitously asks about Maggie, again, and assures Sam that if he can't paint, heck, he's busy with his new business venture, anyway (Brainwashing, Inc.), and doesn't have the time to sit. So it all works out perfectly! Sam has Joe load everything but the portrait into the car (Barnabas still wants it left at the Old House). Maggie, upstairs in Josette's room, prowls restlessly around, and even though Willie tries his best to get her to sit and relax, she hears Sam's and Joe's voices and reacts to it.Willie finds everything falling down around his ears as she says she doesn't want to stay in that room, she wants to leave! "Pop," Maggie whispers. "Joe." This wigs out poor Willie, who is still trying to get her to remain in Josette mode and not cause trouble that will bring Barnabas' wrath down on them. Maggie struggles in Willie's grasp and something falls. Sam and Joe hear it, but Barnabas says that's just his clumsy servant, Willie.

Upstairs, clumsy Willie has his hand clamped over Maggie's mouth, trying to shut her up and protect her from her own foolishness. The car drives off and Maggie runs to the window, calling for her father and Joe. When she realizes they didn't hear her, she sits down on the love seat and bows her head in sorrow. Barnabas, meanwhile, ascends the stairs, looking intensely angry.

Joe and Sam, driving home, think they see a girl who looks like Maggie on the road, but it's a false alarm. While Sam says he'd give the rest of his life to have her back safe, Joe says he can't help but feel that Maggie is nearby, close enough to touch.

Barnabas barges into Josette's room and orders Willie out. In one of the most funny, touching scenes ever, Willie closes the door, trying to make Barnabas think he's left, but he's still actually in the room. After Barnabas gives Willie a withering look, the vampire is left alone with Maggie. Barnabas, sad and angry, accuses Josette of lying to him and trying to leave him."You must never leave me," he warns, and lurches at her menacingly. Maggie screams.

NOTES: Some think Barnabas probably bit AND raped Maggie at the end of this episode, and it certainly appears that at the very least, he viciously attacked her in some form, determined to bring her back under his power. Maggie has quite a strong personality, which probably means, resemblance aside, Barnabas chose the wrong lady to try to turn into Josette. But he will learn that soon enough, as will Maggie herself--and poor Willie, caught in the crossfire, suddenly determined to be a protector, will find himself calling upon his reserves of strength and personal determination as his moral sense is tweaked to heights that would surely surprise Jason.

Creepy, romantic and utterly enthralling!


Episode #240 - The evenings at Collinwood are quiet now and long, but the twilights seem to hold menace in their lengthening shadows. An omen of rain. And the quiet is disturbed by the strange disappearance of a young woman. It remains a mystery no search can solve, and as the evening comes once again, even the strongest hopes falter and the night wind says again the word: lost. . .lost. . .

Roger soberly gazes at the front page of the COLLINSPORT STAR with a picture of Maggie and the story of her disappearance. David is thrilled to learn that Josette's portrait was moved to her old room, but he can't take Vicki's word for it and decides he must check it out for himself. So, forbidden to go there though he is, he knocks at the door, sees the figure of Maggie/Josette (being played by someone else in this non-speaking ep, I bet)trailing past and tries knocking on the door again. The door mysteriously swings open and David goes in. He searches, feeling Josette's presence there just ain't what it used to be.

Barnabas comes across David in Josette's room and maintains his cool beautifully. He works on the kid a little, trying to convince him Josette is a fantasy (take a dose of your own medicine, Barn!), and is understandably upset to learn his cousin has been looking through his windows where he might catch a glimpse of his kidnapped houseguest.He assures David it was no spirit that admitted him, but the capriciously-behaving front door of the Old House. Barnabas insists David give the portrait a good look, and the child admits that Josette isn't there.

Barnabas takes David back to Collinwood where he tattles on him for peeping and creeping. Of course, he doesn't want Roger to punish the child, because it won't happen again; David has learned his lesson and knows Josette isn't really there. Roger offers Barn a brandy, which he refuses, but they talk a while. Meanwhile, David muses to Vicki how different Josette seemed, but he can't figure out how.

