When I saw this ep for the first time in 1997, it was a little jarring since SciFi/Syfy jumped from 960 to this one. The previous cliffhanger had Davenport aiming his gun at Chris, and you didn't know how Megan got to be in such bad shape, or what set Jeb off
this time. And it seemed there were 5 zombies serving him instead of 4. But I had the Dominion BBoards to tell me that not only had SF done this with the previous airing, but I would get to see the skipped eps soon. And yes, fans made calls and sent emails, but SF just pointed the finger at Pierson, who was also informed of the mistake, and the result was that in 2000... the same damn thing happened again.
Pennock didn't read his incantation from the teleprompter, and I'm guessing that's why the second one was different. (Of course, watching it years ago on cable meant this wasn't so obvious.)
Giving credit where credit is due--
Thomas Findley, with one white eye, was played by James Shannon, who was an extra several times before on DS.
John Hart, whose face had begun to decay (or the undertaker was asleep on the job), was played by actor/stuntman/stunt coordinator Cliff Cudney. Cudney did the driving in the chase scene in
The French Connection. And remember the 70s commercials with Uni, Roy, and Al? He was Al.
Amos Ross, who wore a tie and had hair, was played by Paul Geier. Law & Order, and L&O: SVU fans might recognize him. Or not.
Emory Pace/Page, the big guy, was played by Chuck Morgan. Poor guy had to turn over to stand up. Anyway, maybe it was his resemblance to Tor Johnson, who got zombified in
Plan 9 From Outer Space, that got him his second gig as a zombie pre-1840; remember when he had to stop rampaging to remove the cloth that had fallen on his face?
The 5 new souls promised to the god of the underworld do not include Maggie. Interesting. Roger, Carolyn and the kids were accounted for, but where the heck was Willie? And Mrs. Johnson?
Barnabas: "Do you think I did this by choice?"
Julia: "No, Barnabas, I know you did not."
Um, I do. But at least he didn't blame Willie for not being there.
...
Barnabas: "Why didn't she go back to Collinwood? Why did I panic? Perhaps I would have died and this would all be over."
Blood-lust is fatal? Wait, how exactly does a vampire die anyway?
The others looked younger than they should have.
I think the crew realized that too and that's why their hair was sprayed silver or white. The result looked like prematurely grey dead men.
Exit Megan the vampire victim. I shall miss her very much. Marie Wallace threw herself heart and soul and body into that role.
I agree. She was amazing!