I remember when I was a kid and
DARK SHADOWS came on, they could have had the cleaning crew write every episode and I'd have still tuned in eagerly. I sometimes wonder if, once the show developed its unmistakable mystique (and corresponding jump in ratings), the writers counted on people being hooked to the point of overlooking glaring problems (on and off camera). Hell, look at those of us who've sat through the series countless times and still do, regardless of how we feel about certain particular subplots, characters, etc.
I would be the first one to admit that, at age 11, I figured that
DS could absolutely do no wrong. I imagine I was not the only one.