Grayson looked particularly fresh in the opening scene. I think the studio lighting has been changed – just a guess. Or maybe it’s a new camera? The wig’s been washed and set but it is definitely more than just that.
Have we ever seen Mrs. Johnson with her hair down? I feel as though I have but I might be thinking of Liz. Mrs. Johnson has feet! Is there a name for the style of shoe she is wearing? They look a little fancy for a maid to wear while working, and for Mrs. J period. It’s that little T-shaped strip of material connecting the shoe sides to the toe portion that has me intrigued. I think they remind me of “little girl” shoes.
The fountain isn't dripping to the bottom level anymore. I wonder if someone slipped on the over-splash? Well, at least all the water streams are still streaming.
I have to agree with Sam Hall – I’m not really digging Grayson’s efforts as of late. The hysteria and desperation are not translating well on the small screen. And on the tech end of things we see things like Grayson waiting and acknowledging stage direction. This is very noticeable in the rat scene. BTW, I’m not diggin’ Sam’s writing too much either. The dialogue sounds awkward to me.
Anyone notice the studio lights in the terrace windows?
I liked Mrs. Johnson’s eveningwear, her version of “the little black dress”, lol. Loved the red-ish collar and big gem stone fastener. I enjoyed all of Clarice Blackburn’s scenes.
Most of the scenes have merit, with the Tony & Carolyn scene being the exception. But the best scene is the ending scene with Barnabas, Julia & Carolyn. It wasn’t technically perfect but it was engrossing. I like that we know Barn is lying through his teeth but Frid wasn’t directed to play it as obvious. I very much appreciated Carolyn’s admonition of Barn for using Julia’s love for him against her in manner Carolyn describes as “cruel”. I’ll give Sam Hall props for writing that “moment” in the scene. It was my favorite in the episode. I have to wonder if Jules would be able to laugh off all of Barn’s attempts at driving her over the edge if Woodard hadn’t been killed. I want to think that she should be telling herself that it is all Barn-induced but her guilt over Woodard’s death apparently makes the torture insurmountable.
I know Lacey is playing up Bogart, but I am also getting a Neil Diamond vibe and a Superman vibe (with the hair curl on his forehead).
I guess I am watching a heavily edited version of this episode, MPI VHS Vol. 26. I didn’t see Barn bite Carolyn, or hear Mrs. Johnson confirm that everyone has noticed the change in Julia.
