Thayer David becomes the first male actor to read--and very nicely too--the opening voiceover.
More outstanding work from the all-male cast: LE, JF, TD, and JC. Joshua is utterly heartbreaking in his pride and sorrow.
Now that Naomi is dead, Joshua drops his stoical mask so that we can see the anguish beneath the surface. He is amazed that almost with her last breath, Naomi told him she loved him. He wonders if he's really capable of loving anyone. He tells Barnabas that he has sent Riggs to have six silver bullets made. [But revolvers wouldn't be invented for something like 40 years.] Somehow he brings himself to pronounce the almost unspeakable words, telling his own son that after sunrise, he will shoot him in the heart. But that gives Barnabas enough time to kill Nathan. Joshua protests, but Barnabas reminds him, You cannot stop me. No one can.
Fantastic scene at the Eagle with Nathan and Barnabas--and sad to recall what good friends they were before Angelique ever came to Collinwood. Nathan shoots Barnabas--with no effect whatever. I cannot die because I am already dead, Barnabas says slowly and deliberately. Do I frighten you, Forbes? he asks, savoring Nathan’s terror to the full. I do not plan to kill you--at least, not here and now. Later, Forbes--after you’ve had time to think about it. Nine o’clock, he declares, looking at the clock on the wall, which reads 8:30. When the clock strikes nine, you will die. Then Barnabas simply vanishes.
In a panic, Nathan races back to Collinwood. Showing that he has given tacit consent to Barnabas's plans, Joshua tells Nathan that Barnabas is a vampire. Coldly he tells Nathan that he tried to stop Barnabas--but only because he didn't want any more bloodshed. As the older man rises to leave the room, Nathan pleads, Aren’t you going to stay here with me? I wouldn’t be any protection, Joshua answers. And I don’t want to see what is going to happen to you. He leaves.
Next, Nathan begs Ben to tell him how Barnabas can be destroyed, pointing out that Ben would have his (N.'s) blood on his hands. Ben hesitates, then says, All right, I will. The way to destroy ’im is to drive a wooden stake through ’is heart. With gloating laughter, he continues, Durin’ the day, ’e rests in ’is coffin. If ye go to ’is coffin tomorrow mornin’ and drive a stake through ’is heart, you’ll destroy ’im. With a triumphant chortle, he winds up, Only you won’t live that long. Tomorrow mornin’, you’ll be dead!
Nathan hurries to the study and pleads with Joshua one last time--until he notices the crossbows and arrows mounted on the walls. Of course it wouldn't be a fair fight for Barnabas if Nathan didn't attempt to defend himself. But will he succeed?….
