Each time I view a particular storyline, I find myself concentrating on a different aspect of the production. In DVD Vol. 3, we are caught up with Barnabas and Julia getting on each other's nerves, Barnabas and Burke getting on each other's nerves, David discovering the Collins Family Mausoleum, and Willie on death-watch at the hospital.
Throughout my current viewing of this storyline, I've been enthralled by the artistry of Jonathan and Grayson, who are able to sustain their then-confrontational, threat-filled relationship in long scenes of dialogue just between the two of them. What a hoot! Julia keeps needling Barnabas, and he can't stand it! Love his line about Juia's "domineering" attitude and how it is "unbecoming" of a woman -- how very Eighteenth Century.
At the same time, Grayson managed to portray Julia as a multi-layered, unconventional woman, yet one who never loses her femininity or dignity. Not easy for a character who always seemed to be pushng the envelope.
Even though I didn't particularly care for Anthony George, I found the scenes between him and Jonathan quite effective -- a pushy and sometimes obnoxious boor trying to expose a gentlemanly but evil kidnapper/torturer/killer.
David Henesy had to be one of the best child actors of his day. I don't think I've ever seen an episode where he was having an off day. Most kid-actors did short lines on sitcoms, whereas David had many lines to deliver on a variety of emotional levels.
In the scenes in the mausoleum, I was fascinated by how the inside of Naomi Collins' crypt was always well-lit, even with the door closed. I had to LAUGH OUT LOUD when an angry Barnabas tried to strangle Julia while the two were hiding inside. Julia's deep, throaty scream was priceless, as were the clueless reactions of Burke and Roger, who were standing only yards away on the other side of the wall.
I had to do a quadruple-take upon seeing Doctor Julia non-chalantly lighting up in Willie's hospital room. Oh, how times have changed . . . and how I will never tire of re-watching these episodes.
Ben