At least Angelique has moved on from striking people mute or trying to stop their hearts. She seems to have gotten those tricks out of her system. And she thinks Barnabas will still keep his promise to stay with her because.…? In any case, Ben takes great relish in destroying her--again.
Millicent tells Natalie she saw Barn in the Tower Room. But I saw him die, Natalie protests--even though she didn't, it was Josette.
Alone with Vicki, Barnabas says he can't explain how she came back to life. He deduces, Apparently, Angelique did put a spell on you. When she was engulfed in flames, the spell was broken. If you hadn't destroyed-- Vicki begins with a shudder. Don’t even think about it, Barnabas breaks in hastily. Peter returns, putting on his jacket. We can leave now, he says. Everything is packed. [He has a jacket, but poor Vicki has only her red gown without even a shawl.] Barnabas advises them, You must go as quickly as possible and go as far away as you can. Peter grabs Vicki's hand and says, We're going out West--no one knows us out there, and we can get married. I'll never see either of you again, Barnabas says wistfully. Unknowingly repeating his mother’s words to Vicki he says, Be happy--both of you, he adds nobly. Peter says fervently, Thank you for all you’ve done. Vicki’s being alive is enough for me, Barnabas says--just go. Grinning, Peter shakes Barnabas' hand. Vicki asks him to leave her alone with Barnabas for a few moments. Peter Bradford is a much better winner than Jeff Clark, and he agrees after only a moment’s hesitation. Barnabas tells her, You mustn’t linger, so you'll be safe. I wanted to say goodbye to you, she says, softly. Solemnly she declares, No matter what happens, no matter where we go, I'll always feel close to you. No matter where I may be, I will always feel you are somewhere nearby. Deeply moved, Barnabas says, Goodbye, Vicki. Goodbye, Barnabas, she replies. Barnabas is even more moved when Vicki gives him the briefest and gentlest possible kiss on the cheek. Then Victoria Winters turns and walks out the door, out of Barnabas’s life, and out of Dark Shadows forever. Barnabas stares after her, selfless but utterly bereft.
So yes, MT, this probably is THE moment when his reformation becomes complete. Too bad Julia isn't there to see it.
Again, how do Millicent and Nathan manage to get out from under Barnabas's hold on them?
After sunrise, the countess returns to the mausoleum with a new ally--Nathan Forbes, who arrives with stake and mallet in hand. Nathan seems to have no memory of his previous experiences with the undead Barnabas. [Actually, he should be trying to kill Natalie!] Are you sure you know what you’re doing? he asks. I do, she assures him. I had you released from prison to help me, but you can always go back there. I don't want that, Nathan says. Then do what must be done, she insists. [But again, how can he do this, being Barnabas' victim?] Natalie opens the secret door and enters the inner room, with Nathan following. You were telling the truth, he gasps as he stares in amazement at the coffin resting on its plinth. Of course, Natalie says. I wouldn't lie. Open the coffin, she orders him. He hesitates. I thought you were a brave man, Natalie comments drily. Open it. Nathan obeys and is even more amazed at the sight of Barnabas, apparently asleep with his hands crossed over his chest--and utterly helpless. You see? Natalie says. He can't harm you now. No, Nathan agrees. Destroy him, she hisses fiercely in his ear. Nathan carefully positions the stake over Barnabas’s heart and raises the mallet to strike. Blackout. We hear a clang....
For those who care, the next episode is no. 666.....