Roger tells Barnabas he thinks David is reacting to the adults' concern for Maggie's disappearance, and that's what's responsible for the resurrection of his son's Josette fantasy--there's a direct link between David's search for Josette and her portrait and Maggie's disappearance. Barnabas tells Roger Maggie is alive, then catches himself and adds, "I hope."Barnabas shows great interest when Roger reveals the info about Dr. Woodard's samples of Maggie's blood, which they hope will provide a clue to her whereabouts. Roger mutters that he almost feels sorry for Sam.

On Collinwood's staircase, Vicki insists homework and dinner while David continues to muse about Jostte, maddening his governess because he seems to be deliberately ignoring her. She tries to tell him he can't go to the Old House anymore; it's Barnabas' now, and David insists that it's JOSETTE'S and no one else's.

Later, after they realize David has again bucked orders and gone to the Old House, Roger shows his sensitive side by asking Vicki to conceal her worry about Maggie's disappearance because he feels it has caused David to regress.Vicki rightfully calls him on his request, saying HE, Roger, is the one who feels uncomfortable being surrounded by all this caring and fear, not David. Does he want her to forget Maggie? Hey, she's SCARED! Roger apologizes for being such an SOB and says they'll go to the Old House together to bring David home.

David, eyes shining, is back inside the Old House, watching as his Josette walks slowly downstairs, holding her music box, which is playing her song. "Josette!" he says, enthralled.

NOTES: So Maggie escapes the room and floats downstairs into David's view. Of course, he's delighted, since he feared she was gone forever, but he has no way of knowing this woman in white is NOT Josette's ghost but the living (barely) Maggie Evans, who has been Barnabas' prisoner all this time they thought she was missing. Will the adults find Maggie there, or will she float off and disappear, like her ghost-clone used to do?

Now that Barnabas knows Maggie's blood might provide a clue that could lead to HIM, what will he do? Every time he goes to Collinwood, someone reveals something else to him that he can use to protect himself.

Roger was ridiculous, asking Vicki to hide her feelings! Like he does? Harrumph! The man still has too much nerve, even if he has mellowed a lot!

Love, Robin

Episode #235 - Darkness hovers over Collinwood like a shroud, and somewhere in that darkness exists the presence of an evil force, someone with the power of enormous destruction at his command-he has been waiting to strike, waiting to destroy, and tonight, perhaps he has. An innocent young girl is a prisoner in a locked room, and no one knows what fate awaits her.

Vicki bangs frantically on the door, begging Maggie to let her in, to no avail. Burke knocks at the front door. Vicki, hysterical, tells him that something's in the room with Maggie and her door is locked. Burke knocks, calls, and finally breaks down the door. They enter, and Vicki gasps in horror: Maggie lies on the bed, unconscious, the gashes re-opened in her throat. The French doors are open.

Dr. Woodard finds that Maggie has again lost a tremendous amount of blood and insists she needs hospitalization. The wounds on her throat look like bite marks to Dr. Woodard, a large dog, perhaps. Something inhuman did this, says Dave soberly. Sam, unable to rouse Maggie, is very upset, so much that he even turns down Burke's offer of a drink, insisting that it won't solve anything.Vicki explains in detail what happened in Maggie's room, and she and Burke try to reassure Sam that Maggie will be all right. Woodard says Maggie needs a transfusion, and tells Sam that if she survives the night, she should be OK.This alarms Sam, who faces the possibility that he may lose Maggie.

Maggie, in the hospital now, sleeps, an IV in her arm. Dr. Woodard says her heartbeat is stronger, her color better. An anxious Joe shows up. Maggie awakens, and they explain to her that she's in the hospital. Maggie is glad Joe and Sam are both with her, but when she starts describing what happened, she grows agitated and says she doesn't want to remember her terrible nightmare. She apologizes to Joe for the fights they had and tells Sam she wants him to take care of himself. He'll go on the wagon when she gets well, he  vows. When Maggie quietly says she's going to die, Sam shakes her and demands she get well. Woodard banishes Sam and Joe to the lounge (and what a sad bunch of scenes ensued)!Maggie says goodbye and tells Joe she just wanted to see him one more time. Stricken, Joe follows Sam out, but first orders Maggie to get well. She smiles wanly. Alone with Woodard, Maggie whispers, "It's true," but won't say what is true. (I guess she's certain she's going to die.)

