Hi Patti, I'll do my best to help clear up your confusion, at least where Dark Shadows is concerned.
Nathan Forbes, played by Joel Crothers, was killed off near the end of the 1795 storyline. He does continue to show up in the occasional flashback or dream sequence. Joel Crothers left Dark Shadows permanently in January 1969 ... I believe the episodes they are currently screening aired in August (or Sept?) of 1968, so that gives you a ballpark idea of how much longer Crothers will be on the series.
Don Briscoe debuted on Dark Shadows in an episode aired 2 days ago, playing Collinsport Handyman Tom Jennings. Later, Briscoe appears in his longest running role of Tom's look-alike brother Chris. Briscoe also plays Tim Shaw in 1897, and Cousin Chris Collins in Parallel Time 1970.
Angelique has risen from the dead as a vampire. Nicholas thinks he's got her under control .... if he knew her at all as well as he claims to do, he'd know what a foolhardy statement that was!
Hope you get to start enjoying Dark Shadows again soon!
Best wishes,
Steve