This episode featured two myths that I don't believe in: First there was the child who is extra-sensitive to atmosphere. I was never in any way sensitive as a child (pretty obtuse, as a matter of fact), so I don't buy it when children are portrayed that way. And I get the feeling that David Henesy doesn't buy it either. Second there was Burke's assertion that strong people like being stood up to. Why should they? If you want your way, why shouldn't you want it without hassle?
Never mind; there was lots to like in the episode. Today was the day that I realized that Sy Tomashoff sure knew his stuff. Yes, I know, all the rest of you figured it out long ago. But today was the day that I thought about the fact that Collinwood looks beautiful in black and white, and realized what everybody else has known for 40 years: that black and white beauty was no accident.
And Joan Bennett was also noteworthy. My memory of this era is of Elizabeth falling all over herself being miserable. It's nice to see that my memory was wrong. Meanwhile, I hadn't noticed before that the buyer of her piece of property was Hackett, who, according to Burke, was going to ruin it. So is Buzz Hackett the son of this buyer, rebelling against his money-grubbing father?
Good scary ending to the episode. I don't understand about the front doors to the Old House, and I don't think they ever get explained logically (oh, well, why should they? This is Dark Shadows) but I'd sure have been scared if I were David. I had the feeling the dogs might come crashing right through the door.