I loved the 'written' scene between Barn & Ben in the Old House basement. It was superb. I might even put it on a 'best' list. I can't crow over Frid's performance, it wasn't flawed, it was quite good, but just a bit 'theatrical' for my taste - so that's on me, not Frid. I was really taken by the conversation of Ben refusing to do Barn's bidding and how much he was willing to sacrifice - his life, right there and then. Barn, threatening him but admitting he could never hurt him, etc. There was a whole lotta good stuff in this scene. I came away from it thinking that Ben felt 'used' and perhaps a bit betrayed by Barnabas - he says Barn used to make his life easier, now he is jeopardizing it. And the point toward the close of the scene when Barn turns his back to Ben, you can see in his eyes that he is hoping Ben takes what he says to heart - that they are stuck with each other, at least as long as Ben lives - it looks as though Barn isn't sure what Ben will do - a hopeful look - of worry rather than relief. I loved it. I also loved the point in the conversation when Ben says that Barn thinks he can get away with anything - How Ben's seen enough killing to turn his stomach - That killing Trask would only be harmful to Vicki. Just about every subject matter in this scene was fascinating on several levels. But my favorite part - that got to me on an emotional level - was the realization of the changed personal dynamic between them. It was kind of sad.
I didn't particularly care for any other part of this episode, not really. Not in comparison to the first act, anyway. I will say though that this episode contains Joel Crothers' best performance as Nathan Forbes so far in the story-line. He was flawless - and I was shocked and awed.
