Greetings!
I don't know about anyone else (although I can assume that some would agree), but I feel that Friday's second episode was delightfully homoerotic.
First of all, we have self-loathing, "rough trade" Charles Delaware Tate, who creates a passive, fantasy male. Upon failing to destroy him (and, thus, his own homosexual desires) he proceeds to abuse him and force him into a closet.
Enter the very hunky and dapper Timothy Shaw with hysterical but useful (for keeping up appearances) Amanda Harris in tow. Tim is fascinated by Amanda's stories of the "creature" that Tate allegedly created. Using a (phallic) gun, Tim forces Tate to turn over the key (another phallic symbol--Tim effectively emasculates Tate), and releases the "strange" young man from the closet.
Upon seeing the young man with the dark, soulful eyes, full lips, and that wave of brown hair, Tim decides he must have him for himself. Tossing aside Amanda (and the facade of respectability), Tim departs with his new infatuation, leaving Tate to attempt to build a "normal" life with Amanda. Knowing the truth about Tate, she refuses to reciprocate and leaves him alone.
Meanwhile, back at Tim's place, he shows a kindness towards the young man, promising to protect him and keep him safe, something that the repressed Tate could never do. The young man responds by gently touching Tim and letting him know, wordlessly, that he chooses to be with him.
Unfortunately, this tender moment is interrupted by Tate who, having lost his chance to create a "normal" life for himself, has reverted to his true nature. Gun in hand, he has arrived to reclaim the young man for himself!
Will Tate succeed in destroying the happiness that Tim and the young man have found? Or will our heroes triumph over the repressive forces that threaten them?
The answers to these and other questions will be revealed on the next exciting episode of DARK SHADOWS.
Regards,
John