At 12:10 PM, Woodard leaves a nurse with Maggie, instructing her neither to leave her alone nor open the window, no matter what (she ends up breaking both orders).

Out in the waiting room, a despairing Sam tells Joe that he was waiting in the exact same spot when Maggie was being born, and now he's here waiting for her. . .he can't continue, and sobs. Joe encourages Sam to go home, but neither of them have any intention of leaving the hospital, and even though Joe tries to reassure Sam he believes Maggie will be fine, he buries his face in his hands, unable to deal with the possibility of losing her. Both actors did an excellent job here, by the way, and I felt myself choking up.

Of course, Maggie, after waking up and gasping that she feels like she's suffocating, gets the nurse to open the window a crack (looked like more than a crack to me). I guess she had to invite Barnabas into the hospital in this manner. A short time later, Maggie gasps for air, lifts herself up in the bed, then collapses. The nurse finds no pulse or heartbeat, and runs from the room to get Dr. Woodard, who is out in the hall. She tells him it appeared as if Maggie had died, but when the two of them return to the room,the window is wide open and Maggie is gone.

NOTES: Has Maggie become a vampire? Did Barnabas steal her body from the hospital?

Loved this ep. Excellent performances, mucho suspense-and tons of emotional outbursts, too. You had to feel so sorry for Sam and Joe, both of whom love Maggie in different ways. While David Ford was often criticized for not being able to remember his lines, his performance here was exemplary, IMHO. Everyone involved created a marvelous show.


Episode #236 - A distant moon, cold and bright against the black sky, looks down on Collinwood and the country around. What it sees is not reflected in its unshadowed gaze. It remains, as always, an unblinking eye, impassive to the terrors that stalk the earth below, indifferent to life and death alike, it watches as a young woman gasps a final breath, and perhaps it sees from its cold corner of the sky, the fate that lurks beyond the final gasp and waits, and waits, for the last silence.

Shock waves rushed through Collinsport as the news of Maggie's possible death/kidnapping/disappearance made the rounds. Joe checks out Eagle Hill Cemetery, to no avail, while Sam rants at Dave Woodard, one moment wanting to hope his daughter is alive, another moment giving up and believing she's dead. The thought that someone might have stolen her, dead or alive, is grossing everyone out. Sam is so upset, he refuses to take the tranquilizers Dave orders him to take, and knocks them out of his hand, he's so upset.Maggie wanders through the woods, wide-eyed, but looking less haggard and certainly more alive than she did the last time we saw her.

Everyone decides Willie might know something; perhaps he was the one who made the call to Vicki about Maggie being in the cemetery! Joe and Burke leave Sam with Dave and head to the Old House. They only find Barnabas there, who tells them Willie is in Bangor and coolly (he is SO cool, isn't he?) wonders why they think Willie is involved in this Maggie disappearance mess.He quickly offers an alibi to the two men--Willie came directly back to the Old House after calling on Sam that night, and had no time at all to make any phone calls along the way. And he, Barnabas, has no phone, so... Burke hears a floorboard creaking and Barnabas dismisses it as the normal noise an old house makes. After he's sure the Burke and Joe are gone, Barnabas calls to Maggie to come out. She seemingly floats towards him as he assures her he's safe there with her.

