I think we all have some great observations here, especially Gerard, Raineypark and PennyD (but other of you as well). The Trasks are IMO (as well) THE true villains of the series, moreso than Angelique but at least on a level with Count Petofi. One thing we have touched on is that the Reverend Trask would never have considered himself a villain. Consider what happened when he finally learned conclusively that Angelique was the real witch rather than Victoria. He sought vengeance from beyond the grave. Think about that Rev Trask was actually correct that there was a witch at Colllinwood but just too hard headed to admit he could ever be wrong about where his conclusions led him.  In many way, his other attempt at vengeance with Barnabas can even be somewhat justified. Bricking someone up is pretty horrible, even though Barnabas is ostensibly our "hero." I think the way both characters are in an actually twisted way well intentioned but terribly flawed makes them great adversaries. Compare them, for example to Astronaut Taylor and Dr. Zaius of "Planet of the Apes." Dr. Zaius is like Trask very hard headed, Zaius is right that Taylor is a serious threat to his world and beliefs, but his is wrong is denying that Taylor is who he says he is. Great heroes (or antiheroes) need a great antagonist.
   As far as acting, I think Lacey more than fulfills the need of the characters. Dark Shadows is not always subltle, although it often is more than its given credit for. I think he well defines each Trask from each other. I totally agree Gregory is a true evil, most especially from his hypocracy rather than the Reverend inflexible self centered beliefsto the point where vanity and his religious fervor are inextricably interwtined.  Gregory doesn't care about "The Almighty" in reality, and wraps himself in an artifical veneer that allow him to justify anything and blackmail at will. Lamar isn't given quite as much, and isn't quite as smart. His ego allows him to be easliy manipulated by a worse evil than his imagination could fathom. Like all the Trasks, he's just to stubborn to see the forest for the trees. I was delighted that Jerry Lacey attended the show this year as I think, even as irritating as the Trasks could be, I can't imagine too many people who could have done a better job and had such a zest for the parts. Lacey indeed does some fine acting with those eyes, brows and facial contortions. When he is theatrical, he knows the character himself is aware of it, but as a "man of the cloth, knows full well their effects. Remember Roy Thiness only agreed to play Roger Collins in '91 if he couild have the nice, juicy Trask plum in the flashbacks.

Michael

   The funniest thing just happened to me. I called in to say my mid-morning hello to my wife, and she had to place me on hold, and what to my ears doth I hear, "Shadows of the Night" as played by someone on an aging roller rink organ.  (Not even the Charles Randoplh Greane Sounde version) Actually, for a 2-3 seconds I thought, "Oh, Dr. Zhivago" until the chorus kicked in. Thishold music is actually a new thing at my wife's office, so its especially nice to hear Quentin's Theme unexpectedly. And it is special for Diane and I as it was the last piece of music played at our wedding just before she walked down the aisle. 

Michael

Buzz: Hello, I'm sorry to bother you kind people, but could I get directions to Sturgesport?
 

Sam: (thinking while gazing) Yeah, she sure looks like her mom did. Just like that evening, in the back of that '38 Buick when I made those sketches I promised I'd show no one.
 

Ben: No really Miss Angelique, try this Wonka everlasting gobstopper, its rum flavored.
 

   Does anyone know if this poster was part of the old AOL boards and chats? There was someone with a similar nick there.
     This is very sad and all mine and Diane's prayers go out to Claudia and Bernie's family and friends.

Michael

 
All the best on your big day. Great nick, Julianka is my favorite DS femme fatale.


Michael

Larry Talbot (Lon Chaney Jr): You don't understand, every night when the moon is full, I turn into a wolf.
Wilbur (Lou Costello): Yeah, you and about 20 million other guys.

A& C Meet Frankenstein