Barnabas' plan comes out as he escorts Maggie into Josette's room, which has been lovingly and painstakingly refurbished. "This is your room," he tells her, "just as you left it long, long ago." He calls her Josette and says that will be her name from now on. She repeats the name, wonderingly, questioningly, and sits down to gaze at her reflection in the vanity mirror. They are going to be together from now on, he assures her, and enjoy the happiness they were denied so long ago. He's forgiven Josette for killing herself, for taking herself away from him. He stares at the portrait of Josette hanging above the mantle and back to Maggie. He wanted to give her life, not death, and now they will have another chance together. She takes his hand. "Life," she repeats in a childlike voice. He escorts her to a love seat and after she is seated, kneels in front of her like a man proposing.They will be together, never again separated, he vows. "You are my Josette." She pulls her hand from his grasp just as he's about to kiss it, as though emerging from her trance for just a moment. He shows her a magnificent white wedding gown and reminds her that it was hers. She'll be his bride. When Maggie starts to cry, he begs, "Please, no tears."--only happiness from now on. He gives her a music box that he brought from the Orient--it has traveled the centuries with him. Listen to the past and look to the future he bids her, playing the pretty melody (which I always preferred to the one that came after). Maggie raptly listens and we see her face segue into Josette's portrait as the music plays.

NOTES: Brainwashing Maggie into becoming Josette-what a cool concept! To me, a budding teenager, this seemed the epitome of romantic, if a little sick--he was drinking her blood, convincing her she was his long-lost dead love. Of course, he was crazy, but still, it stirred my blood and made me want him to succeed, even if I knew it was totally wrong.

Frid's performance is marvelous, deliriously loony and romantic, and KLS is perfect as the victim slipping into and out of her Josette personage.

I think these episodes are absolutely top notch!

Love, Robin

Episode #231 - An overwhelming force has taken possession of a young girl. Unseen, unsuspected, it withdraws the life from her. The telltale marks are a frightening indication of what this girl has been victim to.

Maggie lies in her bedroom as Joe and Sam await the doctor. What's with those marks on her neck, they wonder? Dogs, howl, cuasing Maggie to move restlessly on her pillows. When Sam comes in to close the French doors, he, too, is spooked by the howling, wolf-like sound. Maggie awakens, in pain, clutching her blanket fearfully.At first, she has no recollection of what happened to her, then remembers being in the cemetery, but can't recall how she got there. She complains that she feels very cold.

Later. Dr. Woodard finds Maggie's temperature below normal. With only Sam there, he examines her, remarking on how nervous she seems. She regards him with mistrust. Woodard, annoyed that she got out of bed, explains that she's quite ill. Did she sleepwalk or dream of doing so? Maggie becomes upset when Sam brings up her nightmare, and Woodard's questioning about it distresses her tremendously. The doctor tries to calm her, and over her objections,examines the wounds on her throat. Maggie only wants them to leave her alone. Woodard comes to the conclusion that those are puncture wounds. Maggie screams for all of them to leave her alone!

Woodard and Sam go out to the front room to report to Joe. Because of the two losses of blood she suffered, Maggie needs a blood transfusion right away, insists the doctor--she's almost in shock. Joe has the same blood type Maggie does, so he volunteers to be the donor.

Maggie is immensely upset during the transfusion; the howling dogs upset her. The trio of men keep a close watch on her. Realizing what they're doing to her, she cries out and tries to stop it. They hold her down at the dogs continue to howl.

Woodard provides Sam with a prescription for transquilizers; until they learn what's caused this, she must be kept quiet--and she must be watched every minute. "We're dealing with a condition here that's far from normal," opines Dr. Woodard, and she must stay in bed. He leaves.

Joe keeps vigil over Maggie, who orders him, "Stay out of this!"He doesn't get what she means. She thrashes in her bed. Sam comes in and notes that she seems to be asleep. Sam locks the French doors and Joe leaves. Sam sits down to take over the vigil. Later, dogs howl, Sam sleeps in the chair. Maggie rises from bed, drifts to the French doors and pulls on them wildly.Sam awakens and grabs her, dragging her away from the doors. "LET ME OUT!" she screams, fighting him as he forces her back into bed and holds her there. She continues to scream, struggling against him.

NOTES: What a powerful hold Barnabas must have on her! You'd think that getting a transfusion would weaken his hold, but every time she hears those dogs, she responds violently. The poor girl will surely die if she is attacked again, but she's fighting her protectors with everything she's got! Who is going to win? Joe gives up his blood for his gal; Sam works hard to keep her in bed and away from harm. She orders her boyfriend to stay out of this. Surely she must realize, at least a small, rational part of her, that they're trying to help her, they're the two men in the world who love her most. Will she realize it in time to save herself?


Episode #232 - If a night wind had not cleared the mists from the cliffs that lead from Collinwood to the sea, no one would know that a giant storm is slowly approaching; it hovers on the horizon, but its advance is as inexorable as the advance of time itself in the journey from day to night. And there is a woman near Collinwood, a young woman, who seems to reflect in her spirit the tranquility of the day that waits helplessly for the coming storm that the night will surely bring.

Cottage - Joe keeps a vigil at Maggie's bedside, who wakes up at first seemingly glad to find him there. He gently questions her about the cemetery and other strange events, but she gets testy and says she's tired of questions. She's TIRED, period! He examines her throat, which she doesn't like, and when she hears dogs howl, she goes PMSsy again, ordering him out of the room and out of her life.She doesn't want to see him again, so don't bother coming back! Joe, knowing she can't be left alone, calls and asks Vicki to take his place.

As Vicki is leaving Collinwood, Jason quizzes her about Maggie's illness, her mysterious walk in Eagle Hill Cemetery,and the strange call she got while at the cottage. Her response sends Jason racing to the Old House. When no one answers his knock, he walks right in (will they ever lock that house with a vampire hidden in the basement?) and finds Willie with the left side of his face beaten black and blue. He's less interested in Willie's injuries than in protecting his own butt, so he cruelly interrogates his old friend (and this was a fabulously acted scene), demanding to know if HE made that phone call to Vicki, and why does he suddenly seem to have developed a conscience, and Willie had damn well not screw up his, Jason's, plans, or else!Willie, lighting candles, issues his own warning to Jason, who asks if it's a threat. Threat, warning, Willie, smiling enigmatically, suggests that Mr. Collins doesn't like him entertaining guests and perhaps Jason should leave. It IS getting dark, after all! Jason, puzzled as to why Willie would have made that phone call, vows to find out what Willie is up to, and Willie answers, "Fortunately, you're not a man who keeps his promises."

Joe seems embarrassed to tell Vicki that Maggie handed him his walking papers and that's why he asked her to come over. Ruefully, he says he was with Maggie all day and never missed her so much before in his life.

Vicki goes into Maggie's room and listens uneasily as her friend expounds on how much she loves the night, so much that the lightning is making the outside too bright for her liking.Maggie reiterates to Vicki that she doesn't want to see Joe again, then restlessly rises from bed, making Vicki nervous. She urges Maggie to get back under the covers. When Vicki sees Maggie staring raptly out the French doors, she calls to her, but Maggie ignores her. The doors blow open and the young women see reflected in a lightning flash a man's figure standing outside (clearly Barnabas). With the next lightning flash, the figure is gone. Unnerved, Vicki hastily closes the doors while Maggie sits in bed assuring her, "It's all right now." Maggie seems eerily calm, but Vicki is clearly shaken, not knowing what to do or say.

NOTES: Joe is a saint. He knows this isn't truly Maggie, not his lady, so he finds someone else to stay with her because he knows he doesn't dare leave her alone. Any other guy might cut her loose, but he understands that she doesn't mean what she's saying, and all he wants is for her to be all right.

Maggie already seems to be getting into vampire mode, loving the night life. Barnabas waits outside in the storm, knowing that she will eventually come to him--she has no choice!

Such moody, dark and truly creepy scenes here. Maggie scared me. Aside from looking like death itself, she's so changed from her usual cheerful self, a totally different person under Barnabas' influence. What must Vicki think?

As for Jason, he treats Willie shabbily in this episode, far more concerned about his own evil plans than his friends mashed-to-a-pulp face. What a shameful excuse for a friend--hell, for a human being!

Love, Robin